Mark and Patty Goes, cattle ranchers in Odell, Neb., believe the better path to breeding healthier, more desirable livestock lies literally at the cattle’s feet – the hooves, to be precise.
The couple are fourth generation cattle producers who have operated their business, M&P Gelbvieh, for more than four decades.
The Goes’ raise Gelbvieh cattle, and Mark Goes has served on the American Gelbvieh Association’s Board of Directors and as their president. He grew up on a cattle operation near Wymore.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), he returned home to start building a cattle partnership with his brother. He worked as a research technician and livestock manager for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and UNL, before accepting a position at Southeast Community College in Beatrice as an instructor in the livestock program. Goes retired from teaching in 2021, and in 2023 joined the Nebraska Beef Council board of directors.