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The Lumber Yard Steakhouse is owned by a subdivision of
the Molitor Angus Ranch since May of 2010. The restaurant’s
house specialty is STEAK, especially the 16 ounce Doc’s Rib eye.
The rib eye steaks are CAB (Certified Angus Beef). Come and
enjoy the food and hospitality in a family atmosphere restaurant.
Pick up your purchased livestock by Saturday, March 26,
2016 and enjoy a $50.00 gift certificate per head to the Lumber
Yard Steakhouse. Individuals that purchase 3 or more BULLS will
enjoy a $75.00 gift certificate per head if picked up by the 3-26-
2016 deadline.
Thank The Helpers
It takes a lot of help for an operation this size
and we thank our employees Kole Kernohan, Andy
Kostner, Leroy Hageman, Brandy Nulik, Bryan Francis
and Joni Brack. Specialize Service individuals we
want to recognize are: Larry Bush (vet services),
Joe Hite (clipping and branding), Les Hutchins
(ultrasound) and Jerry Thurman (feeding systems).
Also, I appreciate the assistance throughout the year
of my sisters and their husbands: Doug Walbridge,
Bud Oak, Mike Strothman, Art Schmidt, Mike O’Brock
and Mike Dailey.
Thanks so much,
Mike Molitor
Buying 18 Angus heifers in 1952 pitted Richard and Angela Molitor against local Hereford traditions in south-central Kansas. A son was born the
next year, followed by six daughters, all working to prove for Molitor Angus Ranch, Zenda, Kan., that a pioneer spirit trumps tradition: high-quality
Angus cattle now dominate the area’s herds.
On September 19, the family was recognized by the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB ® ) brand at its annual conference in Marco Island, Fla. Richard
and his son Mike accepted the Seedstock Commitment to Excellence Award for bringing dreams to life for everyone from ranchers to consumers.
“We always wanted it all,” says Mike Molitor, who owns 60% of the cows, “and we stayed that course to where today we have cattle in the top
20% on most traits.”
His “retired” folks own another 30% and six younger sisters 10%. Many of them come home
in the spring to help with the catalog and sale.
The family dream of “always better” was always backed by action in the interest of ranch cus-
tomers, and expanded to include consumers more directly in the last 20 years. Molitor bought a
local CAB steakhouse, The Lumber Yard, in 2010.
“I see the full circle from conception on, but it’s not only about the big picture,” he says.
“Whether we’re talking about diners at the steakhouse, bull buyers or cattle, the individuals are
the most important consideration.”
Molitor was a charter U.S. Premium Beef member, buying shares to buy and feed 6,500 cattle
for bull customers over the years, returning carcass data and consulting on the next bulls to buy.
“You get paid more for a better product,” he says. “When you organize and all work together,
you make an impact on the world.”
But it’s not just about cattle, says the steakhouse owner: “Small towns will die if they don’t
have places like this. It’s church, it’s community, it’s the whole works.”
That includes leadership, says Anne Lampe, KAA manager, who called Molitor “a true team
player, supporting this organization, the Juniors, Auxiliary and awards.” He served two terms
on the Board, chairman of the Bull Grower Project and finished his tenure as president.
Over the years 1,152 unique ranch customers have joined in the dynamic dream that is Moli-
tor Angus Ranch, a dream that continues to unfold.
“It’s satisfying to be in the full circle, but I’m not settling on it. As other things come along,
I will take a look at them,” Molitor says. “We should always have those dreams, even while we
take care of the present.”
September 22, 2014
The following article was written by Steve Suther who is the director of industry information for Certified Angus Beef LLC. It can
be found in the October 2014 issue of the Angus Beef Bulletin with the full Length version in the October 2014 Angus Journal. The
Molitor operation intends to fulfill the confidence showed to us for the CAB Seedstock Award for 2014. The personnel at the Certified
Angus Beef LCC continue an Excellence in Commitment to their promotion of the CAB Brand.
Mike Molitor
PIONEER SPIRIT GUIDES MOLITOR ANGUS RANCH
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