Running Creek Ranch runs 1,000 Limousin cows , selling their bulls primarily to commercial customers .
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breed . He makes sure both of those stay at the forefront without forgetting the quality and consistency of what we do as a ranch .”
Ethan said it was his dad ’ s love for the work that first inspired he and his siblings to be involved in the ranch , but it was their own love and the knowledge that their family would support them that truly kept them eager to come back every morning .
“ We ’ re always very family-oriented here on the ranch . By doing so , you are always helping your family in a selfless manner ,” Ethan said . “ Having the ranch has allotted me securities in life . My dad taught me to chase my goals and to know that he would always have my back . Raising cattle has truly been the best thing for me .”
Joey considers it an honor to raise his children in the agriculture industry . He instills in them the same values his father pressed upon him .
Compared to other breeds , the principals at Running Creek Ranch have found their Limousin females require less hay and forage to maintain themselves while remaining productive and fertile .
A perfect example is the way the family feeds cattle . Each morning , one member of the family heads out to the barn and hitches up a team of draft horses to a hay rack to deliver feed to the herd . It ’ s a tradition that stems back to the beginning of the Freund ’ s time on the ranch , as Joe was always passionate about draft horses .
This unique feeding system isn ’ t the only truly form of horsepower on the operation , either . Joey said the family uses horses to move cattle on the property in addition to feeding with a team of horses .
“ It ’ s a little bit like old country ,” Ethan explains with a smile . “ Horses don ’ t break down near often as tractors or need any hardware updates . It just makes it easier , and you feel closer to the cows . It ’ s all I ’ ve ever known .”
Ethan said his entire family has a deep sense of pride for their way of life , and his father is always eager to help secure the future of the ranching lifestyle .
It ’ s this love that first led Joey to serve on the National American Limousin Foundation ( NALF ) Board of Directors . He was asked to join the board six years ago and has been involved ever since .
“ The comradery and the people you meet – it ’ s just great ,” he explains of the position . “ Every year you ’ re just trying to help steer the breed in the right direction .”
Beyond connecting with cattlemen across the country about the work that excites him , Joey said he truly enjoys the business side of things , as well . He ’ s always willing to put in the work on the business side of things to help members accomplish the goal of promoting the breed further .
“ It ’ s been nice to see him get to represent us on our side of things ,” Ethan explains .
The younger Freund cattleman said the board is built of all kinds . From those driven by the desire to breed elite show heifers to others like Running Creek Ranch working to supply the next bull calf crop , it ’ s important for all segments of the industry to be represented , Ethan said .
For Joey , serving is a way to help ensure the future of the Limousin breed and help create a successful industry his children and generations to come can call home .
Joey ’ s biggest hope is that the way of life he treasures can stay preserved in Elizabeth , Colorado , at Running Creek Ranch . Since he took over the day-to-day operations from his father , he has kept the
62 • APRIL 2022