Innovation on the Open Range
Friday, 16 January, 2026
Spanning almost 2000 acres of pastoral plains, Red Plains Ranch runs both registered and commercial Angus herds on a mix of native grass and improved forages. The Gerkens have built a system where every acre and every animal contributes to measurable performance.
Building better grazing systems
For the Gerkens, adopting Gallagher’s grazing and weighing solutions has been key to transforming how they manage both land and livestock. By implementing rotational grazing, they’ve divided their pastures into smaller paddocks ranging from half an acre to eight acres to optimize forage utilization, pasture rest periods, and animal performance.
“We’ve seen a huge difference,” says David Gerken. “we’ve seen significant increases in forage production and noticeable improvements in the condition of our cattle. The economic benefits have been impressive as well — we’re now able to graze more cattle on smaller acreages thanks to rotational grazing. It’s been a great benefit to our operation.”
This system doesn’t just improve pasture health, it’s helping the Gerkens directly link grazing efficiency to weight gain. Each move is timed using data captured in the Gallagher Animal Performance app, allowing them to track how grazing decisions translate into measurable productivity.
Turning insight into action
With a lifelong background in agriculture and horticultural science, David brings a research-driven mindset to ranching. As a former university educator and industry agronomist, he’s quick to connect practical fieldwork with data.
“I’ve always believed that good data leads to better decisions,” he explains. “When you can see how your pastures respond to rest, or how quickly cattle gain after a rotation, that takes the guesswork out of management. Gallagher gives us the tools to see what’s really happening on the ground.”
The Gerkens have integrated Gallagher’s Animal Performance technology using EID tags, readers, weigh scales and smart management software to monitor growth, breeding performance, and health treatments. With real-time insights, they can identify top-performing cows and calves, make culling decisions with confidence, and fine-tune their grazing plan to align with herd performance data.
“We can see exactly which pastures are contributing the most to our average daily gains,” David says. “That kind of feedback helps us better manage both our paddocks and our animals.”
Data backed decisions
Victoria Gerken, the youngest member of the family, has taken a leading role in data and herd management. A graduate of Oklahoma State University where she studied Animal Science with a focus on biotechnology, she brings both technical savvy and a deep appreciation for the family’s operation.
“I handle most of our herd records and help track performance data,” Victoria explains. “Technology gives us the insight to make smarter management choices every day. We’re tracking how our calves are gaining, which cows are breeding most efficiently, and how quickly they recover after calving. That kind of data changes everything.”
Efficiency beyond the paddock
With pasture and animal insights working hand in hand, the Gerkens have continued to expand their use of Gallagher products to improve daily operations. The family recently invested in Gallagher-supplied Miraco automatic waterers, providing cattle with clean, continuous water access while reducing labor and maintenance time.
“Before, we were watering with hoses and stock tanks, so that was an everyday chore,” David says. “this year, we installed a Miraco, that really has eased up the labor burden on our ranch. Now the cattle have access to clean water 24/7.”
From solar and mains energizers powering fencing, to weigh-scale and data collection systems that sync seamlessly, the Gerkens have built a streamlined, connected ranch where technology strengthens performance and operational resilience at every level.
Not your average partnership
For the Gerkens, Gallagher represents more than just a suite of reliable tools, it’s a relationship grounded in trust. Their local Gallagher representative, Robert Fields, has become a close partner in helping the family select, install, and optimize solutions that fit their specific needs; and it helps that the families are long-time friends.
“There are a few non-negotiables that are very important to our family. We value quality, we want products that work reliably without constant repairs. We also value customer support, we want to know who to call and trust that the company will stand behind their products.”
Of his partnership with the Gerkens, Robert said:
"I can’t say enough good things about this awesome family. We the Fields family have been friends with the Gerkens long before I worked for Gallagher. Both of our families have grown up together and we continue to stay close. I think the key to all this working out is that David and Cara wanted to work with people that stand behind their products and hold a high standard of service.”
A smarter way forward
At Red Plains Ranch, the Gerkens are combining experience and innovation to strengthen their operation for the future. By linking effective grazing management with measurable animal performance, they’re demonstrating how Gallagher technology empowers producers to make informed decisions, maximize resources, and sustain their land for generations to come.
Gallagher solutions are helping the Gerkens make every acre and every pound of gain count.