Sennett Cattle

Sennett Family Cares for Cattle, Cares for Land

The recipe for success for Sennett Cattle has stayed steady across five generations – care for the cattle, care for the land. Located in Waynetown, the family operation includes several aspects of the cattle business as well as a grain operation. “This land has been in our family for so many generations, it is up to us to take care of it for the future generations,” says Lance Sennett.

Lance, along with wife Margaret, his parents Clark and Nancy and daughter Ellie and her husband Tucker Schlipf are involved in day-to-day operations on the farm. Daughter Emily and husband Clayton Main have their own cattle operation, and third daughter Claire is a junior in high school and is active on the farm and in showing cattle.

Lance explains how each family member has an area of expertise. “Dad (Clark) provides insight while Ellie and Tucker run the cattle operation. I’m moral support for the cattle as I handle the row crop side of things.” Lance emphasizes his wife Margaret “is the rock that keeps this farm going.” Everyone is involved when it comes to showing cattle. “The process of showing doesn’t just happen, it takes effort 365 days a year and needs help from the whole family,” Lance explains.

family photo
Pictured: Clayton and Emily Main; Lance, Margaret, Clark, Nancy, and Claire Sennett; Ellie and Tucker Schlipf

The cornerstone of Sennett Cattle is their cowherd. They market show cattle, as well as breeding seedstock nationwide. They develop and market their best bulls as well as offer their bred females for sale year round. Along with their cow-calf operation, they have a feedlot where they finish cattle throughout the year.

The Sennett cowherd is as diverse as the workings of the entire operation as they maintain purebred herds from each of the following breeds: Angus, Simmental, Maine-Anjou, and Limousin. Their focus is to produce a premium product with traits for the show ring and pasture, while maintaining ample focus on genetics and balanced performance traits.

On the crop side of the farm, they plant Pioneer seed and utilize Corteva Agriscience chemicals to protect their crops to maximize yield and operate sustainably. The care they put into their operation was rewarded in 2008, when they were awarded the National Cattlemen’s Foundation Environmental Stewardship Award.

Despite the demands of the farm, the family is committed to providing leadership for the industry. Clark has served on numerous cattle industry boards both in Indiana and on the national level. Lance has been president of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association as well as president of the North American Limousin Foundation and is currently serving as vice president for that organization. “You have to be involved to help keep the industry moving in the right direction,” Lance says. “The cattle industry has given so much to our family, we have to give back to it.” An enjoyable example of giving back is serving ribeye sandwiches during the Indiana State Fair.

While raising cattle and crops with care is a lot of work, Lance shares that he and his family appreciate their lifestyle. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Indiana State Fairgrounds Event Center

Indiana State Fairgrounds Event Center 1202 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46205

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