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Hartman Cattle Company has a much deeper history than is presented in the multifaceted Simmental operation seen today in Tecumseh, NE. Mike and Kay can credit their current status in the cattle industry to a strong agricultural upbringing. The foundation in the cattle business was set at an early age by their fathers; Fred Hartman and Ted Aegerter. Both families pushed their children to be active in 4-H, FFA, and multiple junior breed associations. Mike grew up in Wood River, NE showing Hereford cattle and livestock alongside his brother, Rick. Beginning in the late 60s, Mike partnered with his father and brother for many years selling competitive club calves across the country. Located in Seward, NE, the Aegerter family was actively involved in the
Shorthorn breed. Kay’s father, Ted was one of 6 boys whom all exhibited livestock. During the 1930s, Ted and his siblings exhibited the Champion Steer, Hog and Lamb in one year at AKSARBEN Stock Show in Omaha, NE. Ted dedicated his life to the cattle industry, serving as the Assistant Executive Secretary of the American Shorthorn Association for 32 years. Kay and her siblings were raised in a similar fashion, growing up in the showring exhibiting Shorthorn cattle. Mike and Kay’s commitment and dedication to their projects propelled them through successful show careers. Both Mike and Kay exhibited multiple Nebraska State Fair and AKSARBEN Stock Show Steer Champions. This set into motion a lifelong passion for the cattle industry. Family tradition and achieving excellence continued in the next generation of Erin, Dalton, and Katy. “The cattle industry has always been good to us and we love the business,” said Kay. “We eat, drink
and sleep this industry and surround ourselves with the remarkable people who are involved in it,” she adds. HCC has always been on the cutting edge of beef cattle production. In the mid 1970’s, Mike saw the need for new genetics in the U.S. cattle herd, which lead to the importation of some of the first Simmental, Maine Anjou, Limousin, Salers, and Chianina cattle from Europe. Since then, HCC has been heavily involved in multiple breeds utilizing the show ring as the main avenue to market seedstock. Through the years, the Hartman family has experienced great success; however, one of their most coveted achievements has been establishing the Junior Incentive Program, which to date, has awarded over $200,000 to youth representing multiple breeds. Mike has also had the opportunity to judge major cattle shows across the country including Louisville, Denver, Fort Worth, Houston and many state fairs.
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