Increasing your bottom line
through tailored genetics.
Raising cattle is more than a lifestyle or hobby, this is our livelihood. We believe in producing cattle that will work for you, no matter the goals of your operation. Our greatest reward is seeing our customer’s succeed.
We’re the Rydeen family, Simmental seedstock producers invested in producing cattle that will make our customers more profitable.
Our cattle are built to continually adapt and fit the needs of the beef business, while making our customers more profitable in a package that’s pleasing to the eye. We achieve these goals by utilizing a wide-array of tools, ranging from genomic testing to implementing herd management practices such as Temple Grandin’s cattle handling recommendations.
Rydeen Farms is a family owned and operated seedstock business, focused on raising Simmental cattle since the 1970’s. For the last 40 years we have selected for traits that will make our customers more profitable. We select for calving ease paired with high performance in an eye-appealing, well-mannered package. Our customers see the most value in our genetics when used on Angus based cow herds, capitalizing on hybrid-vigor.
We encourage visitors anytime! We would would love to show you around our operation, but more importantly learn about your operation and help find the tools you need to make your herd more profitable.
THE HISTORY OF OUR HERITAGE.
EUREKA EXCELSIOR. Section 27, Leon Township, Clearwater County
Eureka Excelsior (Rydeen Farms) began as 160 acres in 1897. Edward D. Rydeen from Winthrop, MN homesteaded the land at the age of 21 when President Cleveland signed the Minnesota Homestead Act. He worked on his homestead and organized the first school board (District 20) in 1898 and served as clerk for 47 years. In 1901, Edward enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Spanish American war. He was discharged in 1904, came home to farm and taught school from 1905-1910.
First Generation.
In September, 1911 Edward married Louella Schneider of Gonvick. They had eight children: Dorothy, Edna, Martha, Edmund, Ernest, Florence, Reuben and Lucille. Edward was an active member of many state, district, and community affairs. He helped establish the Clearbrook Creamery and was also one of the original promoters and organizers of Land O Lakes, Inc. of which he was a life-long member.
Second Generation.
Reuben was discharged from the Navy in 1946. He went into partnership with his father and married Wanda Forsberg in 1950. They had four children: Debbie, Sherry, Paul and Carl. In 1954, Reuben and Wanda bought the homestead. The house was remodeled at that time and the barn was expanded to house 40 dairy cows. As years passed, the Herman Rydeen and Anton Erickson farms were purchased to increase their acreage.
Third Generation.
In 1985, Paul married Lois Sundbom and bought the family farm. They have two children, Claire and Justis. Claire is married to Chad Patel. The farm hosts an annual production sale known as the Vision Sale on the second Saturday in February. Yearling bulls, 18-month bulls and females are marketed at this time. Rydeen Farms is committed to the needs of commercial cattle men and women and seeks to provide bulls and females that help their customers succeed as they work to improve their product for the beef industry.
Edward Rydeen pouring blocks for the dairy barn, 1910
Paul Rydeen at harvest, 1970s
Paul Rydeen on his new toy tractor from his Dad, Reuben, 1958
Reuben Rydeen working in the field, 1930s
Paul Rydeen at the Red River Valley Winter Shows, 1992