The Aldridges own and operate Oakview Angus Farm located in Caswell County, North Carolina. The Oakview herd consists of about 60 registered black Angus cows. Oakview is well known in North Carolina and Virginia for the high quality Angus bulls consigned to test stations in both states during the past 23 years.
During that period 205-day weaning weights have increased from 444 pounds to 553 pounds. Yearling weights on average for both their bulls and heifers have increased at the rate of 11 pounds per year during the 23 years they have been actively participating in the North Carolina Beef Cattle Improvement Program. Mr. Aldridge credits much of this improvement to his participation in NC BCIP, which is sponsored and conducted by the NC Cooperative Extension Service, NC Cattlemen's Association, and the NC Department of Agriculture.
This progress has occurred through diligent use of records in his intensive selection and breeding program. Mr. Aldridge has progressively incorporated proven management techniques such as estrus synchronization and artificial insemination into his management plan.
Mr. Aldridge readily admits that his farm does not have the best land in the county. He is proud, though, that he has accepted the challenge of doing the best job possible with the resources available to him. Through proper management of those resources he consistently provides quality forages for his cattle. His goal is to leave the land and environment in better condition than it was in when he obtained it.
Mr. Aldridge became involved in beef production with his father and has continued that enterprise along with tobacco and other crops. His sons have worked on the farm and currently his grandson is involved.
Larry Whitt, County Extension Director, has worked closely with the Aldridges for many years. He stated, "The Aldridges have always strived to be the very best they could be with the resources that were available to them. I know of no one in North Carolina who has made more progress in improving their cattle than Bobby and Kathleen Aldridge."
The Aldridges were among 35 North Carolinians who registered for the BIF Conference which had an attendance of more than 525 people. Beef producers attending were from across the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil and several other countries.