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C.H. Morris & Sons Gelbvieh Named Virginia BCIA 2008 Outstanding Seedstock Producer of the Year
Livestock Update, March 2008
Scott P. Greiner, Extension Beef Specialist, VA Tech
Virginia BCIA is proud to present the 2008 Virginia Outstanding Seedstock Producer Award to C.H. Morris and Sons Gelbvieh, owned and operated by Roger and Carolyn Morris of Appomattox, Virginia.
The Morris herd was initiated 1986 when a Gelbvieh sire was used on commercial Angus females. One of the foundation Gelbvieh breeders in the Commonwealth, the Morris herd has evolved into a black Gelbvieh herd recognized for its practical genetics designed for the commercial cow-calf producer. The operation presently consists of 100 cows which calve primarily in the fall. Gelbvieh Balancer genetics are the focus of the operation, with bulls marketed off the farm and females through the Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association Bred Heifer Sale. Steer calves are marketed through the Buckingham Cattlemen’s Feeder Calf Sale. This direct involvement with bull customers through joint marketing efforts allows the Morris’ to readily assess the needs of their clientele and implement genetic strategies which will improve their customers’ bottom lines. From the beginning, C.H. Morris and Sons has been committed to strict performance standards, and been active participant in the Virginia bull test program. The herd is recognized by the American Gelbvieh Association its outstanding females, with two Dams of Distinction and fifteen Dams of Merit currently on record.
Roger currently serves on the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors and is Vice President of the Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association. He also is a past director of Virginia BCIA. The Morris operation is diversified, and includes timber land and poultry in addition to the beef cattle enterprise. Roger is recognized as being an early adopter of rotational grazing strategies and the use of solar and wind power to provide water.