About WGB
Welcome to
WGB Cattle, where the legacy of Charolais excellence is woven into every strand of our story. Meet Will Blankers, a name synonymous with the rich heritage of Charolais bloodlines and a recent recipient of the AICA’s prestigious Ted Kelly Memorial Herdsman of the Year award. With Charolais passion coursing through his veins, Will’s journey has been one of dedication, surprises, and triumphs.
It was an honored to join his peers in an elite group of Charolais herdsmen at the National Charolais Show during the American Royal in Kansas City. However, this isn’t Will’s first rodeo in the world of national herdsman honors. Remarkably, at just 16, he became the youngest recipient of the Jordan Mack Memorial Junior Herdsman of the Year award presented by the AIJCA. This early accomplishment foreshadowed a future dedicated to the Charolais breed.
Will’s journey began at the tender age of 10 when he embarked on his Charolais adventure with the purchase of two cows from his parent’s herd, Swegle Creek Charolais, under his own WGB brand. Today, at 27, he stands at the helm of a flourishing Charolais endeavor. His Lucy cow family, anchored by the renowned WGB Lucys Legacy 701, carries forth the lineage that ignited his passion. With this legacy and others in his fold, Will’s cow herd has burgeoned to nearly 60 head.
Determined to elevate Charolais cattle, Will’s focus encompasses around 25 purebred Charolais cows, where he emphasizes breeding elite show heifers through an Embryo Transfer program. His dedication is rivaled only by the unwavering support of his mom, Daphne Davis, whose assistance remains indispensable to his journey.
Based near London Mills, a stone’s throw from Peoria, Illinois, WGB Cattle proudly hosts annual heifer sales, a testament to Will’s commitment to excellence. The legacy extends beyond cattle, as Will and his mom ventured into breeding Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs in 2009. This dual endeavor has now shaped the reputation of WGB Cattle & Mini Aussies.
From state championships to national acclaim, Will’s journey has been one of accolades and milestones. Rooted in 4-H, FFA, and AIJCA, his passion flourished through education, including studies at Lake Land College and Western Illinois University, where he was a valued member of the livestock judging team, graduating with a degree in Ag Science in 2018.
At WGB Cattle & Mini Aussies, the heart of Charolais devotion beats stronger than ever. With an unyielding commitment to nurturing the breed’s legacy, Will Blankers stands as a beacon of excellence in the Charolais community, and his story continues to unfold, one remarkable chapter at a time.
WGB Herd sIRES
PCC FORCE OF NATURE 122J
REG: EM961978 | DOB: 1/12/2021
SIRE: CCC WC REDEMPTION 7143 PLD ET
DAM: BRCHE BERKLY ANN 8507 PLD ET
Force of Nature is exactly that. One of the coolest built, smooth and boldest bodied, and biggest haired Charolais bulls I’ve set eyes on. Seamless in his transition from each third, bold and square in his muscle pattern, he’s a level hipped Charolais sire that still tacks on an exquisite neck attachment and striking front third that the show ring so desires. An absolute meatwagon that can flat out get out and go when set in motion. Sired by the past Wright Charolais and Cody Cattle Company high seller, Redemption, who is taking the breed by storm. Backed by a Supreme World Champion, and full sister to Outlier, out of the infamous Berkly, has been straight up dominant in her campaign across Canada.
WGB Donors
WGB Lucy’s Legacy 701
The Lucy cow family and popular donor cow, the 2017 born WGB Lucy’s Legacy 701, is a great granddaughter of one of those cows, SC Lucy 444. Using these progeny and others, Blankers has grown his overall cow herd to nearly 60 head.
