Tour 1 Ranch Profile:
Wendt Ranch

Wendt Ranch, Matagorda County, Texas, is owned and operated by Dan and Jane Wendt. Dan Wendt and his father, R A. Wendt, established Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Herd #621 on the Texas Gulf Coast in 1954. This partnership changed to Dan and Jane Wendt in 1969.

The purchase and use of performance-tested bulls provided the foundation for the development of the Wendt Ranch Santa Gertrudis breeding program. Firm believers in the collection and use of data, comprehensive performance records and feedlot information has been maintained and utilized by the Wendt family since the inception of their Santa Gertrudis breeding program. Wendt Ranch Santa Gertrudis, known for their performance and confirmation, can be found nationwide as well as in South Africa, Namibia, Morocco, Australia, Brazil, Paraquay, Honduras, Mexico, Canada and Russia. They attribute the success and acceptance of Wendt Santa Gertrudis to performance testing.

In addition to breeding Santa Gertrudis cattle, Dan built in 1961 a commercial feedlot, which he operated for 17 years. By feeding many different breeds of cattle and keeping intense records on all lots, he found Santa Gertrudis to be the most profitable. These records contributed to improving the Wendt herd to its present level.

Dan and Jane have been active members of Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI), providing leadership to numerous committees and to the Board of Directors. Dan served as president of the board from 1987 to 1989. Jane was the first woman to serve as SGBI president, providing leadership to the association from 2007 to 2009. Recently, Dan and Jane Wendt were inducted into the SGBI Hall of Fame for their leadership and many contributions to the breed.

Editor’s Note: This article was provided by the American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA).