SPRING 2018
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Ranch House Journal SPRING 2018
10 Features 10
Carl Rugg and his staff are taking semen distribution to the next level.
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A NEED MET, A DREAM FULFILLED
ANGUS HERITAGE CONTINUES
Friends & Families
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Lyons Ranch has found success building a lasting legacy with Angus.
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90 YEARS OF INDUSTRY LEADING INNOVATION
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Cally and Clint Kindred
Quality service, Midwestern values, and a commitment to animal nutrition keeps Kent Feeds ahead of the game.
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LAND, WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE Texas Wildlife Biologist, Jason Shipman works with some of Texas’ best hunting operations.
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MARKETING TIP When your camera phone video goes viral.
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PENCIL IN THESE DATES Check out which events we’re looking forward to this spring.
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WOMEN IN AG COLUMN Sara Kober navigates a career, a family and a vital role in her family’s livestock legacy.
A BIPARTISAN LOOK AT AMERICA’S CAPITAL Spring is the perfect time to plan a visit to our Nation’s Capital.
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SOUTH DAKOTA RANCH WEDDING
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Four book suggestions for little cowpokes.
102 HOW TRIANGLE B CAME TO B Learn about Triangle B Ranch and how they’ve raised the bar for customer service.
114 DANCING THROUGH ALL OF LIFE’S SEASONS Jo Bonds: mother, ballerina, ranch wife, cowgirl.
138 AG COLLEGE FEATURE Learn about Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture in this special feature.
RANCH KIDS COLUMN
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RHD SOCIAL SQUAD Meet the talented team who make up Ranch House Designs’ Social Squad.
136 CINCO DE MAYO Photos from the ultimate children’s Cinco De Mayo party.
144 5 MINUTES WITH Dr. David Farnum of Truth North Technologies.
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48 Life & Home 32
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WESTERN FASHION
Spring flair from TNT Western Wear.
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WESTERN HERITAGE What started out as a fascination for boots evolved into a business venture for Lizzy Chesnut.
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RECIPE - COMING TO HORNS Vanilla wafer cake from Los Corralitos.
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NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW Relive moments from Denver, including the RHD marketing workshop.
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FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Visit Cowtown for one of Fort Worth’s premier annual events.
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ILLINOIS BEEF EXPO Held every year in February, the Illinois Beef Expo attracts competitors from around the state and surrounding areas.
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SPRING ON THE RANCH A compilation of spring images from our readers.
108 VIRGINIA CLUB CALF PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION Check out photos from this year’s VCCP Winter Classic.
120 RANCH DOGS We asked Ranch House Journal readers to submit images of their best pals.
132 HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO HLSR attracts attendees from across the U.S. and even the globe. See images from this year’s event.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
SPRING
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF CREATIVE Rachel Cutrer rachel@ranchhousedesigns.com CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
NEW GROWTH, NEW LIFE, NEW PLANS
Spring is an exciting time for agriculturalists. With the season comes new growth, new life and new plans for the upcoming year. It’s a time when many farmers and ranchers begin to evaluate their calf crop or plan for upcoming harvests. Regardless of where you fall on the agricultural spectrum, one thing is certain, with spring comes hope, happiness and excitement. We share in that excitement here at Ranch House. Spring is often a busy time for us too. When we’re not helping clients prepare for and market their upcoming production sales, we’re traveling, quoting new projects or booking new designs for the producer who’s finally ready to take his or her operation to the next level. We love spring and all of the new possibilities and connections it brings.
On the Cover: A Simmental bull named On Target poses for a portrait. Photo by Melissa Grimmel Schaake 6 | Ranch House Journal
Ashley Grant ashley@ranchhousedesigns.com
Ranch House JOURNAL EDITOR IN CHIEF Meg Drake meg@ranchhousedesigns.com
The attitude is the same when discussing future plans for the Ranch House Journal. In this issue you will discover tons of content from our readers. We’ve incorporated a new photo spread and have allowed many of our readers to submit their most prized content for consideration. We’ve also expanded our network of talented contributors. You will recognize several new faces as authors in the Spring Ranch House Journal. So, what are you looking forward to this spring? What are your plans for growth throughout this exciting season of new life and new possibilities? I know my plan is to continue to make each issue of the Journal better than the one before. If you’re interested in contributing content to the Ranch House Journal, make sure you follow us on social media (facebook. com/ranchhousedesigns) to learn about future photo and writing opportunities. Also, if you’d like to submit a letter to the editor, feel free to email me at meg@ ranchhousedesigns.com.
ART DIRECTOR Melissa Grimmel Schaake melissa@ranchhousedesigns.com VICE PRESIDENTS Callie Graves, VP Print & Social DESIGNERS Kristen Davis Sarah Simpson Kaitlyn Merriman Maggie Christensen CONTRIBUTORS Burke Holvey Friend Kate Miller Michael Catarineau Stephanie Lastovica Marburger Nicole Lane Erceg SUBSCRIPTIONS Lynn Hough lynn@ranchhousedesigns.com Ranch House Journal is published four times per year by Ranch House Designs, Inc. © Ranch House Designs, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, non-commercial use. No rights for commercial use or exploration are given or implied. Ranch House Journal is trademarked by Ranch House Designs. Ranch House Designs is a registered trademark in the U.S. patent and Trademark Office. All rights reserved.
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RANCH HOUSE JOURNAL
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BURKE HOLVEY FRIEND
SAND FORK, WEST VIRGINIA Burke and her family live in West Virginia on the family owned and operated Titan Farm. They raise Angus and Simmental cattle and Boer Goats. Burke juggles her time between her two beautiful boys, Joel and Eli, the farm, and her job at Cowbuyer.com. Burke is also an avid photographer and contributed photos from the Virginia Club Calf Association show.
KATE MILLER
MICHAEL CATARINEAU
SCOTTSBLUFF, NEBRASKA Michael is a copy editor, page designer and homesick Texan at the Scottsbluff StarHerald, a daily newspaper. Photography, graphic design and freelance journalism are his side hustles. Michael authored our spring feature on Triangle B Ranch.
SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA Known in the blogosphere as “The Meat Lady,” Kate owns an international meat exporting firm serving Central America and holds a degree from OSU, where she judged livestock. In this issue, Kate explored Washington D.C. and shares the story of Kent Feeds and Jo Bonds.
STEPHANIE LASTOVICA MARBURGER
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS Stephanie is a cattle girl at heart and loves passionately telling rancher’s stories through her pen and camera. This Aggie graduate grew up showing Angus, and she and her husband Bracken help with their family businesses: Lastovica Cattle Company and Milano Livestock Exchange. Stephanie interviewed the Bovine Elite team and conveys their success through her feature article.
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NICOLE LANE ERCEG
WOOSTER, OHIO This young firecracker is an exceptional writer based in Wooster, Ohio. We are forever proud of Nicole’s accomplishments, especially since her first job straight out of college was working at Ranch House as our former social media director and writer. Her love of good beef and the people who raise it was the inspiration for the Lyons Ranch feature.
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AG BUSINESS
Bovine Elite, LLC:
A Need Met, A Dream
Fulfilled
C
arl Rugg, President and owner of Bovine Elite, LLC had a vision and a dream set for himself in the mid 1990s, one that he was destined to fulfill. That vision started whenever Granada Incorporated closed its doors in 1991, giving Rugg a reason to fulfill his vision and create his own company. In 1985 after working in Colorado, Rugg moved back to Texas to work for an agricultural-biotech firm named Granada, which was headquartered in Houston, Texas. His job description was to design, build, and manage the Sire Services Division for the company in Wheelock, Texas. In order to continue with the livelihood in which he became successful, it was necessary for him to begin his own business. To do this, he bought the rolling assets of the Sire Services Division of Granada, which included semen tanks, equipment, furnishings, and inventory. Rugg said many of his opportunities came through his job with Granada. Through his work with the company, he was able to travel around the United States and Latin America, 10 | Ranch House Journal
By Stephanie Lastovica Marburger
allowing him to gain the skills and experience he would need to start his own company. When asked about the name Bovine Elite, Rugg stated “the name came to him in the middle of the night.” It fits perfectly with a company whose mission is to help the industry utilize elite sires. During his first years of being in business, Rugg would spend late nights at the office making sure customer’s needs were fulfilled and brainstorming ways he could make the company better. He incorporated into a limited liability company in 1991. “It was difficult to make things function for the first three years,” said Rugg. For example, during the early stages, an entire employee’s job was devoted to getting liquid nitrogen and keeping the semen tanks full by going over to Producers Cooperative in Bryan, Texas on a frequent basis. Rugg said that space was pretty tight in their first location. Officing out of and containing equipment in a small 1500 square foot space, made everyday tasks difficult for Bovine Elite at first.
EXPANSION AND GROWTH It wasn’t until 1994 that Bovine Elite, LLC relocated to their current property on Longmire Drive in College Station, Texas, where they occupy a 5000 square foot space. Here they have plenty of room to host classes and meetings, house semen tanks and A.I. equipment, and have comfortable offices. This workspace combines all of the components necessary to collaborate and create a great place to continue to build the business. Rugg described the new location as a game changer. “Things had to be done differently at that time, in the beginning stages of the company, but opening up the new facility in 1995 was a great way to expand the business,” said Rugg. Bovine Elite was one of the first in their line of business to build a website dedicated to selling bovine semen and A.I. products to cattle breeders. This was an extremely innovative step for Bovine Elite, as many other semen and A.I. marketing companies did not have much of a web presence in the mid 1990s.
Hard work, a great support staff, and staying ahead of the competition has taken Bovine Elite, LLC to new heights in recent years. The future looks bright for Carl Rugg’s dream. Ranch House Journal | 11 
The current Bovine Elite website includes a great deal of data, and is currently in a transition phase. Rugg said they’re working on making the website more mobile and user friendly and visually attractive. The website covers all aspects of their business from buying semen, and A.I. certificates to promoting new genetics, providing bull information, and keeping customers updated on classes and pertinent industry information. Rugg has been a hands-on owner, playing an integral role in every aspect of his business. In doing this, he said that he thoroughly embraces the client contact and the constant opportunity to work with good bulls and people who have prominent cattle breeding programs. Bovine Elite has grown to have numerous global contacts by both exporting and importing semen. Of his diverse accomplishments, Rugg is very proud to share that Bovine Elite is the largest source of Charolais genetics in the country. This grew out of Rugg’s admiration for the Charolais breed. Rugg shared that attending multiple cattle shows is a great source and opportunity to see what is new in the industry and to stay current on which bulls are and will be the next great herd sire prospects. He also relies on his Sire Procurement Manager and the rest of his staff to stay current and be open to new opportunities for new sires and products that will help cattle breeders manage and improve their herds.
A.I. CLINICS Rugg started conducting A.I. clinics at Granada and soon recognized that it was an integral part of the business. The main reason Bovine Elite does these clinics is to help cattlemen and cattlewomen gain skills to improve their operations and their genetics. 12 | Ranch House Journal
“We enjoy meeting new people, hearing about their cattle and experiences and making new friendships that transition into long lasting relationships for our business,” said Rugg. During these A.I. clinics, the participants have classroom work daily and work with up to 19 fresh cows each day in order to apply what they have learned during the clinic. “We will conduct A.I. clinics as long as we possibly can,” said Rugg. Interested breeders and customers have to register early because the clinics fill up well in advance; their June clinic is already completely booked. They allow 24 participants per clinic, which span four days; beginning on a Tuesday and ending on a Friday. In October of 2011, Rugg and Dr. L.R. Sprott from Texas A&M University had the opportunity to travel internationally to the Cayman Islands Government Agriculture
Facility to do an onsite A.I. clinic. During this clinic, they trained 11 producers in A.I. procedures. This trip was a great opportunity to share knowledge, training, and insight with international breeders. Bovine Elite still ships semen and supplies to these cattle breeders today.
LOOKING AHEAD One way that Rugg is always trying to stay current in the business is by looking for those particular bulls that are in demand by different breeds of cattle. He noted the importance of staying in touch with different breeders to see what bulls are “in” and always being cognizant of what might be the next great herd sire. Along with staying on the cutting edge, Rugg has never lost sight of staying service oriented and treating clients with kindness and respect. This is the number one priority for Bovine Elite and his entire staff. If certain
semen is not available or in stock for a client, Rugg, and the Bovine Elite staff, work diligently to make the client aware of the situation, offering alternative solutions, suggestions or information on when that product will be back in stock. One way Rugg has always tried to make Bovine Elite the best that it could be was by making lists on how to improve the company. Rugg also credits Bovine Elite’s success to
his staff that continue to represent the company in a professional manner and continue to be proactive in keeping the business growing. Bovine Elite has also employed the marketing services of Ranch House Designs to keep the company on the cutting edge of advertising their products and services. “We have utilized Rachel and her staff at Ranch House Designs for a number of years for Sire Directory Publications, Breed Journal ads, email blasts and guidance on promoting the business.”
Rugg anticipates the website redesign that Ranch House is completing to be a great asset for Bovine Elite, LLC. “Ranch House Designs is a very talented group of people and I appreciate their insight and marketing talents,” said Rugg. He noted that staying current through actively using social media has provided another avenue for Bovine Elite to grow. He and his staff are anticipating the new Bovine Elite website to be released in the near future. Rugg used to stay up at night making lists on how to improve Bovine Elite. That spirit of always striving to be better and continuing to evolve within the industry has made Bovine Elite a successful business over the last 27 years. His vision and lists have served him well.
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NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Chiefline Red Angus www.chieflineredanguscattle.com Chiefline Red Angus is a fifth generation ranch that has been breeding Red Angus for more than four decades in Abernathy, Texas. With the focus of breeding sound and functional cattle that are also profitable. The ranch produces cattle that are designed to fit the feedyard, packers, retailers, and consumers.
Wilkinson Gelbvieh www.wilkinsongelbvieh.com Wilkinson Gelbvieh Ranch in Southeastern Colorado has been raising registered Gelbvieh cattle since the mid 1980’s. With the idea of raising the kind of cattle that will “do their job,” they focus on producing cattle that can withhold themselves in the harsh Colorado environment. In addition to soundness, strong maternal traits are also a key factor in Wilkinson Gelbvieh Ranch genetics. Along with their daughter, Bill and Nancy Wilkinson are very active among the American Gelbvieh Association.
Diamond S Insurance www.diamondsinsuranceagency.com
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Diamond S Insurance is an agriculture insurance agency serving Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. Diamond S Insurance offers a broad range of agriculture insurance coverages from machinery to crop insurance. In addition to their numerous insurance programs, the company helps producers with insurance and risk management decisions across the operation. Raven Spratt, the owner of Diamond S Insurance has an extensive background in agriculture. Her goal is to make doing business as easy as possible and ensure the safety of her clients financially.
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NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Brazos Valley Roofing www.bvroofing.com Located in Bryan, Texas, Brazos Valley Roofing services the Brazos Valley area. Whether you are in the market for a shingle roof, or a metal roof, Brazos Valley Roofing has got you covered. Offering small-town customer service and top-notch workmanship on every project, Brazos Valley Roofing takes pride in the work they do. From free inspections, storm damage inspection, and warranty, you can’t go wrong with Brazos Valley Roofing. The company also offers seamless gutter installation, cleaning, and repair through Brazos Valley Seamless Gutters.
Between the Lines www.btlstx.com Located in Waller, Texas, Between the Lines Striping is a highly-skilled power washing and parking lot services company. Between the Lines services the greater Houston area and the Texas Gulf Coast customers. Family-owned and-operated by Matthew and Hayley Frankston, Between the Lines Striping has over 30 years of experience. Customer service comes first for Between the Lines and the use of the highest quality tools for their services is a close second.
j. branch www.jbranchlandscaping.com
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With the combined teamwork of Joby Branch Bonnot and Keith Place, j. branch landscaping brings over 25 years of experience to the landscaping industry. Based out of Houston, j. branch landscaping offers services for everyone. Whether you are in the market for simple pottery installation, seasonal color-change, or a more extreme makeover, j. branch landscaping is happy to help. The team prides themselves on listening to clients. Not only taking into consideration client needs, but also the needs of the overall space. The j. branch landscaping team strives to create a lasting relationship with clients.
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NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Rafter 2 Ranch www.rafter2ranch.com The Rafter 2 Ranch is known for its herd of registered and commercial Red Brangus cattle. All dams and sires come from exceptional lineages and include the proper documentation to prove it. They provide high grade replacement heifers and bulls to clients. The Rafter 2 Ranch has branched out across the globe and is exporting cattle to ranches in other countries, a major accomplishment that has sales growth projected to reach a whole new level.
Southern Oklahoma Labradoodles www.southernoklahomalabradoodles.com Southern Oklahoma Labradoodles is an Australian Labradoodle breeder ran by sisters Jacque and Amanda. With their chocolate Australian Labradoodle, Gracie, and their partnership with Shadow Mountain Australian Labradoodles, their goal is to breed intelligent family companions. Gracie’s puppies are family companions, therapy dogs in training and companion animals for the physically challenged. With Gracie’s gentle personality, sound structure and confirmation, Southern Oklahoma Labradoodles are sure to produce great puppies for any family.
Gold Bullion Group www.goldbulliongroup.com Gold Bullion Group combines six Simmental breeders’ knowledge of the industry and great genetics to provide quality Simmental bulls. The group pays a great amount of attention to detail. Their overall goal is to provide excellent genetics that will help both commercial breeders and purebred operations. In addition to great genetics, Gold Bullion Group guarantees four breeding seasons on all of their bulls. The group hosts their sale the first Sunday of every March in Wamego, Kansas. 18 | Ranch House Journal
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NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Coalition of Ag www.agriculturemediation.org The Coalition of Agricultural Mediation Programs, also known as CAMP, is a network of all USDA Certified State Programs. CAMP offers specialized mediation services between all state programs currently in operation. Regardless of the nature of the dispute, CAMP improves communication and mends relationships between parties. Communication is key and Coalition of Agriculture Mediation believes no different.
M3 Marketing www.m3cattlemarketing.com Matt Macfarlane Marketing, also known as M3 Marketing, is a specialized company focused on the marketing of purebred seedstock. Matt Macfarlane, licensed and bonded through the USDA Packers and Stockyards Administration, serves as owner and operator. M3 handles all budgeting, developing, and advertising to promote your events. For nearly 20 years, M3 has unparalleled expertise, drive, and knowledge to make your next sale as successful as possible.
Barstow Angus Ranch www.barstowangus.com Located in Springview, Nebraska, Barstow Angus Ranch operates along the scenic Niobrara River. Familyowned and-operated, Barstow Angus Ranch prides itself on top-quality cattle. Angus cattle is important to the Barstow’s, but caring for the cattle with family is what it is all about. With outstanding sires and donors and a list of all upcoming sale information, you can’t go wrong with Barstow Angus Ranch. 20 | Ranch House Journal
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NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Unique Wagyu www.uniquewagyu.com Unique Wagyu has been bringing the best and most unique genetics to the Wagyu industry over the last 25 years. Their goal is to help breeders produce some of the most unique animals and genetics to optimize their goals. Unique Wagyu sells both red and black Wagyu semen and embryos. They are committed to bringing healthy and quality animals to everyone.
Lind Family Farms www.lind-tlc.com The Lind family, deeply rooted in agriculture, runs a purebred Hereford and Red Angus operation in Rushford, Minnesota. The Hereford division, Lind Family Farms, operates with ambition to build a program around their top end donor cows. TLC Livestock Services, the Red Angus division, focuses on a breed they admire for being low maintenance, maternal, and functional. Priding themselves on the use of cutting edge genetics, the Linds produce sound, functional cattle. Cattle that not only perform in the pasture, but hang banners in the show ring.
Turnpike Creek Farms www.turnpikecreek.com Turnpike Creek Farms in Milam, Georgia is a fifth generation farm that dates their first Angus herd to 1980. The farm strives to produce big volume, feminine, gooduttered females that produce fast growing calves. All bulls are raised on pasture and are supplemented daily with a grain based rotation. To learn more about Turnpike Creek Farms and their time-tested, proven performance genetics, please visit their new website: turnpikecreek.com. 22 | Ranch House Journal
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NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Lindsey Ranch www.lindseyranch.com Located in Madisonville, Texas, Lindsey Ranch strives to produce top quality, performance based black Beefmasters for the purebred and commercial cattleman. With faster growing calves, more pounds at weaning, and hybridvigor, these Beefmasters will make you money. You can learn more about Lindsey Ranch, and the champions they produce here: lindseyranch.com.
Safety Zone Calf Catchers www.safetyzonecalfcatchers.com A cow-man’s best friend during calving season. One person can now safely and easily process calves without the concern of the protective mother cow. Safety is always a primary concern for everyone. With the average age of producers getting older, and labor being more difficult to find, Safety Zone Calf Catchers has you covered. Watch how they can help, here: safetyzonecalfcatchers.com.
Ted Howard Stockmanship www.tedhowardstockmanship.com The goal at Ted Howard Stockmanship is to help stockmen and women utilize their horse successfully in cattle handling situations. By learning basic horsemanship principles, Ted believes the stockman will better understand what to ask of their horse while working cattle. From horsemanship clinics to team building consultations, Ted Howard can help you reach your stockmanship goals with personal, one-on-one training. 24 | Ranch House Journal
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Lyons Ranch Angus Heritage Continues A leading Angus family finds success in building a lasting legacy.
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PRODUCER
N By Nicole Lane Erceg
ot many people willingly move to a state rumored to be flatter than a pancake. If it wasn’t for a military assignment, Jan and Frank Lyons probably would never have landed in Manhattan, Kansas. In the early 1970s the couple, originally from Ohio, took an assignment at Fort Riley. It seemed like they were moving to the edge of the earth. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love with the Flint Hills. Fast forward four decades and the couple has accomplished more than creating a home in the Sunflower State. On the outskirts of what some might call a sleepy college town, they’ve built a legacy. A shared love for cattle inspired the start of a registered herd in the late 1970s. No question which breed they would choose as Angus is what Jan knew and loved. In the early days, she would sell their bulls behind an old chicken house on the property.
But with few better places to breed and feed cattle than the Flint Hills of Kansas, it didn’t stay that way for long. Today the family sells about 120 bulls through their annual production sale, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2018. The cattle and sale have evolved with the times, but other important values have endured, including a focus on providing the commercial cattleman with superior Angus genetics and serving the industry this family loves.
THE NEXT GENERATION The ranch, just three miles south of Manhattan, is home to a cowherd of about 300. Jan and Frank have stepped back from the day-to-day management, handing the reins over to daughter Amy and her husband Karl Langvardt. Along with their sons, Trey and Tanner, the Lyons’ family mission, to serve the commercial cattleman, continues on. “We’ve always just tried to grow in the way that the industry has grown,”
Amy says. “Now and from the very beginning our purpose has been to serve the commercial cattleman.” They do just that by marketing 18-month-old bulls, developed and ready to go to work after their March sale. “Our buyers seem to like that the 18-month-old bull can cover a few more cows and that they know what they are going to get versus a yearling bull,” Amy says. And their customers do like Lyons’ bulls. Local demand is so high, few bulls make it outside the Kansas state lines. “We try to focus on who is in front of us at the moment and keep those traits that are important in mind,” Amy says. They focus on economic traits, using multi-trait selection to provide a herd sire that will go on to better their customer’s herds and the beef they produce. They rely on the carcass traits for which the Angus breed is known while continuing to select for a docile animal that maintains Ranch House Journal | 27
“Now and from the very beginning our purpose has been to serve the commercial cattleman.” good maternal qualities to produce a functional female. Their vision is a balanced animal that’s built on proven genetics that will be a good partner and producer of quality beef for the cattleman. The clock ticks slowly in the cattle business. It takes years from the time a breeding decision is made until the progeny and progress of those decisions can be seen and even more time until the end product is enjoyed. That doesn’t stop the family from keeping an eye on how their genetic decisions perform throughout the beef marketing chain. Amy and Karl also help operate two local livestock auctions owned in a partnership with Karl’s family, Junction City and Clay Center Livestock Sales. This gives them 28 | Ranch House Journal
the ability to see how many of their customer’s calves marketed. “That’s important to us because what happens on our ranch is passed down through the rest of the industry to the people eating that steak at the end of the day,” Amy says.
SHARPENING THE BRAND As time and technology evolve, marketing the ranch has changed a bit too. Just like it came to a point where it didn’t make sense for Jan to sell their seedstock private treaty behind the chicken house, Amy realized that a website that didn’t work on a smartphone wasn’t working any longer to market their sale. She turned to Ranch House to freshen their logo and create an
updated look for their ranch that matched the latest technology. “Ranch House has been excellent to work with,” Amy says. “They’re very, very quick to respond to what we want and took the time to understand our operation to keep the feel of what we had before but sharpen it up.” One thing Amy didn’t intend was investing beyond the logo modifications and updated website. The team at Ranch House ‘talked her into’ setting up a Facebook page, but she admits she needed a nudge and has already seen positive results. “I’ve been happy and surprised with the response we’ve gotten on social media,” says Amy. For a family that keeps a pulse on what the commercial industry wants and needs, it was a change that has
benefited marketing genetics they work hard to produce.
FUTURE IN THE FLINT HILLS It takes more than great genetics to make a good beef animal and good marketing to sell it. To realize the genetic potential of those mating decisions, ample health and nutrition must also rise to the challenge. The Lyons and Langvardts know that nutrition begins in the pasture. The native prairie grasses that fill the ranch pastures provide the perfect energy source for developing the family’s superior Angus genetics. Managing the land and grasses is key to the family’s success and a chore they take very seriously. “We try to work with what is here, what Mother Nature has given us,” Amy says. “The annual pasture burning and regrowth is an important part of our stewardship and sustainability.”
Through careful rotation, monitored stocking rates and seasonal pasture burning, the family works to take care of the grass, like they care for the cattle so both can, in turn, provide for the family. “We’re trying to raise great cattle, but the grass helps with that,” she says. “We want to take care of the land so it’s here to pass on.” As Amy looks forward to what’s next for Lyons Ranch, she’s hopeful that the legacy built by her parents and their parents before them will continue. Beyond producing great beef, her parents have passed down a tradition of service to the industry. From leading local 4-H groups to breaking ground as the first woman president of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Jan has given back to the industry in a multitude of ways. Frank devoted 45-years to the Manhattan community as a radiologist and
continues to try to improve quality of life for his patients today. Amy and Karl are no different. Amy serves on the board of Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and Frontier Farm Credit Nominating Committee. Karl has served as a Wabaunsee County KLA Director and volunteer coach for football and baseball. Armed with a formula for success that includes superior genetic selection, bull development, strategic marketing, and land management all done with service-oriented hearts, it seems the Langvardts are building upon the foundation laid before them to make Lyons Ranch even better. “We would like to be able to pass this on to future generations like our parents did for us,” Amy says. “This is a great way to grow up and we consider ourselves so fortunate that we have the chance to give our kids that opportunity too.” Ranch House Journal | 29
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WESTERN FASHION
Spring Style
To learn more about TNT Western Wear and to shop these looks, visit www.tntwestern.com.
Vibrant colors are in - from bright statement jewelry to colorful handbags and boots. These outfits are perfect for spring parties on the ranch, date nights, or ranching and wildlife events. HER OUTFIT Dress:
Mustard colored, off the shoulder shift dress with detailed embroidery and stitching, $39.99. Available in sizes Small - Large.
Boots:
Description: Ladies Corral boots, $229.99. Available in sizes 5.5 - 11.
Jewelry:
West & CO turquoise and silver earrings, $11.99 ; West & CO turquoise slab necklace, $29.99.
Outfits by TNT Western Wear
Clutch:
Blazin Boxx serape clutch, $59.00.
HIS OUTFIT
Hat:
Resistol Hancock straw hat, $89.99.
Shirt:
George Strait collection by Wrangler blue long sleeve button down, $56.99. Available in sizes Small - 2 X-Large.
Jeans:
Ariat Rebar jeans, $54.99. Available in sizes 28-44 waist and 30,32,34,36, 38 lengths.
Belt:
Nocona Belt Co. men’s tooled belt, $49.99.
Boots:
Lucchese caiman boots, $529.99. Available in sizes 7-14 in D & EE widths. 32 | Ranch House Journal
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AG BUSINESS
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Kent
Quality service, Midwestern values, and a commitment to animal nutrition you can trust.
Feeds By Kate Miller
“Reputation matters. Always has. Always will.”
Kent’s slogan shoots straight to the heart of a Midwest company built on Midwest values. Their reputation matters, and for the last 90-years that reputation has stood the test of changing times and changing demands. But their commitment to quality has never wavered.
BORN IN THE HEARTLAND Indianola, Iowa, just 20 miles south of Des Moines, has always been an agricultural hub. But in 1927, Gage Kent, a local visionary had a big idea: animal feed. Animal feeding during this time was not based on the rigid nutritional principles we have today, instead most feeds were formulated with what was available to hit a weight standard with little regard for nutrient density. But Kent began manufacturing Kent Baby Beef™, the original “Feed without a Filler.” This product revolutionized how people thought about feeding beef cattle, and his flagship product set a new standard for the industry. This entrepreneurial risk was immediately successful because consumers could readily see results. Business boomed. So much so that
following a fire that destroyed the Indianola facility, in the 1950s Gage moved the operation to Muscatine, Iowa to capitalize on regional transportation efficiencies. That move began the next era of production.
CULTURE OF INNOVATION Kent started with a radical idea to change the way the feed industry went to market. The venture was immediately successful, but what kept the business growing was Kent’s ability to keep moving forward as the industry evolved. Quality control became one of Kent’s main focuses during their expansion, and that mission continues today. With strict
90 Years of Industry Leading Innovation From humble beginnings Kent Feeds has worked their way to the top by always focusing on quality, integrity and innovation. standards on monitoring the quality of incoming ingredients and with stringent protocols and final product specifications, the Kent brand became the Midwest feed name that was synonymous with consistency. But as important as quality control, Kent knew the business must always be on the cusp of new product innovations and better ways of doing business. Today, we often take for granted the mechanized and streamlined approach to how bagged feed comes to us. But Kent pioneered the efficient design we enjoy today with their Sioux City plant being the first to automatically fill and sew a feed bag shut. Today, innovation flourishes within the Kent brand, with the home Ranch House Journal | 35
of product advancement centered on the 800-acre working research farm, known as the Kent Product Development Center. Entering the third generation of family ownership, the Kent family knew that the key to moving forward was making sure their product had real world applications backed by science. Their research facility today operates with the goal of helping animals thrive and deliver predictable results for producers. Feed trials are designed around evaluating feed ingredients and new formulations to improve efficiency and support animal health. They recently unveiled a new swine research unit featuring industry leading technology that includes treatment specific drinking water plumbing, zone specific environmental controls and animal friendly loadout handling. This new unit sets the stage for the next generation of swine research within Kent and serves as a model for their goal of remaining a transformative company. 36 | Ranch House Journal
CULTURE OF VALUES The heart of this company though is not in research or product development, it’s in their people. Kent knew that to maintain his goal of high levels of innovation, he had to surround himself with the industry’s leading minds. Today the hiring process at Kent still follows the same philosophy Gage Kent himself used. Kent looked for people who were continuously striving for improvement. He found professionals who were all-stars in their respective field and he allowed them to utilize their talents and to do their work. This seemingly simple principle of personal responsibility spawned a culture where each employee has ownership in the process and a stake in Kent’s reputation.
Their unwavering commitment to personal values sets the company apart from other titans of industry. The simple promise to live their values is an essential part of how they do business in their regional markets. The five values that outline how they choose to do business are simple: honesty, quality, safety, timeliness and the desire for long, productive partner relationships.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE With a growing portfolio that spans livestock and companion animal
nutrition, Kent sets the standard in customer experience, focusing on providing dealers and employees with tools they need to provide customers with the expertise they demand to enhance their operations. Social media is one of the tools they have recently employed to help reach their customers more efficiently. Through enhanced social media interactions on Facebook, customers can see how Kent is changing in real time. Chris Dickey, communication coordinator for Kent Nutrition Group said, “we’re always looking for better ways to communicate with our dealers and end-users. We try to make answers available in just a few keystrokes or taps.” Kent’s commitment to agriculture expands is strong. Kent has supported ad campaigns that encouraged consumers to eat more animal protein, going so far to have a company pledge that the entire staff at their corporate headquarters promised to eat pork twice per week while the pork market was down. They host livestock shows across the Midwest, helping the next generation of agricultural innovators get their start. Most recently, Kent contributed an $8 million gift to Iowa State University’s new Feed Mill and Grain Science complex. This facility will serve as an elite platform to help students better prepare for a future in the feed and grain industries. In a changing industry and changing world, Kent has remained consistent in their commitments for 90 years. This is a source of pride and propels them forward with purpose. They know that to continue this tradition for the next 90-years, they must stay focused on ensuring their reputation never wavers. Every day they recommit to this mission of quality, service and personal values. “Anything less would betray our roots, and not fulfill our promise of quality animal nutrition that you can trust – guaranteed,” said Dickey. Ranch House Journal | 37
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PHOTO
National Western Stock Show Images by Melissa Grimmel Schaake, Sara Rader and The Pulse powered by Sullivan Supply Text by Melissa Grimmel Schaake Denver, Colorado January 2018
Exhibitors of all species traveled to the Mile High City to partake in the 16-day event, known for kicking off the year of major stock show season and western heritage. Denver is nationally recognized as one of the country’s largest horse shows and Colorado’s largest western trade show. Each year, the National Western invites Ranch House to present a complimentary educational marketing workshop to teach producers about social media, photography and more. This workshop is part of the NWSS’s educational mission. This event is one of our annual favorites, as it gives us a chance to see many of our clients and colleagues in the industry. Thank you Denver for once again hosting an amazing event.
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LIFE & HOME
Fort Worth Stock Show Photos by Meg Drake, Sara Rader and Barron Photografix Text by Meg Drake Fort Worth, Texas January 2018
The annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) is one of the premier western events held in Cowtown, it’s also one of the oldest. Since 1896, millions of people have traveled to the stock show to learn about Texas agriculture and exhibit livestock. Today, the FWSSR has evolved into a three week long event that hosts nightly professional rodeo performances, plus equine, livestock and many other agricultural-related exhibitions. Throughout this period, the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum will see over 1.2 million attendees make their way through its gates to enjoy the stock show. Ranch House team members were excited to cover this year’s open, junior breeding and junior market competitions. Junior breeding and market competitions attract 4-H and FFA members from across the state. It can be argued that FWSSR is home to one of the fiercest market steer competitions in the country. This year’s caliber of livestock was no exception to that speculation. This year’s Grand Champion steer, exhibited by Ben Bezner sold for $200,000 during the prestigious FWSSR Sale of Champions. Reserve steer, shown by Austin Breeding sold for $90,000.
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G R E AT R ANCHE S DESERVE GREAT PHOTOS.
CLIENT: SWEARNGIN ANGUS, KANSAS
CLIENT: V8 RANCH, TEXAS
CLIENT: TRIANGLE B RANCH, OKLAHOMA
F I N E A RT P H OTO GR A P HY
for farmers and ranchers
LUKE NEUMAYR, Photographer 979-218-7295 • luke@lukeandcat.com
CLIENT: V8 RANCH, TEXAS
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WESTERN HERITAGE
CITY BOOTS: MADE FOR EVERY OCCASION A boot fascination turned into a business for this Texas native. By Meg Drake
Lizzy Chesnut knows a good pair of boots when she sees one, even from a young age. This passion led her to creating CITY Boots - Lizzy’s own line of handcrafted boots. “I was always a boot lover and collector,” said Lizzy. “I filled my closet and bedroom with my [boot] collection so I decided that I needed to channel that energy elsewhere.” She had always gravitated toward vintage boots, but finding a pair in the right size and fit proved to be more difficult than she anticipated. She suspected if she was having this problem, others were too, and thus the idea behind CITY Boots began. When Lizzy was laid off from her job in the oil and gas industry, she found herself with time to tackle her dream. One of her first steps was drawing inspiration from her own vintage boot collection. “Most CITY Boots have the rounded toe, tall tops, and the feminine riding heel,” she said. “All characteristics that are reminiscent of vintage boots.” She also likes to put her own unique spin on each pair by incorporating different colors. The road to success for CITY Boot hasn’t always been easy. As a finance major and someone who has spent the majority of their professional career in the oil and gas industry, navigating the fashion world is still difficult for Lizzy. She offers this bit of advice for those just getting started. “Don’t be afraid to be different and go against the trends,” she said. “Don’t get distracted or discouraged by what others are doing.” “Starting a cowboy boot company has given me my own place in this wonderful western world,” said Lizzy. Today, CITY Boots feature footwear for him and her. Her clients are often those who value comfort, classic styles and quality for a fair price. One thing is certain, Lizzy doesn’t like to sit idle. On a weekly basis she is participating in pop-up-shops around the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex, displaying her boots at various equine events and hosting creative brainstorms with team members. She has big plans for CITY Boots and these activities are just the beginning. “I have boots in Iceland, Australia and the United Kingdom,” she said. “But I’m not stopping there. I have a few things up my sleeve. You’ll have to wait and see what new things are coming,” teased Lizzy. One of these goals includes getting a pair of CITY Boots on Princess Kate Middleton. “I always say I want to convert ‘city’ people into cowboy boot wearers,” said Lizzy. “I feel like she would be the ultimate win.” To learn more about CITY Boots, visit www.cityboots.com.
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FRIENDS & FAMILIES
South Dakota Ranch Wedding Photography by Chutin Flicks Photography. Cally and Clint Kindred married on June 3, 2017 at the family’s ranch in Harrold, South Dakota. It was a magical day orchestrated by friends and family. For those fortunate enough to know Cally and her down-to-earth personality and family values, she wouldn’t have had it any other way. The couple had no coordinator, and personal friends prepared the food. The wedding was held in the pasture right by Cally’s parent’s home. Mares and colts spontaneously running by at the end of the ceremony added the perfect touch to this ranching and rodeo family’s celebration. Cally’s bouquet was pinned with a Black Hills Gold barrel racer pin engraved with her sister Taylor’s initials. Cally wore her great grandma Hazel’s necklace, and a heart cut from her grandpa Harry’s jeans as her ‘something blue,’ sewn into her garter.
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TRAVEL
VISIT
A Bipartisan Look at America’s Capital
WASHINGTON D.C.
By Kate Miller
I
n today’s world of 24-hour news, you may feel there is little else to Washington D.C. other than politicians and swamps and Twitter. But aside from debates on Capital Hill, there is so much to discover about our nation’s capital outside of a CSPAN news briefing.
WHEN TO GO In short: the spring. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held this year from March 20 to April 15. This annual event, celebrating the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan, is the hallmark celebration of spring in the city. The festival kicks off with an opening event featuring cultural artists, followed by a kite festival, a firework show and the National Cherry Blossom Parade. For more information on incorporating the festival into your travel plans, see the official website at: www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. 54 | Ranch House Journal
WHERE TO STAY For a dynamite view in a recently renovated hotel, Hotel Washington is a fan favorite. With 360 degree views that include the White House and the Washington Monument, the selfie from your room will be Instagram worthy. The stunning lobby has a 5-star feel, and to get the real star treatment head to the rooftop bar. Enjoy a signature cocktail overlooking the White House lawn at the city’s premier rooftop terrace. For the whiskey aficionados there is also Root Cellar Whiskey Bar, an intimate space to enjoy varieties of your favorite libation. To add this to your itinerary: www.wwashingtondc.com.
WHERE TO EAT In the lobbying capital of the world, it stands to reason you can spend as much money as you want on a power lunch or dinner. So if you have a hankering for a slab of beef on your D.C. tour, the city has more than one spot to hit.
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Highly recommended by locals, Bourbon Steak in Georgetown offers the most extensive collection of aged beef. Ranging from dry aged, grass fed, corn fed, and Japanese wagyu. Be warned, the wagyu will set you back three figures. Charlie Palmer Steak, a Capital Hill fan favorite, offers a more local feel to eating. The chef, Jeffrey Russel, sources many of his ingredients from a garden he manages in Alexandria. For those coming out of cow country who are aiming for a seafood experience, what better city to load up on East Coast Oysters? If you find yourself in Union Market around happy hour, head to Rappahannock Oyster Bar, where Chesapeake oysters are only $1 each every Tuesday through Friday. If you are looking for your legislator, rumor has it that the Capitol Hill crowd heads to Johnny’s Half Shell for Happy Hour, and if you’re still there and looking for a late night snack shoot over to Hank’s Oyster bar to check out the late night menu. Patrons love the New England favorites such as lobster rolls and daily fish specials, not to mention their extensive ice bar with some of the city’s best selection of raw oysters, tartar and ceviche. If you are looking for something a little more local, try Ben’s Chili Bowl. This local icon opened in 1958, and has been serving the best chili and sausage on the East Coast. With locations in Arlington, H Street and the Reagan Airport, you can grab a “Spicy Half Smoke” just about anywhere. But for the ‘real’ experience, head to the original location on U Street.
WHAT TO DO There is no shortage of itinerary filling ideas in the D.C. area. From the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial to a tour of the White House, you can fill up an entire day touring the cultural icons of the city. A 56 | Ranch House Journal
personal suggestion is as you schedule your tour through the National Monuments, visit the Jefferson Memorial at night. It is an uncommon view, and the memorial is at its most serene during a dusky sunset. D.C. is also an archipelago of National Museums. The Smithsonian’s are always a family favorite, but the National Holocaust Museum is an experience you cannot miss. The museum is unparalleled in terms of history and emotionality. It is a site that will leave you changed through the oral history of more than 16,000 Holocaust-related testimonies, and more than 111,000 historical photographs. Arlington Cemetery is on the list of must-see places that will tug at your heart. The solemn fields are a poignant reminder of what our nation has sacrificed in pursuit of freedom. Honor their legacy with a visit, which should also include a moment with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Stop by Vietnam, World War II and Korean War memorials to pay tribute to all the brave heroes who sacrificed so nobly.
NIGHTLIFE After a day of touring, why not head out on the town? D.C.’s nightlife is a rich scene of nightclubs, cozy neighborhood bars and great rooftop patios to enjoy a warm view of the city. If you are around Capitol Hill, the H Street NE in the Atlas district you’ll find a strip of local bars and restaurants to suit any taste and budget. From the divey feel of The Pug to the H Street Country Club (complete with its own indoor golf course) there is something for everyone in this quirky strip. With all there is to do for all ages in D.C., make it your next adventure! Book a flight into Dulles, update your Uber, and go see what the nation’s capital has to offer! All images compliments of washington.org Ranch House Journal | 57
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WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
Sara Kober
Navigates marketing one of the nation’s leading ag businesses, raising livestock, farming, and full time mom life. And does it exceptionally well.
By Meg Drake Sara Kober has worn many hats within the agriculture industry, from student and showman to producer, marketing specialist, mother and wife. Her knowledge of and involvement in the industry is extensive, and her responsibilities tremendous. Yet, she’s found a way to handle it all exceptionally well. Sara grew up surrounded by agriculture, watching her parents as cow-calf producers and as agri-business owners. “Shortly before I was born, my father started Trans Ova Genetics,” said Sara. “My earliest memories involve his work and watching the company grow.” Throughout her childhood, Sara watched her parents successfully build growing a cattle operation and what was at that time, a small business. As she grew older, Sara became involved with both. “In the early years of showing, I mainly showed heifers we raised,” said Sara. “As we navigated through those early years with our bumper-hitch trailer, showing cattle was a family-oriented project and we began setting goals.” One of those goals included winning Grand Champion Steer at the Iowa State Fair. A difficult task, but one that Sara and her family set their minds to. “After each show, we analyzed the judge’s comments,” she said. “What did we do well, and what could we improve? If we felt the judge’s impressions were misguided, how did we give him this impression and what could we do to fix it?” In the end, the hard work, long hours and many sacrifices were worth it. She and her brothers, Dan and Tyler, all went on to win Grand Champion Steer at the Iowa State Fair among many other championships. 60 | Ranch House Journal
Through her time spent in and around the show ring, Sara learned many lessons that she carried into her professional career. Of these, she feels the most important lesson was that work ethic and persistence can often overcome shortcomings. “My experiences associated with the show ring continue to be valuable,” said Sara. “While my show career ended, many friendships and valuable connections continue today.” These connections led her to intern with the Charolais Association and to work at a national show management position with the American Hereford Association. But for Sara, all roads led home, and today she serves as marketing specialist for Trans Ova Genetics, the company founded by her father all those years ago. “I help oversee brand strategy, new products and service developments,” said Sara. “I develop, create, and execute our print and digital campaigns, and manage advertisement placements. I’m also involved in trade show coordination and creating all support materials, including all promotional and informational items.” Trans Ova Genetics is a leader in providing reproductive technologies to producers. From embryo transfer to in vitro fertilization, sexed-semen, genetic preservation and cloning, Trans Ova offers cattle and small ruminant breeders the opportunity to expand and grow their operations through advanced technologies that leave less to chance. Sara attributes the success of the company to the Trans Ova team. “My role has been made easy by my team members,” she said. “From embryologists and client service to animal caretakers, they work hard every day and strive for the best for our clients. I get to promote those qualities to the rest of the world.” Being a mother and a wife are two other roles that Sara takes very seriously. She loves assisting her husband, Patrick, with their own
diversified operation and watching her children grow up in the agriculture industry. “When I married Patrick, I became involved in his businesses, which include grain farming, raising feeder hogs and selling seed,” said Sara. She believes raising their two children around these industries will help teach them valuable lessons she also received at a young age, like care of livestock, confidence, public speaking, and business experience. “I want them to learn to surround themselves with people that foster good relationships, where they learn
to not only receive support, but return support as well,” said Sara. “Above all, I want to teach my children gratitude, manners, compassion, and respect.” Being a mother who is as careeroriented and involved as Sara isn’t always easy, but she said some of her most rewarding days are also her longest days. “Raising children while working, and also striving for a successful ag operation, isn’t always easy, but that’s okay. I truly believe the busier I am, the more efficient I can be,” said Sara.
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LAND & OUTDOORS
Texas Wildlife Biologist Shares What It’s Like to Work With Some of Texas’ Best Hunting Operations
JASON SHIPMAN
By Rachel Cutrer
Focused on Land,Wildlife and People On a cool Texas afternoon, sitting alongside his father, Jason Shipman, age 13, got his “first buck.” This experience is one that most every hunter remembers, but for Jason, it lit a passion for wildlife and the outdoors that burns like a south Texas brush fire in the hot August sun. It’s what inspired him to build a career as one of Texas’ most respected game biologists, serving ten years and counting as a staff writer/field editor for Texas Trophy Hunters Association (TTHA), an official Boone & Crockett scorer, as co-chair of the TTHA Deer Contest, and as a licensed real estate agent. For Jason Shipman, hunting is life. Ranch House Journal | 65
A
day in the life of a Texas game biologist is “anything but typical,” says Jason, a private consultant who’s spent the last 20-plus years serving landowners with a wide array of services as a Certified Wildlife Biologist. “I have to give credit to my dad, Stan Shipman, for my career choice,” Jason says. “He really took the time to take me outdoors and instill in me the passion for the land and hunting in general.” “We need more of that for today’s youth,” Jason adds. This is especially important for Jason and his wife, Meagan, who plan to pass on their love of wildlife on to their three children: 66 | Ranch House Journal
Brooke, Hunter, and Tristan. But, just being a ‘lover of wildlife’ isn’t enough to build a business as a wildlife biologist. It takes quite a bit of education, including a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, wildlife management or a related field, plus hands on experience and lots of field training. Having great mentors is a crucial part of getting the hands-on experience and personal connections that are so important for success. After graduating from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos (now Texas State University) in 1997, Jason began his career as a wildlife biologist. Jason credits his success in the business to the people he works with, especially Horace Gore, editor of TTHA Journal, who had a profound
impact on his career. “There are a lot of individuals and landowners – too numerous to list – that have been influential and helped me, and helped my success as a biologist.” Jason’s role as a wildlife biologist is to work very closely with his clients to develop and implement programs focusing on habitat management and harvest strategies to produce award winning trophy whitetail deer. Given the size and scope of the Texas wildlife industry, the specifics of that mission can greatly vary from client to client. “I cover a large area, and my scope of work depends on the time of year,” Jason explains. There really isn’t a down time, even though there are seasonal highs and lows.
Typically pre-hunting season, starting around August, is the busiest time of the year for Jason. During the month of August, he attends the four Texas Trophy Hunters Extravaganza shows in Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. Here, Jason serves as co-chair of their TTHA Deer Contest with his mentor, Horace Gore, who is also the TTHA Journal Editor. During this time, Jason is also completing his annual deer surveys for his clients in preparation for hunting season. In the survey process, he counts and estimates the wildlife populations on his client’s properties. Depending on the location of the ranch, Jason uses a variety of methods to count the deer.
“In the hill country and post oak savannah, it’s mostly spotlight surveys at night,” he explains. “In south Texas, we do a lot of helicopter surveys.” Jason has even experimented with using drone technology to count deer, however there are some improvements needed to the scientific method before it is considered reliable. “In August, I work all my weekends at the Extravaganzas, and all my weeknights on the ranches counting deer,” Jason says. “Seeing the new year’s antler growth is one of my favorite times of the year.” After the surveys are completed, Jason develops the recommendations for each landowner, and they become the marching orders for the upcoming hunting season.
Once hunting season begins in October, Jason is constantly busy, which he explains is like a rush of adrenaline to get him through the long hunting season. For many of his clients, their season lasts from October to February due to Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) extended seasons. When the hunting season ends in February, the focus of his work shifts to property infrastructure, habitat, water improvement, and brush management...all in preparation for the next year’s hunting season. Plus, there are always plenty of phone calls, emails, and paperwork expected to do the job. He starts nearly every day writing in some form or fashion – either for TTHA or for his Ranch House Journal | 67
clients. “One thing people don’t understand about what I do is the sheer amount of paperwork involved,” Jason says. “Permits, reports to landowners, harvest recommendations, habitat recommendations, management plans...these are just some of the written projects I work on.”
WHO SHOULD HIRE A WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST? Today’s landowners face a pretty complex maze of paperwork, permits, land management, habitat management, livestock and wildlife management practices. “I handle all of this for the landowners - I navigate the maze for them,” he says. “There are many different tools available for modern deer management, and I help facilitate their use.” For a landowner who is management minded, hiring a professional can save time and money, and minimize trial and error. “Working with a number of different properties over longer periods of time, I’ve seen a lot of things,” Jason says. “Achieving management goals can take time, even when you’re doing it right,” he says. “Mistakes can also be costly in terms of time and money. Working with a professional can help minimize that.” When working with a client, it’s always a partnership approach, and the longer-lasting the relationship, the better. “When I talk about our management programs, I always say ‘we’ because it’s me and the landowners,” he says. “It’s a team effort. Everything we do is working together toward a common goal. I share the credit of success with them, and they do the same with me.” Jason primarily works with clients who are trying to produce the best deer possible for harvest. However, a 68 | Ranch House Journal
game biologist doesn’t have to focus on solely deer or even on hunting... they can focus on habitat in general, brush control, brush manipulation, understory management, or just giving a better home to the wildlife. “Just seeing deer on your property is a very rewarding feeling,” Jason says. “People love to see deer, and enjoy the outdoors.” Jason also does quite a bit of work manipulating and improving habitat, in addition to predator control. “I don’t dislike predators - they have their place and function,” he says. “We use a lot of predator control as part of the management strategy, but the goal is always control – it’s not elimination. It would be a sad silence in the evenings if we were to miss the howling and yapping of coyotes.”
FROM GAME BIOLOGIST TO WRITER AND HUNTING ADVOCATE Over the last 10 years, Jason has become a spokesperson and advocate for the hunting and wildlife business
in Texas. He has developed a large fan-base of readers who look for his articles in every issue of the TTHA Journal, and who regularly look forward to catching up with Jason at the TTHA Extravaganzas around the state. Jason got his start with TTHA about 10 years ago, through Gore. Through this connection, he says his position evolved into his current responsibilities. “Writing has always come pretty natural to me,” Jason says. Every other month, Jason pens an article in the TTHA Journal, covering a wide variety of topics including whitetail deer management strategies and human interest hunting spotlights. He’s written about mulies, nilgai, bow hunting, offshore fishing, and more. He also regularly covers Los Cazadores, Muy Grande, the Big Game Awards, and influential hunters in Texas. His photos have graced the cover of the TTHA Journal multiple times, and he’s been featured in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine as well. One thing Jason avoids, however, is social media. “I don’t do social media,” he explains, meaning he simply will not post pictures of his client’s deer on social media, solely for their privacy. “I’d rather my clients do that instead of me,” he says. “It wouldn’t be good for me to post something ahead of them. I don’t want to take that thrill away from them.” Jason does, however, use a website to promote his business. His website, designed by Ranch House Designs, allows him to showcase his services, commercial hunts, and provide a way for people to get in touch with him. Websites and social media have also been beneficial to Jason in his ‘other career’ as a real estate agent with Tina Kahlig & Associates Real Estate, another natural fit for his career path.
“A great management program starts with owning the right property,” he says. Jason has been a licensed real estate agent as long as he has been a biologist, helping clients on ranch investment sales and acquisitions. The two fit each other very well.
RESPECTING THE PROCESS Jason is also an official Boone & Crockett Club measurer. To achieve the honor of being an official Boone & Crockett measurer, Jason had to travel to Missoula, Montana and complete a week-long course and certification. “I’ve lost count of how many deer I’ve measured,” he reflects. “There’s no telling.” Regardless of the numbers, one thing is the same: Jason always uses the same process for every deer. “First, I look at the rack,” he says. “I look for any distinguishing characteristics – non typical, typical, location of points, and so on.” Next, he measures the spread, always doing the right side first, then the left side. “When I measure, I always focus on one measurement at a time, never considering the outcome. This gives me an unbiased score,” Jason explains, since accuracy in scoring is imperative to the contest legitimacy. “Each measurement is its own, I don’t worry about what else is going on.” Jason is also the official measurer of the TTHA Extravaganza Deer Contest, where he measures over 100 deer at these events with his mentor, Gore. This contest is open to any TTHA member who enters their deer from the prior season. Shipman or Gore measure the deer, tabulate the winners in different categories and award the contest prizes.
Jason and his father with a deer on the family-owned Los Encinos
A BUSINESS THAT COMPLEMENTS A LIFESTYLE For Jason, his business complements his love of ranching and wildlife. When asked to describe the most memorable hunting experience of his life, he referred to the same answer Al Brothers, legendary Texas whitetail expert, gave Jason when he interviewed Brothers for a story five years ago – ‘All of them!” Jason, who tends to favor wide, typical South Texas deer, describes his favorite deer as “a clean 8-pointer that scored 188” and “a couple of typicals in excess of 200 inches.” He shares these with a bit of discretion and humbleness. Asking a wildlife biologist for details on deer they have harvested is similar to asking a rancher the size of his spread – you just don’t do it. Today, what Jason is most excited about is getting to put his expertise to work on his newly acquired family operation –Shipman’s Los Encinos Ranch in Atascosa County, Texas. Working with his family and his father is like a dream come true.
“We’ve really been working on it, and it’s exciting to implement some of the management practices we’ve been using for years on other properties,” Jason says. “I killed my best deer to date on Los Encinos,” Jason adds with pride, and indicates the Shipman’s may offer commercial hunts on Los Encinos in the future. At the end of the day, it’s tying things back to families, people, land, and animals that gives Jason a personal satisfaction of a job well done. “I am truly blessed to be in this industry and have the opportunity to work with some terrific ranches while meeting so many great people along the way,” he says, when asked about the most rewarding part in his career. “I’ve worked really closely with my clients and some of the ranches I’ve worked with for almost 20 years… They’re like family to me.” For more information, visit www. jasonashipman.com, or look for Jason at any of the upcoming TTHA Extravaganza’s this summer in the Deer Contest area.
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We Are Off To A Great 2018 !!!
CONGRATS to Makenzie Groce on winning Grand Champion at the State Fair of Texas, the Fall Classic, Fort Worth and the $10,000 San Antonio Jr. Shows with LMC BBS Layla, a Dream Girl granddaughter by LMC Gold Medal x BBS Jennie Walker.
CONGRATS to Madison Culpepper on winning ASA National Champion with LMC SSC Yolanda, a Dream Girl granddaughter out of LMC Daydream x LMC LN 12th Man(National Champion %)
LMC MT Transformer is the 2018 National Champion Simbrah sired by the great carcass sire & champion LMC BBS Manziel and LMC My Dream, a full sister to LMC Gold Medal. Semen will be available this fall. He combines our two strongest cow families.
LMC LN Polled Pappo is a HOMOZYGOUS POLLED BEEF MACHNE that won Intermediate Champion at the prestigious Houston International Brahman Show. We THANK all of the progressive breeders that invested in his semen. Co-owned with La Negra Cattle Co.
Polled Pathfinder CONGRATS to Mandi Lee for winning Grand Champion at MAS and Caleb Fuchs for winning Reserve Grand in SA with their Dream Girl granddaughtter sired by LMC Gold Medal x LMC BBS Tia.
LMC GenePLUS XXII Online Sale
March 24 - 27, 2018
Several Polled Brahman and Simbrah Prospects Sell @ www.cattleinmotion.com
LMC GenePLUS XXIII
June 30-July 3rd
70 | Ranch House Journal www.cattleinmotion.com
We sell semen on 60+ Polled Brahman, Braunvieh, Simbrah & Simbravieh Bulls. Call for more details.
Simbrahs, Simbraviehs & POLLED Brahmans CARLOS & SISTER GUERRA FAMILY
PO Box 81 • Linn, TX 78563 956-383-7566 (Office) Carlos 802-1641 • Victor 607-5515 Carlos Jr. 330-1963 • email: LaMuñecaCattle@aol.com Please visit our website at www.LaMuñecaCattle.com
CONGRATS to Jake Williams on winning Reserve Grand in Fort Worth with his Dream Girl granddaughter sired by LMC 6G Red Rock x BBS Jennie Walker.
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AG KIDS
RANCH KIDS
BOOKS FOR
1. STAR BECOMES A MOTHER By Twins Rianna and Sheridan Chaney
The highly anticipated third book in the Chaney Twins’ Series, in which their favorite cow on the ranch - Star - has a baby! Star is a familiar face in this series, and was also featured in book two as a baby herself. These adorable books are written by the young Chaney sisters of Maryland, with help from their mom Rebecca Long Chaney. It features real photos taken from their farm and children love it!
2. LOST IN THE WOODS: A PHOTOGRAPHIC FANTASY By Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick
If your kids love wildlife, this is a must-have book. It’s from the New York Times’ best-selling authors of “Stranger in the Woods.” This book features amazing photos of woodland creatures during the springtime. You’ll see photos of raccoons, deer, birds, and more.
3. DO COWS MEOW? By Salina Yoon
This lift-the-flap book is part of my daughter Annie’s nightly routine (she’s two-years-old.) It’s a great book for any young animal lover. It features cows, horses, cats, and pigs. Annie always gets a chuckle every night when I read “Do cows meow?” because she thinks it’s so funny.
4. THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS By Robert Munsc
Another Annie favorite, this book is part of our nightly routine. I love the message. In the book, Princess Elizabeth loses everything she has - including her boyfriend Prince Ronald - to a fire-breathing dragon. But, she doesn’t give up and she actually goes after the dragon to save Ronald. She uses her wits to outsmart the dragon and save Ronald - only to find that Ronald doesn’t like her anymore because she doesn’t have fancy clothes. Elizabeth leaves Ronald and lives happily ever after!! 72 | Ranch House Journal
By Rachel and Mollie Cutrer
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RURAL LIFESTYLE
2018 Illinois Beef Expo Images and text by Sarah Simpson SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS FEBRUARY 2018
The Illinois Beef Expo is an annual event held the last full weekend of February at the Illinois State Fairground. For those of you not from the Heartland, Springfield, is best known for its most historic resident, Abraham Lincoln. Which is why locals often refer to Springfield as ‘Lincoln Land’. The Illinois Beef Expo is one of the premier cattle events of the Midwest. The event hosts multiple sales, a junior show for Illinois exhibitors, and a large industry trade show. The Illinois Beef Expo also hosts the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale and Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, and Simmental sales. The trade show is always popular with over 75 vendors filling the basement and surrounding the Livestock Center for the duration of the event. The weather was brisk and wet for this year’s event, but that certainly didn’t stop the show. Whether you are an Illinois purebred breeder, out of state performance bull buyer, or new show cattle family, you’ll definitely want to see what the Illinois Beef Expo is all about. And while you’re in Springfield, be sure to check out Bernies and Betty’s for some great pizza or pasta. They also claim to have the original recipe for every midwesterner’s favorite guilty pleasure, the Horseshoe. Original recipe or not, if you like your meals covered in cheese sauce, you’ll definitely enjoy it. 74 | Ranch House Journal
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“We recognize and embrace the challenge to offer genetics that will sustain a wide facet of our diverse beef industry, being mindful to not chase genetic fads, or single-trait selection, but remembering that the backbone of our program is the Angus female, who must be sound footed, easy fleshing, good uddered, mild tempered, and have enough bred-in performance to produce sons that will sire in-demand progeny by both feedlots and cow herds.�
Annual Production Sale Monday, May 7, 2018 Glenfield, ND Selling: 120 Angus Bulls 60 Angus Heifers at the ranch
S Whitlock 179
25 sons sell
k
S Foundation 514
22 sons sell
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To request a catalog, contact:
Nathan & Emily Spickler
(701) 674-3169 s (701) 650-1077 nathan@spicklerranchsouth.com
www.spicklerranchsouth.com
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Jo Bond Dance Studios, Inc. is a home-based studio with classes for students ages three and older. We offer a nine month course of dance with various programs for beginners, and more experienced dancers. Our program consists of classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and intro to various other genres of dance. Registrations and open house is held each year in late August, with classes beginning after Labor Day in September. For more information please call, text or email. Ranch House Journal | 79
10857 N. Saginaw Blvd. Saginaw, Texas 76179 817-306-5652 • 817-308-8969 • jbds_danceranch@yahoo.com • www.jobondsdance.com
MARKETING TIP
WHEN YOUR CAMERA PHONE VIDEO
GOES VIRAL By Rachel Cutrer, CEO, Ranch House
Who would have ever dreamed that “Naomi,” a little Brahman heifer in Texas, would be an Internet sensation? This January, it happened when Becki Rion’s cute, 10-second video captured the hearts of Facebook users. Within hours, the video had reached viral status. By the end of a threeday mark, the post reached over 1.8 million Facebook users, with more than 10,000 shares. Here’s how it happened… Becki was prepared. Becki - a self admitted technology novice - was prepared. She had her camera phone with her, and was actively engaged in her family’s cattle business. She knows Naomi, and knew her antics. She’s been feeding Naomi day after day: a routine task that a lot of us might think mundane. But, Becki took a routine task and shared it with others. Becki was real. If you listen to the video, you will hear Becki’s sweet voice talking to Naomi the entire time. She greets Naomi with a friendly hello and says “come over here Naomi...you silly old goose,” as Naomi playfully scampers away. It’s a real, honest, precious encounter between human and animal that perfectly shows the love and friendship we develop for our animals. We talk to them, and we really think they listen. Becki shared it with a real life friend. We got this video second hand from Kolten Thigpen, one of Becki’s friends and our herdsman at V8. Initially, Becki sent the video clip as a way to show Kolten the calf ’s quality. 80 | Ranch House Journal
It was so cute that Kolten sent it to me, and of course - I posted it. It was posted at the precise time. By constantly studying my Facebook analytics, I know when my page is hot: typically 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. So, I specifically posted the video at 7:13 p.m. Within seconds, the video began wracking up likes and shares. This was key in the initial organic boost of the post. Had I posted this video during a dead time on my page, there is no doubt the post would have went flat. The reach was 100% organic. In the days of pay to play on Facebook, this post’s reach of 1.8 million viewers
was 100% organic - no paid boosts. Which is astounding. Our page following grew by 5000 fans in a 3 day window. The biggest benefit we noticed is that while the video was at the peak of its viral stage, our fan base skyrocketed. We grew by more than 5000 fans in that three day period. Naomi helped us reach thousands of people who previously had not seen Brahman cattle. Can you do this? Yes! Becki and Naomi showed us that capturing videos that are cute, yet realistic are totally appealing to Facebook users. Think of a situation like this on your own operation, and post it. Let’s see how far your post can travel in the Facebook world.
A Cowman’s Best Friend at Calving Time! Designed for Processing Safety... - Enables quick and safe calf catching! - Convenient, step in access of producer! - Holder secures calf for easy processing! - User-friendly inside release of calf to cow! - Move calves easier with cow following! - Less cow stress, mother can see and smell calf! - Reduces danger while working new calves! - Quick Mount/Dismount on both ATV & UTVs!
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Watch action video at SafetyZoneCalfCatchers.com For local dealers or to order, call 877-505-0914 today! DEALER INQUIRY INVITED
Kenny Miller, MO “We really enjoyed the Calf Catcher this spring. Definitely saved the old body!” Laurel Gilbertson, NE “There is not a piece of equipment on the place that can equal the value of my calf catcher. I could not and would not be in business without it!” Gary Theurer, KS “Everybody needs to own your calf catcher, if they own cows. I couldn’t imagine going through a calving season without it. It works perfect!” Joan Bullin “This is my third year using the calf catcher and I love it! We don’t have calm cows and I’ve never had a problem with any of them hitting it. I’m 62 and I tag 600 calves a year, no problem.” Ranch House Journal | 81
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RECIPES FROM THE RIO GRANDE Los Corralitos, Laredo, Texas By Rachel Cutrer
Photos by Maggie Christensen
Baking by Carole Arriaga
This Christmas, I ordered several copies of the new cookbook, Coming To Horns - The Los Corralitos Bilingual Cookbook by my good friend Betsy Jones. Betsy comes from a long line of Texas women who love hunting, ranching, good cattle, good horses, and the outdoors. The cookbook has an amazing story of Texas / Mexico history, and I was so excited to get the book and try the recipes. 84 | Ranch House Journal
FOOD
CAKE INGREDIENTS
2 sticks of butter 2 cups of sugar 12 ounces of vanilla wafers (crushed) 6 eggs ½ cup of milk 7 ounces of angel flake coconut 1 cup of pecans 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract ½ teaspoon of almond extract GLAZE INGREDIENTS
1 ½ cups of powdered sugar ⅓ cup milk 1 teaspoon almond extract DIRECTIONS:
VANILLA WAFERS CAKE
FROM COMING TO HORNS COOKBOOK BY BETSY JONES
1. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. 2. Add wafers, milk, and almond. 3. Add coconut and pecans. 4. Bake in greased floured bundt pan at 350 degrees F for one hour. For the glaze, whisk all ingredients together to get the lumps out. Add more milk to reach the consistency you desire.
To order Coming to Horns, visit www.antlerrosedesigns.com. This store also features one of a kind treasures from the Rio Grande.
Los Corralitos is a family-owned ranch in Laredo, Texas right along the Texas-Mexico border. Los Corralitos is well documented in South Texas history as having the oldest ranch building, which is actually reconstructed and on display at the Ranching Heritage Museum in Lubbock, Texas. The ranch’s history is full of historical treasures, uniqueness, time-tested memories and stories along the Rio Grande border. “Recently, la cocina (the kitchen) of Los Corralitos was receiving a long needed cleaning of some deep kitchen drawers that had been ignored but filled to the brim,” says author Betsy Jones. “In these drawers, we uncovered a true South Texas treasure: recipes written in English and Spanish that for well over half a century, no one even
knew of their whereabouts.” It was then that Betsy was inspired to create Coming to Horns as a way to preserve and share these recipes with others. The cookbook includes 41 recipes from La Cocina de Los Corralitos. Many of the original hand written recipes are included as photographs in the book. A few of the recipes include cheese grits, breakfast enchiladas, mexican casserole, salads, sauces, jalapeno cornbread, dips, and desserts. Each page of the cookbook, which is printed in full color, includes gorgeous photos of Los Corralitos Ranch. “It was my goal in making this cookbook that everyone really enjoys the tastes and smells from La Cocina de Los Corralitos,” says Betsy. “And I like to tell all my readers that these
recipes are just a guide and to use their own tastes and preferences to take our family recipes and make them their own.” For our recipe feature, Carole Arriaga, RHD official test kitchen chef, chose a dessert, and baked it on a Friday afternoon here at Ranch House. “I wanted to cook something I had never cooked before,” Carole said. “So I chose the vanilla wafers cake, because it sounded delicious and would be something my whole family could enjoy.” And enjoy, we did! We enjoyed it so much that we are hoping Carole will make baking from Los Corralitos part of every Friday’s Ranch House traditions!
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FRIENDS & FAMILIES
RANCH HOUSE SOCIAL SQUAD:
Women Being A Voice in Agriculture By Rachel Cutrer
While running a nationwide agricultural agency, the Ranch House team often found ourselves wishing we could be everywhere, all the time. Every weekend there are agricultural events across the country that we’d love to cover, but logistically that just wasn’t possible. So, in September 2017, we created the Ranch House Social Squad – a nationwide team of women involved in agriculture - who help cover major ranching and wildlife events. These women provide social media coverage, capture photos, and serve as a voice of agriculture across the U.S. We started with a nationwide call for applicants to join this team. More than 100 individuals applied for, what was initially, three national positions. As impressive resumes kept rolling in, we quickly knew we needed more than just three team members. One after another, amazing women emerged with experience in cattle, sheep, goats, swine, farming, farm-to-table, and more. Ranch wives, show moms, students studying agriculture in college, and young women with a passion for sharing the agriculture’s story stepped up to share agriculture’s story. After a very rigorous selection process, we narrowed it down to these extremely talented women from across the country to be the Ranch House Social Squad. You’ll see these ladies at farm shows, trade shows, fairs, livestock shows and more. You’ll also see them on our Ranch House blogs, Instagram, and Facebook. We thank these women for choosing to be a voice in agriculture and for their commitment to sharing the story of the ranching, farming and wildlife community through Ranch House platforms. 90 | Ranch House Journal
SHANNON BELLIS
MEGAN BREHM
MICHELLE BUFKIN
An Oklahoma State grad who formerly helped facilitate the TSCRA convention and was named a “Senior of Significance” at OSU.
Former director of communications for a major U.S. beef breed association and also has experience marketing ag equipment. Megan lives and loves the livestock industry.
Auburn graduate and former student of the year for Professional Ag Communicators who now is a student recruiter for Auburn.
KAITLYN CAREY
BROOKE CLANTON
MAKAYLA CROMWELL
A Penn State grad who currently works for the Pennsylvania Beef Council and the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative, promoting beef and it’s nutritional benefits to consumers across the Northeast United States.
Internship experience with Tyson and Monsanto, this Sigma Alpha and ACT member graduates in May 2018 from the University of Arkansas.
A Californian-turned-Texan who’s interned in DC, managed a county fair in California, holds a M.S. from TAMU, and currently serves as livestock manager for the State Fair of Texas.
TEXAS
PENNSYLVANIA
NEBRASKA
ARKANSAS
ALABAMA
TEXAS
TAYLOR CROY MISSOURI
This cattle enthusiast brings hands on experience in the Red Angus business combined with social media and communications expertise.
MELISSA CUNNINGHAM
Now living abroad, this talented graphic designer is a California native with experience in the equine and veterinary industries.
BURKE FRIEND
ELLIE ISBELL
SHELBY KAEHLER,
A rancher, farmer, photographer, marketing specialist, state CattleWomen’s president, and former ag teacher, this mom does it all in agriculture!
This Auburn graduate has experience in international agriculture and is experienced with Ag in the Classroom, writing and social media.
An SDSU graduate and Farm Bureau director who’s also a digital marketing specialist for a major U.S. nutrition company.
WEST VIRGINIA
ALABAMA
MINNESOTA
KELLIE LASACK
MARISA LINTON
TOPANGA MCBRIDE
KATE MILLER
KATLYN PIEPER
A social media whiz who’s written for Progressive Cattleman, Growing America, and previously served on staff of the Iowa FFA Foundation.
A director of North Carolina Farm Families, she also teaches communication at Campbell University and is the rural blogger, “Rural Ris.”
Winner of the highest student award offered by LPC, and a K-State student with experience with the Kansas Department of Ag.
Known in the blog-o-sphere as “The Meat Lady,” Kate owns an international meat exporting firm serving Central America and holds a degree from OSU, where she judged livestock.
With deep roots in agriculture, Katlyn has offered social media expertise to the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Beef Association, and Illinois Farm Bureau.
IOWA
LAUREN PRETTYMAN SOUTH CAROLINA
An Ohio State graduate who’s also the media specialist for South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and the communications chair of the Ag Future of America Alliance.
NORTH CAROLINA
KANSAS
IOWA
LINDSAY ROBINSON
MINDY SANDERS
SHELBY TEAGUE
She served on the NJSA board of directors and won the Missouri Pork Producers Award. Currently a student at Mizzou.
An Ohio State grad with experience in the automobile industry, farm commodities, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Beef Council, and Ohio Cattlemen’s.
A national champion livestock and meat animal evaluator who’s part of a family agriculture legacy of farming and ranching in Colorado.
MISSOURI
OHIO
ILLINOIS
MISSISSIPPI
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RURAL LIFESTYLE
A Cattleman’s Legacy Poem By Hale Ward
Down at the ranch Barbed wire fences stretch for miles Caliche roads kick up white rocks Mesquite trees drop beans Oak trees line the creeks But I don’t have any time to spare For I have a family to provide for This ranch has been passed down From generation to generation This is the legacy I carry on…
Down at the ranch Old abandoned buildings rest in rubble Doors barely hang on rusted hinges Floorboards slowly rot away Critters lurk in the rafters But I don’t have any time to spare For I have a family to provide for This ranch has been passed down From generation to generation This is the legacy I carry on...
Down at the ranch Coyotes roam at night Buzzards rule the skies Rattlers search for vulnerable victims Wild hogs root up the soil But I don’t have any time to spare For I have a family to provide for This ranch has been passed down From generation to generation This is the legacy I carry on…
Down at the ranch My rickety shed holds rusted tools Waiting to be used for work Worn out shovels, branding irons, Dusty buckets of nuts and bolts But I don’t have any time to spare For I have a family to provide for This ranch has been passed down From generation to generation This is the legacy I carry on…
Down at the ranch Cattle graze over rolling hills Calves call to their mamas The ol’ bull sleeps in the shade The herd wanders the many acres But I don’t have any time to spare For I have a family to provide for This ranch has been passed down From generation to generation This is the legacy I carry on…
Down at the ranch We gaze upon the starlit sky Stroll through the pastures Restore the barns and sheds We work side by side But I have plenty of time to spare For I have an heir to groom Our ranch has been passed down From generation to generation This is the legacy he’ll carry on…
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Hale Ward
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PICTURES SUBMITTED BY 1. Laura Bardot; 2. Sarah McCall; 3. Kelsey Stimpson; 4. Savanna Simmons; 5. Emily Thompon Hayles; 6. Tanner Reynolds; 7. Lauren Prettyman; 8. Marlee Hatfield; 9. Jason Luby Ranch House Journal | 93 
MEET THE TEAM
HERE TO SERVE
WE CAN MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY
Ranch House is made up of a strong team of professionals who know and love agriculture. We also know how to effectively take care of your marketing needs – everything under one Ranch House roof! Call 979-532-9141 or email office@ranchhousedesigns.com for more information or to contact our team.
Rachel Cutrer Founder & CEO
Ashley Grant
Chief Marketing Officer
ACCOUNT SERVICES TEAM
Ciara Acton
Project Manager
Sally Long
Project Manager
Tori Arriazola
Marketing Associate
Paul Maulsby
Account Manager
Monica Mears
Administrative Assistant
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Lynn Hough
Chief Operating Officer
Meg Drake
VP, Communications
Callie Graves
VP, Print & Social Media
Jessica Hobbs VP, Web
CREATIVE SERVICES TEAM
Carole Arriaga
Web Designer & Ecommerce
Kristen Davis
Graphic Designer
Sara Rader
Social Media Specialist
Sarah Simpson Graphic Designer
Kaitlyn Merriman Design Associate
Melissa Schaake Graphic Designer
Taylor Stipe
Social Media Specialist
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Pencil In These Dates
Meyer Cattle Company
April 1-22
Sunrise Sunset Farm
NCHA Super Stakes Fort Worth, Texas www.nchacutting.com
2
Something for Everyone Online Sale Online Sale www.sconlinesales.com
3-4
Sunrise Sunset Farms Online Angus Sale Online Sale www.sunrisesunsetfarm.com/sales/
3
Meyer Cattle Performance in the Pasture Bull Sale Bowling Green, Missouri www.brockmeyercattle.com
6-8
Prairie View Farms 8th Annual Production Sale Online Sale www.pvfangus.com/sales.html
Hopewell Farms Annual Open House and Bull Selection Day Paris, Missouri www.hopewellfarmsangus.com
HJ Boer Goats Online Wether Sale Online Sale www.hjboergoats.com
6
7
7
MC Livestock Bull and Female Sale Greenville, Virginia www.mclivestockangus.com
7
Something for Everyone Private Treaty Sale El Campo, Texas www.sconlinesales.com
14
Jackson’s Double J Field Day
HJ Boer Goats
Want to add your event? Email meg@ ranchhousedesigns.com for your free listing.
Gentry, Alabama www.doublejbrangus.com Ranch House Journal | 99
Pencil In
Missouri Red Angus Association
These Dates
April 20
Show Me Reds Select Red Angus Sale
May 4-5
Seguin, Texas www.southtexascowboygathering. com
Springfield, Missouri www.missouriredangus.com
20-22 Oklahoma Beef Expo Stillwater, Oklahoma
21
Deep South Brahman Association F-1 Sale Meridian, Mississippi www.cattleinmotion.com
21
24
HJ Boer Goats Online Wether Sale Online Sale www.hjboergoats.com
28
5
American Classic Show Cattle Steer Sale Normangee, Texas www.americanclassicshowcattle.com/forsale/
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Dixieland Delight Angus & Hereford Production Sale Fort Payne, Alabama www.tennesseerivermusic.com
7
Spickler Ranch South Annual Production Sale Glenfield, North Dakota www.spicklerranchsouth.com
Georgia Genetics Angus Sale Hartwell, Georgia www.gretschbrothersangus.com/sales/
South Texas Cowboy Gathering & Music Festival
19
Emmons Ranch Production Sale Fairfield, Texas www.emmonsbeefmasters.com/sale
20
American Classic Show Cattle Online Heifer Sale Online Sale www.americanclassicshowcattle.com/ for-sale
Tennessee River Music
June 9-10
Ruidoso Quarter Horse Derby Ruidoso, New Mexico
15-23
Shorthorn Junior Nationals
Reno Rodeo Reno, Neveda
17-22
Charolais Junior Nationals Hutchinson, Kansas www.najrae.com
17-23
Red Angus Junior Nationals Austin, Texas www.rodeoaustin.com
17-24
Maine Anjou & Chianina Junior Nationals Grand Island, Nebraska www.maine-anjou.org www.chicattle.org
19-24 Miniature Hereford Junior Nationals Kearney, Nebraska
26-1
Shorthorn Junior Nationals Madison, Wisconsin www.juniorshorthorn.com
Ruidoso Downs Ranch House Journal | 101 
FOOD & BEVERAGE
How Triangle
CAME TO B
Triangle B Ranch raises the bar for customer service, and the best steak you will ever eat in your life.
F
ifteen miles north of Stigler, Oklahoma, nestled in the hills near the convergence of the Arkansas and Canadian Rivers, sits Triangle B Ranch. The ranch spans 2,200 acres and is home to more than 400 head of cattle — but not just any cattle. For 12 years, Don and Leah Brown, owners of Triangle B Ranch, have raised 100 percent fullblood Japanese
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By Michael Catarineau Photos by Luke Neumayr
Black Wagyu and American Wagyu. “I was born in South Carolina and relocated to southern Oklahoma when I was in the third grade,” he said. Brown, now 62, grew up in South Carolina where his family had a row crop farm, funeral home and granite quarry. When he moved to Madill, Oklahoma, he spent much of his time around commercial cattle and ranch horses with his brother-in-law, Jimmy Herndon.
His Sunday school teacher, Gayle Buck, was like a second mother to him, Brown said. Through the Buck family, he was exposed to the show cattle side of the industry. Brown also says his ag teacher, Tony Kennedy, played a key role in his love of ranching and agriculture. “I always liked it,” he said. “I guess it was always in my blood.” After high school, Brown attended Southern Nazarene University in
Bethany, Oklahoma. He graduated and worked in the oil industry for 14 years, and then the software industry for 14 years. He yearned for a change and wanted to start his own cattle business. The Browns originally established Triangle B Ranch in 1996 outside Valley View, Texas, on Lake Ray Roberts. “Growing up in southern Oklahoma,” he said, “it was halfway between my job in Dallas and where my roots were.” In its early days, Triangle B raised Maine Anjou, Angus and club calves with help from Jirl Buck and Buck Cattle Company. “I give a lot of credit to Jirl Buck from Buck Cattle Company for helping me in the early days in the club calf industry and really launching my cattle business,” Brown said. “Jirl is just a first-class guy.”
A DIFFERENT DIRECTION In 2002, Brown went with a colleague on a work trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He did not know he would eat a steak that would change his life. At a high-end restaurant, he noticed a Wagyu filet priced at $150. He heard the name before and thought he would give it a try. “It totally impacted my life,” Brown
said. “I went back to my hotel room — I don’t even think I slept that night — I started researching Wagyu cattle. I went back to the restaurant the next night and ate the exact same plate.” Wagyu is Japanese for “Japanese cow,” and can refer to any of four Japanese breeds: Japanese Black (Kuroge Washu), Japanese Brown (Akaushi), Japanese Polled (Mukaku Washu) and Japanese Shorthorn (Nihon Tankaku Washu). Even though these breeds are considered indigenous to Japan, they are not genuinely native to the island, and are a result of crossbreeding cattle — brought over from China sometime in the second century A.D. — with Braunvieh, Shorthorn and Devon in the early 1900s. These breeds were closed to outside bloodlines in 1910. Wagyu beef was popularized by Kobe Beef — named after the city in Japan where the cattle were first bred — and is known for its extreme marbling and tenderness. Its genetic predisposition gives it a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids — more so than typical beef. So what does that mean? According to “Marbling:
Don Brown Management of Cattle to Maximize the Deposition of Intramuscular Adipose Tissue,” a research paper coauthored by Stephen Smith, Ph.D., regents professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University and Bradley J. Johnson, Ph.D., Gordon W. Davis regent’s chair in the Department of Animal and Food Science at Texas Tech University, monounsaturated fatty acids in meat influence beef palatability. More oleic acid equals more flavor. More oleic acid may also reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
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The higher levels of oleic acid increases HDL cholesterol and decreases LDL cholesterol. This means that, not only is Wagyu more flavorful, it’s healthier.
THE START OF SOMETHING GOOD In 2003, Brown began experimenting with a Wagyu/Agus F1 cross. However, after a lot of thought on the future of the industry, he decided to go all the way and develop a fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu herd. In 2006, with the help of Dr. Hyde Kojima and Ted Naruke from Shogo Takeda’s Wagyu association, Brown began building his herd. Sepp Kraetz, founder of the German Wagyu Academy, accompanied Dr. Kojima on some of his trips to Triangle B. “I picked those guys’ brains to death,” he said. Dr. Kojima and Naruke helped Brown understand genetics and Japanese breeding methods. “What you’re trying to do, on the female side,” he said, “is develop a balanced animal.” The Rotational Breeding Model,
developed by Shogo Takeda, is commonly used among Wagyu producers in Japan to produce females and steers. Brown explained the model he uses has a growth, marble, growth, marble rotation. He, for the most part, uses line-bred bulls. This method produces hybrid vigor with each generation and produces a balanced animal. He used his show cattle experience to get his foot in the door with Wagyu cattle. In 2012, at the first national Wagyu show in Denver, Triangle B won Grand Champion bull and the Reserve Grand Champion female. Triangle B has since left the show industry and transitioned to the beef side of the industry. “We still sell a lot of genetics each year,” Brown said. “Right now we’re selling about 60 fullblood heifers a year.” Triangle B sells about 75 percentage — a Wagyu Angus cross — heifers each year and 75 percentage steers each year. The fullblood steers and the remainder of the percentage steers go to their feeding pens.
Since November 2017, with the rollout of their online store, Triangle B Ranch has harvested about 12 animals per month. From 2010-2015, Brown served as director at the American Wagyu Association. He also served as the first vice president and secretary in 2011 and 2012, president in 2013 and member-at-large in 2014.
THE NEXT BIG MOVE With the exponential growth of business, Triangle B Ranch quickly outgrew its home in Valley View. “The cost of land down there is very expensive,” Brown said. “It was just ridiculous.” He, at the time leasing much of his land, found he was running up and down the road to fix other people’s fences. It was time for a change. Brown looked in eastern and northeastern Oklahoma for his next ranch. “I liked the terrain and the grasslands,” he said. “I found this ranch on the Canadian River, and it’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen in this part of the country.” Oklahoma has been in his blood since he was a kid. Brown lavished on the people and his community. He also found a wonderful church — First Baptist Church in Stigler — where he is very active. “The LORD is there,” Brown said. When the ranch was founded, Brown committed it to the LORD. He hopes to someday make it a place for disadvantaged kids to have an opportunity to get involved with agriculture and ranching.
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Triangle B a while to get a feeding program in place that mirrored what they do in Japan. “The Japanese say beef is 40-percent genetics and 60-percent feed,” Brown said. “It’s a very intricate thing.” The cattle really do good on the native grasses, he said. Brown worked with feed nutritionist Dr. Jimmy Horner, president and CEO of Protocol Naturals, to develop all the feed rations. Steers are fed a grower/ developer for 12 months, a finisher one for 12 months and a finisher two for six months. Triangle B genetics have been tested rigorously over time, on both cow and sire lines, which allows the ranch to improve genetics with each new calf. He is very proud of his farm-to-fork operation. “Our meat is traceable,” Brown said. “People can know that it is truly Wagyu beef.” This is the reasoning behind Triangle B’s two product lines: 100-percent fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu and percentage. Brown calls this truth in marketing. The complexities in processing today do not cater toward a high-end product, he said. It’s hard to find a processor that really understands the value of these carcasses. To ensure quality over time, Triangle B pays close attention to its cattle with the help of the full-time ranch hand, Bobby Robertson, and trusted veterinarians John and Marsha Labor from Haskell County Vet Clinic. “We manage the entire life cycle of our steers to ensure humane treatment and a phenomenal end product,” Brown said. The steers are born on the ranch, raised humanely and fed well from
30-days-old to 30-months-old. “You gotta really treat these animals with dignity and respect,” Brown said. “They’re very remarkable cattle.” Although Wagyu cattle require a little more hands-on than Angus or a similar breed, the end product is worth it. Brown also sells exclusively by private treaty, which he likes to call his Partner for Success program. “You have a personal customer interaction,” Brown said, adding that you do not get that type of relationship with auctions. “They buy cattle from me, and I’m here at no cost to help answer any questions.” Brown gauges his success by the success of his customers. He said many of his customers become repeat customers and good friends. “Exceptional customer service is the ranch’s foundation and continues to be the driving force of the organization,” Brown said. “We truly partner with our genetics, seedstock and beef customers to ensure long-term success.”
ON RANCH HOUSE DESIGNS “Those people are just remarkable,” Brown said. Brown went to a marketing class
taught by Ranch House Designs in Wharton, Texas. “I’m a rancher,” Brown said. “I can do anything with cattle — embryo transfer, AI. I can do all that myself. I can even flush my cattle. But when it comes to the marketing side of things, that’s where I needed some help” The marketing class blew Brown away. “I came away from there thinking about how I can move forward and really try to launch my beef business and my ranch online in a really great way,” Brown said. Ranch House Designs developed a website and a shopify e-commerce site for Triangle B Ranch. Looking forward, Triangle B Ranch also wants to reach out more to the culinary side of industry. In his farm-to-fork operation, Brown stays with the cattle from the ranch to the processing plant and back to the ranch where they’re stored in freezers, hand selected and shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re very committed,” Brown said. “We want a good product.” To learn More About Triangle Beef Ranch, visit them online at tbrwagyu.com Ranch House Journal | 105
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RURAL LIFESTYLE
Virginia Club Calf Producers Assocation Text and Photos by Burke Friend
Thirteen by lore is an unlucky number, but not to the Virginia Club Calf Producers Association. You see, 2018 is the 13th year for the organization and its VCCP Winter Classic. The VCCP Winter Classic has now grown to be the largest jackpot show on the East Coast, boasting over 600 entries. Which is easily believable when you pull into the Rockingham County Fairgrounds and your eyes are filled by a sea of cattle trailers and the famous “Tent City.” Cattle and their owners make the trip from 13 different states to compete for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. In March of 2011 the VCCP decided to hold an event like no other in conjunction with the show; the Eastern Elite Production Sale. The sale highlights some of the country’s most elite genetics of purebred cattle, show cattle and club calves. This year’s event was no exception with the high selling lot being GOON Mr. Ferdinand cosigned by Begoon Farm, selling for $8,000. The show may have started as an open show event, but they are invested in the youth. They award over $2000 in scholarships and hold fun educational events and contests like Sullivan’s Stock Show University and a fitting competition. So congratulations to the VCCP for surviving your 13th year. I look forward to the many years ahead for the association!
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PRODUCER
Dancing Through All of Life’s Seasons
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By Kate Miller
Jo Bonds: Mother, Ballerina, Ranch Wife, Cowgirl. A woman breaking stereotypes and paving her own way.
t takes a certain tenacity of spirit to bridge the cultural divide between two seemingly opposite worlds. Walking onto a sprawling Texas ranch for instance, you would anticipate being met at the ranch house door by a figure like John Wayne. The imagery of the cowboy with jeans and boots and the hat to match fits the persona you’d expect to embody the scene. But in Saginaw, Texas, depending on which door
of the Bonds Ranch residence you knock, you’d likely be met by the most unlikely of figures: a ballerina. In the commercial cattle business the name Pete Bonds is spoken with a refrain of reverence. Bonds, a recent inductee into the Texas Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame, is largely considered to be one of the nation’s most innovative and visionary minds. But on the sprawling ranch just north of Fort Worth is another established brand with another visionary at the helm. Josephine ‘Jo’ Bonds, the cowgirl
ballerina, spans both worlds effortlessly. With her sharp wit and quick laugh, she tells it like it is, a trait that no doubt has served her well in the competitive world of dance and the rough edge of the cattle business. For four decades she has braved the odds against opponents as simple as old heaters and town busy bodies, to more formidable rivals like glass ceilings and the delicate balance of motherhood, to bring the art of dance to generations of Texas girls. Ranch House Journal | 115
A LOVE OF DANCE Growing up in South Georgia, the daughter of a peanut farmer, she was eight when dance entered her life. A pediatrician recommended dance to help build strength. From the first class it was more than a hobby, there was a genuine love for the sport that quickly developed. She was hooked. “When I was 13-years-old, the studio I danced in had a guest dancer from Texas Christian University come teach. She was the first professional dancer I had ever met, and watching her dance was the most beautiful performance I had ever seen. I decided then that was where I wanted to go to school,” said Jo. TCU was the first school in the United States to offer a Bachelor in Fine Arts with the goal of balancing the art of dance with academic achievement. This balance was what attracted Jo to the program. “I didn’t want to go to a fine arts school where all I did was dance, I wanted an education too. TCU had a great ballet program that allowed me to dance and get a degree.” During her time at TCU was when she first met her husband Pete. “We met on a blind date, on Valentine’s Day,” said Jo. “I had been dancing all day, when my Resident Assistant asked if I wanted to go to the movies with a friend of hers because she couldn’t go. The movie was terrible, it was some horror film. But he had free tickets.” After graduation, Jo moved back to Georgia. Fate intervened not long after the move back home with an audition with the Birmingham Ballet Company. While the core of the roster was full for the season, she was hired as a professional dancer, and while living in Birmingham, made a living teaching for their ballet school.
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and Jo got married the following July. “We got married in the summer, and I was back to teaching in the fall. I began dancing with the Margo Dean’s Ballet Company, Ballet Concerto there in Fort Worth,” said Jo. “I danced with her for a few years, until I got pregnant and then took a small break. But I went back and performed as a principal dancer for the company until my youngest daughter was three.” By 1984 the couple had three daughters, Missy, Bonnie and April; and the demands of motherhood and dance and the ranch were complex. “The girls ate a few Happy Meals and sat through more than a few rehearsals,” she said. As their family grew, so did the demands of the cattle operation. “When we first got married, all we had was the one ranch in Fort Worth. It wasn’t very complicated back then, and I began helping with the book work.” “But as he grew and the operation got more involved, things got more complicated,” said Jo.“I was managing the house and raising children and being the secretary. I was running the dance school and dancing with Margo. It was a lot to manage.” When April was three, Jo made the decision to transition into private teaching to simplify the demands on her time. “The City of Saginaw offered me a position working for the city at the local center, but the goal was to operate my own studio. So I taught in an empty room at a restaurant for a while, until they needed the space themselves.” The restaurant was the last straw. Going home, desperate for a permanent place, she surveyed their home garage. The large space filled the fundamental need with an attached spare bedroom and bathroom that could be used as a makeshift locker room. It wasn’t perfect, but it would do. “The main problem in the beginning was heat. We started with an old diesel burner, which would put off a lot of
heat, but we had to open the garage doors to be able to breathe the fumes were so bad,” she said. “When we finally got a gas heater, I thought we had really moved uptown.” The first few years were full of challenges and special memories. The first recital was held outdoors. Parents brought lawn chairs and sat in the driveway while the studio itself, with the garage doors open served as the stage. Eventually tired of fighting the plagues of Texas varmints that made their way in through open garage doors, they remodeled the garage into a professional studio. “We have all the hallmarks of a classic studio: mirrors, bars, sound system. We are limited by the size of the studio, but the space has worked well,” said Jo. For the last 42 years the studio has been in operation, two to three days per week. While the primary focus is ballet, other veins of dance such as tap and jazz and some hip-hop are taught too. “The goal is to expose kids to all kinds of dance,” she said. All three of the couple’s children went through the studio and danced through high school, a natural progression for the daughters of a ballerina. “They all had talent, but they all found their passion in other things,” said Jo. “Life happens as you grow up, and I am glad they all found their own path.”
LOOKING FORWARD Among all the achievements of her life, the professional ballerina found a surprising love of horsemanship. “I had wanted to learn to ride quite badly for a very long time. I finally wore Pete down into teaching me how,” said Jo. “I’ll never forget riding for the first time. It was a cold morning, and I was all bundled up and mostly scared to death. Pete told me to not let her get out of a trot, so we trotted across the pasture and back and neither one of us got injured,” said Jo. “I may not be
very good at riding, but I really love it. It is time where I can just worry about what the horse is doing, and not about what is going on somewhere else.” Her new found love of horseback riding, she said is the secret to a long marriage. “Pete has learned I am a happier person when I have been on the horse. So he figures out how to make sure I have time on a horse often enough to make me tolerable,” she said. When asked about the future of her dance studio, her answer is an honest one. “Every year ends and I wonder is this the last one or am I going to keep going?,” said Jo. “I really can’t picture my life without it. I dance for me, and teaching keeps me healthy. So I guess the answer is for now to keep going as long as I can and as long as I want to.” As part of that future she recently hired an apprentice, a former student, Erika DeHaan, who really brings the process full circle. “For now we will keep going. I love it and I love the kids. Well most of the time.” A thought she finished with a characteristic laugh. So for now the school remains an integral part of the ranch’s story. Amidst the challenges, she carved a path all her own. She did so without fanfare, and in the face of considerable opposition through the challenges of the time. Yet, 40 years later, countless students have moved through that garage studio. Introduced to an art that Saginaw might not otherwise have. This ballerina in a garage on a sprawling Texas ranch is proof that sometimes you must grow where you are planted, and with enough grit and a good sense of humor, something remarkable will bloom. To learn more about Jo’s studio, visit her website, which was designed by Ranch House at www. jobondsdance.com.
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FRIENDS & FAMILIES
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An Ode to Ranch Dogs Text by Meg Drake
A cowhand’s dog is his best friend, let me tell you a story and this is where it begins. He’s up at dawn to help with chores, then to bed, adding to a chorus of snores. He doesn’t talk back, but he’ll bark orders on occasion, mostly at old cows with their heads down grazin’.
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He’s eager to please, and does his duties well, always searching for a pat on the head and a “you done good ol’ pal.” There’s no other friendship quite like his, and when he’s gone it’s his wet nosed nuzzle you’ll miss. Here’s to the ranch dog who loves life on the range, if you’ve known a friendship like his, you’re forever changed.
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1. Cheyenne Jones; 2. Jim Williams; 3. Kallie Halfmann; 4. Amy Langvardt; 5. Kelsey Howe; 6. Marlee Hatfield; 7. By Maria Pearson; 8. Photo by By Jennifer Carrico; 9. By Brook Hickle; 10. By Janea Ehlke; 11. By Caitlin Jedlicka; 12. By Amanda Merkel; 13. Photo by Kimberly Hodges Ranch House Journal | 121 
NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Underwood Ranch www.underwoodranch.com Established in 1941, the Underwood Ranch has a long history and rich tradition of producing high quality cattle, hay, and horses. Underwood Ranch produces superior, registered Brahman cattle and Golden Certified F-1’s. Alongside their pasture management and grazing programs, Underwood Ranch’s commercial hay operation is in its fifth year. The hay program consists of advanced irrigation and fertilizing techniques that produce some of the highest quality Bermuda forage available.
Illinois Alpha Phi Alumni www.illinoisalphaphialumni.com The University of Illinois Alpha Phi is a well-known sisterhood of women supporting one another in lifelong achievement and unity. The fraternity has banded together to improve the minds and hearts of members and aide each other through a constant light of love. Illinois Alpha Phi believes themselves to be sincere searchers for truth and bids fair to one of the strongest chapters in the fraternity.
Knox Herefords www.knoxherefords.com Located in Tarzan, Texas, about an hour south of Midland, Knox Herefords raises beautiful champion Hereford and Polled Hereford show cattle. Knox Herefords has produced winners at all major stock shows, state, and county shows for over 50 years and counting.
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Ranch House Journal | 123 Our customers share why we are the NEW FAVORITE... read more customer testimonials on our website!
NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Spring Tree Farms www.springtreefarmsshowpigs.com Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Longmont, Colorado, Spring Tree Farms Show Pigs provides top quality show pigs that are sure to help you place in the show ring. Using only top quality boars and breeding stock, Spring Tree Farms takes pride in creating the most complete show pigs.
Prairie Hills Gelbvieh www.prairiehillsgelbvieh.com Located in Southwest North Dakota, Prairie Hills Gelbvieh raises high quality, performance-oriented, red and black purebred Gelbvieh cattle. Placing an importance on raising cattle that thrive in the area, Prairie Hills Gelbvieh creates cattle that are structurally sound with superior maternal traits. Popular bloodlines run deep throughout the Prairie Hills herd and are sure to catch the eye of any commercial or seedstock producer.
Cari B. Rincker www.caririncker.com There are many words that describe Cari B. Rincker: teacher, lawyer, blogger, author, speaker, farmer, and athlete, to name a few. Cari grew up on a Simmental cattle farm in Shelbyville, Illinois. Her law firm, Rincker Law, PLLC is located in both New York and Illinois, specializing in food, farm, and family. Cari also authors an award-winning blog where she shares her personal experiences. Cari is the author of two books found on Amazon, Kindle, and iBooks and is a nationally recognized speaker. She is also an adjunct professor at Vermont Law School where she enjoys teaching online classes. Cari also has a strong love for health and wellness. You can follow Cari’s fitness journey via social media. 124 | Ranch House Journal
The Rafter 2 Advantage
The Rafter 2 Ranch is known for its excellent herd of registered and commercial Red Brangus cattle. All damvs and sires come from exceptional lineage with proper documentation to show. They also provide high grade replacement heifers and bulls for sale and breeding. Recently, the Rafter 2 ranch has branched out internationally to export cattle to other countries. A significant accomplishment as they carefully grow the genetics of their herd. D’Ann and Kaye work daily to ensure the continued growth and quality of the Rafter 2 herd.
Thank you for your interest in the Rafter 2 Ranch. Please feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you. Kaye Harper Contreras (210) 415-1414 kaye.rafter2ranch@gmail.com
D'Ann Harper (210) 415-0027 dh.rafter2ranch@gmail.com
Location 4000 I-37 North, Whitsett TX, 78075
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NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Avatar www.avatarseniorcare.com Located in Palm Desert, California, Avatar Retirement Home prides itself on exceptional Senior care. Avatar wants you to feel at home, no matter how far away from your actual home you may be. Trained, caring staff give all they have to the residents, making everyone feel warm and welcome. When it comes to selecting a community, Avatar wants you to know that it is a family. You can trust Avatar to be your new home for years to come.
AberTees www.blredangus.com B&L Red Angus in Putnam, Oklahoma has been involved in the commercial cattle industry for many years. Since 2009, they have been raising Red Angus cattle for seedstock operations and commercial cattlemen. Henceforth, B&L Red Angus’s bull program is performance driven, keeping the the commercial cattlemen in mind each step of the way.
Nemaha Valley Cattle Company www.nemahavalleycattle.com Family owned and operated since 1993, Nemaha Valley Cattle Company is located in the heart of the Nemaha River Valley in Kansas. The family are first generation Angus breeders that believe everything should be done in love. With a passion for the Angus breed, the land they live on, and God, the family looks forward to celebrating their 25th business anniversary this year.
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NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Texas Simmental and Simbrah Assocation www.texassimmentalsimbrah.com The Texas Simmental and Simbrah Association is located in Canton, Texas. TSSA is the oldest and largest state Simmental association in the United States and is actively involved in promoting Simmental and Simbrah cattle in many different ways. The overall goal of the TSSA is to promote the advancement of the beef industry through the use of Simmental and Simbrah cattle. Marketing and advertising efforts take place in monthly beef magazines, livestock seminars, and major Texas stock shows.
Lawson Angus www.lawsonangus.com
Located in Calhan, Colorado, Lawson Angus prides itself on the production of quality Angus and Simangus cattle in the Western High Plains. Not only are the cattle reputable in the mountain region, but they are ready to perform at any altitude. Making a bull purchase is a huge decision and Lawson Angus assures you, it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. By providing straightforward, reliable information to all clients and customers, Lawson Angus stands out above the rest. With aggressive AI and PAP testing, you won’t go wrong trusting Lawson Angus.
Broken Box www.brokenboxranch.com Broken Box Ranch is owned and operated by the Maltby family in Williams, California. The ranch specializes in cross breeding Charolais and Hereford cattle to obtain a large increase in weaning and yearling weights. With a high standard, all cattle must meet top-notch ratings in performance and marketability. In addition, the ranch also offers custom-feeding services through the feedlot and is a certified organic rice grower. 128 | Ranch House Journal
WE BRING GOOD THINGS TO LIFE.
Photo courtesy of Aush Rae/Diamond K ranch
EMBRYO TRANSFER • IN VITRO FERTILIZATION • SEXED SEMEN • RECIPIENT OPTIONS • FRESH SHIP PROGRAM • CLONING & GENETIC PRESERVATION • WEANED CALF PROGRAMS Our team has focused on creating a system that results in the ultimate success - a happy, healthy calf. With our toolbox of reproductive technologies, exceptional team of professionals, and more than 30 years of experience, it’s no wonder we’ve become the industry leader. Whether it’s advancing and extending superior genetics or empowering the next generation of livestock producers, we’re here to help you Multiply Success.
WWW.TRANSOVA.COM © MULTIPLY SUCCESS Ranch Journal | 129 For a full list of locations, visit ourHouse website!
NEW WEBSITES
FEATURED CLIENTS
LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS WINTER Tyn Rhos www.tynrhosfarm.com Located in Ironton, Ohio, Jack and Jeannine Davis own and operate Tyn Rhos Farm. Tyn Rhos, pronounced Tin Rows means house on the moor, or house on open land. The farm gained its name in honor of the family ancestry and specializes in registered Angus cattle. The Davis family focuses on building the herd with a strong emphasis on maternal growth without sacrificing eye appeal. Check out the farms new website to learn more: https://tynrhosfarm. com/.
Lienetics Ranch www.lienetics.com
Lienetics Ranch focuses on top-quality Angus cattle and prides itself on being a family-oriented operation. Owned by Trevor and Torri Lienemann, the family is very passionate about the beef industry. At Lienetics Ranch, a solid foundation builds optimum genetics. Lienetics utilizes several avenues for marketing cattle, the biggest being their spring production sale. To learn more about the ranch, their top-quality genetics, the family, and the sale, please visit: https://lienetics.com.
Mertens Cattle Company www.mertenscattleco.com Located in Milbank, South Dakota, Mertens Cattle Company’s main focus is on top quality herd genetics. The company works hard everyday to produce the cattle that customers are looking for, and they are proud of their herd. Not only does Mertens offer cattle, but show pigs as well. To learn more about the operation, check them out here: https://mertenscattleco.com/.
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PHOTOS
Houston Livestock Show V8 Ranch & HOUSTON, TEXAS MARCH 2018 By Rachel Cutrer Photos by Sara Rader and Show Champions
Every March brings out the best in Houstonians as it’s “Rodeo Time” in Houston. The first week of the Houston show is dedicated to the open show, and it is an event like none other. If you’ve never attended, it’s definitely one to add to the cattle person’s bucket list. To me, the thing that stands out the most is the international experience and the hospitality. Especially in the Brahman breed, the cattle booths are literally out of this world. Your typical showbox and folding chairs are foregone for elaborate displays with couches, food, drinks, and more. Each year my own family hosts a “stall social” where we provide food and drinks and prizes for a two hour window the day before the show. This is my favorite event of Houston. It gives us a chance to visit with many of the international visitors. This year, our give-a-way were scratch off tickets featuring prizes like caps, t-shirts, semen and more. As a patron of all stock shows, I have to say that Houston is one that stands out amongst others because of their strong support of education and scholarships combined with their outstanding force of thousands of volunteers. It’s the most special time of year in the Houston area. -RHJ 132 | Ranch House Journal
Stall Social
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RURAL LIFESTYLE
Ranch Kids Cinco De Mayo Fiesta By Ashley Wood
Every cowgirl should fiesta once in their lifetime, right? Two sweet cowgirls residing at the Y Bar O Ranch south of Alpine, Texas did just that and more. Hallie (7) and Sadie (4) Wood got to experience what most would only with a trip south of the border. Their backyard, overlooking the scenic West Texas mountains, was transformed to a scene straight from the streets of Mexico...complete with a four piece Mariachi band and traditional Mexican street food. Guests first dined on “elote” and “frutas,” conveniently served in cups, making it easier for little fingers to snack on them. The second course came with authentic tamales and tacos al pastor all washed down with flavorful agua frescas. If that wasn’t enough, the “dulces” left nothing to be desired. A spectacular three tiered cake that mimicked traditional Mexican embroidery was the centerpiece of all things sweet. And what children’s fiesta is complete without pinatas stuffed with an endless amount of Mexican candy? As the sweet sound of the mariachis faded into the crisp fall air, these cowgirls fell fast asleep, worn smooth out from the shenanigans of their very own West Texas fiesta. This May, you can celebrate your own Cinco de Mayo with these great ideas, developed with love by one proud ranch mom for her two precious senoritas. -RHJ 136 | Ranch House Journal
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Welcome to
AG COLLEGES
WILDCAT COUNTRY
Spotlight on
Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture
By Meg Drake Photos by Kansas State University and Melissa Grimmel Schaake
Remember back in 2012 when Yahoo published an article that deemed agriculture, animal science and horticulture as three of the five most useless college degrees? At the time, I was a junior studying agriculture communications and animal science at Kansas State University, and I distinctly remember being upset by the feature. Mainly because I was excitedly planning for a future in a profession that I believed in, and I was a member of what I felt was one of the greatest colleges on earth, Kansas State’s College of Agriculture. I’ll refrain from focusing this feature on disputing the Yahoo article and instead channel that energy toward bragging on one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. For those of you considering Kansas State for your undergraduate, graduate or even doctorate education, here is why I highly recommend becoming part of the Wildcat family…
DIVERSITY From more common agriculture majors like animal science and agriculture economics to specialized
areas, like bakery science and management and milling science and management, K-State’s degree programs are diverse. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to determining each individual student’s educational track. The opportunity to major and minor in different degrees that cross over into one another allow students to personalize and tailor their experiences. “K-State’s College of Ag allowed me to maximize my college opportunities by seamlessly weaving together my passion for livestock production with my interest in business and economics,” said Lauren Perez, 2012 graduate in Agriculture Economics and Animal Science. Plus students involved in agriculture-related majors at Kansas State get tons of hands on experience. Not everyday in the classroom is the same. Many hours are spent in the lab, on field trips and visiting the livestock units across campus. “With where I see the ag industry heading, I feel it will be necessary for an individual to have both agriculture production and business knowledge. K-State is one of the few schools that allows this opportunity,” said Perez. Hands on experience coupled with coursework allow college of ag students
Follow the university on Instagram at @ KansasStateUniversity, or visit www.k-state.edu and learn more about Wildcat nation.
to receive a diversified education. For example, agriculture communications majors not only take classes within the college of ag, but they’re also expected to complete hours within the school of mass communications and journalism. Along with this, students receive real-life editorial experience when they complete the college’s senior level magazine course. “The students are involved in all aspects of creating a magazine from story planning and writing to advertising sales to graphic design. They have to work as a team to create this 72-page, four color magazine,” said Lisa Moser, Agricultural Communications and Journalism Instructor. “My goal is to make this a real world experience. Our students must also invoke critical thinking and peer mentoring as they work to create this publication.” Lastly, the college of ag also allows students tons of opportunities for continued education. Graduate, doctorate and veterinary student programs allow students to further hone and develop their areas of expertise before entering real life professions.
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Another item that sets Kansas State’s College of Ag apart, is the ability for students to participate in a broad range of extracurricular activities. From judging teams to professional organizations and specialized clubs, there is quite literally an out-ofclassroom activity for just about every student to partake in. Over the years, judging teams have become highly competitive and popular among students. From livestock and horse judging to meats and wool judging, Kansas State has a rich history of fielding some of the most competitive teams in the senior collegiate arena. But the fun doesn’t stop there. K-State also has tons of clubs and organizations for the agriculture enthusiast to get involved in. For example, there’s the Block and Bridle Club, an agriculture advocacy group called Food For Thought, Collegiate Cattlewomen, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and so much more. If joining a sorority or a fraternity is more your thing, agriculture students at Kansas State find themselves at home in either the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity or the Sigma Alpha sorority. Although AGR is not directly affiliated with the ag college, the majority of its members are students studying agriculture majors at Kansas State. Sigma Alpha is slightly different. The sorority does not have a house on campus, but women involved in the organization meet regularly on campus and plan gatherings in conjunction with the college.
CULTURE It’s difficult not to recite the first line of the Kansas State Alma Mater when thinking of the university and its culture. “I know a spot that I love full 140 | Ranch House Journal
well,” seems to sum up many students’ experience in Manhattan, or the Little Apple as they call it. Joining the Kansas State campus is like becoming part of one big purple family. There is a long history of camaraderie and athletic and academic excellence. From joining and participating in clubs and events to cheering on the Cats during Big 12 games, there’s always something fun going on. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself. Follow the university on Instagram at @KansasStateUniversity, or visit www.k-state.edu and learn more about Wildcat nation.
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OUR ADVERTISERS Ag Kids Club.................................................. 88 Alkoomie Brangus .......................................... 39 Bachman Cattle Farm .................................... 19 Bextra........................................................... IBC Bollum Family Shorthorns.............................. 59 Bovine Elite .................................................... 47 C&C Show Pigs .............................................. 49 Calf Climate ................................................ 106 Circle A Angus Ranch...................................... 9 DCD Land & Cattle ...................................... 77 Deep South Brahman Association.................. 38 DV Cattle...................................................... 119 Emmons Ranch ............................................. 30 Five Oaks Cattle ............................................. 63 Fontenot Red Brahmans ................................ 71 Fusion Cattle .................................................. 31 Ganado Feed & More................................... 118 Glunt Show Pigs ............................................. 82 Gohr Cattle Co............................................... 46 HeartBrand...................................... Back Cover Hereford Prep................................................. 15 Hopewell Farms Angus .................................. 89 Hueber Feed.................................................. 110 HydraBed...................................................... 143 Ingram Angus ................................................ 33 Jacksons Double J ........................................... 21 Jason A. Shipman ........................................... 83 Jo Bonds Dance Studio .................................. 79 Kent Feeds......................................................... 7 LaMuneca Cattle............................................ 70 Legacy Ag Credit.......................................... 135 Legendary Akaushi........................................... 5 Lienetics....................................................... IBC Lindsey Ranch Beefmasters ........................... 53 Luke and Cat.................................................. 45 Martindale Feed Mill ..................................... 62 MC Livestock ................................................. 64 Meyer Cattle Co ............................................. 44 Missouri Red Angus Association..................... 23 Montgomery County Fair............................... 73 MoorMan’s ShowTec.................................... 127 Niobrara Red Angus ...................................... 95 Nix Farms...................................................... 134 Quail Hollow Herefords ................................ 25 Rafter 2 Ranch ............................................. 125 Resistol.............................................................. 3 Rutledge Farms............................................. 107 Safety Zone Calf Catchers ............................. 81 South Texas Cowboy Gathering................... 131 Spickler Ranch South .................................... 76 Standing Heat............................................... 123 Stockdale Show Cattle.................................. 111 Sullivan Supply .............................................. 17 Ted Howard Stockmanship ........................... 97 Tennessee River Music ................................ 113 The Brand Company...................................... 52 TransOva...................................................... 129 Triangle B Ranch ........................................... 78 Triple Crown Ranch....................................... 58 V8 Ranch.................................................. 86, 87
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PARTING
THOUGHTS
SPRINGTIME VIBES
Finally! Some warmer weather, the middle of calving season, and spending time outdoors! Before we know it, we will be traveling to summer shows and preparing to sell our spring calf crops because let’s face it – it feels like spring is already flying by! So why not do your very best while doing something you love? This may include putting in a few extra hours of practice, attending a conference, taking a class, or seeking advice. How about when it comes to branding and marketing your business? How can you utilize marketing tools to make your business the best that it can be? Spring is a great time to think fresh and plan ahead before the rush of summer hits. Remember, it’s never
UPCOMING ISSUES
too early to begin planning for an upcoming event or fall sale. If there’s anything we can do to eliminate the stress of marketing, let us know and we are more than happy to help you be the best that you can be! Until next time, Melissa Grimmel Schaake Graphic Designer RHJ Art Director
MEDIA
KIT
Summer 2018 - Releases July 1 - Ads due May 25 Fall 2018 - Releases October 1 - Ads due August 25 Winter 2019 - Releases January 1 - Ads due November 25 Spring 2019 - Releases April 1 - Ads due February 25
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5 MINUTES WITH...
DAVID FARNUM, DVM by Rachel Cutrer
1. In your career, you’re a swine breeder, a DVM, and also created your own feed supplement. Describe the sequence of how all these evolved? I decided in elementary school that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I got my B.S. in Animal Science from Iowa State and my DVM from Iowa State. I started my career in general practice, working in northwest and eastern Iowa. After about 8 years, I went to work for Purina in business development. I later went to work for Farms.com developing swine management software. So, combining all that experience and my roles in product development led me to starting True North about 10 years ago. Originally, True North was just a side thing. Heck, I gave product away initially I would just send it to my friends and say “try this”. After about two years, we finally decided to make it a real business. We are split into two parts: the packaged goods or stock show side of it, and then the commercial cattle feeding side. The cattle feeding side is a big part of True North. As we saw the voluntary feed directive coming out, we knew there would need to be alternatives to antibiotics so we wanted to develop a product that feedyards could use both to start cattle and to replace what they would normally use as a feed antibiotic for excessive pulls. 2. What do you think makes True North stand out as a feed supplement? It’s really the research we put into product development that makes us stand out. We probably spend more of our revenue on research than most people would think is sane. We’re able to tell you ‘here’s what’s going to happen if you use these products and here’s why.’ We want to understand the science better than anyone else. 3. What’s a typical “day in the life” for someone like you? I do mostly research work now, so a typical day would be to go to the farm and do research trial work. We’ve developed a model that we can use consistently to test any product that we want to put on the market. My work is about half-and-half between pigs and cattle. 4. What do you see as the future of veterinary medicine in rural areas? Food animal vets specifically are in short supply. I try to encourage people to do rural practice, and the USDA offers some great programs for this. I’d estimate there are about 100 vets nationwide who are serving the entire cattle feeding business - and probably the same in the swine. We really need to encourage top students to pursue careers in food animal veterinary medicine. 5. What are you most excited about at this time? Right now, we’ve actually got a couple of new products that we are going to launch in spring 2018 that I’m really excited about. We’ve got some new technology –I’d call it revolutionary –in protein nutrition that we’ve been working on a little more than a year. 6. Who’s got the best football team in Iowa? Oh, that’s easy, that’s the Cyclones! I think there is another team on the east side of the state, but I don’t know much about them. -RHJ 144 | Ranch House Journal