Our goal is to provide superior
genetics, stacked pedigrees
and quality breeding stock
to our customers.

Craig Utesch and brothers Brad and Kirk are the third generation of Utesches to farm the land in the northeast corner of Woodbury and southwest corner of Cherokee counties in Northwest Iowa. The farm was purchased by their grandfather in 1944. He fed cattle with Craig’s father, William (Bill) in the 1950’s. Bill and his wife Mary purchased the farm from Bill’s father’s estate in 1960, and together they farmed and raised their family.

Craig was involved in farming from a young age, joining 4-H and FFA and feeding cattle for projects in both organizations. In 1973 Craig and his brothers and father formed a partnership, Triple U Ranch, to farm the land and run the feedlot.

Craig purchased some rougher land and decided to begin a cow herd in 1977. He began production testing the herd in 1978. He also developed three separate herds—a purebred Simmental herd stressing black genetics, a purebred Gelbvieh herd, and a commercial herd. In the past few years, Craig has added a purebred Angus herd to the pasture.

Seedstock raised at Triple U Ranch have been sold through the Iowa Beef Improvement Association’s bull test, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association ‘s bull test, Iowa Beef Expo, at local livestock auctions, and by private treaty.

Performance records have been kept on seedstock since 1978. Traits currently being measured in the Utesch herd include: calving ease, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, calving interval, ribeye size, marbling score, backfat thickness, pelvic measurements, and scrotal circumference.