“We want to produce consistent, predictable cattle that work for our commercial customers and help make them profitable,” says Janice Nikkel of Mill Brae Ranch, Maple Hill, Kan. “We’re doing everything we can to raise cattle they can count on.”

Mill Brae Ranch was established by T.D. and Roger Steele with Mark Nikkel in 1987. Today the ranch is owned and operated by Mark and Janice Nikkel and their daughter Taylor. They believe productive, functional females are the foundation of a profitable cow herd. That philosophy influences every breeding decision. 

Cattle at Mill Brae must be practical, efficient and adaptable to their Flint Hills environment, ensuring they deliver value across wide-ranging production systems. Cow families like the Joanie line have been an influential part of the program for nearly three decades, producing cattle known for functionality, productivity, longevity and maternal strength.