Alberta Angus Association

Commercial Breeder of the Year
Circle J Ranches of Cochrane, AB

President Rob Smith & John Lee presenting the 2008 AAA Commercial Breeder of
the Year to the Giles Family – Clint, Glenda, Randi-Lynn, Cole & Taylor.

This year’s recipient of the Alberta Angus Commercial Breeder of the Year is Circle J Ranches of Cochrane, AB.

Circle J is a family owned and operated 400-cow enterprise. The farm is run by Merv & Claudia Giles, their son Clint, his wife Glenda and their family Randi-Lynn, Cole & Taylor. Merv’s sister Thora has also been a valued part of the operation.

Circle J was originally established by John (Jack) Giles along with Merv and Thora. Their family ran a commercial cow/calf herd and feedlot and farmed on the east banks of the Bow River in what is now known as Douglas Dale in the heart of Calgary.

Steers were fattened on brewer’s soup. Cow/calves were pastured in all directions and some were trailed as much as 50-60 miles which could take up to three days. They owned a full section and leased another 1300 acres, but the land could not support their increasing herd. So in 1957 they purchased the first of their present land base,
which today consists of 18 quarters in the main block.

In 1969 Merv and Claudia, their family and Thora moved to their land at Cochrane. This meant moving everything - including the kitchen sinks - people, cattle, barns and two houses all made the transition.

Today Circle J Ranches grows all their own feed with approx. 1000 acres seeded to greenfeed each year. Much of this is swath grazed. The Giles were pioneers in the use of swath grazing and those of us using the practice today owe a big thanks for their efforts and innovations.

In the early years the mixed cow herd was serviced with Hereford bulls. In the 70’s and 80’s a desire to increase performance saw Charolais and Simmental used.

The introduction of Angus came in the early 90’s when they wanted to increase the herd numbers while at the same time cutting down on labor at calving time. Merv and Claudia attend the Canadian Finals Rodeo each and every year and always visit the cattle barns during Farmfair. Merv watched the continual improvements and building
influence of the Angus breed and liked what he saw.

In 1994 Merv found a Black Angus bull calf at Farmfair he really liked and purchased him in the stall from Chico Ranches. Another Angus bull was then purchased before breeding season from Hamilton Farms.

From that start Circle J now runs all purebred Black Angus bulls and those bulls have ALL been purchased from Alberta breeders.

Their goal to have a completely black cowherd has all but become a reality – with just a few BWF and broken face in the herd. They sell their calves each late fall and black Angus cross 2nd and 3rd calvers are purchased as replacements. They prefer to buy their females from dispersals and they buy at the top end of these sales.

Calves are marketed through Calgary Stockyards special calf sales and mainly go to repeat buyers. Many of their heifer calves have gone as replacements. Buyers comment on their excellent type, great hair coats and uniformity.

The Giles don’t worry too much about birth weight when purchasing Angus Bulls as long as they are patterned right. As they only breed cows, they demand performance. With no heifers kept in their own herd the bulls are used for several years if they prove themselves. If not, they are culled. Merv and Clint actively search out and buy the good ones, and now a new generation is starting to offer an opinion on bull selection.

Randi-Lynn, Cole and Taylor are keen 4-H and Junior participants. As members of the Alberta Junior Angus Association they are adding the first purebreds to the herd. The three have formed 3G Ventures and each one has purchased their own Angus from Hamilton Farms, Ebon Hill and Chico Ranches. Add into the mix everything from hockey, curling, team roping and barrel racing to natural healing techniques and
this is one busy family.

Clint and Glenda, neither with any 4-H or cattle show background, are leaders of the Jumping Pound 4-H Club and are have learned along with their kids.

Circle J is also known as one of the country’s largest and most successful breeders and exhibitors of miniature horses, celebrating 27 years in the business. Showing and marketing horses, as well as Merv and Claudia’s operation of the UFA Miniature 8 Horse Hitch for many years, has required all family members to pitch in. This includes
daughters Carrie and Arly and her family. All family members have also been active volunteers, especially with the agriculture and educational aspects of the Calgary Stampede.

Here’s just a short summary of a few accomplishments over the years:
• Merv has been presented with the White Hat award from the City of Calgary
• Circle J miniatures was crowned the National Champion Hitch at Fort Worth, Texas
• Circle J was the 1993 Calgary Stampede Exhibitor of the Year
• They have raised top cutting horses and at one time also raised greyhounds which were raced throughout the USA for several years.

Innovation – commitment to agriculture, the cattle industry and community - and so much more describes this family.

The Giles Family of Circle J Ranches is a very worthy recipient of the Alberta Angus Commercial Breeder of the Year award for 2008.

Alberta Angus Association | P.O. Box 3725 | Olds, Alberta T4H 1P5

403-556-9057 | 1-888-556-9057 (Toll Free) | Fax 403-556-3333

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