In the world of cattle ranching, a set of triplets is a “once-in-a-career” event. But for the Lucky 7 Cattle Co. in Sedgewick, Alberta, it’s becoming an annual tradition. On New Year’s Day 2026, the Simpson family was stunned to find their herd grew by three for the second year in a row.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A Genetic Miracle
The odds of a cow having triplets are approximately 1 in 105,000. To have it happen two years consecutively in a small herd of just 35 head is statistically astronomical. However, the most shocking part isn’t just the frequency—it’s the family tree:
- The 2025 Triplets: Born to a cow who kicked off the streak last year with three bulls (Hewey, Dewey, and Louie).
- The 2026 Triplets: Born to a five-year-old Red Angus heifer named Dukey—who happens to be the daughter of the cow that had triplets last year.
The New Year’s Discovery
The birth began in the early hours of January 1st. After the first calf arrived unassisted, Stacey Simpson’s father suspected a second might be on the way. Upon checking, Stacey realized the surprise was even bigger.
The three new heifers—Carla, Darla, and Marla—were born at healthy weights between 51 and 56 pounds. In a business where multiples often struggle with survival or low birth weights, all three calves and the mother are reportedly thriving.
Managing the Trio
Raising triplets presents a unique challenge for a mother cow, as she rarely has enough milk to support three growing calves. To ensure their health:
- Marla remains with her mother, Dukey.
- Carla and Darla have been moved to a “nurse cow” to ensure they receive proper nutrition.
“It’s mind-blowing,” says owner Stacey Simpson. “To have it happen once was a miracle. To have it happen to her daughter exactly one year later? We must have something special in the water.”
