Renowned Angus cattle breeder and judge
1920-2008 | Artist: Richard Steward Halstead (born 1947)
Impact & Accomplishments
Les Leachman was born on a family farm near Adamsville, Ohio. He enrolled at Ohio State University in 1938 and completed his animal science degree in 1946, after service in World War II.
Upon graduation, he became cattle manager for C.V. Whitney’s operations. In 1951, Leachman purchased O. Bardoliermere from Ohio State University, the First Prize Summer Yearling in 1952 and 1953 International Grand Champion bull. After eight years, Leachman left Whitney Farms and leased the 1,000- acre Esselstyn Farm, in Claverack, New York, which eventually became part of Ankony Angus. In 1964 Ankony expanded west with the purchase of the Jennings Ranch in Highmore, South Dakota. When the Ankony operation was sold, Leachman purchased Open Diamond Ranch near Boseman, Montana, and established Leachman Angus Ranch.
Les Leachman was a popular judge, officiating at the Perth, Scotland and the Ireland Royal Highland shows. He was honored by the Ohio State University Hall of Fame, the Record Stockman Man of the Year, and the American Angus Association Heritage Foundation.
Did You Know?
Leachman was the youngest of seven children born to the late James Henry and Alice Starret Leachman.
Leachman was a walk-on for the 1939 Ohio State freshman basketball team and that fall he was called to the varsity.
Courtesy of Leachman Cattle of Colorado