Gene Wiese, Manning, Iowa, represents the third generation of Hereford cattlemen and farmers on the gently rolling hills of west-central Iowa. Since 1912 the Wiese family has been building and sustaining a reputation for top-quality, efficient and profitable beef cattle.

Nowadays, Wiese is joined by his wife, Jean; their son and daughter-in-law, David and Diana, and the Wieses’ daughter Helen working on the farm. Also, David and Diana’s three boys — Chance, Shayne and Trey — represent the fifth generation of Wieses in the Hereford and farming operations. Another daughter, Kathryn, and her son, Kieran, live in Hawaii.

Wiese & Sons, as it is called and has been for generations, offers commercial cattlemen Hereford and Angus bulls. The headquarters operation includes 350 registered cows, but generally 175 yearling and 2-year-old bulls are sold each year by private treaty, thanks, in part, to additional cooperator herds. Wiese & Sons is a progressive herd with extensive use of artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer and ultrasound, and in-depth records are kept.

A 1951 animal science graduate of Iowa State University (ISU), Wiese was an American Hereford Association director from 1966-1972, serving as president in 1970-1971. He has also served as director and president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Hereford Association.

Because of his dedication and commitment through the years, he was named an Iowa Master Farmer, received the AGR Century Award and was recognized as an ISU distinguished alumnus.

Very conservation minded, Wiese believes in making an effort to improve the land for the next generation. He was honored in 1996 with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Region III Environmental Stewardship Award for his commitment.