Trails End Angus

In discussions of selling our feeders at this annual sale.
https://www.kalonasalesbarn.com/events/event/annual-day-after-thanksgiving-feeder-cattle-sale/

What would Pa Dean do? I wish I could ask him in person.

When I am lucky, Pa appears to me in dreams. Early on, I'd wake up depressed that I didn't think to ask him!

Now. In my dreams, I have the wherewithal to ask.

I no longer ask why he wanted me to purchase certain cows. It's clear to me now why.

Instead, I ask, "What genetics should I use for AI-- especially my favorites-- R434, G634, ST97?"

(Um. Well. They're all my favorites.) ☺️

In my dreams, Pa has on his brown, Carhartt Trails End vest-- which I have stolen and wear now-- and he looks at me. Smiles like Grandma Mildred used to when she was feeling a bit sly playing euchre.

Pa responds, "I'm busy," and he keeps moving away from me and into the cattle barn. All I see is his back with the Trails End Angus design. And eventually he's gone to work.

And. I fall for it every darn time. I think: "Pa is very busy. Clearly he has sh*t to do! Why did I get in his way?!" So I let him go, and I wake up empty, no answers.

I wish he didn't have to go, always in a rush-- that Pa of mine.

Because he isn't here, I humbly ask: What would y'all ranchers in Iowa do? Sell the feeders at Kalona?

Dean's youngest daughter, Dana Thomann, here!

🤠Hey and howdy, friends!🤠

IDK why, but the never-ending grief I am left with-- in the absence of my pa-- is starting to enter a new phase. I no longer feel as internally and privately sad. Instead, I am starting to want to talk about cattle more, share Dean stories, and have some small gatherings in the bunkhouse.

To start this new phase of grief processing, (which never fully leaves), we had a great night with the Joe and Gwen TeBockhorst family. I think Pa would've loved the visit, although, we didn't smile or laugh at all-- not even a little. And just so you all know, I never lie, but I do like some sarcasm from time-to-time. 😂

Thanks to the TeBockhorsts for being such great family friends. Dean didn't know what he thought of Joe at first (IYKYK), but I think it's safe to say they ended up being pretty good friends and whiskey drinkers. I mean, it sounds as though Dean buys Joe beers at bars from beyond the grave. Again, IYKYK.

Thank you all for keeping up with us. I just realized that it isn't only my twentieth year of teaching, it's also Trails End Angus' 30th-year-anniversary. Pa started this thang in 1995-- when swine diseases and prices started to take their toll. Through that hardship, Pa built Trails End Fence Company (now owned by my Cousin Mark Thomann-- Larry's son) and Trails End Angus.

I love my pa's tenacity to build his herd, and I continue to love his cattle. I just sorely wish he was here so we could do it together, but how lucky am I that he left us this amazing built-in community of friends who just happen to like black cattle, too? 🩷

My ma would hate me saying this, but she deserves so much respect, too. She has held this small herd together, mostly on her own, day-in, day-out. She talks to Dean when she does it. Like Gwen TeBockhorst, she won't take credit for being a very rad, talented cattlewoman. Midwestern women are very humble.

Also-- shout out to several past customers today (09.29.2025) who sold at the Keoco Auction. I haven't seen the results, but I can only hope it was a 🔥🤑🔥 sale! Get it, folx! 🥩

(Hey, ya'll! LMK when y'all sell stuff. I'd love to send an alert out on this FB page. I think it takes a community of good cattle people to support one another; we're all in this together-- and we do a damn good job in this area of Iowa doin' it!)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kSmPCOWKNZyVL886g6QEpiuzJYIHoXAv/view?usp=sharing
Updated 3.26.23.
All yearlings are semen-tested approved and ready to go. We will hold purchases until May 15th; every day after a $3 fee will be applied. All prices are based on area Angus sales, but they are negotiable.

Photos were taken a while ago! Since, these boys have turned into real brutes who are ready to meet some ladies.

Dana is happy to set up appointments to meet at the farm Thursday, Saturday, or Sundays. Thanks!

Trails End 2022 Bull Offerings.pdf