Manitoba Shorthorn Association
Canada
Glenn and Alice Wright, along with their son Steven and his wife Jerilyn, are the owners and operators of Wright Spud Farms Inc. in Southwestern Manitoba. Steven is the 5th generation of Wright’s to farm in the Wellwood area. The Wright’s run a mixed farming operation, growing 1700 acres of potatoes plus 6000 acres of grains, oilseeds and soybeans. The farm also calves just over 400 head of mostly Shorthorn-cross cows, then backgrounds the calves to 900-950 lbs. Calving starts the middle of February and runs for 70 days. At present time there are 20 bulls on the farm, of which 18 are either purebred Shorthorn or Shorthorn-cross.
Glenn’s love of Shorthorn cattle came at an early age. His father had a few Shorthorns in his herd when Glenn was growing up, and he says that these animals “always caught my eye.” Recently, the Wrights have been getting inquiries from other producers showing interest in their Shorthorn-cross heifers. Glenn believes that the Shorthorn breed is regaining popularity. The strong maternal instincts of Shorthorns are definitely prevalent in their herd. The breed’s calving ease trait has enabled them to almost completely cut out night checks. They are able to easily achieve a daily gain of 3 lbs in the feedlot with the crossbred calves. As well, they have also had some success achieving the blue roan colouring and are presently using a blue roan herd sire (whom they raised).
Even after being in the business for over 40 years, Glenn is still passionate about the cattle industry and looks forward to seeing all the newborn calves each day. He often teases his kids and grandkids that every morning feels like Christmas morning during calving season.
The Manitoba Shorthorn Association is pleased to award Wright Spud Farms Inc. with the 2018 Commercial Producer of the Year honour.
Copyright 2013 Manitoba Shorthorn Association. All rights reserved.
Manitoba Shorthorn Association
Canada