Welcome to Thousand Hills Angus

ABOUT US

Thousand Hills Angus is a multi-generational, family-run ranch located in the Crow Creek Valley near Toston, Montana. Our program focuses on maternally driven genetics with the belief that cows must calve annually, breed on time, and have the mothering ability to successfully raise and wean a calf with the growth and performance required in today’s market.

The bulls and replacement females we offer are developed for fertility, longevity, docility and sound structure and they must possess the phenotypic traits to be successful in a real-world environment. 

Grazing on approximately 3,000 acres of mountain pasture at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,300 feet, our cattle are developed in a practical, low-input environment. Calving takes place in January and February, with calves weaned in late September, allowing them to grow naturally on their mothers’ milk. We do not use creep feeders, and our bulls are built to perform and add value in any operation.

Our family has been raising registered Angus cattle since 1981, when Rick and Halane Van Dyken purchased their first registered heifers from Van Dyke Angus Ranch and Hyline Angus Ranch. We chose the name Thousand Hills Angus from Psalm 50:10: “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” This verse serves as a reminder that God is the true owner of the cattle we have been entrusted to manage, and we strive to reflect that responsibility in every decision we make.

The direction of our herd has been shaped in many ways by Rick and Halane’s youngest son, Andy. From an early age, Andy had a deep interest in cattle and genetics, spending countless hours studying pedigrees, EPDs, and sire information. His focus on maternal strength, longevity, and balanced cattle helped guide the program and led to our first production sale in 2019. In  August of 2022, after a 5½-year battle with cancer, God called Andy home. We are so thankful for the lasting influence he had on both the herd and our family.

In the summer of 2025, our family began a new chapter when Rick and Halane’s daughter, Heidi, along with her husband Jason and their sons Bridger and Colton, were given the opportunity to take ownership of the herd and continue active involvement in day-to-day operations. They remain committed to the same core principles—emphasizing sound, maternally driven genetics and producing cattle that meet the needs of both commercial and registered cattlemen.

Rick continues to be closely involved in the daily operations of the herd, offering experience, guidance, and steady support as the next generation moves forward.

Alongside the cow herd, Rick and his son Kyle farm over 1,100 acres each year, producing roughly 3,000 tons of quality alfalfa hay, wheat, grain corn and corn silage. We are proud that all of our cattle feed is home grown and we are able to develop our cattle in collaboration with the farming operation. 

While much has changed over the years, our purpose and focus have remained the same. We strive to honor our Creator, steward the land and livestock entrusted to us, and serve our customers with honesty, integrity, consistency, and respect.

Thank you for your interest in our operation. We would be pleased to visit with you and show you our cattle, and we look forward to the opportunity to work together.