A true family operation established in tradition and hard work.

Our Story

The Treffer ranch is truly a family operation. Loren and Delores Treffer spent a lifetime methodically building small but quality herds of Registered Angus and American Quarter Horses. They also made sure that their five kids had good educations and encouraged them in their chosen professions.

While all their kids have been involved to some extent in the livestock operation, Bruce and Mike were partners in it from an early age. Their names have been on the lifetime memberships of both associations for over 50 years.

The Angus herd got its start in 1957 when the two boys’ birthday money and $12 from Mom and Dad bought their first heifer for $100. Grandpa Dethlefs (Carl) ran her in his herd that he started in 1950 until the family was able to purchase their first pasture land. A.I.ing and performance testing since the 60’s, allowed them to put together a herd that annually produces a top-end sale bull and replacement heifer. Steers are fed out or sold as calves, depending upon the year's circumstances. Currently, the yearling bulls are sold at Burwell the last Thursday in March on the Dethlefs/Treffer Bull Sale. Dutch Dethlefs is Delores’ brother.

While horses have always been a part of the family, the first registered mare was purchased in the late 60’s. She was bred to a variety of stallions. Several belonged to Delores’ other brother, Jerry, who had bred a King mare to some of the nation's top halter and performance stallions. After purchasing a number of foundation-bred mares, foals were mostly bred by family-owned or leased stallions, including Smokey Bonanza, ZB Pine, Genuine Credit (Miss N Cash x Genuine Doc), and Zans Last Parr (Zan Parr Bar x Blondys Dude). Until recently, horses were sold on a ranch horse production sale in Broken Bow, and also a strong private treaty offering. Horses have gone all over the United States from Utah to New York and Montana to New Mexico, and many have excelled in the area. We were honored by the AQHA with a bronze in 2023, recognizing 50 years of registered foals.

Loren passed away in 2018 still doing what he loved and still riding horses at 85. The legacy he left is impressive. With the help of grandson Evan June, we’ve been able to continue the challenging but rewarding lifestyle. A highlight is always a family gathering for the April branding.

Delores is definitely the matriarch of the family that encompasses four generations. Spouses, kids, inlaws, friends, neighbors, and extended family have all contributed to a lifetime of memories.