About Valley Oaks
For over 30 years, Valley Oaks Angus has focused on breeding functional, performance-driven Angus cattle in Oak Grove, Missouri. Our mission is to serve both registered and commercial producers by producing high-quality females backed by proven genetics — combining balanced EPDs with strong phenotypes.
Founded in 1992 by David and Sandra Ward with the purchase of the Brady Land & Cattle herd, Valley Oaks quickly expanded and held its first annual production sale in 1993. Through the mid-90s and early 2000s, we gained recognition through successful sales and show seasons, guided by notable staff including Bill Conley, Dallas Wolthemathe, and Jarrod Gillig.
As the family grew and returned home, the next generation — Tony, Clayton, and Cassie — has reinvigorated the program, driving renewed focus on performance, phenotype, and commercial value.
Valley Oaks is managed by Jeff Gooden, formerly of Circle A Ranch, who brings over 35 years of experience in herd management, bull development, and show cattle. Jeff also oversees our Angus Buy Back Program and plays a key role in advancing our breeding and operational success.
Valley Oaks Angus Headquarters
The Valley Oaks Angus Headquarters lays on 700 acres between the towns of Grain Valley and Oak Grove Missouri. The Headquarters is home to over 200 registered cattle as well as the Valley Oaks show cattle. Our headquarters breeds approximately 200 head per year calving out half in the spring and half in the fall. We breed with industry leading bulls using artificial insemination along with embryo transfer. This helps to ensure we get the quality genetics that we strive to achieve. Valley Oaks Angus produces bulls that are DNA tested and sold annually helping to give our customers the chance to participate in our Buy Back Program.
Valley Oaks South Farm
Purchased in 2016, the South Farm spans across 2,530 acres and is home to around 900 commercial cattle. Focused on producing high-quality cattle through artificial insemination, the farm calves out about 60% of our cow herd each spring. To manage operations efficiently, we utilize electronic ID systems for precise cattle tracking.
South Farm is managed by Justin Patrick, a seasoned cattleman from Warrensburg, MO. Formerly with Wright Charolais, Justin brings extensive experience in show and sale cattle, including national-level champions and the 2015 National Charolais Herdsman of the Year award. We're proud to have him leading this key part of our program.
Valley Oaks Warsaw Farm
Valley Oaks Warsaw Farm, acquired on May 1st, 2022, spans 2,100 acres of rich, productive land dedicated to excellence in cattle production. Home to 500 head of cow-calf pairs, the farm plays a vital role in the Valley Oaks registered herd program. Our operations focus on bull and replacement heifer development, along with an embryo transfer (ET) co-op and weaned calf program in partnership with Premier Genetics.
Under the experienced management of Reed Gooden, Valley Oaks Warsaw Farm is committed to innovation, animal health, and genetic advancement, serving as a cornerstone of quality in the beef industry.
Valley Oaks Stress Free Finishing
At Valley Oaks, our goal is to produce high-quality beef from the ground up — starting with superior genetics. We begin marbling development early by creep feeding calves while they’re still on the cow. After weaning, cattle move to our Finishing Farm, where a low-stress, humane, and environmentally conscious environment supports optimal growth.
There, cattle are fed a high-roughage grower ration from 700 to 1,100 lbs, followed by a high-corn finishing diet until they reach 1,350–1,400 lbs. This final stage delivers the rich flavor and tenderness that defines Valley Oaks beef.
A Family Tradition, Fueled by Passion
At Valley Oaks Farms, raising quality Angus cattle is truly a family affair. With three generations of Wards now involved, you’ll often find the whole family — including the youngest — in the barn or on the road, showing cattle across the country. It’s more than a lifestyle; it’s a shared passion that brings us together and drives everything we do.
We’re incredibly thankful for the friendships we’ve built through the cattle industry — from the show barn to the sale ring — and we deeply appreciate the support of our team and partners who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their dedication makes our program stronger, and we couldn’t do it without them.
At Valley Oaks, we’re proud of our cattle, but even more proud of the community that surrounds them.
