Jan. 26, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Jena McRell, digital editor, 816-383-5100 or jmcrell@angus.media
Arkansas Family Recognized for Historic Angus Herd
Snider and Lewis Angus Farm has raised registered Angus cattle for 50-plus years.
The Snider and Lewis Family is well known throughout Arkansas for their commitment to raising high-quality Angus cattle. On the farm near Carlisle, Ark., their pastures have been home to registered Angus cattle for more than 50 years.
Recognizing their dedication to the Angus breed, the American Angus Association is proud to recognize the Snider and Lewis Angus Farm as a Historic Angus Herd. This award is presented to Angus breeders and immediate families who have been in continuous production of registered Angus cattle for 50 years or more.
Established in 1896, the family’s operation is an Arkansas Century Farm, which has been involved in cattle production for generations. In the mid-1960s, they decided to change their focus to registered Angus genetics, a decision prompted by high demand in the area. The Angus breed was new to the region, and the Smith and Lewis herd was looking for a productive beef cow that could reproduce efficiently and was powered by solid production records.
Charlene Lewis and her husband, Harold, were in business with her parents, Charles and Thelma Snider. They purchased the herd’s foundation females in the fall of 1964 through the Arkansas Angus Association Sale. Later, they would travel to production sales throughout Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma looking for the herd’s new additions.
The year 1973 was a monumental one for the Snider and Lewis Angus Farm. At the Hackamore Ranch Angus dispersion sale in Holly Springs, Miss., they purchased “Canadian Trooper” (Bardolene Lad Fairalta 2U). He was a large, well-muscled bull that was popular at the time. The sire was in high demand, and they found themselves in the semen sales business.
Harold attended artificial insemination (AI) school, and they started applying the technology into their herd.
In 1977 and 1978, the family hosted production sales at the farm, and they were active in sales offered through the Mid-South Angus Association.
As their herd grew, so did the family’s interest in the Arkansas Angus Association, American Angus Association and the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA). Charlene and Harold’s children, Chuck and Dixie, grew up showing cattle and being involved on the farm. The Lewises were named the Arkansas Angus Association Family of the Year in 1992, and they remained active in many Angus events and cattlemen’s programs through the years.
Today, the Snider and Lewis Angus Farm is home to more than 40 head of Angus cattle. Charlene, Harold, Chuck and Dixie remain active in the operation — sustaining an Angus legacy set in motion more than 50 years ago.
Visit www.angus.org for more information on the Historic Angus Herd Award and to view a list of awarded members since the program began in 1988.
— Written by JD Rosman, Angus Media
ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 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 Angus cattle and the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit www.angus.org.
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