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 Mazurkiewicz Family of Region IX
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by Ashtyn Carr
ongratulations to the Mazurkiewicz family of region nine for being named a McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family! Clint and Melissa reside in Waller, TX with their son, Colby. Clint and Melissa both grew up in Waller, as did their parents. The couple’s history goes far back, as they were high school sweethearts. After graduating high school, Melissa attended Clarendon College to compete on the collegiate livestock judging team. She then transferred to Texas A & M University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture development. She also has her master’s in education and a principal's certification. Nowadays, Melissa is a fifth grade reading and writing teacher! On the other hand, Clint started working straight out of high school. He began ranching and tending to other people’s herds. The Mazurkiewicz’s now do business under M3 Cattle Company, working their own cattle and helping out others. Each morning Clint and Colby, a 16 year-old high school junior, wake up and get right to the cattle. The father-son duo typically start by working their own herd then lend a helping hand to others. From sifting to administering
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vaccinations to routine processing, no day in the life of the Mazurkiewiczes is the same! “Colby and Clinton generally get up and tend to our animals,” Melissa said. “Then they saddle the horses and go do work for other people, tend to their stuff. I head out and go to school…All spring break, when we were out [of school], I went and rode my horse and went with them. I help work and keep records…It definitely takes the whole family.” Colby is able to be so involved with the family business as he is a home school student. He made the transition after spending his entire sophomore year online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When he was attending public school, Colby was active in his local FFA chapter. He competed in Career Development Events (CDEs) as a a horse judging contestant. Now, he enjoys working with his dad during the day and completing his schoolwork in the evenings. So much so that after he completes his senior year, Colby hopes to pursue a career in ranch management. After all, he has been part of the ranching lifestyle since he was a child. “Ever since I was little and big enough to get on a horse, every summer I’d go with my dad and work cows,” Colby said. “That’s what he has always done and my uncles have always done that. We’ve worked together my whole life and that’s really that makes me want to do it. Getting to work around my family and friends.” Apart from working cattle together, Colby and Clint occasionally compete as team roping partners. Colby also competes in team roping at the high school rodeo level. Colby said that practices at least three or four times a week, which has taught him essential life skills. But rodeo does not have to be all work and no play. “Rodeo, to me, is all about going and having a good time, not being too serious and not getting caught up in competing,” Colby said. “You want to win but you can’t let that get to you. You got to go out there and have a good time.” Melissa agrees that being involved in rodeo has equipped Colby with a respectful and hardworking nature. Likewise, rodeo is another way for the Mazurkiewicz to bond and something they enjoy being a part of. “The kids are taught to be respectful of any adults,” Melissa said. “For the most part, you trust everybody. It’s a family thing. You’re all there for the same reason, to instill in your kids that you’re doing something you have to work hard to do. But we’re all there to support.” Although rodeo might be a hobby or a job for some, it is really a way of life for all that are involved. Melissa believe that rodeo and ranching both serve as learning opportunities for producers and consumers alike. Similarly, they stand as a testament to want agriculture truly is. “Ranching and the sport of rodeo is a lifestyle,” Melissa said. “As agriculture is not as commonly known in today’s world, it is our goal and mission to preserve this life and pass it on to generations to come. So that they may continue to feed the world.”
