Glenn Rauch (1920-1977), Billings, Missouri
Glenn Rauch, a native born Missourian, founded and operated the Sancrest Farm Milking Shorthorn herd to national prominence.
Glenn purchased his first registered Shorthorns in 1940. His foundation animals were from herds in Southwest Missouri, including the Dr. J.L. Johnston herd, and a few from breeders in Iowa and Minnesota. Development of the herd was delayed in 1943-44 when Glenn was in service overseas. His wife and father cared for the herd during those years. The herd was put on DHI test in 1947 and official classification started in 1949. Cow families were developed. A few good bulls along with artificial insemination were used. By keeping the best heifers and the judicious selection of sires the herd became uniform in production and type. Several cows made state records for production and were winners in the show ring. One of these was Sancrest Carita, Excellent, Gold medal and W.J. Hardy Memorial Award with 114,740 lbs. milk and 4,099 lbs. fat in 10 lactations. She won many championships in the show ring including grand champion at the National Show in 1964. Other champions were Sancrest Kim, Sancrest Liana (1970 champion National Junior Show) Sancrest Maynard and Sancrest Noel.
It is generally said that Sancrest farm has bred and shown more grand champions than any Milking Shorthorn herd to date. Cattle have been sold to breeders from coast to coast. Glenn was active in the Missouri Milking Shorthorn Society and the National Milking Shorthorn Society.
The Sancrest herd is strictly a family enterprise. Glenn and Mrs. Rauch reared a family, three boys (Jerry, Mike and Bill) and two daughters (Glenda and Phyllis). All of the children were active in 4-H, J.F.A. and F.F.A. work. The Milking Shorthorn helped all get an education.
The Sancrest herd is now carried on by Mike and Bill. Show ring winnings and high production continue as in the years Glenn was at the helm. In 1981 the Sancrest herd had a DHI average of 13,320 lbs. milk, 543 lbs. fat and accounted for many state leaders in individual production.