Farm & Ranch Family The folks at McCoy’s Building Supply understand that it takes a lot of hard work and the whole family pitching in to get things done on a farm or ranch. That’s why we’d like to take some time out to salute Texas High School Rodeo Association families who are farmers and ranchers. In our monthly Farm & Ranch Family Spotlight, we’ll feature one family, sharing their story of how they work together as a family to make their farm or ranch successful.The spotlight will run for 10 months; each month will feature a different Region. Each Regional McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family will receive a $100 McCoy’s Gift Card. The McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family of the Year will receive a $500 McCoy’s Gift Card and will be announced at the 2022 THSRA State Finals.
The Griffin Family of Region V C by Ashtyn Carr
ongratulations to the Griffin family for being named a McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family! Jason and Holly Griffin reside in Roaquin, TX with their sons, Jackson, 15, and Jacob, 11. The rodeo roots run deep with the Griffin’s. In fact, Jason started rodeoing by the age of five! Further down the line, Jason and Holly both competed in high school and college rodeo. Jason even made it to nationals for steer wrestling in 1994. It is safe to say that this family tradition is not going anywhere. “We grew up rodeoing,” Jason said. “We want to carry that tradition on to the kids. We like the people and the atmosphere. The kids enjoy doing it. We’re usually somewhere just about every weekend, at a roping or a rodeo.” Jason received a forestry degree from Panola College, while Holly earned an early childhood education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. The two met in college through mutual friends and eventually married in 2001. After teaching for 13 years, Holly made a career change. She now manages the family farm and their employees. The Griffin’s have many irons in the fire. They operate logging and mulching business, which both offer a variety of services. Likewise, the Griffin’s have always raised cattle. They have also been raising chickens for 23 years. The chicken farm was built in 1999 as part of Pilgrim’s
Pride. In this case, Pilgrim’s Pride provides the birds and the feed. The Griffin’s are then responsible for housing, electricity, water, and every day care. After raising the chickens to about 10 pounds, they then are picked up and processed. Jason says they are pretty much on call 24/7, which has been difficult to manage amid the widespread labor crisis. “If something happened with a power or something, somebody has got to be real close to make sure the generator [is on],” Jason said. “So much of it has changed now. My wife can call in even when we’re at a rodeo or wherever and manage it all. So, that helps a lot.” Although the Griffin boys are young, Jackson and Jacob have already expressed interest in helping with the businesses when the time comes. Jackson wants to help with logging and mulching. On the contrary, Jacob would like to continue working with the cattle. Apart from lending a helping hand on the family operation, the boys also enjoy rodeoing. Jackson is an active member of THSRA, while Jacob is a member of TJHRA. Both Jackson and Jacob team rope and calf rope. They are even team roping parents from time to time at ropings! However, they are in different age groups so they do not compete at youth rodeos together. Being different ages does not keep the boys from pushing each other forward. They practice together at home, working to perfect their skills. The competition is one of Jackson and Jacob’s favorite parts about being involved in rodeo. “It’s really about growing in the sport,” Jason said. “It’s pride for them and the parents as well. You know, watching them grow and better. You don’t always win. But learn from your mistakes, just keep going down the road.” Holly and Jason extend a thank you to McCoy’s for their support and investment into children such as their own. The family shops at their local McCoy’s in Nacogdoches. As a matter of fact, much of the lumber used to build the Griffin’s house and Jason’s office was purchased from McCoy’s! They also frequent the store to buy things like gates, panels, and, as Jason put it, a little bit of everything. Overall, the Griffin family is happy to be part of the THSRA. “It’s good and famil oriented,” Jason said. “You can spend time traveling together and just being together. I’m thankful that my parents took me and it’s a real enjoyment to take our kids and watch them grow.”
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