PARKS RANCH

Goliad County, Texas

Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, David started his career with his family’s trucking and concrete business, but his passion for the cattle industry drove him to pursue ranching. The first-generation cattle producer bought his first cattle in 1978 and purchased the 4,200-acre Parks Ranch in 2000. David and his son, Matt, have a strong history of managing coastal prairie by consistently implementing conservation management techniques including winter and summer prescribed burns, brush management, and rotational grazing plans. These techniques have resulted in a greater density and diversity of native grasses and forbs, which in turn support a greater diversity of native wildlife, including whitetailed deer and bobwhite quail. The Crows continue to conduct quail and deer surveys as a tool to measure the success of their efforts, maintain healthy populations, inform their habitat management practices, and achieve their goals of maintaining a healthy coastal prairie that supports a diverse array of species.

“David and Matt Crow are exemplary stewards of the landscape and, in the community, a model for cattlemen everywhere to learn from and to follow to advance the knowledge of resource stewardship throughout our industry,” said Stephen Diebel, Texas Grazing Land Coalition chairman. “They understand the vital need for resource stewardship not only for their business, but also for the future of the industry.”

As first and second generation ranchers, David and Matt bring fresh eyes and experience to raising cattle, and they are always open to new ideas and practices that will improve their land and manage the cattle. When they acquired the ranch, they transitioned to rotational grazing and have seen the benefit of resting their grazing lands. This has been especially helpful during times of drought.

“We’re not just about the cattle,” said David. “It’s about the biodiversity of the land, and we’re mindful of it.”