Performance is No. 1: Charolais breeder builds genetics for functionality

Janelle Atyeo
Jan 17, 2020
Jan 17, 2020

1 of 3

Cows at VanDyke Charolais walk through the corn stubble toward newly placed feed on a January afternoon near Elkton, S.D. VanDyke will exhibit two bulls and a heifer at the Sioux Empire Farm Show this month.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

VanDyke Charolais cows feed on wet hay on a winter afternoon. The VanDykes begin calving in mid-February and wrap up in May.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

VanDyke cattle feed at the farm in Elkton, S.D. The family backgrounds about 400 head while raising Charolais seedstock.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Janelle Atyeo

Brooks VanDyke didn’t expect to find himself in the business of selling purebred Charolais, but he enjoys working with cattle, and he’s built a herd on solid genetics.

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Brooks VanDyke stands in the field as his cattle get their afternoon feed Jan. 6. He has been raising Charolais seedstock since he graducated from high school.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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VanDyke Bull — This is one of two bulls VanDyke will exhibit at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. Last year, a VanDyke bull was named reserve champion in the Charolias show.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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The VanDyke family of Elkton, S.D., poses for a photo with some of their cattle. They are Briggs, left, Brooks, Vada, Stacey, Delani, Mason and Jack.
Submitted photo

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Janelle is editor of the Tri-State Neighbor, covering South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa and northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at jatyeo@tristateneighbor.com or follow on Twitter @JLNeighbor.