Henderson Cattle Inc.

The Henderson family homestead, established in 1866 by Scottish-Irish immigrants John and Isabella Henderson, has a rich legacy rooted in resilience and adaptation. After John’s untimely death, Isabella sustained the family by making butter and selling produce to local mining families in the early pioneer days. When the mining industry waned, the Hendersons shifted their focus to a diversified farm operation, raising beef calves and cultivating crops. By 1960, they were farming several hundred acres and managing a herd of 160 cows.

In 1972, Bill Henderson saw an opportunity to expand the farm’s scope, transitioning it from solely a cow-calf operation to finishing cattle, a value-added practice for the family’s beef production. This expansion led to an increase in water demand, prompting the addition of around 20 ponds on the property. Bill’s son Bob joined the operation in the 1980s, bringing a focus on conservation. He added land and implemented rotational grazing practices and water improvements, paving the way for the regenerative agriculture practices that are central to the farm today.

Bob’s three sons, Aaron, Andy, and Adam, now work full-time on the farm after graduating from Iowa State University. Together, they manage 500 cows, reproductive stock, a 1,200-head feedyard, and 1,700 acres of row crops. Committed to sustainability, the Hendersons grow 80-90% of their cattle feed on-farm, sourcing the remainder from by-products of renewable energy production. The family has significantly reduced commercial fertilizer and chemical use, opting instead for natural alternatives. Their conservation practices were recognized with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in 2019.

With a dedication to soil health and sustainable cattle management, the Henderson family’s ultimate goal is to cultivate a legacy of healthy soil, healthy cattle, and nutritious beef.