Sparks Herefords & 7C Herefords

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Sparks Herefords & 7C Herefords

Tom and Carol Sparks and family raise Horned Hereford cattle on the plains of southeastern Montana. Gain is tested over a 120 day period.

Presently Sparks Herefords breed with cattle generally unrelated to others in the industry. Some AI is used, but mostly their own bulls are used back in the herd. There has been intense line-breeding, some inbreeding (where genetics manifest themselves quickly), and some outcrosses. Line 1 out of Fort Keogh in Miles City has had a big influence in the herd genetics, but also a line of Herefords fr

om England - Tarrington has been used extensively. In 1966 Frank Sparks purchased one of two Tarrington bred females imported from England to North America. Since then several more pure Tarrington or English females were added. The bull "Wenlock Tarzan" was purchased at the Regina Hereford Centennial Sale to head up the Sparks' Tarrington line of cattle. The Tarringtons are excellent mothers, good milkers and easy keepers, necessary in the extreme environment of eastern Montana. The Prospector line of Herefords has been the most inbred through the years, some as much as 46%. It is a line of cattle began as a study at Colorado Experiment Station in 1947. The cattle kept improving in performance, reproduction, milking ability and exhibited a lot of color pigmentation around the eyes. Today this line is used as an outcross and is related to very few Hereford cattle in the US. Other lines that you will see in the Sparks pedigrees include Tiberius and some outcross lines from other herds in the few bulls we have introduced. Calving takes place in April and early May with weaning in October. Cows and calves are strictly grazing machines with no supplemental feed other than salt and mineral. All heifer calves are wintered with a cut made in the spring and the rest going to breeding pastures. Bull calves are wintered on 40 acres, coming to the barn for the morning ration of malt barley pellets and alfalfa pellets. Bulls are semen tested in early-mid May and sold in February at the Sparks Ranch South of Plevna.

08/04/2026

At Sparks and 7C Herefords, we’re proud supporters of 4-H and FFA and the young people who represent the future of agriculture.

As local fair season gets underway, we want to wish the very best of luck to everyone exhibiting—from first-time youth exhibitors to seasoned adults. Whether you’re showing cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, poultry, rabbits, or entering projects in the exhibit hall, remember that your hard work, dedication, and countless hours have already made you successful.

Win or lose, take pride in what you’ve accomplished, cheer each other on, and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime.

Good luck to everyone at your local fairs—we’ll be rooting for you! 🍀🐂🌾

Support agriculture. Support our youth. Support your local fair.
— The Sparks Family

07/26/2026

Some days it’s hard not to dream of snowflakes… or even the sound of rain on the roof.

These triple-digit temperatures have us watching the horizon and praying for a change.

Dear Lord, please send moisture our way. Refresh this dry land, strengthen the crops and pastures, protect the livestock and wildlife, and encourage the hearts of those who depend on the rain. Amen.

If you’re in this heat too, we’re praying for your corner of the country as well. 🌧️🙏

07/23/2026

After traveling this past week and spending time with family and friends, it got us thinking…

What’s your favorite part about traveling?

Do you love sightseeing? Visiting museums? Touring farms and ranches? Exploring local markets? Trying new restaurants? Seeing old friends? Or maybe it’s simply the people you meet along the way.

We had the chance to explore a local farmers market, tour a couple farms, and even see a few flurds (a flock and herd together!). One of the highlights was visiting with so many wonderful people—sharing our passion for Hereford cattle, learning about other operations, and hearing the stories behind them.

Oh… and we can’t forget the reason for the trip! 💍 That cool guy from Pennsylvania that has been out here for the last three years….tied the knot. Congratulations, Isaac Ritter and Kelsie ! We are so thankful we could celebrate your special day with you and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Every place has something to teach you, and every conversation is a chance to learn.

Now we want to hear from you… What’s your favorite thing to do when you travel? 👇

07/17/2026

🐂 Did you know we do more than just raise horned Hereford cattle?

At Sparks Herefords, we also offer ranch-raised beef available by the quarter, half, or whole.

From pasture to processing, we’re proud to provide high-quality beef straight from our ranch to your family’s table. Whether you’re stocking the freezer or splitting an order with family or friends, we’d love to help.

Have questions or want to reserve your beef? Send us a message—we’re happy to visit with you about availability and how it all works!

07/15/2026

I guess we missed Cow appreciation day yesterday….but around here every day is Cow Appreciation Day. 🐄❤️

These girls don’t ask for much. Just good grass, clean water, and a little respect.

They’re the foundation of our herd—the mothers that raise our calves, pass on generations of genetics, and keep our ranch moving forward year after year. Through spring snowstorms, summer heat, and everything in between, they show up and do their job.

It’s easy to admire the bulls, but the cow herd is where it all begins.

Here’s to the hardworking moms of the ranch. We appreciate you yesterday, today, and every day.

Happy (belated) Cow Appreciation Day!

07/13/2026

🌡️ Roll call! What’s the temperature where you’re at today?

We’re always amazed at how different the weather can be from one place to the next—and wow, it’s been a scorcher here!

We hit 117° yesterday, so we’re definitely feeling the heat.

Drop your:�📍 Location�🌡️ Current temperature�☀️ Bonus points if you add a photo of what it looks like where you are!

07/10/2026

With the major work on the cow side wrapped up, it’s time to switch gears around here. 🌾 Hay season is officially underway!

That got us thinking…

How do you work your livestock? 🐂🐑🐎

Do you use:
🐎 Horses
🏍️ Motorcycles
🛞 4-wheelers
🚙 Side-by-sides
🐕 Dogs
🚜 Or maybe a combination of them all?

Around here, every day is a little different, and we use whatever fits the country, the cattle, and the job.

Tell us what you use and where you’re from—we’d love to hear how it’s done in your part of the country!

07/08/2026

The wait is over. 🐂

The bulls are all turned out, the cows are settled, and another breeding season is officially underway. Months of planning come down to this moment—and now we let the bull go to work.

Here’s to next year’s calf crop!

07/07/2026

🎉 We Have a Winner! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 4th of July Photo Contest! 🇺🇸 We had 7 great entries, and we truly appreciate each of you for taking the time to share your patriotic photos with us.

Congratulations to
🎉 Denise Noll 🎉

Please send us a message with your mailing address so we can get your Sparks & 7C Herefords swag package headed your way!

Thank you again for supporting Sparks Herefords. We love seeing photos from your ranches, families, and communities, and we have more fun contests and projects planned. Stay tuned!

Address

1515 Plevna Road South
Plevna, MT
59344

Telephone

(406) 853-6758

Website

http://www.sparksherefords.com/

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