Historic Herd
July 6, 2012
South Carolina Family Honored for Historic Herd
The Historic Angus Herd Award is presented to Angus breeders or immediate families who have been in continuous production of registered Angus cattle for 50 years or more. The American Angus Association® is honored to recognize Black Grove, Newberry, S.C., as a Historic Angus Herd.
The Black Grove herd began in 1962 and continues today with founder Walter D. Shealy III. Shealy's interest in cattle began while showing Angus heifers in 4-H, and he credits Ollie Dunkle, his county extension agent, and parents for his success in the Angus business.
As his passion for the cattle industry continued to grow, so did his herd. Shealy purchased his first cow for $135, at the age of 13, from Elmer Epting of Newberry, S.C. When he was 16 years old, Shealy received a loan to purchase the land to begin Black Grove, which now consists of 400 acres and over 200 head of Angus cattle.
Shealy and his son, Dixon, still manage the farm with the philosophy, "Fundamentals survive fads." The Black Grove farm consists of cattle with multiple-selection criteria, including: longevity, performance expected progeny differences (EPDs) and carcass data.
Shealy continues to stay busy with his interests in agriculture and serving as a delegate to the American Angus National Convention and chair for the South Carolina Angus Association Hall of Fame Committee. Previous industry involvement includes serving as president for the South Carolina Angus Association, board of directors for the South Carolina Angus Association and the South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association Executive Committee and an organizing member of the South Carolina Junior Angus Association.
The story of this Historic Angus Herd, and those like it, is what will keep the breed strong. Visit www.angus.org for more information on the Historic Angus Herd Award or to view a list of awarded members since the program began in 1988.
The American Angus Association is the nation's largest beef organization, serving 30,000 members across the United States and Canada. It provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on the power of Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.
For more information about the Historic Angus Herd Award, Angus cattle and the American Angus Association's programs and services, visit www.angus.org.