This article was written based on a podcast interview on From the Pasture with Hired Hand. You can listen to the full interview here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Meet the Guest: A Michigan Family Building a Purposeful Program
Bradley and McKenna Weick didn’t set out to build a Texas Longhorn ranch. But once they bought their first cow—off Facebook Marketplace, no less—their 80-acre farm in Hopkins, Michigan, quickly transformed into a family-run program grounded in intention, mentorship, and a passion for structural correctness.
Today, Weick’s Registered Longhorns manages 17–18 head and is becoming a respected name in the Midwest breeding community, known for their focus on quality genetics, futurity involvement, and a modest but meaningful approach to raising registered cattle.
“We want our ranch name to really mean something in the Longhorn industry.”
How It Started: A Shift From Beef to the Show Ring
Brad grew up around cattle, but Longhorns weren’t part of the plan. Early on, the family imagined selling lean beef to health-focused customers between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. But after visiting experienced breeders and learning the nuances of pedigrees, horn direction, and conformation, the Weicks found themselves drawn to something entirely different—the world of futurities and show-quality Longhorns.
“Everything changed once we learned what quality really looked like.”
Their goals soon shifted from beef production to raising structurally correct, competitive animals with pedigrees built to last.
A Family Operation From the Start
Brad and McKenna manage most of the ranch work, but their three children—ages 13, 11, and 6—are part of the daily rhythm. Whether feeding, watering, or helping sort cattle, the kids have grown alongside the herd.
One of the episode’s funniest moments involves an enthusiastic bull, a skid steer, a measuring tape stretched across the pasture, and two children who were absolutely convinced they were under attack. To this day, Brad laughs as he retells the story; his daughter, however, may never fully recover.
Their Breeding Philosophy: Structure Above All Else
With time, many visits to mentor ranches, and long conversations about goals, the Weicks developed a clear breeding philosophy. For them, everything begins with feet and foundation.
“If the feet aren’t right, nothing else matters.”
From there, they prioritize structural correctness, balanced horn sets, and pedigrees that consistently reproduce strong, functional animals. Color is appreciated—but only after the essentials check out.
Rather than chasing fads or extreme horn length, they focus on cattle that hold up over time, maintain soundness, and reflect the kind of quality they want their name associated with.
Mentors Who Helped Shape Their Program
The Weicks repeatedly emphasize how essential mentorship has been. They credit Johnny and Missy Hicks, Josh and Megan Shaw, Tom Smith, Cody and Denny LaPoint, and other Michigan breeders with guiding them from the very beginning.
“If it wasn’t for Johnny and Missy Hicks, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Farm visits, honest conversations, and seeing top-tier breeding programs firsthand helped them avoid early mistakes and refine their direction.
Favorites in the Pasture
One standout is Darcy, a structurally impressive, affectionate cow who tied for fourth at the Bluegrass Futurity in a large class.
“She’s the first to greet you in the pasture. She’ll never leave.”
The Weicks are also excited about their herdsires, including a Marlboro Man × Hicks Strawberry Jam son and a young bull out of Buona they’ll begin using this coming season.
Growing Through Events, Networking, and Sales
Attending events like the Legacy Sale and Bluegrass Futurity expanded their understanding of the industry. The Legacy Sale, in particular, reshaped their expectations around market fluctuations and confirmed the value of consistency over hype.
Brad jokes that his phone rarely shows anything except Longhorn websites—especially late at night. The learning never stops, and neither does the research.
Rapid-Fire Highlights
The episode’s quick-answer segment offered a fun look into life on the ranch. McKenna prefers morning coffee; Brad enjoys sunsets with a cold beer. Both prefer boots over sneakers for Michigan’s slick blue clay. Their favorite farm tool? The chute—no hesitation. And when it comes to the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry, the Weicks proudly choose Michigan State.
How Hired Hand Supports Their Program
One feature stands above the rest: the pedigree simulator.
“The simulator is hands down our favorite feature.”
Brad uses it to visualize future matings, compare bulls, and ensure each pairing supports their structural goals.
They’re also frequent users of Hired Hand Live. Brad appreciates the Buy Now option for setting expectations quickly—freeing him to focus on animals within reach, or to visit the breeder’s website to explore related stock.
Ready to market your herd online? Visit Hired Hand Websites to see examples of pedigree-powered breeder sites and learn how we help ranchers connect pedigrees, photos, and stories with one click.
Advice for New Breeders
Few things matter more than mentorship. The Weicks encourage anyone new to the industry to visit other ranches, ask questions, and take time to define what you truly want before buying.
“Buy quality, not quantity—and trust your gut.”
Having a plan, staying patient, and avoiding the temptation to chase every trend can save years of frustration and keep a program moving in the right direction.
Goals for the Future
The Weicks are now focused on expanding hay production, constructing a pavilion-style working facility, and continuing to build a recognizable name in the Longhorn community. Above all, they want to raise cattle that reflect their values: balanced, correct, functional, and thoughtfully bred.
Learn More About Hired Hand Websites
Check out hiredhandsoftware.com or browse hiredhandlive.com to view online sales, pedigrees, and tools that help livestock breeders market their herds and manage pedigrees with ease. And, be sure to follow our podcast, From the Pasture with Hired Hand.