Dynamic Family Business: G Bar H has been producing quality Angus bulls since 1935
G Bar H Genetics is a dynamic family business dedicated to earning the trust of its customers year after year through quality genetics.
The generational operation started with George F. Haas, who graduated from Kansas State University with a veterinary degree in 1914.
Jackie Nickel explains, “Years later, in 1922, my grandfather moved to Veteran with his wife Edith and their four children, one of whom was my dad, Hubert Haas, along with his twin sister Helen.”
As time went on, the couple welcomed four more children to their family, totaling four boys and four girls.
“The family farmed the land and raised a few cattle, while my grandfather worked for the federal government to help support the growing family,” Jackie adds.
In 1935, George F. purchased his first registered Angus bull to breed with a Holstein milk cow.
The success of this breeding indicated Angus cattle had better potential in Wyoming, prompting him to buy four registered Angus heifers in 1937.
“This made him one of the first Angus breeders in the state,” Jackie continues. “In the 1940s, the family operation expanded under the name of George F. Haas and Sons, and by 1960, it became Haas Farms, Inc.”
The family sold bulls privately until 1980, when they held their first bull sale at Stockman Livestock in Torrington, which became known as the Haas Black Bull Sale.
Family talent
According to Jackie, Hubert’s sons Bill and George D. Haas and his son-in-law Pat Herring acquired part of the Haas Farm’s herd and established G Bar H Cattle Company and they exhibited at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) for several years in the Angus Pen Bull Show.
In 1995, B and D Queen Ruth was crowned the Champion Angus Heifer at the NWSS, coming from Bill and Dana’s herd.
However, in 2010, G Bar H Cattle Company dispersed, and Pat and Marilyn Herring, along with Bill and Dana Haas and Kevin and Jackie Nickel, purchased cows from the sale and continued their operations individually, coming together for an annual bull sale – the G Bar H Genetics Angus Bull Sale.
“In 2022, Boone and Melanie Herring, Pat and Marilyn’s son and daughter-in-law, purchased his parent’s cows along with Bill and Dana’s cows,” Jackie mentions. “Now, with the help of Pat and Marilyn’s grandkids, we are five generations deep in Angus genetics.”
While a family tree could help illustrate the relationships, the family has focused on raising quality registered Angus bulls since 1935.
“The number of bulls we raise has decreased compared to earlier years, but we prioritize quality over quantity,” states Kevin. “We emphasize performance and disposition. It’s commonsense – we want cattle without problems.”
Boone adds, “It’s all in the attention to detail – feed rations, consistent weighing and performance feed. We truck in feed and bale our own hay to ensure our cattle are receiving the proper nutrients.”
“The cattle business has evolved over the years with the adoption of value-based tools, such as expected progeny differences, to enhance cattle genetics, along with technology and support from Angus Genetics, Inc. However, our core focus remains unchanged – it has always been about earning the trust and respect of our customers,” Boone continues.
Annual bull sale
Every year on the second Tuesday of February, G Bar H Genetics hosts their annual bull sale at the Torrington Livestock Markets in Torrington.
“2025 marks our 45th annual bull sale,” Bill notes. “We offer free delivery and boarding of the bulls until we deliver them to our customers around March 20, weather permitting.”
Bill recalls, one year, the sale coincided with Valentine’s Day, and they gave out roses to the women in attendance.
“It’s a funny story. A couple came to the sale, and the husband had to leave early. After he left, we started handing out the roses, and then his wife began bidding and ended up buying more than they had originally planned,” Bill states. “We might have to try that again if the sale falls on Valentine’s Day next year.”
The G Bar H Genetics Angus Bull Sale will take place on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. For more information, call 307-575-5520 or 307-575-0373.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
