Our Philosophy & Direction

In the simplest of description, our goal is produce the most problem free, productive, profitable Red Angus genetics in the United States. After years of genetic selection and acquisition, having set the paper aside and sorting them based on their phenotypical strengths that allow them to remain profitable in herd, Niobrara Red Angus has incorporated some of the breed’s most elite genotypic traits, while not sacrificing the foundational basics of long-term, cow herd sustainability.

Our Team

Jeff & Tami Keller, Owners of Niobrara Red Angus, grew up in Niobrara, Nebraska. In their years around home, they grew up on Tami’s families cattle ranch, Leader Angus Farm, helping to complete the day to day of ranch responsibilities. Years later, after college, the Keller’s knew they wanted a connection back to their roots; also wanting their three boys Sam, Jack and Ben to have a chance to be involved in agriculture. Thus, Niobrara Red Angus was established. The effort and team they have developed, they feel, is second to none.

Jacob Bathke, Ranch Manager, resides and oversees Niobrara Red Angus each day. Born and raised in Niobrara, he is the fourth generation to graduate from Niobrara High. He manages and oversees the daily operations of the ranch, and is responsible for their wellbeing. He says he owes most his cattle knowledge to Kent Snowdon, who got him started in the cattle industry about 15 years ago. Jacob graduated from Northeast Community College with an Associates Degree in Agronomy. He’s grateful for the opportunity to work for the Keller Family, and to be able to work with such high quality seedstock. He would also like to acknowledge and thank his brother Shane, and other friends and family that help him time to time throughout the year.

Meg Penrod, Office Manager, resides in Lincoln Nebraska with her husband Tanner, daughter Sloan, and their extra large sweet golden doodle Foster. Meg received her BFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she spent most of her time throwing pottery. She can often be found drawing, painting or creating some work of art in the middle of the night. She spent the last 12 years working in interior design but her love for people and animals is what drew her to work for Niobrara Red Angus.

Garrett Knebel, Marketing Manager, resides in Bozeman, MT where he owns and operates Harmony Hill, a progressive Red Angus operation focused on seedstock for the commercial cow-calf operator. With a degree from Oklahoma State University, Garrett’s main responsibilities for Niobrara Red Angus include marketing, consulting, breeding, and seedstock selection. In his spare time, he travels the country visiting with fellow Red Angus breeders and judging livestock shows.