Elgin Breeding Service, Inc.

When quality is what is important, going to the best is the only option. At Elgin Breeding Service, we have a quality control program that ensures you will always get the top of the line, every single time. We know that it is important to you and your clients to have good conception rates, and we stand behind our straws 100% of the time. Every straw has a strict 40 million live pre freeze requirement. Every straw also must go through a rigorous post thaw examination to further promise quality semen.

In 1951, Dr. W.H. Cardwell graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A & M University. He selected Elgin, Texas to build his new practice. He was the first veterinarian in Bastrop County. His Veterinary Hospital grew into what many consider to be the largest clinic of its type in the U.S.

Early in his career, Dr. Cardwell earned the reputation for being an expert in bovine reproduction. In 1954, he was asked to produce fresh semen for use in registered herds. Elgin Breeding Service was born. Even then, quality service and product was Dr. Cardwell’s focus. Since that time, EBS has grown into one of the oldest and largest custom semen companies in the United States.

Dr. Cardwell continued his work with fresh semen harvesting, but it was only natural that his work would soon lead him to processing frozen bull semen. In 1962, his first facilities dedicated to freezing bull semen were built at Elgin Veterinary Hospital.

By 1968, the collection facilities were outgrown and a larger, more modern facility was constructed. These facilities served Elgin Breeding Service until 1976, when the entire operation was relocated to the present facility just off Bull Run Road.

Since those early pioneering days, Dr. Cardwell’s work evolved into a conservative approach to semen processing that has served the industry well for well over 60 years. A lot has changed over the span of 60 years. Yet, a lot remains the same. EBS is still a leader in all aspects of frozen animal semen with a dedication to quality that is unequalled.

EBS is a true family run business. Brad Cardwell and sister Brenda Cardwell, have long ago taken the reins and have continued Dr. Cardwell’s vision. Both Brad and Brenda learned the business at their father’s side in a true apprenticeship manner. This devotion to family involvement and quality remain strong with Brenda Cardwell’s daughter Hillary Voelker Kvamme working in the office and lab alongside both of them.

Elgin Breeding Service, Inc. A Family Tradition of Quality since 1954