Gemstone Cattle Company is an extension of Doerksen Farms, a multi-generation mixed farm, currently managed by the 3rd and 4th generations near Gem, Alberta.

Doerksen Farms History

We have a rich history and our belief is that our present day operation is an extension of and tribute to the hard work and commitment of the first and second generations of our family in Canada. Our grandparents, Peter and Tina Doerksen, came to Canada in 1926 and settled on the farm we still call our home.

We look forward to future opportunities and remain thankful and indebted to our parents and grandparents for the rich heritage we have in terms of experience, relationship and opportunity.

Follow the links to read more about Gemstone Genetics.

We raise commercial and registered Hereford and Angus cattle pastured on dry and irrigated pasture. Water for irrigation is sourced through the Eastern Irrigation district from the Bow River and significantly increases the per acre production of our land base.

Gemstone Cattle Company specializes in commercial and purebred Hereford and Angus cattle.

The Gemstone breeding program focuses on producing moderate frame, easy-keeping cows that efficiently convert forage into beef. Our goal is to raise trouble free cattle that are well adapted to their environment. We strive to optimize rather than maximize production by raising cattle that are profitable and that work for us and others who take advantage of Gemstone genetics.

Using our own genetics in our commercial cowherd and feeding our own calves through to finish in the feedlot we operate has given us a strong appreciation for the principle of optimizing production traits.

To us, optimizing production traits means keeping the cowherd strong in fertility, longevity and easy keeping low maintenance characteristics. Our goal is to raise trouble free cattle that efficiently meet the demands of the marketplace.

Our Registered Hereford and Angus cattle are marketed under the name Gemstone Cattle Company.  These cattle along with our commercial herd are pastured on dry and irrigated pasture. Water for irrigation is sourced through the Eastern Irrigation District from the Bow River and significantly increases the per acre production of our land base. Much of our crop production is forage based to support our cattle program including alfalfa/grass hay, barley, corn, and triticale.  We also grow canola, timothy and alfalfa seed to enhance our rotation. Our diversified operation also includes backgrounding and finishing cattle in our feedlot.