Nebraska family carries on patriarch’s Angus legacy

For many people, raising cattle isn’t just a job —it’s a legacy passed down from generation to generation.

To celebrate National Beef Month, we want to introduce you to a Nebraska family that was determined to carry on — even after tragedy struck.

Keith Bartos began Frederick Angus over 50 years ago with a dream of producing outstanding cattle. Bartos started adding a few registered cows to the herd, and by 2009, 65 percent of the herd was registered Angus beef.

Bartos lost a battle with cancer in 2007, but with dedication and determination, his family continues on his legacy today.

“He loved people, in general, and was always wanting to know more about somebody and have a genuine concern for everyone,” says Bartos’ daughter, Jemi Frederick. “There wouldn’t have been any way to continue this without all of the volunteer help.”

Frederick runs the ranch with her husband, Brent, and their two children. Today, Fredrick Angus runs 400 cow-calf pairs, along with up to 1,500 heads of start-to-finish feedlot cattle. Each year in February, they host an annual sale where they sell between 60 and 100 yearling bulls, and around 100 bred heifers.

“When we look to the future, it’s all about those two kids and the opportunities that we can put in front of them for when they’re deciding their career choices,” she says.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

As hog prices face potential decline, pork producers are dealing with a surge in litter rates, complicating efforts to control production.
In February, farmers experienced a slight increase in prices, though it fell short of surpassing last year’s numbers.
According to a new USDA-ERS report, technological advancements in agriculture led to significant output increases while reducing input usage for producers.
The prospect of reintroducing grizzly bears in Washington’s North Cascades has ignited a contentious debate, pitting conservation efforts against the concerns of local farmers and ranchers.
As peach trees bloom ahead of schedule and unpredictable weather patterns loom, farmers across the nation find themselves grappling with the precarious risks posed to their fruit crops.
Louisiana’s crawfish industry is in turmoil as extreme weather conditions wreak havoc on what is leftover to harvest, threatening significant financial losses of around $140 million.
Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join Host and Market Day Report Anchor Christina Loren as she interviews members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.