Beginning in 1984, Woodhill Farms started with 35 registered Angus cows and 400 acres when Brian and Lori McCulloh joined Dan and Anne Borgen in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Today, the operation has grown to a nucleus cowherd of 280 head of registered Angus cows and 1,000 acres. Our program commenced just as EPDs were becoming available. We quickly recognized their value to aid in breeding and selection and have incorporated them in our decisions from the beginning.
Genomic DNA scans have been collected on all our replacement heifers and bulls for the past nine years. As useful as “numbers” have been in our selection process, consistent attention to the traits for which there are no EPDs has also been key to success. This program was built on selection for strong maternal traits with attention to udder quality, mothering instincts, sound structure, and fertility. Adding growth and carcass merit without compromising those other traits has been accomplished over time.
We also work with three cooperator herds, all located in Iowa. These producers purchased a foundation unit of Woodhill females and each herd follows our herd health and nutrition program. We collectively discuss A.I. and natural service sire selections to stay focused on the Woodhill balanced-trait breeding objectives. The bull calves and data are evaluated at weaning. The top end is then selected and brought back to Wisconsin to be managed together in preparation for our bull sale, which has been held annually since 1991. We also offer 80 Angus females for sale each year.
In addition to modeling genetic progress, the “Woodhill” prefix has gained global brand awareness. Our operation has marketed semen and embryos to five continents and has sold/leased more than 40 bulls to A.I. companies. Woodhill received the Certified Angus Beef ® Seed Stock Producer “Commitment to Excellence” Award in 2000 and the Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association “Seed Stock Producer of the Year” in 1996. Brian McCulloh was awarded the Angus Heritage Award in 2020.
Dan Borgen & Brian McCulloh
Dan & Anne Borgen
Brian & Lori McCulloh
Grandpa and Grandma Borgen, 1912
The way it was here in 1936.
