Established by Jim Hett and Bud Gamel, Blind Badger Ranch has been around since 1990. They are located in Fort Morgan, Colorado, and raise roughly 600 head of mainly Maine-Anjou cattle. There is also angus and simmental influence in their herd. Jim Hett has two daughters, Taylor and Tori, and his Ranch Manager, Brian Fox. Blind Badger is a very successful operation with numerous National Titles under their belt.
They have an annual sale during the first Sunday in November. Like many cattle operations, Blind Badger bases their operation off of the cow. They need cows that are structurally sound so they are able to get around and be able to raise calves in that large grassy country of Eastern Colorado. The operation wants cattle that are able to exhibit well in the showring as well as being able to turn around and work as cows in the herd.

Blind Badger Ranch has been exhibiting at the National Western since 1994. They market their best set of cattle every year. When asked, Jim says his favorite memory would be the year Taylor was Reserve Grand Champion in the Prospect Heifer Show with a heifer she bought out of the sale the year before. The NWSS is right in Hett’s backyard and his favorite part about coming every year is enjoying the yards, because it is laid back and there are so many different operations to look at and see what they are doing with their programs.
The success that Blind Badger has had at the National Western Stock Show is second to none. Some of these accolades include being named Grand Champion Maine-Anjou Female in the the Junior and Open Shows in 2011 and Grand Champion Maintainer Female in 2007. They have also had numerous Reserve Grand Champion Females. Their success in the yards is also apparent, with several Champion and Reserve Champion Pen of 3 with both bulls and heifers.

The goal of Blind Badger is to help and support the youth of the cattle industry in and out of the showring. “We wish to get better cattle every year, and we seem to be getting there,” Jim stated.
Jim wishes and works to leave something for Taylor to be able to take go in whatever directions she wants. Blind Badger works to help the Maine-Anjou breed, continually bringing in better genetics to help the breed thrive.