FLYING H GENETICS Gelbvieh, Balancers, Simmental, and SimAngus & Angus

Flying H Genetics is a family-owned and managed ranch and farm operation in southwest Nebraska, near the town of Arapahoe. The operation began in 1976 after we (Dick Helms and wife Bonnie) moved back following college. We went into debt purchasing the place we call home from an uncle on contract. We found operating money at the same bank we use today. Starting with such a high debt load meant we had to spend and invest wisely. Slowly expanding our farming and cattle operation, we added Gelbvieh cattle to the operation in 1982 as a way to generate more income from the same acres.

Seedstock production is a form of intensive agriculture since we are adding value to the cattle we sell. The operation continued to grow, not driven by the desire to be bigger, but by the need to be more efficient to justify an annual sale. In 1992, after two years of study and research, the Flying H changed it's name from Flying H Gelbvieh to Flying H Genetics, and added the GelPLUSTM division to its seedstock offerings. GelPLUSTM is a trademarked composite breeding seedstock production system that uses A. I. and cooperator herds to build hybrid bulls to be used in composite crossbreeding systems.

As we gained experience, we wanted to assure our customers of the quality of their genetics, so we developed what is referred to as our 16 Quality Standards. These minimum standards for sixteen different traits are the basis for our selection and culling programs. This disciplined approach has greatly improved the consistency and predictability of our bulls. We strongly feel that any bull you buy should be an industry improver, not just a cow settler.

Although the challenge of seedstock production is our first love, the other main enterprise in our operation is crops. Raising corn, soybeans, oats, milo and hard red winter wheat on both irrigated and dryland acres complement the cattle quite well. The crops add diversification, cash income, feed for the cows, crop residue for winter feed and year round labor needs for the three full-time employees now helping Flying H Genetics. Dick, Bonnie, Bryan and Kyle Helms produce genetics that will benefit the beef industry for years to come.

As is true with all family stories, it couldn't have happened without the support of family and friends, neighbors and employees. We acknowledge this support and say thank you to all who've helped us build a life in Nebraska agriculture.

Little Cowgirl

Big Buck Down!