Derek Gaikowski

Derek Gaikowski breeds Hereford cattle in Webster, SD, in north-central South Dakota near Sioux Falls. He has been raising Herefords for more than a decade and participates in national breed associations with routine health testing to support genetic soundness. All breeding stock undergoes annual veterinary evaluations including fertility checks and structural assessments. Calves graze on rotational pasture and are handled daily to foster a calm temperament and build early social skills.

He maintains detailed records of growth rates, adapts feeding programs to seasonal changes, and provides a mineral supplementation plan based on forage analysis. His herd traces back to foundation bloodlines valued for good maternal traits and efficient feed conversion. Visitors note the uniformity of his cattle’s structure and the attentive care evident in their condition, often citing their robust health and steady weight gains. Derek’s farm emphasizes low-stress management and open-air shelters to ensure cattle thrive across seasons.