Welcome to the web site of TLC Angus. We are a family operation located near the town of Bliss in South Central Idaho. Our 1,100 acre ranch produces alfalfa for hay and silage, corn for grain, silage and earlage, potatoes, pasture and top quality cattle.

Most of the crops are used to support our cattle operation. There is a 300 head commercial cow calf herd owned by Graham & Patty Hooper, a 60 head spring calving registered Black Angus herd owned and managed by daughter Cindy and son-in-law Willis Kinder. There is a 30 head fall calving registered Black Angus herd owned by daughter Laura and a 2,000 head capacity feedlot known as the Diamond E Feedlot which is managed by son Tim with the help of his

wife Heidi. We have been very involved in the cattle business for over 30 years and have dedicated all of our time and effort
to something we truly enjoy.

Our family history in the cattle business dates back to 1858 and we are proud to continue the tradition of using the most modern technologies available to improve our cattle. Through the use of artificial insemination, embryo transfer and some real time ultrasound, we have been able to select and breed the type of cattle that will produce consistent high quality beef products.

We have committed ourselves to making a positive difference within the beef industry. We have been active in the NCBA and appreciate the efforts designed to make beef more competitive and profitable. We understand the NCBA position that cattlemen must increase consistency and quality in order to improve beef's competitiveness and profitability. Cattlemen must be focused on becoming consumer driven.

With years of careful monitoring of our seed stock and feed lot production results we are convinced that Angus cattle have the genetic capability to consistently produce superior quality grades which are necessary to increase consumer demand. We feel that the branded products marked Certified Angus Beef will always be in demand because of the quality control which includes Angus genetics, A maturity fed beef and a quality grade of solid Choice or better.

Because of our feed lot and National Cattlemen's Beef Association grading committee experience we have been able to identify the ideal consumer preferred market animal. The specifications can be described as 13 to 18 months of age when marketed, with a live finish weight of 1,050 to 1,250 lbs. The hot carcass weight should be 650 to 750 lbs. with a quality grade of solid choice or better. A minimum of .25 (1/4") back fat for carcass protection is needed. The ideal rib eye size is 12 through 13.99 inches. With these parameters as a target the beef industry can produce a consistent high quality eating experience and expand the demand for beef.

We believe that as more and more cattlemen establish targets and position themselves to become preferred suppliers they will appreciate the multiple benefits found within the Angus breed. Angus cattle have been repeatedly recognized for their genetic ability to marble. This is the most important factor when producing a superior eating experience for the consumer. We are convinced that the traits exhibited by Angus cattle will allow them to dominate the beef industry as the preferred breed just as the Holstein breed dominates the dairy industry.

There is no doubt in our minds that the beef industry is headed for some very exciting and positive changes. The ability to track our cattle through DNA, retrieve information quickly and apply what we learn will put progressive cattlemen in control.


Willis and Cindy Kinder own and manage the 60 head of TLC spring calving cows on their farm. The cows are run on irrigated pastures April through October wintered on corn stalks supplemented with protein block and alfalfa hay.

Willis grew up in Midvale Idaho. During high school and college Willis worked for a commercial cow-calf operation feeding and calving cows, managing pastures, planting and harvesting grain and cutting and baling alfalfa hay. Willis graduate from high school in 1993 and attended the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) where he obtained an AA degree in Ag. Business. Willis was active in FFA, student government and church activities. Currently Willis farms and does some green chopping for Graham and custom grain harvesting for some neighbors.

Cindy grew up in Bliss Idaho and attended school in Hagerman. Cindy was active in 4-H, FFA and the Idaho, Northwest and National Jr. Angus Associations. Cindy obtained her American FFA degree in 1995. Cindy graduated from high school in 1993 and attended CSI where she was active in the PAS Ag. Club. In 1995 she graduated with an A.S. degree in Ag. Science and transferred to the University of Idaho, Moscow to obtain her BS ('97) and MS ('99) degrees in Animal Science. The title of her thesis is "Growth of Spoilage Bacteria and Foodborne Pathogens; Escherichia Coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, and Listeria Monocytogenes Scott A on Dark, Firm, Dry (DFD) Beef." Currently Cindy is the University of Idaho Camas County Extension Educator (Agent). Cindy develops programs that provide new research information and educational materials on crops, livestock, community development and 4-H youth. Cindy is involved in the Western States Angus Auxiliary as the Queen chairmen and the Idaho Angus Auxiliary as the Scholarship chair.

Tim and Heidi Hooper live in Bliss on the TLC/Diamond E Ranch. They currently own 60 head of fat steers in the feedlot. They are planning to get married and build a house this summer (2000) and start their new life together.

Tim Hooper grew up in Bliss. He attended and graduated from Hagerman High School. Tim never missed a day of school in his four-year high school career! He was active in 4-H and FFA. Tim received his State FFA degree in 1995. During Tim's high school years he worked for his father on the ranch. He also ran a 100 head swine operation. He graduated from the College of Southern Idaho in 1997 with an associate degree in Agribusiness. He currently works for Graham as the feedlot operator. Tim feeds on the average of 400 cattle in the Diamond E feedlot.

Heidi Hooper grew up in Gooding. She graduated from Gooding High School in 1998. She was also active in the 4-H and FFA programs. In fact, Tim and Heidi met while showing their 4-H pigs at the Gooding County Fair! Heidi was awarded the "Gooding County Fair and Rodeo Outstanding Exhibitor of 1997". Throughout high school, Heidi exhibited Angus cross steers at many jackpot shows. She is currently attending the College of Southern Idaho majoring in Elementary Education. She will then transfer to Idaho State University to finish her degree in education. Heidi hopes to teach Idaho history in the fourth grade!

Laura owns the 30 head of falling calving cows. the cows are run on irrigated pastures in the spring and summer and cornstalks and hay in the fall. Laura grew up in Bliss and attended school in Hagerman. She was active in 4-H and FFA. And is active in the Idaho, Northwest, and National Jr. Angus Associations. Laura is the current Idaho Angus Queen and plans to obtain her American FFA degree in the fall of 2000. Laura graduated from high school in 1999 and is currently attending CSI majoring in animal science. She plans to obtain her BS degree from the University of Idaho, through the CSI outreach program. Laura hopes to one day have her own farm with angus cattle and to become a millionaire.