About Us
Iron Creek Cattle Co. is dedicated to the pursuit of nothing less than cattle that excel at every trait relevant to commercial and seedstock producers, with an emphasis on efficiency and problem-free genetics. The only way to excel at any endeavor is to establish a goal of unparalleled excellence. We are dedicated to the proposition that it is possible, some day, to raise cattle that are in the top 1% of each of the American Simmental Association’s 18 expected progeny difference (EPD) traits and indexes and do so in a moderate, attractive, structurally sound package. This pursuit is admirable only if we do so while treating the cattle, and the land upon which they graze, with care that reflects love and dignity for each.
How do we achieve such lofty goals? We start with a foundation built upon generations of excellence and learning that have come before us. Our family arrived in Iowa by covered wagon in 1854. Since that time we have raised cattle here and each generation has strived for maximum genetic improvement based upon the available technology. In 1920 that was the knowledge learned by Charlie Drake at Iowa State University, which he attended on an early GI bill after serving the United States on the front lines in France during World War I. In the 1950s and decades thereafter it was the relentless studying, of both literature and hands-on analysis, of Larry Drake. In 2012 Larry and Carol Drake were honored as Iowa Seedstock Producers of the Year. This building upon the excellence of each generation led to a base of cattle that excelled at maternal traits and in bull test stations, in commercial and seedstock herds, and in the show ring.
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From 1992 to 2003 Drake Simmental herds produced 40 state fair grand and reserve champions (from California to Texas to New Jersey and states in between), 8 National Western Open or Junior Show Grand and Reserve champions, 19 National Western Division champions or reserves, 9 Regional Classic champions or reserves, 20 division champions or reserves in major shows such as the Royal, Louisville, and Fort Worth, and 12 state level expo or futurity grand or reserve grand champions. At a National Classic four of the top twenty heifers were sired by four different Drake herd bulls, as were the number four percentage heifer and second place cow calf. Drake Simmental was named the Premier Breeder at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver in 2003, 2005, and 2006.
While showing cattle is an excellent educational tool and a fantastic sport, it is not, in our view, the real cattle business. We mean no disrespect to those programs that excel at and make a living in the show cattle business. It is a difficult and extremely competitive world. However, for us the fun and important business is in raising and providing genetics to cattlemen and cattlewomen that feed the world. The real beef business is in your pastures and feedlots, and in packing plants and grocery stores around the world. Therefore, we have never lost focus on our goal of providing easy calving, fertile cattle that thrive on minimal inputs and reward their owners with explosive growth and outstanding carcass traits.
While showing cattle is an excellent educational tool and a fantastic sport, it is not, in our view, the real cattle business. We mean no disrespect to those programs that excel at and make a living in the show cattle business. It is a difficult and extremely competitive world. However, for us the fun and important business is in raising and providing genetics to cattlemen and cattlewomen that feed the world. The real beef business is in your pastures and feedlots, and in packing plants and grocery stores around the world. Therefore, we have never lost focus on our goal of providing easy calving, fertile cattle that thrive on minimal inputs and reward their owners with explosive growth and outstanding carcass traits.
Today we build from a base created through hard and smart work for generations by applying all of the technological tools available to us (genomic enhanced EPDs, carcass ultrasound, frame score, scrotal circumference, family birth, weaning and yearling ratio history, etc.) to continue the quest to provide the best genetics available. We are now beginning to add the study of residual feed intake analysis to our selection techniques. We will always pursue any analysis that relates to a trait relevant to the commercial cattle industry.
Most importantly, through over 164 years in Iowa, our family has based its program on integrity, service, and the knowledge that truly putting the needs of customers first is the only way to survive and thrive long-term in any business—but especially in the cattle business. We take the lessons and the genetics built over generations, add today’s most advanced selection techniques, remember our commitment to integrity and stockmanship, mix in a fanatical focus on advancing genetics.... and continue our quest. Our goal and purpose, yours and ours, is for our families to be in the cattle business for generations more. To do so we have to be in the real cattle business. We are committed to that business...for as long as grass grows and water flows.
Most importantly, through over 164 years in Iowa, our family has based its program on integrity, service, and the knowledge that truly putting the needs of customers first is the only way to survive and thrive long-term in any business—but especially in the cattle business. We take the lessons and the genetics built over generations, add today’s most advanced selection techniques, remember our commitment to integrity and stockmanship, mix in a fanatical focus on advancing genetics.... and continue our quest. Our goal and purpose, yours and ours, is for our families to be in the cattle business for generations more. To do so we have to be in the real cattle business. We are committed to that business...for as long as grass grows and water flows.