Sparks Herefords & 7C Herefords

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Sparks Herefords & 7C Herefords

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Tom and Carol Sparks and family raise Horned Hereford cattle on the plains of southeastern Montana. Gain is tested over a 120 day period.

Presently Sparks Herefords breed with cattle generally unrelated to others in the industry. Some AI is used, but mostly their own bulls are used back in the herd. There has been intense line-breeding, some inbreeding (where genetics manifest themselves quickly), and some outcrosses. Line 1 out of Fort Keogh in Miles City has had a big influence in the herd genetics, but also a line of Herefords from England - Tarrington has been used extensively. In 1966 Frank Sparks purchased one of two Tarrington bred females imported from England to North America. Since then several more pure Tarrington or English females were added. The bull "Wenlock Tarzan" was purchased at the Regina Hereford Centennial Sale to head up the Sparks' Tarrington line of cattle. The Tarringtons are excellent mothers, good milkers and easy keepers, necessary in the extreme environment of eastern Montana. The Prospector line of Herefords has been the most inbred through the years, some as much as 46%. It is a line of cattle began as a study at Colorado Experiment Station in 1947. The cattle kept improving in performance, reproduction, milking ability and exhibited a lot of color pigmentation around the eyes. Today this line is used as an outcross and is related to very few Hereford cattle in the US. Other lines that you will see in the Sparks pedigrees include Tiberius and some outcross lines from other herds in the few bulls we have introduced. Calving takes place in April and early May with weaning in October. Cows and calves are strictly grazing machines with no supplemental feed other than salt and mineral. All heifer calves are wintered with a cut made in the spring and the rest going to breeding pastures. Bull calves are wintered on 40 acres, coming to the barn for the morning ration of malt barley pellets and alfalfa pellets. Bulls are semen tested in early-mid May and sold in February at the Sparks Ranch South of Plevna.

10/12/2026

We’re sure loving these cooler days around the ranch. 🌫️🌧️

A little fog, a little drizzle, cooler temperatures, and cattle settled in and content — we’ll take it!

They say fog today means moisture in 90 days… and after the dry year we’ve had, we sure hope that old saying holds true! 🤞🏼❄️(Sunday January 10th)

For now, we’re thankful for every drop that hits the ground and praying there’s plenty more where that came from.

10/08/2026

🐂 Shipping week for 7C Herefords!

Tuesday was a busy day for the 7C crew as they shipped their steer calves!

They gathered the cows and calves, sorted the calves off their mommas, and then sorted by s*x. The heifers and bulls were hauled to the weaning corrals, while the steers were sorted, loaded up, and headed down the road to Belle Fourche Livestock Market.

And like most big days on the ranch, it takes some good help to make it all happen! We’re pretty thankful for the crew that showed up, pitched in, and helped keep everything moving.

Today, Thursday the 8th, those steer calves go through the ring!

From calving and branding to summer pasture, gathering, weaning and finally shipping — there are a whole lot of days and a whole lot of work that go into getting a great set of calves to sale day.

❤️Good luck to 7C Herefords today!

10/06/2026

🐮 WEANING TIME — How do you do it?

There are several ways to wean calves, and over the years, we’ve found a system that works well for us.

We gather one bunch of cows at a time right out in the pasture, sort off the calves, and turn the cows right back out. The calves are loaded and hauled home to the main corrals.

Once they arrive, every calf goes through the chute.

⚖️ We record an accurate weaning weight straight off the cow
💉 We doctor anything that needs attention
🌾 Then we turn the calves into a large pen with grass, free-choice hay, and plenty of clean water

They stay there for about three days. Once the bawling settles down and everyone figures out that Momma isn’t coming back 😅, they head down to the dikes, where they have more room to spread out.

Then we head back out and do it all over again with the next bunch.

Does it take more time? Absolutely.

But we believe working in smaller groups helps reduce stress on the calves, keeps them from spending too much time crowded in the corrals, and helps limit dust — especially important in a dry year like this one.

It may not be the fastest way to get weaning done, but it’s the way that works best for us and our cattle.

🐂 Now we want to hear from you — how do YOU wean?
Fence-line? Straight separation? Nose flaps? Bring everything home at once? Something completely different?

There’s more than one way to raise cattle, and we always enjoy hearing what works on other operations.

Sparks Herefords
Moderate cattle for a
not-so-moderate climate.

09/15/2026

Not every woman who helps keep a cattle operation moving calls herself a cowgirl.

But today, we’re celebrating her anyway. 🤠

She may sort cattle, make breeding decisions, keep records, manage the books, raise the next generation or simply handle the hundred little details that keep an operation running.

And she’s far from alone — 37% of U.S. beef producers are women.

Here’s to the women making an impact on cattle operations and our industry every day. ❤️

Tag your cowgirl and share a favorite photo of her.

💕Here’s a couple of our favorite cowgirls- Thank you Jessica Sparks, Jimmie Sparks and Charlee Sparks

(And thank you to all the women who help us. There are many more but we didn’t want to forget anyone.)

Source: USDA NASS, 2022 Census of Agriculture

09/11/2026

🇺🇸WE WILL NEVER FORGET — SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 🇺🇸

Today, Sparks Herefords & 7C Herefords pause to remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the brave men and women who ran toward danger when others were running away.

We remember the firefighters, law enforcement, first responders, service members, and ordinary Americans who showed extraordinary courage.

Twenty-five years later, may we also remember how our country came together in the days that followed — neighbors helping neighbors, communities praying together, and Americans standing united.

Today we honor the fallen, pray for their families, and give thanks for the freedoms we are blessed to have.

May we never forget. 🇺🇸

September 11, 2001
❤️🤍💙

— Sparks Herefords & 7C Herefords

08/04/2026

At Sparks and 7C Herefords, we’re proud supporters of 4-H and FFA and the young people who represent the future of agriculture.

As local fair season gets underway, we want to wish the very best of luck to everyone exhibiting—from first-time youth exhibitors to seasoned adults. Whether you’re showing cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, poultry, rabbits, or entering projects in the exhibit hall, remember that your hard work, dedication, and countless hours have already made you successful.

Win or lose, take pride in what you’ve accomplished, cheer each other on, and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime.

Good luck to everyone at your local fairs—we’ll be rooting for you! 🍀🐂🌾

Support agriculture. Support our youth. Support your local fair.
— The Sparks Family

07/26/2026

Some days it’s hard not to dream of snowflakes… or even the sound of rain on the roof.

These triple-digit temperatures have us watching the horizon and praying for a change.

Dear Lord, please send moisture our way. Refresh this dry land, strengthen the crops and pastures, protect the livestock and wildlife, and encourage the hearts of those who depend on the rain. Amen.

If you’re in this heat too, we’re praying for your corner of the country as well. 🌧️🙏

07/23/2026

After traveling this past week and spending time with family and friends, it got us thinking…

What’s your favorite part about traveling?

Do you love sightseeing? Visiting museums? Touring farms and ranches? Exploring local markets? Trying new restaurants? Seeing old friends? Or maybe it’s simply the people you meet along the way.

We had the chance to explore a local farmers market, tour a couple farms, and even see a few flurds (a flock and herd together!). One of the highlights was visiting with so many wonderful people—sharing our passion for Hereford cattle, learning about other operations, and hearing the stories behind them.

Oh… and we can’t forget the reason for the trip! 💍 That cool guy from Pennsylvania that has been out here for the last three years….tied the knot. Congratulations, Isaac Ritter and Kelsie ! We are so thankful we could celebrate your special day with you and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Every place has something to teach you, and every conversation is a chance to learn.

Now we want to hear from you… What’s your favorite thing to do when you travel? 👇

07/17/2026

🐂 Did you know we do more than just raise horned Hereford cattle?

At Sparks Herefords, we also offer ranch-raised beef available by the quarter, half, or whole.

From pasture to processing, we’re proud to provide high-quality beef straight from our ranch to your family’s table. Whether you’re stocking the freezer or splitting an order with family or friends, we’d love to help.

Have questions or want to reserve your beef? Send us a message—we’re happy to visit with you about availability and how it all works!

07/15/2026

I guess we missed Cow appreciation day yesterday….but around here every day is Cow Appreciation Day. 🐄❤️

These girls don’t ask for much. Just good grass, clean water, and a little respect.

They’re the foundation of our herd—the mothers that raise our calves, pass on generations of genetics, and keep our ranch moving forward year after year. Through spring snowstorms, summer heat, and everything in between, they show up and do their job.

It’s easy to admire the bulls, but the cow herd is where it all begins.

Here’s to the hardworking moms of the ranch. We appreciate you yesterday, today, and every day.

Happy (belated) Cow Appreciation Day!

Address

1515 Plevna Road South
Plevna, MT
59344

Telephone

(406) 853-6758

Website

http://www.sparksherefords.com/

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