The history of the Nerbas family’s ranch begins with Gene and Cynthia Nerbas, who established their operation in the Assiniboine Valley near Shellmouth, Manitoba. Gene and Cynthia’s roots in the local area run deep, with Gene’s father homesteading the land that would become the foundation of the family’s ranch. The operation originally focused on commercial cow/calf production, with an emphasis on practical, low-input management.

In 1998, Gene and Cynthia sold their family business, Shellmouth Sausage Company, to concentrate fully on ranching. They raised their family in this agricultural setting, instilling in their children a deep respect for the land and livestock. By the early 2000s, it became clear that finding bulls suited to their operation’s specific needs was becoming increasingly difficult. Rather than compromising, they made the decision to start producing their own bulls, which later evolved into a full seedstock enterprise.

To further enhance their ranching practices, the Nerbas family adopted Holistic Management principles in the early 2000s. This marked a turning point in their journey, as they began focusing on maximizing pounds per acre through improved grazing systems while simultaneously identifying and selecting the most efficient maternal cows to thrive in this environment. Their holistic approach not only improved the productivity of their operation but also ensured its long-term sustainability.

By 2005, the family stopped bringing in outside animals and relied solely on artificial insemination (AI) to incorporate new genetics. By 2018, the herd was completely closed genetically, allowing them to refine and stabilize the maternal traits they valued most. The bulls they produce today reflect the strength of their cow herd and have gained a loyal customer base across Canada, the northern United States, and internationally.

Throughout their history, the Nerbas family has remained true to their core principles: prioritizing environmental stewardship, maintaining transparency with customers, and creating cattle that thrive in real-world, low-input environments. Their dedication to the land and livestock has cemented their reputation as leaders in sustainable cattle production.