Media
Press coverage and industry recognition
Over the years, JHL Ranch has been featured in industry publications for our data-driven approach to cattle genetics. From early adoption of DNA parentage testing to grid marketing of finished cattle, these articles document our journey and the recognition it has earned.
"Braunvieh Cattle Put It All Together"
American Cattlemen • Amy Wold
A look at how Braunvieh genetics have shaped operations across Nebraska, including JHL Ranch's use of Braunvieh-Angus crosses to improve carcass quality while maintaining the hardiness needed for Sandhills ranching.
Read article"University of Nebraska Student Develops Chuteside AI Recordkeeping App"
BEEF Magazine • Burt Rutherford
Features Rachel Ostrander's development of a recordkeeping application while helping with artificial insemination at JHL Ranch. The article highlights our systematic approach to breeding data and how it inspired innovation in cattle management technology.
Read articleBIF Commercial Producer of the Year
Beef Improvement Federation • 41st Annual Conference, Sacramento
The Beef Improvement Federation named JHL Ranch its Commercial Producer of the Year. The award recognized our comprehensive approach to breeding objectives, record systems, sire selection, carcass merit, and forage stewardship. Art, Merry, and sons Ethan and Ed accepted the award at the conference.
View award page"Angus Producers Claim Annual BIF Honors"
The Beef Site
Coverage of the 2009 BIF awards ceremony where JHL Ranch received the Commercial Producer of the Year honor. The article notes our nomination by the Nebraska Cattlemen and Braunvieh Association of America.
Read articleVideo: "Producer Perspective – Art Brownlee"
BEEF Magazine • Beef Quality Summit
Video interview with Art Brownlee discussing managing costs and product quality at JHL Ranch. Part of BEEF Magazine's producer perspective series from their 2008 Beef Quality Summit.
View archived page"High Standards"
Angus Beef Bulletin
Feature article on JHL Ranch's quality-focused approach to commercial Angus production, highlighting our use of performance data and carcass feedback to drive breeding decisions.
View archived PDF"DNA Is Their Way"
BEEF Magazine • Joe Roybal
An in-depth look at how JHL Ranch uses DNA parentage testing to track sire performance from breeding through carcass data. The article details our approach of collecting blood samples at processing, then using the results to inform culling and breeding decisions. At the time, we'd reduced USDA Standards from 5% to less than 1% through this data-driven approach.
"The margin is whittled down so much in this business today that we'll all be forced to use these tools to build back the margin on the producer end." — Art Brownlee
Read full article (archive)"The Shifting Sands of Time Bring Braunvieh to the Sandhills"
Braunvieh World • Marilyn Brink
The story of how Art and Merry Brownlee introduced Braunvieh genetics to their Angus-based herd. The article covers their transition from Omaha to full-time ranching, the decision to use Braunvieh bulls for improved heart girth and efficiency, and their approach to marketing cattle on quality grids. It captures the early years of building the data-driven program that would later earn national recognition.
"We're in it because we like the lifestyle, the livestock. How many other businesses can you work in side-by-side with your family? It's a good way to live. It's an honest living. When you're dealing day-to-day with the forces of nature and the intricacies of genes, it keeps you humble." — Merry Brownlee
Read full article (archive)Media Inquiries
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