On Aug. 1, Urus Group LP, one of the world’s major marketers of bovine genetics, completed the acquisition of a majority interest in Leachman Cattle of Colorado, one of the largest and most respected seedstock producers in the U.S. With the acquisition, Urus hopes leverage Leachman’s combination of top genetics, proprietary data and unique business model to better position itself as a leader in the global and North American beef industries.
For more than 30 years, Leachman has developed its selection tools and genetic lines to improve, among other things, cow efficiency, feeding performance and supply chain value. With the largest private seedstock/commercial database in the U.S., Leachman has the ability to respond to performance and market signals with genetic improvement at an extraordinary scale and speed. Through the new partnership, Urus will be able to offer members and customers around the globe a much expanded portfolio of genetic solutions.
Leachman will continue to offer semen, bulls, females and data services to beef operations both in the U.S. and internationally. Urus will empower the Leachman program with additional sales strategies, expanded programs and development of value chains for the beef and beef-on-dairy markets.
“This acquisition will put Urus at the forefront of beef genetic solutions globally,” Urus CEO Paul Hunt said in a statement. “The Leachman team shares our passion for genetic excellence, data-driven innovation and long-term partnerships, and we are excited to bring together our combined expertise and strengths in designing the future of profitable and sustainable beef production for our members and clients.”
Lee Leachman, who will continue in his role as CEO as Leachman Cattle of Colorado, said in a statement on social media, “As a result of Urus acquiring a controlling interest in Leachman, we’ll be able to accelerate our genetic improvement and provide even more service to our customers. … While there will be a new ownership structure in place, you can expect the same great bulls, semen and data-related services from Leachman.”
