Our Program
Bichler Simmentals is owned and operated by Doug and Maria Bichler, representing the third
generation to farm the land and live on the homestead. Since the farm’s inception in 1920, we have
strived to care for the land and our animals to the best of our ability. And, in 2024, that core
value has never wavered.
Our program has grown significantly in the past 19 years. Since we began our production sale in
2005, we have been able to not only increase the number of bulls and females we offer but also
create more genetic and phenotypic consistent cattle. We use A.I. and embryo transfer extensively to
ensure we are propagating our best genetics. The ranch is located in south central North Dakota and
consists of 250 mother cows which are comprised of both registered and commercial females. The
commercial females are utilized in our ET program.
In 2020, we changed our program out of necessity. Between harsh calving seasons, limited labor,
cow/calf health, and our mental and physical well-being, we needed to do something different. Our
solution has been to calve in May and June and offer bulls and bred heifers for sale each November.
We have witnessed a tremendous difference in the health of our cowherd and calf crop due to calving
in warmer temperatures and on grass.
We realize this is unconventional when compared to most of the operations in the region. However, we
have noticed there are benefits to this management system. We no longer creep feed our calves. We
can grow them out with less energy. As a result, the foot quality on the entire offering is
exceptional. That is due in part to genetics but also the way they are developed.
We are able to spend more time with the bulls. They spend the summer on pasture at home, and so we
go through them every day to offer cake and observe them. We can cull heavier based upon
disposition, structure and performance. We have the time and capability to ensure what we are
selling is a quality product.
A testament to the health of our bred heifers is the fact that we are able to successfully breed them for March 2025 calves. Realize the meaning of this feat, when these heifers were born in May-June 2023.
We've been questioned as to why we didn't stick to a February sale and why we deliver immediately
following the sale. There is a higher rate of injury when these older bulls are confined in the
winter. It is safer for them to go to their new homes to pens that are less populated to reduce the
risk of injury for our customers' bulls. This also gives bulls time to acclimate before breeding
season. In addition, we can focus on our next calf crop.
Because of our transition, all bulls offered for sale have passed a breeding soundness exam,
ensuring they are capable of working when the time comes. Buyers can buy in confidence, knowing they
are getting a sound breeding piece to add to their operation.
Now that we have three years behind us in this system, we know it works extremely well and buyers
are pleased with the quality it has presented. If you have any questions about our system, please
give us a call or stop by the ranch.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is that quality is always centered around the cowherd. That is why we cull heavily
for not only performance and genetics but for relevant traits important to our customers such as
disposition, udder quality and structural soundness. Any females failing to meet these requirements
are either moved into our recipient herd or are simply culled. We believe the best performing cattle
are moderate framed, easy fleshing and deep bodied. You will see this in the cattle we produce. We
flush superior cows in our herd to produce superior females which in turn are mated to produce bulls
for the purebred and commercial producer alike.
We also employ our philosophy when selecting herd bulls. Many hours are spent doing our homework to
ensure we not only incorporate fresh genetics into our herd, but that they will propel us in a
positive direction and in turn do the same for our customers.