Our Ranch

Triple K Gelbvieh is a family owned and operated seedstock producer. We raise Purebred Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh Balancer bulls and heifers for the commercial cattleman. Our goal is to help our customers achieve sustainability in the beef industry by increasing their profitability potential.

Triple K Gelbvieh was established in 1995 by the Al & Mary Knapp family near Basehor, Kansas. We offer outstanding genetics from a cowherd that has proven their maternal value bred to the top proven sires. 

We strive for eye appealing phenotype and genotype that performs. We mate and A-I every cow with a proven sire that best compliments each cow.

We have been raising Gelbvieh cattle since 1996 after purchasing a Purebred Gelbvieh Bull (a Polled Summit son) for breeding commercial heifers. When we saw what Gelbvieh hybrid vigor added to the calves we were convinced. When those daughters entered production we saw the Gelbvieh maternal difference and were totally sold. By 1999 we converted to a solely purebred Gelbvieh and Balancer seedstock operation. 

Gelbvieh offers many things to the commercial cattleman, topping that list is docility and the maternal traits. Gelbvieh is known as the “Maternal Breed”. Gelbvieh originated in Germany where registries go back to the 1600s. In Germany they were bred and raised for both milk and beef production. They are lean, heavy muscled, good milkers, docile and tremendous mothers.

The US Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) studies beef cattle and makes comparisons across breeds. Their most recent study published, August 21, Journal of Animal Science Volume 99 issue 8 showed that Gelbvieh had the lowest weight of mature cow size of the seven major beef breeds. Lower Cow weight corresponds in lower intake, lower feed costs, faster growth

Mature cow weight has a direct impact on the bottom line. Lower weight cows consume less intake. Gelbvieh is known for their docility, and maternal traits. They produce heavier calves at weaning.  More pounds of weaned calf per exposed cow is where the money is at for the commercial cowman, and it all begins with the right genetics. 

We enjoy showing and exhibiting our cattle. We can typically be found at the American Royal, and the National Western Stock Show or Cattlemen’s Congress.

Al and Mary are active in the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA). Al is a former board member and president of the AGA. Mary and Al were advisors to the AGJA board for 18 years. We were blessed to be named AGA “Member of the Year” in 2010 and inducted into the AGA Hall of Fame in 2019. Al and Mary are currently members of the board for the American Gelbvieh Foundation. We welcome your inquiries and delight is showing our operation and cattle to interested parties.