Volume 2, Issue 4
7 Original Longhorn Families
NEWSLETTER July/August 2014
ETLA at ETLA Youth 50th TLBAA Autobahn Celebration Results
Meet Your ETLA Officers
ETLA Newsletter
Amy Weatherholtz 7994 CR 1115 • Athens, Texas 75751 ETLAPresident@gmail.com
The ETLA Newsletter is published 6 times a year by ETLA Member, Amy Weatherholtz. This Newsletter is a courtesy to the Affiliate and can not be responsible for in accurate material, or errors. This is a non-profit publication. Weatherholtz does not receive any fundage from any entitys for her contributions.
ETLA Fri e nds & Fami l y,
Whew! It must be summer for several reasons... 1 - It’s Already TOO Hot for my liking! (Yes, I will complain about it being too cold too...) 2 - Kids are out of School and they just finished the 2014 Autobahanza Show. What an honor it is to be elected your 2014-2015 ETLA President. I hope you can tell my desire to learn, share and talk longhorns. I look forward to this upcoming year and look forward to hearing from you, this is your Affiliate please inform us of suggestions, ideas, etc. In this issue we have several articles, but take the opportunity to read over “Meet Your Officers” and the ETLA Youth Autobahn Results. We are gearing up for 2 shows in the Fall, so make sure and look at the Calendar of Events, too - but also make sure to attend or exhibit in these great shows! As word will quickly travel, I have accepted a position at the Texas Longhorn Breeders of America Association as Show and Event Manager that will begin on July 1st. I will still be heavily involved in all areas of my life as I am now, just having a different job and week-day location. Best of wishes for a wonderful remaining Summer!
Longhorn Lovings, Amy Weatherholtz ETLA President
Editors Note: I will try to publish articles from Mr. Darol Dickinson, with Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. he has been gracious enough to share his knowledge and photos. You can find more of his articles at www.dickinsonlonghorn.net.
If you have an article or would like to see a particular topic, please send an e-mail to ETLASecretary@gmail.com, this would be great advertisement for your local longhorn production.
Next Issue August 2014 deadline is July 20th. But, don’t wait until the deadline, start sending the information in today!
www.facebook.com/EastTexasLonghornAssociation
ON THE COVER... During the Ranch Tour of our Annual Spring Meeting in the Pasture at Ron and Barb Marquess - “Shadow’s Jubilee” (a clone) and her calf pose with beauty. Photo by Amy Weatherholtz, ETLA Pres.
ETLA Officers
Amy Weatherholtz, President 903-681-0353 7994 CR 1115 • Athens, TX 75751 ETLAPresident@gmail.com
Joel Norris, Vice-President 972-533-4945 PO Box 821 • Kaufman, TX 75142 joel1983@embarqmail.com Timothy Roddam, Secretary 903-852-5225 3061 VZ CR 4714 Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 ETLASecretary@gmail.com
Lana Hightower, Treasurer 903-963-7442 950 FM 1995 • Van, TX 75790 glcattleco@aol.com
ETLA Youth officers
President - Madison Ollive Vice-President - Haley Calhoun Secretary - Tarah Moore Treasurer - Shyanne McClendon Reporter - Alexzandria Rivera Junior Director - Avery Roesler Intermediate Director - Open Teen Director - Lanie Lampier Senior Director - Tracy Weldon
ETLA Board of directors
Connie Ollive (past President), Gene Hightower, Brenda Oliver, Jesse Rivera, James Roesler, Kurt Twining, John Powell, Tom Miller, and Jacob Weatherholtz
etla Youth advisory board
Timothy Roddham • Amy Weatherholtz
Calendar of Events
August 6-9, 2014 TLBAA World Show
October 24-26, 2014
Ark-La-Tex Annual Fall Show
Will Rogers Memorial Center • Fort Worth, TX (817) 625-6241 tlbaa@tlbaa.org • www.tlbaa.org
George Henderson Expo Center • Lufkin, TX Tina DuBose dubosetina@yahoo.com Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth
September 26-28, 2014
KPA Show
Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth.
East Texas State Fair
The dates for the East Texas State Fair have been changed to Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 26, 27 & 28th. Haltered an Non-Haltered will show on Saturday and Youth on Sunday. Cattle must be in place by Friday at 4pm. There will be less congestion loading and unloading as we will be the only cattle breed showing on these dates. For more information, contact: Lana Hightower 903-963-7442 or 903-681-1093.
November 21-23, 2014
Henderson County Fair Park Complex • Athens, TX Come and Join Us for the 4th Annual Show! You don’t want to Miss It! Might be a NEW LOCATION, But still a Good Show! For Show packets please go to www.kaufmanpoliceassociation.org or www.4NLonghornRanch.com For more information, contact: Joel Norris at (972) 533-4945 or joel1983@embarqmail.com
ETLA MEMBERS PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, SALES TO BE LISTED HERE, DESCRIPTION AT NO CHARGE. SEND YOUR INFO TO ETLASECRETARY@GMAIL.COM
RECAP OF ANNUAL ETLA SPRING MEETING
Submitted by Timothy Roddam, ETLA Secretary Twenty-five adults and 13 youth signed the ros- Powell, Tom Miller and Jacob Weatherholtz. ter for the East Texas Longhorn Association's anTimothy Roddam and Amy Weatherholtz serve nual meeting, May 17, held at Marquess Arrow as the affiliate youth advisors. Upon the conclusion of business, attendees Ranch in Ben Wheeler, Tx and hosted by Ron and Barbara Marquess. Following a presentation by enjoyed a barbecue luncheon after which youth Ron Marquess on Cattle Genetics, Youth and targeted sessions on Parliamentary Procedure Scholarship Committees and updates on upcom- and Longhorn Showmanship (complete with live ing shows at Tyler (East Texas State Fair, animals) facilitated by Sarah Galloway, September 26-28) and Athens (sponsored by Agriscience Instructor at Ferris High School. The the Kaufman Police Association, November 21- day climaxed with a ranch tour guided by Ron 23) the following officers were elected for 2014- Marquess. East Texas Longhorn Association wel15: President - Amy Weatherholtz, Vice-President comes new members: Jamie & Tim Osborn, - Joel Norris, Secretary - Timothy Roddam, and George Avalos, Scott & Kristi Rozell, Jesus & Treasurer - Lana Hightower. New members Diane Rivera, Jesse Rivera, Eric Smith, Elizabeth added to the Board of Directors included Gene West and Jeff Skidmore. Calls for information Hightower, Brenda Oliver, Jesse Rivera, and may be directed to President Amy Weatherholtz James Roesler. These join other directors with (903) 681-0353 or ETLAPresident@gmail.com unexpired terms who are Kurt Twining, John or Secretary Timothy Roddam at (903) 681-3161
MEET YOUR ELECTED
President
Amy Weatherholtz
903-681-0353 aweatherholtz@live.com 7994 CR 1115 Athens, Texas 75751
Vice-President
Born and raised in East Texas, Amy Weatherholtz has been submerged in agriculture from day one. Not many people can say they had their dream job, and at the age of 4, she wanted to be a “pig farmer.” She was able to obtain that goal and raised and exhibited pigs all across the State of Texas for 10 years, and eventually managed a large swine production farm. Amy married Jacob Weatherholtz in March of 2009 and shortly later they started raising Registered Texas Longhorns on Blossom Ridge Ranch located in Athens, Texas. Her dedication and passion for the breed only increases daily since their first purchase of these magnificent cattle which she believes represent; God’s Beauty & Grace, in one animal. Amy has served last year as the East Texas Longhorn Association Secretary and created the ETLA Newsletter which is found online and served on the ETLA Youth Advisory Board. In May, she was elected ETLA President. She has been very active within the affiliate; helping out at the shows and fundraising for the ETLA Youth. Also, having 15 years experience in graphic design, editorial writing and photography, she looks forward to getting to know each and everyone in the show circuit and sales events. She received her Associate Degree of Arts in Communication from Trinity Valley Community College and later received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a emphasis in News/Editorial and a minor in Español from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2011. As of July 1st, Amy is employed by the Texas Longhorn Breeders of America Association as the Show and Event Manager.
Hello, my name is Joel Norris from the 4N Longhorn Ranch in Kaufman, Texas. I've been raising Texas Longhorns since May of 2002. I got my first Longhorn from my parents, Al & Glada Norris for my high school graduation present. I became a member of the TLBAA in March of 2003. I became a member of East Texas Longhorn Association several years ago and was elected on the ETLA Board of Directors in 2012. I then was elected to be the ETLA Vice President in May of 2014. I'm ready to help make a change.
I have shown this breed at longhorn shows for a number of years. I have a riding steer named Measles Revenge. Measles & I love going to the shows & opening the shows with the National Anthem & much more!!! He & I go & ride in parades as well go to different events to let people see the Texas Longhorn up close. We have people come from all over. I have also went along with then Kaufman Police Association & become the show chairman for the Kaufman Police Association Longhorn Show. Enough with me & Longhorns, I also work for the City of Kaufman as the Animal Control Officer. I have been there since June 2008 & I still love to go out and save & help animals if I can.
I also work different rodeos all over. I work the Mesquite Championship Rodeo and have been there for 10-12 years now. I also work the rodeos for the kids in Lone Star High School Rodeo Association. I love helping & watching kids whether it be at the rodeos or show the Texas Longhorns. It's a joy to watch them grow & learn and if I can be apart of that, it's a blessing! But, in all this I do, I cannot for the most important part of my life that has helped me get where I am today beside Parents, it is the good Lord above! This is my favorite verse, I'll leave yoy with this from Philippians 4:13 -"I can do all thing through Christ who strengthen me!"
Joel Norris
972-533-4945 joel1983@embarqmail.com PO Box 821 Kaufman, Texas 75142
Secretary
Timothy Roddam
903-852-5225 ETLASecretary@gmail.com 3061 VZ CR 4714 Ben Wheeler, TX 75754
Treasurer
Elected as Secretary of the East Texas Longhorn Association on May 17 was Timothy M. Roddam who had served on the ETLA Board of Directors since 2009. He also serves as Lead Youth Advisor for the affiliate.
“Dr. Tim” as he is often called, is a native of Dallas and grew up in Mesquite and on a family-owned far in South Dallas County. He graduated from Ferris High School as Valedictorian in 1968, the same school from which his mother graduated as Valedictorian in 1937. He holds a B.A. degree in Biblical Education; a M. Ed. Degree in Classroom Counseling and Guidance; and a Ph. D. in Counseling Psychology. An ordained Assemblies of God minister, he has served churches in Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Colorado. He has also administrated and taught in a number of Christian day schools, plus working in a variety of settings delivering mental health services. He is currently employed as a crisis screener for the Andrews Center in Smith, Van Zandt, and Henderson Counties, and is certified in crisis response by the American Association of Suicidology. Additionally, he is President of the Tyler Recovery Oriented Systems of Care, a collaboration of agencies dealing with behavioral health and substance abuse issues, and is a clinician for Michael’s House of Hope in Tyler, a faith-based recovery program. He holds further certification in three areas of life, group and team coaching and often employs “the coach approach” in dealing with individuals and organizations. Dr. Tim and spouse, Debra, have been married for 42 years. They reared five sons, three of whom were adopted with special needs. They are especially proud of three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in Colorado. The Roddams have raised Registered Texas Longhorns since 2004 and have been active in the show ring, as well. Always invested in youth, Dr. Tim has been a leader for years with the Henderson County 4-H program and the Henderson County Livestock Show Association. Come to an East Texas show, and you may just hear him announcing!
Dr Gene and Lana purchased their first Longhorns in the fall of 1993 and began a love affair with this magnificent breed of cattle. For the first ten years, their cattle program was a concentrated effort to produce champions in the show ring with correct conformation, eye catching color and good horn. G&L Cattle company produced 13 World Class champions, 1 Grand Champion and 1 Reserve Champion and recently, a Horn Showcase class winner. For the past ten years, specific horn genetics have introduced into the herd for increased horn length and twist. Dr Gene & Lana have been involved with the East Texas Longhorn Association since its inception as the “Good Time Gang”. Lana has served as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and party planner. The ETLA hosts the Longhorn division at the East Texas State Fair each year and the Hightowers have been the superintendents for this event for the past 18 years. The show has increased over the years from 22 entries to over 260.
Lana Hightower
903-963-7442 glcattleco@aol.com 950 FM 1995 Van, Texas 75790
Lana is currently serving her 7th term on the TLBAA Board of Directors, with 4 years as Executive Vice Chairman. She has been involved in all levels of the Association from Chairing the World Show circuit committee, serving on the Horn Showcase Committee, Building Committee and the 50th Anniversary Committee. She also enjoys judging Longhorn shows, futurities and conducting judging clinics and seminars. Lana has said “We are truly blessed to be living our dream with this magnificent Longhorn breed of cattle and are grateful for the friendships that they have made along the way”! Together they have 5 Children & 18 Grandchildren.
LONGHORN HISTORY
distant blood common to most other in the early 1930's and before. All Revised 2-22-2012 prominent cattle breeds. Longhorn pu- seven were separate from other herds By Darol Dickinson www.dickinsonlonghorn.net rity cannot be determined by modern with minimal exchanges of blood stock
I've been asked by several people to write this information down. I believe it to be correct as old timers and their have related it to me. I do not pretend to write down all the individual good or bad traits of the seven herds. I also do not criticize these old time producers for their efforts, which may appear somewhat lacking on records. No one paid any premium for breed purity or any other of several similar virtues 50 to 100 years ago.
Prior to the perpetuation of the seven families the wild cattle herds of Texas possessed Spanish, Oxen and European blood. They were and are today a mix of breeds blended and refined by the elements of time, stress and survival. At the beginning of the registry in 1964, a 100% visual inspection program was implemented to assure purity and type. Registered Longhorns today trace to ancestry verified for purity by this careful visual inspection.
Modern DNA methods have determined a uniqueness of similarity in kinship among pure Longhorns and a
blood typing due to the lack of a data base on all families of pure Longhorns during the true time of breed origin.
The "seven families" were for the most part unrelated. They are Phillips, Wright, Butler, Marks, Wichita Refuge, Yates and Peeler. There are said to be other unrelated families, but the numbers are very small and no other groups with origins this old are commonly referred to in Texas Longhorn circles. All "seven families" originated
prior to 1932.
Each of the seven families introduced a blend of new genetics to avoid inbreeding after their herds matured. The major show winning and sale topping cattle are blend genetics, mostly a combination of Phillips, Butler, Wright and WR families in that order. The single family line-bred herds have not sold well except in well managed Butler family sales. The pure family herd program doesn't allow breeders
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
TEXAS LONGHORN cattle come in hundreds of shapes, sizes, colors and horn configurations. These unique nature designed features have all been preserved by seven groups of people with seven different origins and seven different genetic bases. All seven are pure Longhorn, yet specific traits ear mark each family with a special stamp. The true connoisseurs of the breed spot these characteristics and point with recognition concerning their virtues.
Near the Ft. Worth., Texas Stock Yards the largest bronze monument in Texas has been erected with seven bigger-than-life Longhorn steers to memorialize the seven pioneer Longhorn herds. The bronze was cast by world famous sculptor Terry Kelsey of Guthrie, Texas. Within the body cavity of the Philips family representative was placed certain actual bones from the most famous Longhorn sire of all time, Texas Ranger. This fabulous work of art is titled "Texas Gold."
In 1939 J. Frank Dobie wrote "The Longhorns", where the major theme encouraged preservation of the Texas Longhorn. Today with over 200,000 registered, many read his book and join the preservation call. The breed itself has been preserved. Only two segments are nearly extinct. They are the corkscrew horn and the wine color factors.
MARKS FAMILY
MARKS cattle were the thrill and satisfaction of Emil Marks to raise and enjoy. The late Emil Marks was fondly remembered by Maudeen and Travis who actively pursued the goals of their wise old father. Mr. Marks raised a lot of twisty horned, brindle cattle, with strong red, dun and brown coloration.
Most of the pure Marks blood was lost in the late 1960's as a result of Bangs disease. Hardly any high percentage Marks cattle remain. The old pure
YATES FAMILY
YATES cattle were bred during the lifetime of Cap Yates who passed away in the late sixties. Most of the original stock were dispersed by his family just after his death. The Yates herd was about 1500 head of rugged cows in the Big Bend area of West Texas, near Alpine. Mr. Yates felt that no breed of cattle offered the rancher what Texas Longhorns did in that harsh area of Texas desert.
He did, in my opinion, a great job of preventing outside blood from entering his program. He honestly felt any other blood was inferior to a small Spanish type rugged Longhorn. The Yates cows have every quality needed to produce calves in the desert. They are structurally sound and good mothers. They are a true result of survival of the fittest.
At Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. no one of the seven pure families is bred as such, but rather a "blend" of superior individuals representing the top genetics of the most popular pure families. Each family has one or more faults or weaknesses. Fortunately, each family compliments another when properly mated. The major show winning cattle have been "blends" of Texas Ranger, Butler, Wright and Wichita Refuge families. No pure family has achieved major show success when compared
to blends. The key is the ability to blend superior individuals to compliment the total correct result.
Marks were often of a V shape horn style similar to Brahman. Marks cattle were often very quiet and easy to train for riding or pulling wagons and believed to possess oxen origin. The numbers available today of the pure Marks blood have been diluted and are no doubt the smallest in number of the seven families.
then a part of the old Yates stock but probably not a large part considering the massive number in the Yates herd.
Emil Marks was a friend of Cap Yates and did at times trade or sell to the Yates family. The Marks cattle were
The old Yates cattle as a group probably weren't impressive. Many were the smallest horned and most solid colored of the seven families. Today we see some beautiful colored Yates cattle which were not a normal thing years ago. Yates cattle lovers have selectively bred for the families with the most color and there are some over 50" horned Yates cows. These are often very twisted as they get old. Some Yates cows are very "long headed", "sway backed", and have high tail sets. Of all the seven, they represent the old traditional, coarse, small and rangy type. There were a few truly magnificent Yates cows for
In summary, all seven families are great cattle. Each has strong and weak points. A Longhorn program designed for the future that is profitable and successful will need to carefully consider which family lines to pursue. This decision will be the most significant any Longhorn breeder has to make if a profitable business is desired.
The Marks herd ran on sprawling, coastal grass land, west of Houston, Texas. Today the Emil Marks land is totally covered with city.
The pure Marks blood is nearly, or completely extinct. No prominent producer is working to preserve the Marks line.
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
the out cross genetic privilege of the other six Longhorn families.
Yates 8
horn. These few 50" cows in number probably were one in hundreds among Yates cows. The normal Yates cow has a small circumference and short horn tip to tip. As to Yates bulls, I have never understood how to mate them. Many Yates bulls have been used but I've never seen one with truly long horns.
WRIGHT cattle are distinctly different from all the others. The old family were nearly all duns, reds and line backs. There was a unique, slight dish face in many. They were somewhat long in body but not real tall. Some had a long goatee like growth of hair hanging from the top inner ear protecting it from tropical insects.
in the breed.
WRIGHT FAMILY
The Wright herd is now managed by Tracy Wright. Prior to that, the late M.P. Wright, Jr. and son Chico enthusiastically perpetuated the herd that was mostly started by his purchase of the Uncle John Webster herd in the early 1900's. (see Dobie's book 1940). About 10% of the Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. herd is Wright blood. Wright blood flows in some of the best cows
PHILLIPS FAMILY PHILLIPS cattle are one of the oldest families. The late J.G. "Jack" Phillips, Jr. of Brazoria County, Texas and his father were born and raised with Longhorn cattle. The herd was expanded in the late twenties by Jack's purchase of the Melgaard herd. A more detailed account of this historical family was featured in the Texas Longhorn Journal Summer 1980 issue entitled the "Texas Ranger Legacy." Phillips cattle are taller and longer than the other herds. Some interchanging of bulls was done with Peeler. Also a good horned Butler bull was used by the Phillips' during the 1950's.
The Phillips cattle are every color with possibly more solid color than some herds due to the sun burning of white cattle in the very hot coastal climate. More large horned and big beefy bulls were used in this herd than any other.
The first cow in the Longhorn breed to sell for over $10,000 was "Wright 489" who was dam of the great "Doherty 698." Later, a Wright cow named Alma II became the grandam of Senator.
Wright cows are extra feminine, trim necks and straight backs. The combination of Wright female lines with modern popular blend families has produced some of the breed's most valuable cattle. Some of the almost lost Texas twist horn factor is still retained in Phillips cattle. The Phillips blood is one in itself. They are individualistic and no other herds look exactly like they do. They have long legs and slightly coarse bone.
Some almost homely heads and narrow faces may be found. The Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. herd has about 35% Phillips blood with a good 30% or better just the Texas Ranger part of that family.
over the years traded bulls with WR several times. Elmer Parker, an employee at WR, felt the Yates blood did a lot to help the WR program.
Wright 489
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
Yates bulls possess less than 30" horn tip to tip. The big horn cattle of Yates blood are steers, and some are very competitive in shows in their old age. Cap Yates liked the WR cattle and
At one time the historic Wright blood was intensely inbred. To stop this practice, Butler, WR and many other families' bloodlines were introduced to out cross. I personally like the old foundation Wright blood the best.
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
Why aren't there some Yates bulls with 50" horns like Yates cows? I have no answer for that one. Most of the Yates bulls' horns average under 36" with a very few over that. Some well known
Miss Texas Ranger
Texas Ranger, the all-time leading sire, was raised by Phillips. The longest, tallest and most rapid gaining Longhorns all trace to this great bull. At this writing, every world or International All Age Champion Bull traces to Texas Ranger lineage. The Texas Ranger blood is the favorite of leading commercial ranchers and
PEELER FAMILY
PEELER cattle were the first cattle purchased by Dickinsons. In the fifties and sixties many people started raising Longhorns because of the colorful old Graves Peeler, a retired Texas Ranger, of Atascosa County, Texas.
Peeler's efforts to establish his Longhorn program were started about the same time as WR, in the late twenties and early thirties. The other five herds started from ten to several dozen years earlier. Some of these old family herds just don't have any recorded beginning. The Peeler, WR and Butler all have a dated beginning. The WR herd was the latest of origin. The Peeler cattle are truly professional range cattle. He wanted his cows to come in every year with a fat, live calf and no excuses. They lived in semidesert, lots of mesquite, diamond back rattlers and timber wolves. Graves wanted lots of fight in his cattle. I've been to sales in the late sixties that Graves attended. When a fighty cow came in the ring, most breeders were
BUTLER FAMILY
BUTLER cattle trace a family mating program back to the early twenties. Milby Butler and son, Henry, operated ranching interests south and east of Houston at League City.
A detailed article on the history of this family of cattle appeared in the Winter 1979 Texas Longhorn Journal.
Only about 1% of the registered cattle could trace to any Butler blood prior to 1975. Today they are one of the most sought after families for those who breed for horns.
semen and embryo transfer than any other line. Some say if it had not been for the growth factor that Texas Ranger added to the breed, commercial ranchers would have never appreciated and respected Longhorns as they do today.
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
not that enthusiastic. They sure weren't going to pay any extra premiums. Not so with Mr. Peeler. One time a WR cow come in the ring, ran over to Elmer Parker, who was horseback, and promptly tried to hook his horse down. Elmer wheeled and got away. Mr. Peeler let out an Indian war hoop, stood up leaning on his cane and placed the final bid. No one bid against him after that. This was his kind of cow . . . with fight! The old herd that he established were fairly big cattle. Generally speaking they were larger boned than most Longhorns. They were excellent milkers and raised big fat calves. Most of the Peeler stock were sold at the San Antonio Stock Yards, so pounds of meat were his goal. He was successful in raising that. Some Peeler cows give so much milk their udders become damaged and their productive life is reduced.
Like the Yates cattle, only a few Peeler cows had the long horns. Many had a Many Butler bulls became popular, such as Classic, Superior, Unlimited, Blue Horns, Dixie Hunter, Tabasco, Dixie Rebel, Conquistador, Bold Ruler, Man O' War, Monarch, Holman B1, Sam and others. This family is the most popular out cross to other foundation strains.
The Butler cattle are known for their lateral horn. Most of the biggest horned bulls of the breed have some Butler blood. The Butler cow, Beauty at 58" set an early record and
slight Brahman look and a V shape horn, rather than the straight out, lateral shape so popular today. Peeler probably was more careless in allowing non-Longhorn blood to creep into his herd than any of the other six. Who cared anyway in 1929? No one offered any premium for purebred Longhorns thirty years before the first Longhorns were registered.
The King Ranch was the main stronghold of Peeler blood. Some have a slight roman nose and the prominent color is red. Very few people use Peeler bulls today but the heavy milking cows are appreciated by those who do. The Peeler cattle have size, lots of milk and they are protective mother cows deluxe. Today the Peeler family herd is under the management of Justin Peeler. The Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. herd has about 3% Peeler blood.
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
Texas Ranger
major show winning exhibitors. This family, when properly mated, will produce adult bulls weighing 1,800 lbs. to 2,100 lbs. with horns in excess of 55" tip to tip. Texas Ranger is the strongest male line in the breed. More of his progeny are used in frozen
Classic
her son Classic at 61" topped all bulls prior to 1980.
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
It appears the old Butler cattle have practically no blood found in the other six families as far as direct association. They are very different by body type and DNA.
Droop Horn
Record prices in the Longhorn world were paid for Butler cattle during the 1980's. Blend Butler blood still tops most sales. It is difficult to predict progeny color of most Butler cattle. They fall to a white color often with dark
ears, nose, eyes and ankles.
The Butler cattle are nearly as intensely inbred as WR. Many Butler cattle are also small, much like WR.
About 15% of the Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. herd is Butler blood. They the leading source of the old corkscrew horn twist.
WICHITA REFUGE cattle have the best known history. The sixty-ninth congress in 1927 provided "that not to exceed $3,000 . . . shall be expended for the purchase and maintenance of a herd of long - horned or Spanish breed of cattle . . . to the end that the present few examples be preserved from extinction." The herd was started in the late twenties by selecting individuals from numerous south Texas herds. Two government forest rangers were in charge of the $3,000 and completed the task. (no one knows why government forest rangers were delegated to the job). None of the WR purchases were from other major herds of that day. The other families of Marks, Yates, Wright, Phillips, Butler were not used as a source for the foundation WR stock. The WR cattle were selected from smaller obscure herds, although the rangers travelled right in the same area of the major herds of that day. The original, traditional WR cattle were not of the horn growth, conformation or pretty colors their modern cattle possess. In 1968 Graves Peeler serving as a Longhorn Association inspector, commented that the WR had done a good job getting the badly swaybacked, traditional cattle culled from the herd.
Probably the most appreciated thing about the WR cattle is their fine set of pedigrees. The government herd always had staff carefully record this information. Until 2001 WR cattle had complete pedigree records back to the
beginning of their herd. This information was appreciated by producers and had been neglected years ago by the other six families. A new policy was implemented by the 2001 WR leaders to halt all pedigree records and raise a multiple sire herd. Fans of WR cattle were devastated by this seventy year policy change.
The most famous WR bull of all time was "WR 2935." His weight was 1,260 lbs. and his horns were over 42". No other WR bull has had the popularity of WR 2935. Don Quixote is believed to be the alltime leading contributor of quality genetics representing the WR family. He has sired more over 50" progeny than any other WR bull. His progeny are mostly black and very trim of underline. Their growth and correct type command respect. Nearly all pure black longhorn cattle today trace to Don Quixote.
The WR cattle are intensely inbred. Possibly due to this, many WR cattle are somewhat smaller in size, length and height than other families. A direct out cross to larger families will correct this. The WR herd in Cache, Oklahoma have calved unassisted and in many ways are managed much like wild animals. Each cow calves within a few minutes walk of hungry government
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
WICHITA REFUGE FAMILY
Measles
protected coyotes. This means every cow learns to be a good mother or ends up without a calf.
Probably more solid color bulls have been used on the WR cows than most herds. There is a commitment by WR management to perpetuate Spanish type or Longhorns as they historically were. It is not felt the old cattle were consistently highly colorful, which I'm sure is correct in general. The dynamic colors seen today, have been bred into herds by special selection because of public appeal. These were not traditional colors.
More WR blood is available in the nation than any other family. This is due to availability as a result of their many annual surplus sales. Roughly 50% to 70% of all Texas Longhorn cattle possess high percentages of WR blood. This availability creates WR bulls in large numbers and therefore they normally sell fairly economically. This large number of WR cows makes it important for producers to utilize bulls of the other six families. WR is not well
Over the years WR has made an effort to place a small amount of new blood in their herd. Several bulls were acquired from Yates. One Phillips and one Butler bull were used. The bull, Bold Ruler, was donated to WR by the Dickinson family and his WR branded calves were the highest selling in the history of WR. When evaluating WR bulls, their horns are more curled forward and up like the Spanish fighting bulls, rather than the wider lateral horn spreads that are more popular today. Most WR bulls have a clean sheath but many have excess lower neck and brisket skin causing a somewhat buffalo like silhouette. This is not the case with all WR bulls. Probably less than 10% of
the bulls raised by WR ever reach up to 40" horn spans. Most mature WR bulls weigh 1,100 to 1,400 lbs. depending on health conditions. Their shoulder height will range from 52" to 54". Which reveals their Spanish influence.
WR cows are very feminine. Some are colorful. They are consistently above average for milk production because the fattest heifers were for years retained for replacements, concentrating this factor. Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc. is about 30% WR blood. The most famous cow ever produced by WR was "Measles." Her blood is
Photo courtesy of Darol Dickinson
appreciated for herd sires.
Don Quixote
highly sought by most prominent Longhorn producers. WR cattle are moderate in size and horn growth. They are the most numerous of all seven families because of availability at an annual surplus auction which began in 1942. Due to the major numbers of WR cattle sold annually, they often sell for low prices.
MEMBERS IN ACTION ETLA YOUTH ADVISOR GUEST SPEAKER AT FERRIS FFA BANQUET
Dr. Timothy M. Roddam, delivered the keynote address at the annual Ferris FFA banquet on May 8 at Ferris High School. A sizeable number of Ferris students have exhibited Longhorn cattle for over a decade. Dr. Roddam, a FHS graduate and Valedictorian of the Class of 1968, spoke to the students on a new campus, much larger and more contemporary than the campus he attended, and emphasized the following guideposts for living a life of significance and meaning that he learned while at Ferris:
5. It is a crime to do less than one's best.
6. Happiness is never found by pursuing it. It is always the by-product of fulfilling one's duty, (the noblest word in the English language.) 7. Make your "mess" your "message" and your "test" your "testimony".
Roddam who is also Secretary of the East Texas Longhorn Association and active in the Henderson County 4-H program and Henderson County 1. It is never right to do wrong to achieve a favorable Livestock Show Association, closed his address by outcome (the end never justifies the mean). relating how his mother overcame abuse, family dysfunction and Depression-Era proverty, in Ellis 2. Do right if the stars fall! Never mind the cost. County to graduate at age 15 from Ferris High School as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1937, receiving her 3. Little things stop little people. "The test of your char- diploma as she walked across the same stage Dr. Roddam would walk across 31 years later. He stated, acter is what it takes to stop you." "Her embodiment of these principles established a 4. Always decide issues on the basis of principle, foundation for my life at Ferris and up to this very never make a decision on the basis of personality, moment," and expressed gratitude for the relationship popularity, prestige, or price. he continues to enjoy with Ferris FFA.
ETLA members attended the TLBAA 50th Celebration in May held at the River Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Leather & Lace Fashion Show Models
a Hight r & Lan e k a B y Bett
Joel Lemle
ower
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Jesse Jr. &
Barb &
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Lana Hightower & Connie Olilive
Ron M arqu Photo ess a s o nd Sa n this Alex R ndy & page b iveria y: Doug and Ja Stott cob W s eathe rholtz
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Youth SHOW NEWS
* The following results are not official they have been submitted by the youth and/or parent.
Autobahnanza
Emily Calhoun 6th place in the Junior Showmanship, 5th place with Steer VL Iron Man, 3rd place in the Junior Sculpture Art Contest.
Submitted by: Alexanderia Rivera, ETLA Youth Reporter
The 2014 Autobahnanza is a wrap! It was a lot of fun and a lot of memories! At the show there was everything from a relay race, where you rode a mechanical bull and milked a goat, to the always competitive speech contest! Not only was the show fun, it was also educational; it pushed the kids to work hard and be responsible. If you have never been to any of the Autobahn Youth Tour Shows, I would highly suggest you attend, pull a cow out of the pasture, halter break it and walk in! What do you have to lose? You will get your money back and then some! If you aren’t so excited about the showing cows’ part of it, then pay a small fee to enter into every other contest! Autobahn is fun for the whole family; you get to participate in exciting events, meet new people, and just hang out! This year was definitely one to remember! Be sure to attend the next Autobahn Youth Tour Show!
Savanah Calhoun 5th place with Bull VL Quantium Wings, 9th place with Steer BRR Wild Lightening Bill, 3rd place in Intermediate Livestock Judging, and 1st place in Relay Race. Haley Calhoun 7th place with Heifer BRR Double Stuffed, 5th place with Steer VL Quantium Rodeo, 5th place with Bull VL Jet Eye, 4th place with Bull SCC Norigard, 7th with Heifer BRR Pistol Peach. Avery Roesler All Around Junior Showmanship, Ag Mechanics 2nd place, Essay 3rd place, Junior Heifers - R4 Carrotcake 7th place, Sanddollar Journey 2nd place, Intermediate Heifers - R4 Red Velvet 1st place, HD Buttermilk 1st place, Senior Females - R4 Trail of Roses 3rd place, Bulls- R4 Mr. B 2nd place, Junior Steers - R4 Captain America 8th place, R4 Resistance 2nd place, Senior Steer - R4 Wolverine 4th place JP Roesler 5th place in Junior Showmanship
Madison Ollive 4th in class 14 with Sarcee Majestic Lady, 4th in class 20 with C7CC Lieutenant, 10th in class 38 with MOJO Shadow Dancer, 4th in class 53 with Sourdough, 3rd in livestock judging in the teen division.Won the teen division in wood and got wood grand champion. Alexas Hynes heifer G&L Sidewinder Sue got 3rd, and Steer Rojo got 7th.
Shyanne McClendon Junior Photography 1st place, Ag Mechanics - 1st place, Speech - 7th place, Extemporaneous Essay - 2nd place, Quiz - 2nd place, Livestock Judging - 3rd place, Showmanship - 2nd place, Jr All Around Exhibitor (2 yrs n a row). She exhibited 9 head and had 1 class winner (w/heifer Shy's Darlene), 1 second n class (w/ heifer Shy's Star), 4 third in classes (2 jr heifers Shy's Merry Mary n Shy's Red E Girl, 2 steers - Shy's Patch n 4K King Richard), 7th place w bull, 4K Dancer, and a 10th place w bull 4K Little Nickle. Other ETLA Youth Exhibitors but no results reported by time of press. Jorge Avalos, Crystal Avalos,
Tarah Moore, Alexanderia Rivera, and Carter Courtesy Phot
os
Smith.
Submit your show experiences to ETLASecretary@Gmail.com
Courtesy
Photos
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