Artist: Richard Stewart Halstead (born 1947)
Lester James Leachman
LEACHMAN, LESTER JAMES (1920–2008), inducted 2006
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 Show in Scotland and the Ireland Royal Highland show. He was honored by the Ohio State University Hall of Fame and the American Angus Association Heritage Foundation and was named Man of the Year by The Record Stockman magazine.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 125