Westphal Red Angus of Grass Range, Montana, owned and operated by Vic and Shari Westphal, was recognized as the Red Angus Association of America’s 2025 Pioneer Breeder of the Year during the 72nd Annual National Red Angus Convention in Loveland, Colorado. The award honors longtime breeders who have upheld high standards of quality and excellence through dedicated breeding practices.
Westphal’s introduction to Red Angus came in the 70s, when Vic noticed a herd along the highway near his hometown of Great Falls, Montana. At a time when many breeds were red, he believed Red Angus offered the best fit for commercial cattlemen.
“I thought it made sense that if all the breeds were red, then commercial buyers would want red cattle too,” Westphal said. “We’ve been in Red Angus ever since, and I don’t regret it one bit.”
For Vic and Shari, the award is both humbling and a reflection of a lifetime spent in the breed.
“On one hand, it makes you realize you’ve been at this a long time,” Westphal said with a laugh. “But it’s a privilege just to be mentioned in the same sentence as so many deserving breeders who have received this award before us.”
The Westphals credit their success to family influence and community support. Vic’s father-in-law, Doug Delaney, encouraged them to pursue Red Angus rather than follow the easier path of raising black cattle. Delaney also pushed them to hold their own production sale, advice that proved invaluable as they built their program.
Over the years, the Westphals have remained committed to raising “trouble-free” cattle. Vic recalls telling Shari early on that cows creating problems went in the “Tuesday pen” – a reference to the local sale barn’s weekly auction.
“We’re not chore people,” he said. “If a cow creates extra work, she’s gone. We want cattle that are easy to manage and will do the same for our customers.”
That philosophy has guided Westphal Red Angus through decades of careful selection, culling and herd improvement. Vic admits sorting cattle is often the hardest part of the job, but said the satisfaction comes from seeing their genetics succeed for others.
Outside of ranching, Westphal’s 30-year career as a basketball coach has also influenced his approach. A sign in his office, a gift from his players, reads: Prior proper preparation prevents pitiful poor performance.
“Those seven Ps apply to everything we do, whether it’s coaching, family or cattle,” Westphal said. “If you live by that, good things will happen.”
Looking to the future, the Westphals hope their legacy will be defined by integrity, strong females and good herdsmanship.
“Surround yourself with the best cow herd you can and keep making them better,” Westphal said. “Always stand behind your cattle and what you sell. If more of us focused on good herdsmanship, there would be fewer negative stories about how cattle are managed. Doing things the right way helps your operation, your breed and the beef industry as a whole.”
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Red Angus Association of America
