About Us

Established in Kansas in 1987 by T.D. and Roger Steele, together with Mark Nikkel, Mill Brae Ranch traces its cow herd foundation to the Lynn Brae Angus herd T.D. and his father began in Virginia in 1950. T.D.’s lifelong passion for Angus cattle was evident through his leadership in the breed, including service on the Certified Angus Beef Board of Directors and later as president of the American Angus Association. When health challenges prompted the Steele family’s transition in 2018, Mark and Janice purchased the ranch headquarters and a portion of the herd—continuing more than 70 years of Angus breeding tradition.

Our roots in agriculture and Angus cattle run deep. Janice’s family began raising Angus in the early 1960s, and her father, the late Bob Conley, also served as president of the Kansas Angus Association. Today, the Conley farm remains in the family, with the next generation continuing the tradition of working the land and raising Angus-influenced cattle that still graze those same pastures. Their daughter, Taylor, represents the next generation of leadership at Mill Brae, ensuring the ranch’s legacy, values, and commitment to quality cattle endure. The cattle displayed during the tour stand as a testament to that legacy.

These two cowboys are an essential part of our team, stepping in when extra hands are needed for big tasks. Their hard work, dedication, and friendship are invaluable, and we simply couldn’t do it without them.

SimAngus cattle were introduced to the program in 2012 to provide customers with bulls that deliver the benefits of heterosis while maintaining Mill Brae’s hallmark maternal consistency. Our SimAngus program is built on the same guiding principles as our Angus herd—emphasizing functionality, fertility, and structural soundness backed by balanced performance data.