I had a great ag teacher in Joel Frost who always pushed me through my FFA years and the greatest show of support I could think of, became my first customer, and never left through his kid’s entire show career’s ending in a Supreme Female at the Iowa state fair. Still a great friend today. As I got older, I was lucky enough to work with some people that were staples in the industry and people I considered, and still do, iconic within our livestock community. In high school I met Jim Bloomberg. Still at 45 years old I look back at everything that man taught me about show cattle, about livestock in general, and about life. Jimbo took time for everything and most importantly the little things. His influence on my journey throughout this life has always been immense. I miss him every day. The second person who really hooked me was the guy that sold me my first set of Meyer 734 heifers in 1996. Bob May has always been a role model to me as I’ve proceeded to grow within this show cattle community. Working for him and Bruce in my freshman year of college was something I’ll never forget. His integrity and honesty are unrivaled and he’s always humble in day-to-day life. I’ve learned a lot from him in my approach to our craft and he’s always been a true friend. When I finally grew up (which took forever) and Paulsen Cattle went from a part time hobby to full time career and passion, we went from private treaty sales to online to eventually full-fledged auctions that started with Girls Gone Wild and then into what is now Divas and Donors the Exclusive. Divas and Donors is in its 12th season now and I could not be prouder of the numerous champions on all levels of competition this sale has produced and what I’m even more proud of is the number of breed leading donors that have come from this program. It’s awesome to see customers succeed on all levels and facets of the industry.
The genetics that have previously been sold in our sales have become cornerstones in so many leading programs. Nothing makes us prouder than to help customers sell something out of our genetics. Cows like Diamond, Hailey, Whisper and most recently Envy, 2/75, and Roxi are hot across the nation right now and we couldn’t be more excited for the future of our genetics. As our sales have evolved so have our partnerships. Nelson Mandela once said “There is no passion to be found in playing small. Or living a life less than the one you’re capable of”. If you’re passionate about growing and building something, surround yourself with people that want the same and that push you. That want to see you succeed and you want the same for them. Jamie and Jackie Campbell have had an incredible influence on our program, starting as customers, becoming very close friends, and now our absolute mainstay partner in DND. Their commitment to our joint vision is steadfast and truly special. With the addition of Blind Badger Ranch, Hawk Livestock, Steck Cattle, and Jackson Cattle, our multi breed line up at sale time is as “Exclusive” as it comes with not only the country’s best livestock but backed by the nation’s elite breeders and friends. This group is truly second to none. We are also new to the other side of the ring but a few years ago started a joint venture with McLaughlin Cattle Co to take a diversified approach to the show steer world that has been extremely fruitful in a short time. Again, surrounding ourselves with like-minded great people! The key to all this though at the end of the day is drive, support, patience, and love at home. Our family has been lucky enough to win two junior nationals, 3 Reserve Supremes at the Iowa State Fair and numerous
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