80+ Years of Excellence
The History of Diamond C Ranch
Simmental
The Armour Beef Cattle Improvement program lasted from 1960 to 1967. At the end of the testing period the Diamond C Ranch was one of the most recognized ranches in the world.
Eight hundred fifty (850) beef cows were being AI (artificial insemination) bred on the 14,000 acre Diamond C when semen from many of the European breeds became available in the U.S. Although John B IV was still in college, he was making most of the management decisions concerning genetics and performance testing on the ranch cow herd. He saw a bright future for these new breeds, especially Simmental.
The Diamond C became one of the first U.S. ranches to AI breed Simmental, Limousin, Chianina, Maine Anjou and several other European breeds. All the resulting 1/2 blood females, with the exception of the top end of the Simmental, were sold. The Simmental heifers were kept for replacements in the Diamond C Ranch herd.
JBC IV served on the board of trustees of the American Simmental Association from 1977 to 1983. He was an Executive Director from 1980 to 1983, serving as President from 1982-1983. He was also the driving force in forming a Simmental Junior Association after overcoming strong opposition from several board members. He provided leadership and served as chairman the first year of its existence.
After twenty years of Simmental Cattle breeding, JBV IV realized it was time to make a change. On April 1-3, 1985 Diamond C Ranch sold over 700 head of Registered Simmentals in the Diamond C three day Triple Header sale. It wasn't a difficult business decision to disperse the Simmental herd and has proven to be the correct one, but losing the closeness of many good friends and associates who worked at the Diamond C and made it one of the most successful ranches in the world was extremely hard. However, it is very satisfying to see the number of Diamond C ranch 'crew' who are successful and play major roles at current dominant cattle ranches across the country.
Fort Worth Exposition & Livestock Show
We’d be remiss to not mention the close relationship that the Collier family and the Diamond C has had for many years with the Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Show in Fort Worth.
Papo served as Vice President; John B Collier III was a director and executive board member; John B Collier IV was a director and became a member of the executive board shortly after JBC III was killed in a car accident at the early age of 54. JBC IV is currently an honorary vice-president, and JBC V is a member of the Stock Show Sale Syndicate Committee.
Navigate the slideshow using the left and right arrows. Click a photo to view full screen.
Transition Period
Golf had always been a big part of John B IV’s life. After the Triple Header Sale and the winding down of the Simmental operation was over, John B was in his mid-thirty’s. He was developing several real estate subdivisions in Texas and Montana, and for the first time since college days found time to work and perfect his golfing skills.
He took golf lessons from the very best teaching professionals in the country. Bob Toski, Davis Love, Jr., Butch Harmon, Peter Kostis, Lionel Hebert, Dave Pelz, and Paul Runyan. He gives Runyan credit for helping his scoring. For many years he was friends with Ben Hogan. Often when Mr. Hogan would see John B practicing at Shady Oaks CC in Fort Worth he would ask him if he needed any help. A quick response back of “ I sure do” was certain! Upon finishing, as Hogan would turn to walk away, without fail he would stop, look back and say in a loud voice for any onlookers to hear, “and don’t tell anyone what I told you.” John B cherishes the friendship and advice from the great golfer.
Navigate the slideshow using the left and right arrows. Click a photo to view full screen.
John B Collier IV Golf Accomplishments
-
9 hole in ones
-
3 times shot a 29 on 9 holes which tied or set course records on each of them.
-
Won two Hanging Tree partnerships at Shady Oaks CC, Fort Worth, where he was a long time member. In the first win he had 13 birdies in the 36 hole tournament.
-
Set on the advisory committee that planned Mira Vista CC in Fort Worth, Texas.
-
In one important match he made (7) 3's in a row.
-
Made back to back eagles twice and in one round of golf he made 3 eagles.
-
Won 7 Senior Amateur Tournaments including the Senior Amateur Invitational Tournament of Champions at TP Sawgrass Course, Florida.
-
Won 1st Flight at the Lochinvar Claude Harmon Invitational, Houston.
Navigate the slideshow using the left and right arrows. Click a photo to view full screen.
