Roger and Carol Randall of Chamberlain, South Dakota, have a long-standing history in the Limousin breed that began early in their operation. After watching Limousin calves perform in a neighbor’s pasture, they purchased their first Limousin bulls in 1977. Because the Randalls feed their cattle out, they were quickly impressed by the breed’s higher dressing percentages and reduced number of Yield Grade 4s and 5s. As their need for additional bulls increased, they purchased a set of higher-percentage Limousin cows and established Triple R Limousin. From this group of cows, they raised bulls for their own use as well as for a few neighboring operations. Over time, as Limousin bulls became more readily available, they transitioned away from maintaining a registered herd and instead focused on sourcing the best bulls available to complement their commercial operation.
As their farming and feeding enterprise continued to grow, the Randalls reduced their registered division to devote more time to the commercial side of the business and their passion for feeding cattle. Today, the operation has evolved into Triple R Ranches & Feeders and includes their two sons and their families. The operation consists of more than 1,300 commercial cows, a 4,500-head feedlot capacity, custom silage harvesting, and several other agriculture-related enterprises.
The Randalls are continually seeking Limousin genetics that meet their goals of high cutability and feed efficiency. Between Roger and his two sons, the family operates three separate feedlots. Calves are processed at weaning and placed into the yard best suited for their performance potential. Cattle are marketed through a variety of branded beef programs as well as through traditional market channels, depending on individual cattle fit. Because they feed out all of their cattle, the Randalls receive comprehensive carcass data at an aggregate level, allowing them to analyze performance and continually adjust their breeding and feeding programs based on real-world results.
The operation farms approximately 3,000 acres, producing feed for the feedlots as well as winter supplementation for the cow herd. They utilize primarily no-till farming practices to conserve moisture and have incorporated cover crops to improve soil health.
The Randalls’ long-term goal has always been to maintain a balanced, sustainable approach to production. They are involved in every phase of the business—from calving and weaning to feeding and finishing cattle. Cows are expected to calve unassisted, raise a vigorous calf that gets up and nurses quickly in all conditions, and ultimately produce a high-quality carcass. Females must wean a heavy calf and breed back on time. The goal is to have as many cows bred as possible within a short breeding season while maintaining a high percentage of calves weaned.
Because their operation is truly a birth-to-carcass program, the Randalls take a balanced approach to trait selection. They primarily select bulls based on birth weight and performance, with additional emphasis placed on disposition, structural soundness, and carcass merit. Roger notes that after more than 40 years of using Limousin cattle, they have found very few bloodlines that do not work effectively within their crossbreeding program.
Performance analysis within the operation centers on weigh-in versus weigh-out comparisons alongside grain cost evaluations, a process made significantly easier through modern technology. All records are computerized, with weekly to bi-weekly analysis tailored to the current needs of the ranch. Management changes are most clearly reflected in harvest data, particularly in the reduction of Yield Grade 4s and 5s. Improvements in genetics have led to a significant increase in Yield Grades 1s and 2s without sacrificing quality grade, while grain costs have dropped considerably.
The Randalls are members of the North American Limousin Foundation, the Brule County Livestock Improvement Association, and the South Dakota Limousin Association. They are also actively involved in their community, including long-time service with the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain, over 35 years of managing and coaching local amateur baseball, and leadership within the Pony Hills Amateur Baseball League.
Roger and Carol were nominated for this award by the South Dakota Limousin Association and Peterson L7 Bar Limousin. With that, please join me in congratulating Roger and Carol Randall, along with their son Bart and his wife Mikaela, their children Emberly, Ella, Amelia, and Charles; as well as their son Ryan and his children Raya, Rustin, and Taylin, on this prestigious honor.