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We've
Been Since 1958
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COMING SOON - Photos of our 2008 calf crop sired by
Polar
Express, Radio Active, Red Logan & Flashback!
 Thank You!
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Sold in the 2008 Iowa Royal Shorthorn Sale
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CONGRATULATIONS!
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A new outcross bull who all that see him are very excited.
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The History of Roanoke
Shorthorns . . . . . . In the fall of 1958, Joe & Bob Laban purchased 6 shorthorn cattle, 2 roan heifers and 4 red steers from an order buyer in Low Moor, IA. They were their 4-H projects for the 1959 Jackson County Fair. In the fall of 59, 2 additional heifers were purchased at the Wisconsin State Sale. One of the heifers came from the Vincent Baker Family and the other from the Rex Graney Family. Two additional heifers were purchased from Herman Helgens of Monticello, IA. This was the beginning of the Laban Family in the Shorthorns. Through the 1960's more females were purchased and Family lines started including Sultanas, Jessamines, Orange Blossoms, Dutchess, Bonnie Lady, Devergoil and Rosebud. The Family was known as the Labans with the prefix LF for Laban Farm until 1970. Joe married Linda and the name was changed to Roanoke because of the color of many of the cattle and the abundance of Oak Trees on the farm. Many outstanding herd sires helped move the program forward. The first bull as Hi View Prince Adonis from the Robert Raisbeck Family in Wisconsin. Barbarian was the next bull purchased from the Loyd Burr Family. Other bulls used were Mc Jess Royal 2nd from the Mc Martins in Minnesota, Goldmine 385 from the Meyers in Iowa, Glendale Improver from Mrs. Miller in Missouri and DFS Caught in a Trap from the Dale Studers of Iowa. After the mid 80's, Joe went to A.I. Sires to improve the quality of the stock. Top Sires used included Maine, Cunia, Stinger and Red Alert. Over the years cattle have been bought and shown all over the US from Maryland to Texas. Most of the calves were sold as Junior projects and some as breeding cattle. The herd is small at 22 cows, but big in Style as the emphasis is on eye appeal, functional and good on feet and legs. Replacements are selected each year from the Heifers and remaining Claves are sold privately and at the Iowa Beef Expo. The greatest achievement was the top selling Shorthorn Bull at the 2002 Iowa Beef Expo with Roanoke Focus 701. The Shorthorns have been good for the Labans. The herd grew as did the family. All eight children showed Calves at the County Fair and at the Iowa State Fair. It has been a way to make new friends and share ideas with life long friends. |
If we can answer
any of your questions, please give us a call or stop by and have a look!
563-879-3154
or email Brad at
brad@wapsiriver.com
 A typical Roanoke cow |
 Roanoke herd on pasture |
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The Roanoke program produces the kind of cattle that will work in most programs. Our cattle have style with the ability to gain well and our females are the kind that will produce top quality calves. |
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Joe Laban |
Show Cattle Page | Breeding Cattle Page
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