History
Flying H Genetics, a progressive family ranching business has been producing some of the most superior cattle in the industry since 1948. It all started as a partnership, Haussler and Helms with the purchase of one Hereford heifer by Clarence and Lois Helms (Dick’s parents).
Dick and Bonnie Helms came home after college/work in Lincoln, NE to join the family operation in 1976 and purchased the property where the current bull development center is located. Being deeply in debt and needing to generate family income our extensive research led us to the Gelbvieh breed, which was added to offer our customers an additional genetic option when looking at crossbreeding. Many of the first Gelbvieh bulls sold went to Hereford customers and the resulting Red Baldies were quite impressive. The tradition of holding a fall female sale started in 1980 and the first Flying H Genetics bull sale was held in March of 1988.
Our objective has always been to offer our customers the best genetics possible. We started production testing in 1968, using AI in 1970 and did our first embryo transfers in 1972. And, if one believes that crossbred vigor is essential for efficiency and profitability then one must offer their customers more than one breed. That is why Gelbvieh was added in 1981, Angus hybrids (GelPLUS/Balancers) in 1995, Simmental genetics in 2008 and Fusions (a composite of Angus/Gelbvieh/Simmental) in 2011. Giving our customers better genetics and more choices lets them build the cow herd and calf crop that fits their environment and management while utilizing crossbred vigor in the cow, calf and bull to produce better beef and more profits. Since 1988, we have held our annual production sale on the 1st Saturday in March at the ranch in Arapahoe, NE. In 2008, we added our Missouri division of Flying H and hold a spring sale on the 3rd Saturday of March and a fall sale the 4th Saturday of October in Missouri.
As the fourth generation working in Nebraska agriculture, and second generation seed stock producers, we made the commitment to build a business that would give our family and other families the opportunity to have a career in agriculture. That meant we needed to plan for the next 80 years and build an innovative, progressive and sustainable business as a legacy to future generations. This came full swing when Kyle, the third generation seed stock producer, moved home to buy Clarence and Lois’ homestead, which is the current bull sale site in Nebraska.
The average seed stock breeder lasts 7 years. The Helms family has been doing this for 65 years because “Customer Service” comes first. The most important part of customer service is to start with a “Great Product”. Combine a great product with great service and you have the basics for a successful, sustainable business.
Every business decision we have made for 40 years has been based on: Will it help us help our customers? We work very hard for our customers because they are our friends and many seem like family. We have known many of them for over 30 years and are into their second generation of building better cow herds and beef together.
In case you haven’t noticed, we are passionate about building better genetics and the role we play in the beef industry. There are no better people to work with than cattlemen and women that are excited to see the next generation take the reins and build the future of agriculture.
Our Vision
To strive to provide superior products and services in order to maximize the success, personal satisfaction, and profits of our customers, employees, and cooperators through innovation, professionalism, and integrity.
Our Core Values
Our core values are Vision and Leadership, based on Honesty and Integrity, implemented through Good Stewardship and Communication.
Our Mission
Is to make the most of what we have.
