At Cherne Angus, we are proud of our rich history and the generations that have contributed to the success of our operation. Our family’s commitment to agriculture runs deep, and the story of the farm spans back more than 75 years.
Our farm’s journey began in 1946, when Albert and Bernadette Cherne purchased the land that would become the foundation of Cherne Angus. Originally, the farm was a diversified livestock operation, where Albert and Bernadette worked hard to build a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and strong family values. Their work laid the groundwork for the farm that we know today.
In 1971, after serving in the U.S. Navy, Vernon, Albert’s son, returned home to take over the family farm. A year later, in 1972, Vernon married Joyce Bayliss from Keota, Iowa, and together they raised four children—Eric, Julie, Amy, and Scott—instilling in them the same values of hard work, integrity, and respect for the land that had been passed down to them.
During Vernon and Joyce's time on the farm, they expanded and diversified the operation, all while fostering a deep connection to the land and their livestock. The family’s commitment to farming grew stronger, and the farm became a symbol of resilience and dedication.
In 2003, Vernon made a pivotal decision to purchase 50 registered females from Woodhill Farms, marking the beginning of Cherne Angus with purebred black Angus cattle. This decision, combined with Scott’s passion for genetics and breeding, set the stage for the successful operation we are today.
At the time, Scott’s older brother Eric focused on the agronomy side of the farm, ensuring that the operation remained diverse and sustainable. Scott, who had always been interested in cattle breeding and genetics, worked alongside Vernon to build the herd, and it was clear that this would become the future focus of the farm.
In 2006, Scott, fresh out of Iowa State University, began farming full-time alongside his dad and brother. With his knowledge and passion for the cattle industry, Scott took on the challenge of expanding the purebred Angus herd, further improving genetics, and driving the business forward.
In 2010, Scott married Sarah Appleton from Greeley, Iowa, and they moved onto the family farm to begin their own chapter in the Cherne legacy. Together, Scott and Sarah are working to build upon the solid foundation established by the previous generations, while continuing to evolve the farm and grow their cattle operation.
Today, Cherne Angusis operated by Scott, Sarah, and their two boys, Grant and Lane. Scott continues to be the drivingforce behind the breeding program at Cherne Angus. He works tirelessly to create high-performance cattle through careful pairing and the implementation of cutting-edge genetics. Scott also handles all of the artificial insemination (AI) work, ensuring that each breeding season brings the best genetics possible to their operation. Sarah, while deeply involved in the farm’s daily operations, also works for the local school district. As an instructional coach, she teaches technology classes and serves as the district librarian. She plays a critical role in supporting Scott and the family while also contributing to the growth and development of local education.
The family continues to uphold the same values of hard work, dedication, and respect for the land that have been at the core of the farm since its inception. Grant and Lane, currently in 7th and 5th grades, are actively involved in the farm, helping with cattle care, feeding, and participating in livestock shows. Their involvement is a testament to the continuing legacy of Cherne Angus, and they are already learning the ropes to help carry the operation into the future.