Scott and his wife began their journey together in 1987 with a shared vision and a deep-rooted passion for cattle. What started as a young couple building a life in Montana has grown into Fredrickson Ranch, a name now recognized for its commitment to purebred, polled Aubrac cattle. Since 1996, the Fredricksons have focused exclusively on the Aubrac breed, drawn to its origins in the rugged Massif Central region of France and its unmatched ability to thrive in low-input, grass-based systems.

By 2005, they made the decision to operate a completely closed herd, relying solely on home-raised bulls for their breeding program. This approach gives them full control over the direction of their genetics, preserving the integrity of the herd while continuing to improve key traits. Bulls are selected from the best-performing females, and as they develop, Scott closely evaluates each one for its long-term potential. He believes bulls carry the most weight in a breeding program and prioritizes sustainable pounds of beef per acre as the ultimate measure of success.

Every cow in the herd is expected to produce a calf each year, and heifers are bred early to identify the next generation of strong maternal lines. Fertility and fleshing ability are non-negotiables. Occasionally, the Fredricksons will introduce outcross genetics from the French AI source Midtest. These are used in a highly controlled embryo transfer program, with embryos placed in top-ranking cows to safeguard the quality and consistency of the herd.

Scott works closely with a network of co-op breeders, building strong relationships based on shared values and long-term genetic goals. This network helps multiply the reach of his breeding program while allowing others to benefit from decades of careful selection.

The feeding philosophy at Fredrickson Ranch is simple: minimize inputs and let the cattle do the work. The goal is to graze as many animals as possible with little to no supplementation, allowing the natural hardiness of the Aubrac breed to shine.

To support their selection process, Scott utilizes DNA testing to identify clear yes/no traits, such as A2 milk status, the F94I profit gene, and polled genetics. They also use PROMOGEN technology, which measures defensin protein levels through bodily fluids—offering a unique, non-DNA-based insight into metabolic efficiency and overall performance potential.

Sales happen largely through word of mouth, and most cattle are placed into operations that practice some level of high-density grazing—where pounds per acre matter more than individual weights. With just the two of them running the ranch, Scott and his wife manage every detail themselves—from genetics to grazing to customer relationships—ensuring every animal that leaves their ranch reflects the values they started with nearly four decades ago.

They’re also proud to have their granddaughter, Kiya Jo Hjorth, playing an active role on the ranch. Kiya is deeply involved in daily operations and is passionate about developing high-quality ranch horses, adding another layer of value and versatility to the operation. With her growing knowledge, drive, and connection to the land, she represents the next generation of Fredrickson Ranch—bringing fresh energy to a legacy rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and purpose.

Among their standout sires are PROMO and OLIVER. PROMO’s dam has calved five times with a 365-day interval, and his paternal granddam produced 12 calves at a consistent 363-day interval. OLIVER brings similar consistency, with four calves at a 364-day interval, having first calved at 18 months. His paternal granddam has calved 14 times on a 364-day rhythm. These bulls, like the Fredricksons themselves, are a testament to long-term vision, consistency, and performance that holds up in the real world.