York Creek Red Angus of Herman, Nebraska got its start in 1997 when Jon Potadle and his son Kurt purchased eleven heifers and a bull from Petersen Red Angus near Purdum, Nebraska. At the time, Potadles didn’t market any seedstock, instead, they ran their registered herd as a commercial herd. Kurt’s son, Grant, was heavily involved with the operation as a kid, helping his dad sort through bull sale catalogs and assisting with the selection process for the purchase of new herd sires. Today, Grant is back on the operation working alongside his dad and grandpa.
“I’m extremely passionate about the beef industry as a whole and helping our customers meet their goals and objectives on their operations.” – Grant Potadle
To stay competitive in an already highly competitive seedstock business, Potadles not only focus on customer service, but they also take the time to truly listen to people’s needs and wants. “I’m extremely passionate about the beef industry as a whole and helping our customers meet their goals and objectives on their operations,” said Grant. York Creek Red Angus isn’t just out to make a sale, they want to be sure the bulls they’re selling will meet the expectations of their customers.
York Creek Red Angus focuses on maternal traits as they believe an outstanding set of momma cows is the bedrock of any successful operation.
York Creek Red Angus focuses on maternal traits as they believe an outstanding set of momma cows is the bedrock of any successful operation. “We focus a lot more on proven pedigrees than most outfits because by the time a bull is a proven female maker, he’s often already dead and gone,” said Grant. While much of the industry is often too focused on marketing and the “next big thing,” Potadles aren’t getting caught up in all the hype, instead, they’re focusing on consistency, something commercial cattlemen are always seeking out.
“We focus a lot more on proven pedigrees than most outfits because by the time a bull is a proven female maker, he’s often already dead and gone.” – Grant Potadle
When it comes to selecting cattle, York Creek Red Angus focuses on excellent feet, udders and adding real world muscle and fleshing ability. EPDs are important, but they aren’t the focal point for the operation. Instead, Potadles rely on common sense and visual appraisal for selection. Their cattle are built to be low input and graze, weather permitting, 300 plus days a year.
Despite all the challenges that come along with the cattle industry, the opportunity to raise cattle with his family on a four-generation land base is a blessing Grant truly appreciates and plans to pass on to his kids. He also finds it incredibly rewarding to steward business relationships in the industry that ultimately turn into friendships.
Being able to raise cattle with his family on a four-generation land base is a blessing Grant Potadle truly appreciates and plans to pass on to his kids.
York Creek Red Angus’ sale is set for Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Dunlap Livestock Auction in Dunlap, Iowa. The sale will begin at 11:00 AM CST with the bulls, followed by a solid set of registered bred heifers and commercial replacements.