K-Lund Angus: Jim and Roxanne Lund

In the springtime, it is not uncommon for cars to pull over on County Road BB outside of Woodville, admiring beef cows and calves grazing the pastures of K-Lund Angus Farm. 

Jim and Roxanne Lund are raising cattle and caring for the land just like Jim’s father and grandfather did before him. It was originally a dairy farm, but in 1998, Jim and Roxanne transitioned to an Angus cow/calf herd. 

“We started beef because our girls were showing cattle at the fair, and we found there was a market for the meat,” Jim said. 

Today, they have about 200 cows that calve in the spring with Jim and Roxanne’s close supervision. They do have occasional help during busy periods like when cows are calving or animals are receiving vaccinations, but on most days, it is just Jim and Roxanne managing the herd in a low-stress environment. 

“Roxanne and I can move 200 cows just as easily as having a bunch of people because we do it quietly,” Jim said. 

“We try to take care of the animal’s needs,” Jim said. “Keep her clean. Give her bedding. Treat and handle her right. We do everything we can to keep the animal calm.” 

They also turn to trusted sources, such as Dr. Temple Grandin, an expert on animal behavior, and their veterinarian for additional resources and guidance.  

Strict records help them understand each animal’s health and genetic history. Jim used to attend night classes at the local vocational school to continue improving the operation, and he still works with UW-Extension and reads agricultural publications to stay up to date on best practices. He focuses heavily on nutrition and does his best to provide proper nutrients for calves before they are even born. This is called “fetal programming” and is known for helping those calves grow later in life.  

When it comes to feed, the cattle are fairly self-sufficient, grazing hills and pasture throughout the summer that would not be suitable land for growing crops.  

“It’s efficient too,” Jim said. “We aren’t running a machine, using diesel fuel, or anything like that. Some of this land is nothing but pastureland, and it is good for that.”  

The Lunds do raise their own feed, growing enough corn to finish their steers and making hay.  

As part of the farm, Jim and Roxanne sell beef directly to local customers with a commercial-size freezer in the shop. They were inspected through the county to earn a license to sell.  

“We fill orders from a pound of hamburger to a whole cow if that’s what they want,” Roxanne said. “A lot of people have questions about hormone use and whether our beef is grass or grain-finished.”  

They do not use hormones at K-Lund Angus, but Jim believes they can be safely and effectively used in the industry.  

“I want people to eat beef,” Jim said. “You decide the different types you like whether it is organic or conventional, grass-fed or corn-finished beef. If it’s raised right, there is nothing wrong with it.”  

These interactions allow them to educate customers about the beef industry, which is especially important with confusion about how livestock can affect the environment.    

“We need to look at the whole picture,” Jim said. “When we pasture cattle on our farm, a lot more soil stays in place, and they naturally fertilize that soil. If managed properly, they do not have a negative impact.”  

Looking to the future, Jim and Roxanne will likely be the last generation on the Woodville farm, but the family has a lasting legacy in the region.  

“We've only got four more years to get to be a century farm, and we'd like to hang around and get that distinction,” Roxanne said. “That means something to us.”