Our Story
2005 – The Beginning
Frank Herefords was founded in 2005 by Austin Frank in Gillette, Wyoming, at the age of 26. The herd began with three registered Hereford heifer calves purchased from Spear Two Ranch, owned by Joe, Jodee, and Tony Kawulok. Joe graciously sold the registered heifers at market price that fall — a gesture that helped launch the program.
One of those original females, AFH Princess 425, became a foundation matriarch for the herd. Her pedigree traced back to respected Montana programs including Holden Herefords and Cooper Herefords, laying the groundwork for the genetics we continue to build upon today.
2008–2012 – Building Through Transition
Career opportunities took Austin to Cheyenne, Wyoming and later to Greeley, Colorado. Even through relocation, the cattle program continued to grow.
Additional registered heifers were added from Spear Two Ranch, along with females and a herd bull purchased from the Colorado State University program, including CSU RAM SECRET 8209 (P42964174). His influence remained in the herd for years, producing both sale bulls and replacement females.
Between 2009 and 2012, while work required cross-country travel, the cattle remained in Colorado and Nebraska under trusted management. Though managed commercially, the program maintained a purebred focus on calving ease, maternal strength, milk, growth, and eye appeal. Genetics from respected breeders, Largent & Sons (WY), Mohican West Polled Herefords (MT), Pierson Cattle Company (WY), and Ehlke Herefords (MT), were strategically incorporated.
2013 – Returning to Montana Roots
In 2013, Austin joined Miller International and returned home to Montana. The cattle continued on leased ground until 2020, when Austin and his partner, Josh Shengle, purchased their current ranch on the East Rosebud River near Roscoe, Montana.
2020 – Establishing the Home Ranch
The home place includes 500 deeded acres with homes, barns, shops, and working facilities. In addition, over 3,000 acres of pasture and hay ground are leased to support the growing operation.
Today, Frank Herefords runs 150–170 head of registered Herefords alongside a set of commercial Angus cows used as recipients. Our focus remains on producing functional, performance-driven cattle that thrive in Western range conditions.
2024 – Expanding the Bull Offering
In 2024, Frank Herefords began marketing 50 powerful Hereford bulls annually in partnership with longtime Hereford producers Richard and Becky Sidwell of Sidwell Ranch. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to offering consistent, high-quality bulls backed by proven cow families and performance data.
“Over the years, our commitment has remained the same: raise practical, performance-driven cattle built to work in real-world conditions. While a lot has changed since those early days, the foundation hasn’t. We still believe in sound, functional cows, honest genetics, and cattle that add value to our customers’ programs.
Today, that philosophy carries forward into every mating decision and every bull we offer. As we mark our 10th annual sale, we’re proud to stand behind a set of bulls that represent not only where we started, but where we’re headed. The roots run deep — and the future looks bright.”
Join us
for our 2026 Production Sale
March 23, 2026 at the Sidwell Ranch, Columbus, Montana.
