SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — More and more ranchers are turning their prized livestock online to sell across the country. The two young men from southwestern Minnesota specialize in Red Angus bulls.
Fifth-generation farmers Jeremy and Tyler Reisdorfer grew up working around their parents’ hog farm near Magnolia, Minn., just east of Luverne. They have also worked on other farms in the area.
In 2012, they decided to try their hand at raising Red Angus cattle in partnership with their father, Bruce Reisdorfer.
The brothers are also known as seedstock producers and cattle breeders. The goal is to produce genetically superior bulls and cows.
This is the third internet auction of the year, and the sales catalog includes bulls with names like Laser Focused and Ramblin Man. This year’s number one is a handsome guy named Tactic.
“I’ve always had a passion for red cows, and so has Tyler,” Jeremy said. “That’s what we’ve been after. Blacks, the Black Angus cattle, are more of an old man’s game and it’s much harder to get into compared to Reds. Differentiate ourselves. It’s a little bit different to try to do,” Jeremy said. In Tyler’s opinion, purebred Red Angus have a gentler temperament than Black Angus.
“I used to work with two mostly black calf cows, and I can’t tell you how many times I got kicked out of the pen,” Tyler said.
Today they are loading up on Red Angus to check out before next Tuesday’s sale.
Similar to last year’s sale, Tyler said the auction moves quickly once it starts.
“It’s stressful and fun at the same time. I’m nervous the whole time during the sale, but it’s fun to know what my work is worth to other people,” Tyler said.
The brothers hired Nebraska-based DVAuction to broadcast the sale. Online auctions have made it possible to sell livestock to bidders as far away as Pennsylvania, George and Idaho.
Tyler said the buyers in Pennsylvania and Georgia just happened to visit the online auction. They liked what they saw and are now repeat customers. One way the brothers differentiate themselves is by offering free delivery within the lower 48 states. Last year, after the auction, they took turns driving 3,200 miles.
“It was 16 hours from Pennsylvania to our destination, 12 hours from there to Bronwood, Georgia, and 22 hours from Bronwood, Georgia to our home,” Tyler said.
“We like to come straight to your door. We want to come in, shake your hand, look you in the eye and say thank you,” Jeremy said.
The brothers are working for their future, and this auction will determine when, not if, they will succeed independently.
“The farming business is tough, don’t get me wrong, it’s not for everyone,” Tyler said.
“Because it definitely teaches you work ethic.”
“Our long-term goal is for both of us to be here full-time. Right now, both my brother and I have full-time jobs. And for us young people, it’s important to get in there and do it. It’s really hard to pursue that. I’d love to, but land is the most important thing,” said Jeremy.
The auction will be held next Tuesday, April 2nd at the Reissdorfer Farm near Magnolia. Lunch is at 11:30, and sales start at 1:00 p.m. For more information, please visit our Facebook page.
