The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) recognized Colyer Herefords and Angus, Bruneau, Idaho, as the 2026 BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year on June 3 during the group’s annual research symposium in Boise, Idaho. This national award recognizes a producer’s dedication to improving the beef industry at the seedstock level.
Rooted in Bruneau, Idaho, since 1876, Colyer Herefords and Angus represents a masterclass in balancing multi-generational heritage with cutting-edge genetic progress. Today the fifth, sixth and seventh generations of the Colyer family manage the ranch, which has evolved from a traditional commercial cow-calf operation into one of the nation’s premier seedstock programs.
The Colyer philosophy is built on a “commercial-first” mindset. After a strategic shift in 1992 to focus entirely on seedstock, the family dedicated itself to producing Hereford and Angus genetics that thrive in the rugged western environment. A hallmark of the family’s program is the production of “black baldie” females, leveraging heterosis to improve fertility and longevity for their customers.
What truly sets the Colyers apart is their early and unwavering adoption of technology. From purchasing their first computer in 1984 to achieving the prestigious Platinum TPR status, a distinction held by only 23 Hereford breeders in the U.S., the ranch prioritizes data integrity. By utilizing artificial insemination, embryo transfer (ET), in vitro fertilization and genomic testing, they provide commercial cattlemen with a level of predictability that is rare in the industry.
Their commitment to the “conception to consumption” chain is further evidenced by their direct involvement in marketing their customers’ feeder cattle, ensuring that Colyer genetics deliver value at every level of the beef industry.
The current cow herd consists of approximately 200 registered Hereford and 200 registered Angus females, along with roughly 300 recipient cows used in their ET program. The ranch markets cattle through multiple annual events, including an annual bull sale hosted in February, Frozen Genetics Sale on March 3, 2026, and the 25th Annual Female Sale scheduled for October 3, 2026.
“For nearly 150 years, the Colyer family has made a lasting impact on commercial cow herds across the United States by supplying Hereford and Angus genetics rooted in disciplined selection, comprehensive data collection and a focused breeding program,” says Shane Bedwell, American Hereford Association chief operating officer. “Their longevity, combined with a forward-thinking approach to genetic improvement, is something that should be admired across the beef industry.”
Beyond the ranch gates, the Colyer family remains deeply embedded in their community and industry. With family members serving as EMTs, school board trustees and industry leaders, their impact extends far beyond the cattle they sell.
The American Hereford Association nominated Colyer Herefords and Angus for this award, which is sponsored by Drovers.
Approximately 400 beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 58th Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Boise, Idaho. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.
For more information about this year’s symposium, including additional award winners and coverage of meetings and tours, visit BIFSymposium.com.