MLA Lifetime Members Robert and Sarah Blackford of Blackford's Cattle Crossing in rural Lineville, Iowa recently bid farewell to the last of their straight Butler Texas Longhorn cattle.
With Robert's Nationwide dog transport business taking up most of his time, it was decided the Longhorns needed more attention then was available with Robert on the road for 7-10 days at a
stretch up to twice per month. Robert and Sarah were Founding Lifetime members of the MLA back in 1997 and were instrumental in organizing the grassroots beginnings of the MLA. Robert is pictured above several years ago with his then straight Butler Herdsire Don Juan's Easy Money now owned by MLA members Charlie Henaman and Jay Johnson of Hartly, Iowa. The herd dispersal brings to an end a 13 year breeding program that first started with concentration on breeding brindle cattle and quickly focused on breeding the best straight Butler genetics available. At one time Robert owned both famous AI certified straight Butler Classic sons Don Juan of Christine and Dixie Rebel. Don Juan of Christine is the sire of the famous longhorn bull Coach and of the pictured herdsire Don Juan's Easy Money. Don Juan of Christine's skull can be viewed hanging prominently on the office wall of fellow MLA Lifetime member Kent Krutsinger in rural Chariton, Iowa. Memories abound about Robert's time in the MLA from road trips to sales in Houston and Minnesota to his one of a kind used police car with 5th wheel trail hitch in the trunk!! All who have had the opportunity to encounter Robert are sure to have a good "Blackford" story to share!! Thanks for the memories Robert and stay safe on the road!!
