Nebraska Pioneer Award Winners
Dick and Marcia Nelson
of Twin Mills Angus Ranch
Established in the 1930s by Ernest Nelson, Twin Mills Angus Ranch has been a consistent producer of quality Angus cattle for over 80 years. The Angus traditions in the Nelson family were actually started by Ernest’s father, Antone, who was the first resident of Custer County to own an Angus bull. This tradition of the Angus breed has been passed down from generation to generation and is still prevalent in the Nelson family today.
Ernest established Twin Mills Angus by developing a strong commercial and registered cow herd. He also took great pride in choosing top-quality herd sires. He purchased these herd sires from the “Let’s Paint the West Black Sale” held at the National Western Stock Show grounds in Denver.
When Ernest passed down the ranch to Dick, and wife Marcia, they continued to build the commercial herd and expanded the operation to include back-grounding and feedlot operations. Dick maintained the quality of the herd by using sires that included sons of Mr Angus that were purchased from the Ken Caryl Ranch. As Dick and Marcia’s children, Randy and Deb grew up; they too became a part of the Angus tradition. Randy and Deb became involved by bringing their Angus cattle to the show ring. They competed in 4-H, FFA, Nebraska Jr. Angus, and open class shows across the United States and Canada. Deb also served a term as Nebraska Angus Queen. Twin Mills has had great success in the show ring with female “Happyvale Madge” and herd sire ‘Fool Proof”.
Randy and wife Joan have continued to build the operation by adding a registered Angus herd and offering registered Angus bulls for sale at private treaty. In addition, Randy and Joan have expanded by adding 6 children to the family. Children Crystal, Kent, Cassie, Katie, Kami and Cody continue to build on the Angus tradition by helping in various aspects of the family operation. They also carry on the custom of being active in the Nebraska Junior Angus Association by serving as members, officers and directors of the junior board. Crystal and Cassie have followed in Deb’s footsteps by serving a term as the Nebraska Angus Queen, and Katie is the current Angus queen. The entire family also contributes to the junior association by hosting junior events such as the state junior Angus show and serving on committees that assist in hosting regional and national junior Angus activities.
Kent and wife Michelle have brought a 6th generation of Angus producers to the Nelson family. Their oldest daughter Caitlin has joined the Nebraska Junior Angus Association and participated in her first show this summer. Son Tyson is sure to become a member when he gets older and the youngest member Kali will have some big shoes to fill as she grows up.
It is evident that Twin Mills Angus Ranch has continued to create a long standing tradition of breeding superior Angus cattle. This is represented by the 700 quality females that can be found there today. You can stop by anytime to view our excellent set of Angus females and top notch registered Angus bulls. |
