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.

Related Stories
RFD-TV’s farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, digs into the details of both the LRP and the LGM programs, two essential risk management tools for cattle producers.
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
Arizona producers are proving that desert farming and water conservation can coexist through technology, reuse, and efficiency — reinforcing both food security and environmental stewardship.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
Producer input costs are rising faster than expected — and this latest PPI report does not reflect the last two weeks of geopolitical tension.
A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.
National FFA Annual Fund Manager Kimberly Coveney encouraged everyone watching to join the effort today and help celebrate Give FFA Day while investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Tennessee FFA officers join us in the RFD-TV Studios to showcase student leadership and inspire support for agricultural education on Give FFA Day 2026.
National FFA President Trey Myers shares the significance of Give FFA Day, its role in supporting student growth, and how communities can join the celebration to make a difference for future agricultural leaders.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
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 us as we interview 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!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.