So, what do you do?

When I meet people they always ask me what I do. Internally I chuckle because I'm not entirely sure what kind of an answer they are typically expecting, but when I say I sell bulls for a living I generally receive some stunned and questionable looks. I allow the surprise to wear off, and then I explain that I work for Powerline Genetics, a bull marketing operation in SW Nebraska. I go on to say we move approximately 500 SimAngus bulls a year in several sales in different regions. Again, they look a little confused but I don't bat an eye. I just smile and keep right on a'rolling.

For those of you who may be new to program, allow me introduce our small team. The owners of Powerline are brothers in-law JD Anderson and Jeff Stagemeyer. Now, some of you are thinking to yourselves, boy those names look familiar. Let me connect the dots. JD was previously an owner of the company when it was under the name Power Genetics and prior to that when it was called Black Power Bulls, with his brother Jason Anderson. Back in 2008, the Anderson brothers split the company into two sectors. The feed yard business which continues today, remained Power Genetics and is owned and operated by Jason. The bull company became Powerline Genetics, and at the time was sold to ABS Global. Jeff Stagemeyer back in the "old days," traveled with JD to procure bulls and show cattle for the early operations. Fast forward about 20 years...the two purchased Powerline "back" from ABS and began the rebranding process.

JD Anderson has been in the bull business for close to 40 years. It doesn't matter where you go or who talk to, they know or they know someone who knows JD. It's inevitable. He's the face that people associate with our brand. JD assists with processing and sale sorting, transportation on sold bulls, customer relations and bull management decisions.

Jeff is the banker who keeps us running in a straight line. His numerous years of experience in the financial world are critical to keeping this small business on track. His knowledge of carcass data and feed yard operations is second to none. Jeff enjoys learning about the end results and studies kill data like no one I've ever met.

We are blessed to have a great group of Marketing Reps on our team. Will Miller, Mike Tolstedt, Ron Magnuson, Wade Stephens, and Clint Robinson just to name a few who provide delivery service, customer consultations, and show up with orders on sale day.

I cannot leave out our multipliers! These are the guys raising bulls for the program. We have what I refer to as my core group, the ones who have been bringing bulls for over a decade, and I have my more recent additions to the program who add some diversity to the genetic pool but still provide quality and consistent sires that fit nicely with my larger producers. These guys do an awesome job! I enjoy visiting their operations and learning more about their herds prior to receiving the bulls in the fall as well as discussing what the next great AI sire for the group will be.

Then there is me, Bobbi Hartwig. What I do is all encompassing and varies from day to day. In a nut shell, I keep track of the bulls and the paperwork, act as customer and multiplier liaison, manage the sales, and provide the marketing and graphic design work. I am sincere when I say that I love "my bulls." I spend as much time as I can at the yard studying the cattle so that I can better assist our customers in selecting sires for their operations.

Yes, I have decided to add blogging to my repertoire. I mean, why not? My hope is that it enables us to better connect with our customers and continue to build our network of cattlemen and women working to supply the world with high quality beef.

I would encourage you to call any of us if you would like to learn more about the Powerline program and the bulls we have to offer. We are a team comprised of cattle enthusiasts who are passionate about what we do and look forward to hearing from you.