The History Of Leveldale Farms Page 2
This was the year of the sensational junior yearling bull Dreadnaught Salute, son of Dreadnaught Clansman and Lustre Queen 9th. Other than one second place, Salute went through the long circuit undefeated.
1928
Belle dropped the calf Leveldale Dreadnaught , of Dreadnaught Clansman, and went on to complete the circuit undefeated. Belle's constant showing limited her productiveness, but she did calve 5 bulls, most of which went on as successful animals. Belle was known as the definition of what a shorthorn should be, and 15 years after her death she was chosen as The Shorthorn World's model type. Leveldale Dreadnaught made his debut by his mother's side this year. In that season, Leveldale won 32 firsts, 10 championships, 5 seniors, 1 junior and 4 grands. Dreadnaught Clansman won 7 firsts, a senior and a grand, while Belle O` Leveldale was undefeated accounting for 12 firsts, 4 seniors, and 3 grands.
Although he was involved in the cattle, Docs first love was always Percheron draft horses, and he had a great interest in swine as well. L.E. on the other hand, lived and breathed Shorthorns. Doc would eventually move the Horses to a place near Mason City where he would complete one of the most impressive private zoos in the country. L.E. eventually assumed leadership of the Shorthorn herd. He had a great desire to create the most impressive herd ever seen, and for years, L.E. was a one man army. He did the breeding, feeding, showing, selling, managing, and farming. Despite having only 20 breeding females, he brought out a show herd every year capable of competing with veteran showmen with enormous financial backing and giant herds. Despite the obstacles, L.E. pushed ahead and won many awards, as well as a host of friends and admirers. 1929
L.E. makes his debut as a judge at the Denver show and receives great praise as a popular judge.
Leveldale continued consistent show ring wins with animals like Dreadnaught Parade , son of Leveldale Dreadnaught and Marigold 36th, as well as Leveldale Rosebud 3rd.
1931
Consistent winning had created a demand for Leveldale herd sires that L.E. could not possible supply from the limited herd he possessed. It was then that he learned of the availability of the Taana Farm herd from Geneva Illinois. The owner had passed away, and Les acquired 50 head of the herd to enhance his production capacity.
1932
Leveldale Bride, daughter of Leveldale Dreadnaught, made her debut in the rings and went on to win consistently for 4 seasons.
1933
Dreadnaught Jubilee by Leveldale Dreadnaught, and out of prize winning Tazwell Veronica made his debut by topping the summer yearlings at Illinois. For the first time a trophy was offered for best ten head of an exhibitor, which also went to Leveldale, demonstrating the uniform excellence of the herd. Leveldale would go on to win too many awards to mention this year
Taana Rosewood 4th, mated with Dreadnaught Salute and produced Leveldale Rosewood who also went on to campaign 3 seasons without one defeat in her class. Her career would net 29 firsts, 7 juniors, 4 seniors, and 14 grands. Taana Rosewood 4th also produced Sheik of Leveldale, another top winning calf for Leveldale Farms. L.E. also acquired Goldspur's Baraonet 2nd, Leveldale's first sire from outside of L.E.'s breeding.
View the Best 10 Head from the 1934, 36 and 38 American Royal
View Leveldale Rosewood, model type.
View Sheik of Leveldale and Leveldale Rosewood 5th
1935
This was the year of the first Leveldale auction sale. Offering up 48 head of choice bulls and heifers, L.E. drew over 1000 buyers from far and wide to stand in the mud and rain to purchase some of the famous Leveldale blood. The sale disposed of a significant portion of the herd, but its success was a tribute to the respect that the Leveldale name had earned.
View Leveldale Bride 2nd, daughter of Leveldale Dreadnaught
1937
Again demonstrating the Mathers eye, L.E. purchased Gainford Marshall from another breeder who was keeping him in breeding conditions. The owner didn't think Gainford was worth showing, so L.E. promised to pay the owner $100 when Gainford won his first grand. Gainford went on to campaign the entire circuit, ending the year as undefeated grand champion bull, and L.E. was happily out his $100.
View a winner from 1937, Dreadnaught Stamina
1938
Dreadnaught Lustrous, son of Goldspur's Baronet, and Ruby 47th began his illustrious show career by topping the 2 and 3 year old bulls practically everywhere.
View some champions from 1938
