History

The Kraye Angus Ranch is located in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills near Mullen, Nebraska. We are primarily a cow/calf operation where we run approximately 600 registered Angus cows. 

The Kraye ranch was formed when John's grandfather, Ernst Kraye, bought a portion of the ranch in the 1920's and added adjoining acres, over the years, as they became available. Fred Kraye was born and raised on the ranch and in 1953 bought his first Angus cows, to be able to keep his cattle separate from his dad's Herefords. Angus cows have been a major part of the ranch, ever since. Since their wedding in 1984, John and Julie have been the primary care takers of the cow herd, and have lived right on the ranch. John and Julie and their children, David and Helen, bought the ranch from John’s parents, Fred and Theresa Kraye, in 2001. After graduating from high school, David went to college for a while, then came home to the ranch in 2005. He has been a part of the daily routine and the decision making on the ranch since then. Fred and Theresa retired from the cattle business with a dispersal sale in the fall of 2000, followed by an equipment sale in the fall of 2001, and for several years after that Fred continued to be involved in the production of the hay on the ranch. 

Our family grew, when David married Stacy on the 12th of October, 2019. Stacy was a native of Stapleton, Nebraska. Stacy spent much of her childhood around horses and cattle, but she is no stranger to tractors and hay equipment. They have two beautiful daughters Libby and Ruby. Stacy works for Farm Credit Services of America but her full-time job is taking care of the girls. 

Brad Wright, a nephew to John and Julie has worked on the ranch since high school and has been a full-time ranch hand since graduating from college. Brad and his wife Cortney live in Mullen with their two children Beckett and Trace. 

Over the years we have had our faith and optimism tested and we have learned some very valuable lessons. We have learned that we have to be able to adapt and we have to be flexible enough in our management practices to fit all of the different conditions that Mother Nature can throw at us. Life is a series of learning experiences and as cattle ranchers we try and learn from past mistakes and we try to anticipate the challenges of the future. We are not always successful, but we try to stay focused and raise the best cattle we possibly can. All of our cattle…bulls, heifers, and cows are all honest, hard- working cattle that must pay their own way, just as a herd of commercial cattle would be expected to do.

We are proud of the bulls and heifers we offer sale day (1st Saturday of April). They are modern, deep-bodied cattle that are heavily muscled with strong bones and correct conformation, along with being calm and having gentle dispositions. At Kraye Angus Ranch, cattle is what we do. Our cattle are our livelihood, our hobby, our recreation and our passion. We enjoy visiting about our cattle and our program, feel free to stop by the ranch anytime! 

We are proud of our cattle and we are committed to the improvement of our herd. We appreciate your interest.

Sincerely, 

The Kraye’s

John & Julie

David, Stacy, Libby & Ruby