Glen Graff’s ancestors were among the first to settle in Mankato, Minnesota, in the mid-1800s. In 1898, Glen’s grandfather moved to Sanborn, and the Graff family has been raising cattle in southwestern Minnesota ever since.

Today, Glen, his wife ValRee, their daughter Hilary Paplow, and son-in-law Troy Paplow own and operate Graff Feedlots. The family raises Angus/Hereford cross cattle and operates a 2,300+ head feedlot, in addition to growing corn and alfalfa.

Glen says the biggest challenges to raising cattle are the regulations and permitting requirements for feedlots, and often, state policies are bigger barriers than federal ones. He recognized these challenges early on and became involved with state and national cattle organizations. He served as president of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association and currently serves on NCBA’s Resolutions and Tax & Credit Committees.

“We need a voice in St. Paul and Washington, D.C., because cattle producers can’t be there full time defending our way of life,” Glen said. “These organizations have connections and access to the right people.”

Hilary is continuing the tradition of industry involvement by serving on the Minnesota Beef Council. She was elected to the board in 2022 and serves as promotion chair. Her involvement with the Beef Checkoff has been eye-opening.

“I enjoy seeing how the Beef Checkoff positively affects producers across the country,” Hilary said. “If we want to hand down our operation to our kids, we have to step up and be leaders to educate consumers and promote this awesome product we raise.”

One way Glen stays informed about industry issues is through CattleCon. He has attended 40 consecutive annual cattle industry conventions, which is quite a milestone.

Hilary remembers attending conventions in Colorado and North Carolina when she was growing up, and her parents made the event part of the family vacation. Even at an early age, it was clear to her the importance of engaging with fellow producers.

“Our family has always had a passion for the beef industry and believe it is our duty to participate and be a voice,” Hilary said. “The people you meet and build bonds with at local, state and national cattle industry events become your extended family.”

When ValRee retired from working with local schools in 2012, the couple started driving to every convention no matter how far, being “cattle tourists” along the way. While they don’t stop at the typical roadside attractions, they visit with fellow producers and friends they’ve met at cattle industry meetings. ValRee shares their road trip adventures on Facebook by posting pictures of cattle in pastures and feedlots.

“People comment on the social media posts that they like ‘traveling’ with us, seeing the country and experiencing the cattle industry,” Glen said. “For two people who have been around cattle all our lives, we still love taking pictures of them.”

Glen has used the information he’s learned at meetings and conventions over the years to grow a business that supports his family. He never intended to create the largest operation, simply one he could make a living on.

“My goal has always been to create a sustainable operation that I can pass on to the next generation, and I’ve achieved that,” Glen said. “I hope this farm continues to be something that my grandchildren can make a living off of in the future.”

That desire is almost certain to come true as Glen’s grandchildren, Aubree and Cole, are the fifth generation to call the farm home. Both are actively involved in the cattle and beef industry. Now in high school, Aubree is a Beef Ambassador speaking at events and advocating for beef while Cole lives and breathes farming, serving as his dad’s right-hand man. With any luck, they may carry on the Graff legacy of CattleCon participation to expand upon their industry knowledge and keep innovating.