Winter 2018 Ranch House Journal by Ranch House Designs

WINTER 2018

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Ranch House Journal WINTER 2018

8 Features 10

How the Lyssy & Eckel families have built one company with an ongoing commitment to serving Texans livestock and wildlife nutritional needs.

A HISTORY OF PROGRESS, FAMILY AND EXCELLENCE

Friends & Families

CARING FOR CATTLE, CUSTOMERS AND FAMILY HERITAGE

Caroline and Hondo Martinez

Mark Rubles of Six Mile Creek Cattle Company revisits and reinvests in his Hereford roots.

FOCUSING ON THE NUMBERS, AN ACCOUNTANT BUILDS A LEGACY Trevor Lienemann is making a name for himself in the Angus breed and in the cattle feeding business.

VISIT PHOENIX, ARIZONA Going to NCBA Convention? Take a break from winter in the Valley of the Sun.

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME HUNTING EXPERIENCE: MARAVILLAS RANCH This southwest Texas ranch is providing outdoor enthusiasts a different kind of hunting experience.

MARKETING TIP Five marketing tools to use in 2018.

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SOUTHERN STYLED WEDDING

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PENCIL IN THESE DATES Check out which events we’re looking forward to in 2018.

102 FROM CHAMPION JIU JITSU FIGHTER TO RANCHER Mitchell Coats of Prime 37 is a first generation cattleman making a name in the Wagyu world.

114 PARTNERS IN PROGRESS How a love for raising high-quality cattle brought the Smith, Oglesby and Gillooly families together.

138 AG COLLEGE FEATURE Learn more about Western Illinois University’s College of Ag in this special feature.

WOMEN IN AG COLUMN Meet Amanda Leo, international potato expert and dedicated show mom.

RANCH KIDS COLUMN Four book suggestions for little cowpokes.

RANCH HOUSE MARKETING SUMMIT View photos from our 2017 Marketing Summit held in Wharton, Texas.

134 PAC AWARDS See which Professional Agricultural Communicators’ members stood out during this year’s competition.

144 5 MINUTES WITH Reserve World Champion Auctioneer and Hereford breeder, Cody Lowderman.

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Life & Home 32

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WESTERN FASHION

With Que Cute Style Boutique.

WESTERN HERITAGE How Small in the Saddle is upping the children’s western wear game.

RECIPE It’s like bacon, except it’s made out of beef. Check out this Schmacon™ recipe.

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ANGUS CONVENTION View images from the 2017 Angus Convention held in Fort Worth, Texas.

SCHAAKE FARMS Located in the rolling hills of Kansas, view beautiful images from this midwestern ranch.

CALIFORNIA DAIRIES, INC. California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) is a member-owned milk marketing and processing cooperative co-owned by more than 400 California Dairy families.

108 2017 RESISTOL ROOKIE BANQUET Photos from the annual Resistol Rookie Banquet held in Las Vegas, Nevada during the Wrangler NFR.

120 WINTER ON THE RANCH We asked Ranch House followers to submit their favorite winter images.

132 KRIRM SYMPOSIUM The King Ranch Institute of Ranch Management hosts an annual symposium. This year’s event was focused on succession planning.

136 2017 NAILE Photos from the largest all-breed, purebred livestock show in the world. 4 | Ranch House Journal

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF CREATIVE

CAN IT BE?!

Rachel Cutrer rachel@ranchhousedesigns.com CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

IS IT ALREADY

Ashley Grant ashley@ranchhousedesigns.com

2018?

I feel like I went to sleep in March 2017 and suddenly awoke in January 2018. As I sit here and reflect on the past year, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Personally, I have achieved many goals in 2017. The most noteworthy being my growth spiritually, my persistence in seeking and successfully navigating a career change and my ability to more healthily juggle work life with personal life. Professionally, the Ranch House team has also charted great accomplishments. As a team, we’ve opened new locations [Fort Worth], welcomed new team members, undergone changes and greatly improved in areas, specifically the process in which we produce the Ranch House Journal. I also feel extremely humbled and grateful as I reflect on 2017. Rather than provide a “thank you” list long

On the Cover: Posing on a brisk, snowy winter day in Wray, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Grimmel Schaake 6 | Ranch House Journal

Ranch House JOURNAL EDITOR IN CHIEF

Meg Drake meg@ranchhousedesigns.com ART DIRECTOR Melissa Grimmel Schaake melissa@ranchhousedesigns.com

enough to fill the time allotted for an Oscar acceptance speech, I’ll keep it short. I’m thankful and grateful for you, the readers. The positive magazine feedback we have received at events, in meetings and on social media is humbling and overwhelming. It not only proves that the Ranch House Journal is making a difference in my life, but it’s making a difference in yours too. Whether it be small or large, I’d love to hear your feedback. What do you like about the magazine? What would you change about the publication? Ultimately, we’re here to serve you. It’s my mission to make sure we continue to do that to the best of our abilities in 2018. So email me your thoughts at meg@ ranchhousedesigns.com. Who knows, your feedback might even be featured in the spring issue! Also, let’s start a conversation and a community on social media! When you receive your journal, post an image of your favorite feature to Instagram or Facebook with #RanchHouseJournal.

VICE PRESIDENTS Callie Graves, VP Print & Social DESIGNERS Kristen Davis Sarah Simpson Kaitlyn Merriman WRITERS Bailey Toates-Herrin Kaitlyn Alanis Madeline Bezner Kate Miller Anne S. Lampe Shannon Bellis CONTRIBUTERS Brooke Bennett Ashley Patterson ASSISTANT EDITORS Lauren Prettyman Topanga McBride 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.

CHAMPIONS ARE FUELED BY WINNING FILL

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RANCH HOUSE JOURNAL

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BAILEY TOATES HERRIN

KAITLYN ALANIS

WICHITA, KANSAS Because it’s not every day that your journalism assignment includes covering a championship jiu jitsu fighter turned cattle rancher, right? For a feature of this magnitude, Kaitlyn stepped up to the plate - or the mat so to speak, using her experience as a real-time reporter for the Wichita Eagle and her degree in agricultural communications.

MADELEINE BEZNER

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS A regular contributor to the Ranch House Journal, Madeleine once again delights readers as she shares the story of Mark Rubes of Six Mile Creek. Madeleine is a senior at Texas A&M University and her passion for the ranching and wildlife business is evident in the quality journalism she produces in each issue.

MACON, GEORGIA When she moved from Oklahoma to Georgia to work for the Georgia Cattleman’s Association, ranchers like Kyle Gillooly (past GCA president) welcomed Bailey with open arms. In this issue, Bailey combines her love of livestock and photography to tell the story of CES / Predestined, a Georgia Hereford and Angus outfit. Bailey and her husband Jeremy are also Angus breeders.

KATE MILLER

SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA 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. Naturally, she was a terrific fit for telling the story of Lienetics Ranch and Bextra Feeders. Kate’s bright story-telling combined with the inspiring story of Trevor Lienemann and his family for your reading pleasure.

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ANNE LAMPE SHANNON BELLIS

GRAND SALINE, TEXAS This quick witted, free-spirited Texan knows fashion and knows the ranching business. In this issue, Shannon spotlights Small in the Saddle, a children’s fashion boutique that specializes in western wear for babies and toddlers.

SCOTT CITY, KANSAS This Kansas ranch wife, mom and Angus breeder shares the story of “Empower and Encourage,” a culinary experience. Anne has served as manager of Kansas Angus Association for 14 years, and is a past president of the American Angus Auxiliary. She’s an avid photographer and has a stunning way of telling the story of land, livestock and people.

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AG BUSINESS

Lyssy & Eckel Feeds:

A History of

Progress, Family, and Excellence

By Meg Drake

One company, two families and an ongoing commitment to serving Texans. t the corner of Highway 181 and East Westmeyer street, right next to one of the busiest stoplights in Poth, Texas, sits a business that has been committed to values such as family, service and progress for over 72 years. This business is Lyssy & Eckel Feeds. Lyssy & Eckel first opened its doors in 1945. At the helm, were owners A.W. Eckel Jr. and Ed Lyssy. The original store was located in what is now the Lyssy & Eckel storefront parking lot. “The first mill was here in downtown Poth,” recalled Ronnie Eckel, the second generation in his family to co-manage the feed company. “In 1967 we moved the mill to our existing mill location. That’s when we first built a grain elevator, and then in 1970 we built a new feed mill there in that same location.” To many Poth residents, the Lyssy & Eckel feed mill is a familiar and welcomed sight. 10 | Ranch House Journal

“The football field sits right next to the mill,” said Julie Eckel, Ronnie’s daughter-in-law and marketing manager for the company. “I have so many parents tell me how much they love the smell of the mill making feed and how it has become a staple in their Friday night light memories.”

FAMILY VALUES Since opening in 1945, family has been a common theme in the feed company’s growth and success. “Keith Lyssy is the third generation of the Lyssy family to be involved in the business, I’m the second generation in my family and my kids are the third generation of the Eckel’s,” explained Ronnie. “We’ve had a good partnership for 72 years now.” However, working closely with family comes with its own set of challenges and heartache. “My brother Gerald, passed away two weeks

Marty Kowalik, Karl Lyssy, Keith Lyssy, Ronnie Eckel, Julie Eckel, William Eckel, Marie (Eckel) Orth, Barrett Orth. Ranch House Journal | 11â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

ago. For 45 years, from the time we were kids, we worked together,” said Ronnie. “It’s exciting to work with family but it’s also hard. When you lose someone, a big chunk of that family is no longer there. It’s very emotional.” However, working closely with family creates many fond, cherished memories. “When I was 10 to 12 years old, I worked at the store sweeping warehouses. One of my memories from that time is of my grandfather. He was retired by then, but he still came in every morning,” said Keith. “He’d come in and weigh himself on the scale outside to see if he was eating too much. I can’t wait until it’s my turn to stop by in the morning to check on kids and grandkids.” Currently, many Lyssy and Eckel family members work together to ensure the success and progress of the feed company, including Ronnie’s oldest son William Eckel, who currently serves as the Feed Mill Manager and his wife Julie. Ronnie’s middle child Marie, who works in the Poth feed store and her husband, Barrett Orth who serves as the company’s Maintenance Supervisor. Charles Eckel, Ronnie’s youngest manages the Lyssy & Eckel Llano location. Keith’s brother, Karl Lyssy and brother-inlaw, Marty Kowalik are also partners in the business and have been serving the company for many years.

EXPANDING THE BUSINESS Along with family, customer service is another theme that’s highly valued at Lyssy & Eckel. In every facet of running their business, Lyssy & Eckel keeps the customer in mind. Originally, this customer was Texas 12 | Ranch House Journal

cattlemen and women. Since then, their customer base has expanded and so have their feeds. “From the very beginning we milled cattle feed and up until the late 1980s this is all we were producing,” said Ronnie. “Up until we saw that people were beginning to fence ranches and manage deer and were starting to feed deer so we decided to begin manufacturing a deer feed.” When the correlation between deer feed and increased antler size was made, business in the hunting and wildlife sector began to takeoff for

the company. Today, the deer feed business continues to be one of Lyssy & Eckel’s fastest growing sectors. “It has been 28 years now that we’ve been making deer feeds,” said Ronnie. “We continue to improve those feeds as we continue to learn things out in the field.” When it comes to producing a new feed ration, like their deer supplements, Lyssy & Eckel relies upon a stringent research and development process. “We have tested over 3000 browse plants, forbs and grasses,” said Ronnie. “We feel like

we have a very good understanding of what deer need through our work in scientific breeder pens and through our testing of the browse and forbs out in the pasture. Now it’s just a matter of making a supplement to provide them what the pasture is not.” As they continue to expand into different regions of Texas, Ronnie noted that plant research will continue to be an ongoing process. “We’re currently funding a two year research project with the Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University,”

said Ronnie. “They’re testing browse plants from all of the different soil types and elevations in the Trans-Pecos. We like to be able to build feeds for different areas and so far it has worked.” Recently, the company has also explored and expanded into the equine feeding business. “When we bought the store in Llano we hired a very bright young lady: Jamie Miller,” said Ronnie. “She called me one day and said she saw a lot of potential in the horse business in this area and she would like to work to develop the horse feed business.” Since this conversation, the company has invested into researching and developing a horse feed called

Stamina EX. Ronnie explained that he and the rest of the company were very pleased with the outcome of the new feed, which has been very well received among horse owners. Along with expanding into different feeding markets the company has also expanded into owning and operating four different feed store locations. Aside from the original store in Poth, Lyssy & Eckel Feeds also owns locations in Llano, Hondo and George West, Texas. The bulk of all Lyssy & Eckel product, however, is shipped from the mill in Poth. “We ship out about 1 to 1.2 million pounds of feed per day,” said William Eckel, feed mill manager.

COMMITTED TO THE CUSTOMER

One thing that has kept the feed company in business for over 72 years is their commitment to helping and offering advice to customers.

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“We’re constantly offering customers recommendations and advice based on if we were in their current situation,” said Keith. “No one here at Lyssy & Eckel works off of commission so there is no pressure to make a sale. We just as often talk someone out of buying something as we do talk them into buying something.” With their focus primarily on serving Texans, the company has been able to hone their supplemental feeds toward helping producers in different regions of the state. “We do ship feeds into Mexico. We see some business from Mississippi, New Mexico and Oklahoma, but our focus is Texas. This is where we want to keep our focus,” said Ronnie. Ronnie and Keith both work diligently to build and nurture lasting relationships with customers. Part of their daily routine includes speaking with customers on the phone and in person when they come to pick up feed in the storefront parking lot.

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“It all goes back to how we try to treat the customer as if they were ourself and it was our own livestock we were trying to take care of,” said Keith. “Whether a customer is buying a truckload a week from us or one bag a week, we try to treat everyone the same. We give each and every customer the same amount of attention, advice and help.”

LYSSY & ECKEL IN THE FUTURE The company plans to stay committed to core values that laid the foundation for a successful feed business, but Ronnie explained that they also understand the need to progress and evolve with the times. “We’re using more all natural additives to fight pathogens and health issues in animals now,” said Ronnie. “The feeds that we make, if you as a human wanted to get what we put into our feeds, you would have to go to a Whole Foods or Central Market to get

the types of minerals, trace minerals and vitamins that we use. We use the best ingredients out there.” The company has also begun to notice a succession in some of the accounts they service. “There are several ranches now where their children or grandchildren are involved,” said Keith. “There’s always an evolution into the next person running the ranch.” One thing is certain however, the company will continue to put the customer at the forefront of all its decisions. “Everything is evolving, but it’s still a matter of helping the customer,” said Ronnie. “I think the next 70 years look great for Lyssy & Eckel Feeds.” To learn more about the company and the different feeds they offer, visit lefeeds.com.

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NEW WEBSITES FEATURED CLIENTS

LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS FALL Heartland Cattle Company www.heartlandcattle.com The concept of “Professional Heifer Development” was first conceived in the late 1980’s because of a research/ teaching program at Kansas State University. In 1990, Houghton went on to form Heartland Cattle Company, which was a first-of-its-kind large-scale, commercial business designed to develop and produce genetically superior bred heifers for ranchers. Today, Heartland Cattle Company has turned out nearly 125,000 AI bred heifers that have been placed across America.

Smith Herefords www.smithherefords.com Smith Hereford’s is a Hereford cattle operation in George West, Texas that spans four generations. Since 1914, the ranch has focused on producing functional Hereford cattle for profit-minded cattlemen. The mission of Smith Herefords has always been to do business with integrity, keeping repeat customers in mind. With a program focused on sound, profitable, hearty cattle, all of their cattle must be able to do their jobs in the harsh Texas climate and thorny vegetation.

Five Oaks Cattle www.fiveoakscattle.com Five Oaks Cattle in Okolona, Mississippi focuses on producing quality Red Brahman seedstock and F1 replacement females. Five Oaks Cattle believe in the power of Red Brahman genetics. Their business is focused on family, hard work, perseverance and a deep love for the breed. Their name stems from the five oak trees that separate their family’s backyard from the pasture. The trees represent the five members of the Darnell Family. 18 | Ranch House Journal

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FEATURED CLIENTS

NEW WEBSITES

LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS FALL Hopewell Farms www.hopewellfarmsangus.com

Hopewell Farms is a row crop and registered Angus Cattle operation in Paris, Missouri. Currently the operation utilizes approximately 5000 acres for crop and cattle production. Hopewell Farms calves a total of 550 purebred registered Angus cows each year. Hopewell Farms goal is to produce bulls and heifers that will work for commercial cattle operations or for purebred producers. Their focus is to produce cattle that will consistently provide calving ease, early growth, exceptional carcass quality, and phenomenal feed efficiency.

Johnson Family Cattle www.johnsonfamilycattle.com Johnson Family Cattle is an Angus and Red Angus cattle operation in Shawano, Wisconsin. Their cow herd has grown to 45 head that graze on the operation’s 77 acres in Wisconsin. The Johnson Family also sells quarters, halves, and bundles of beef directly to customers through their Freezer Beef Program. In addition, Johnson Family Cattle hosts an online sale of breeding quality open and bred heifers each October.

Locust HIll Farm www.locusthill.com Locust Hill Farm is an Angus and Hereford seedstock operation in Middleburg, Virginia. Their motto “Quality from the ground up” can be recognized through their focus to produce cattle that exhibit three key traits: phenotype, longevity, and efficiency. In addition, Locust Hill Farm strives to produce cattle that work for both commercial cattlemen and purebred seedstock producers. 20 | Ranch House Journal

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NEW WEBSITES

FEATURED CLIENTS

LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS FALL Tadmore Farms www.tadmorefarms.com Tadmore Farms produces quality Shorthorn and Shorthorn Plus cattle in Caldwell, Texas. With the use of AI/ET programs, Tadmore uses “All American” donor cows and bulls to develop their show calves. Coupled with their Shorthorn Plus program, the operation uses Red Angus and Maine donor cows and some composite bulls. Tadmore show consultants provide assistance to FFA and 4H families who purchase show cattle from the farm through home visits, phone conversations, and clinics.

B&L Red Angus 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.

Alan Ritchey www.alanritchey.com Alan Ritchey, Inc. is a multi-faceted company that provides support to many industries, including governmental, agricultural, energy and transportation. Mail Services Division, Alan Ritchey Logistics, and Martindale Feed Mill are three key components of Alan Ritchey, Inc located in Valley View, Texas. Also, Alan Ritchey strives to minimize their impact on their environment by actively working on ways to reduce emissions of their equipment. 22 | Ranch House Journal

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NEW WEBSITES FEATURED CLIENTS

LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS FALL Steepleview Ranch www.steepleviewranch.com Steeple View Ranch raises Murray Grey cattle in the scenic Kettle Moraine area in Hubertus, Wisconsin. Towering above the ranch is the beautiful Holy Hill Basilica Church. Steeple View Ranch’s mission is to sell their closed herd of grass fed Murray Grey Cattle to seedstock producers. The use of Embryo and Artificial Insemination programs has allowed the ranch to utilize top Murray Grey Bulls from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

Becoming Champions www.becomingchampions.net Becoming Champions has always been Robby Derkowski’s dream. Robby teaches and shows customers about the show cattle business using a hands-on approach. After spending years traveling clipping, fitting, breeding, and working livestock, Robby believes it is time to give back to youth. In addition to general tips like breeding and working cattle, the program also teaches about clipping and fitting.

Gretsch Brothers Angus www.gretschbrothersangus.com The Gretsch Brothers Angus in Lexington, Georgia produces high quality registered Angus cattle. Their unique Angus genetics allows cattle to survive in Georgia’s hot and humid climate. The family prides themselves on their history of quality, longevity, and also their reputation. Along with their genetics, Gretsch Brothers Angus also uses advanced technologies in cattle genomics, feed formulas, grazing systems and other aspects of their operation. 24 | Ranch House Journal

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PRODUCER

Six Mile Creek Cattle Company revisits and reinvests in their Hereford roots.

Caring for

Cattle, Customers and Family Heritage

ix years ago, a reminiscent frame of mind compelled Six Mile Creek Cattle Company owner, Mark Rubes, to bring Hereford cattle back to his family’s farm. Located in El Reno, Oklahoma, Six Mile Creek Cattle Company focuses on raising high-quality replacement heifers and bulls as well as show cattle prospects. Originally, Rubes’ grandparents purchased the farm in 1949 to raise Hereford cattle, wheat, chickens and hay. Almost 30-years later, Rubes’ father took over the farm and began raising Red Limousin and Angus cattle. “When my father passed away, I

By Madeleine Bezner

took over his cattle and wanted to try something different,” Rubes said. Amidst a strong appreciation for the family legacy and high expectations for the future, a Hereford program commenced. “I wanted to bring back the old traditional farm the way that it was years ago and just enjoy it,” Rubes said. “I even bought some chickens.”

THE NEWCOMER To get his program started, Rubes said he knew he would need to seek advice from Hereford experts. “I called a college friend of mine, Robbie Schacher, knowing he was in the

Hereford industry, and asked him to find me a small herd,” Rubes said. Six Mile Creek Cattle Company’s first heifers came from Coyote Ridge Ranch. “Not long after, we wound up with a show calf from Hoffman Ranch,” Rubes said. Next, Rubes purchased some heifers from Dimitri Mataragras, of Iron Lake Ranch in Athens, Texas, which were exhibited at the Hereford Junior National Livestock Show in Kansas City and resulted in success for the first-timer. “One guy that always offers wonderful advice and has become a good friend of mine is Dimitri Mataragras,” Rubes said. “It’s fun to listen to him because he’s always Ranch House Journal | 27

considering everything from the cow’s teeth to the soundness of their feet.” Rubes said learning from others is a key component as he considers Schacher and Mataragras mentors in his Hereford endeavors. “I started taking a look at the other operations and noticed the improvements in their herds by raising different genetics, which peaked my interest to further my pursuit,” he said. Colten Pratz, a student at Oklahoma State University, is also making an influential difference in the operation. “He’s a good kid with a strong interest in seeing what cattle are made of, what their flaws are and what their strengths are,” Rubes said. Pratz said he met Rubes two years ago while on the livestock judging team at Redlands Community College. “He [Rubes] caught my attention with 28 | Ranch House Journal

his people skills and drive to move forward,” Pratz said. Since then, Pratz said he’s witnessed substantial growth in the operation and looks forward to continuing his work with Rubes for many years to come. “It isn’t every day that an individual has the opportunity to work under someone who trusts his employees to take the correct actions to move Six Mile Creek in the right direction,” Pratz said.

STRIVING FOR QUALITY “Mark and I share the same passion for the industry and strive to help youth better themselves,” Pratz said. Whether it be competitive show heifers or functional seedstock, Six Mile Creek Cattle Company strives to produce cattle to meet a variety of customers’ needs. As stated on the

company’s website: “Six Mile Creek Cattle Company’s mission is to breed and produce superior registered Hereford cattle with excellent bloodlines for the beef market, show cattle and seedstock industries. Being a performance leader means we will achieve breeding excellence, industryleading customer satisfaction and produce superior Hereford genetics.” Candidly, Rubes said his goal is to produce competitive show animals while keeping the animal’s future in mind. “If a customer wants to show a heifer to be competitive in the show ring, to me it’s equally as important that show heifer turn into a nice cow that milks well and has a good udder,” Rubes said. “Or simply, a cow you would be proud to put in your front pasture.”

New technologies are helping Six Mile Creek Cattle Company make strides in the Hereford breed. “Through selective embryo transfer and artificial insemination programs, we have been able to move Six Mile Creek more rapidly toward producing a quality product,” Pratz said

DEVOTED TO THE JOURNEY AHEAD

Committed to producing the highest quality bloodlines, the Six Mile Creek cowherd now consists of 100 registered Herefords. Rubes said he is excited about the future at Six Mile Creek Cattle Company. “We’re kind of doing what the big guys do, just on a smaller scale,” he said. Mark, wife, Lori and daughter, Kassidy are not your typical stock show family. Outside of the showring, Kassidy is involved in many extracurricular activities like basketball, volleyball, cello and piano. However, Rubes said he has watched his daughter’s love for the Hereford breed grow through her success at the Oklahoma State Fair and Hereford Junior Nationals. Ultimately, Rubes said he would like to start traveling to the North American International Livestock Exposition and Arizona National Livestock Show. “This way we can network and meet with other big producers in the industry,” he said. “Colton helps a lot because he is not afraid to approach somebody and say, hey Mark has something you need to check out.”

With the help of Ranch House Designs, Six Mile Creek Cattle Company has implemented a new website and Facebook page. Even as a small producer, Rubes understands the usefulness of new technologies. Word of mouth marketing has been the norm for Six Mile Creek Cattle Company, but their growing digital footprint will be the driver to achieving “big guy” status. Rubes said tools like Facebook are beneficial, considering Six Mile Creek Cattle Company is small and looking to compete with larger programs. “We just sold a show heifer to a family from Mississippi,” Rubes said. “They found us on Facebook.”

ONLY THE BEGINNING Rubes is dedicated to working with producers and customers in the cattle industry. “Through working with Mark I have gained a better understanding of how to effectively communicate with customers and how to set goals to move Six Mile Creek Cattle Company into a progressive operation,” Pratz said. While operational growth and genetic improvements are priorities

for Rubes, he said he takes each day one step at a time. “I didn’t grow up showing.I was just a farm kid,” he said. “I rode the combine while we cut wheat and fed hay to the commercial cows in the winter.” When asked what he values most about the Hereford breed, Rubes quickly answered, “the people.” Six Mile Creek has over 6,000 likes on Facebook, dozens of positive page reviews and a growing digital footprint. It is evident Rubes is making an impact on the Hereford breed and the people involved in it. “Whether you’re raising Shorthorns, Beefmasters or Herefords, the people throughout the agriculture industry are truly a fun crowd to learn from and be part of,” Rubes said. To learn more about Six Mile Creek Cattle Company, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SixMileCreekCattle or visit their website, sixmilecreekherefords.com.

PATH TO THE FOREFRONT The road to success for a farm or ranch of any size does not come easy. However, as digital media continues to dominate conventional communication methods, Rubes is doing everything he can to stay ahead of the curve.

Mark’s daughter Kassidy shows one of the ranch’s bulls. Ranch House Journal | 29

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WESTERN FASHION

Neutrals

WITH A POP OF COLOR ARE IN FOR 2018 For 2018, western fashion is all about warm neutral tones with a pop of color through fun items like cactus patches, navajo prints, and colorful beading. These items are perfect for any western lifestyle event this winter! OUTFIT #1 Blouse:

Ivy Jane Serape Top, $169, available in sizes XS-XL.

Outerwear:

Mustard Sweater, $54, available in sizes S-L.

Purse:

Jon Hart Chico, $32.

Jewelry:

5 Strand Beaded Necklace, $114.

PLUS SIZE OUTFIT #2 Blouse:

Mocha Velvet Button Down, $39, available in sizes XL-2X.

T-shirt:

Saguaro Tee, $29, available in sizes XS-2X.

Purse:

Double D Ranchwear Chimayo Clutch, $252.

Jewelry:

Ella Jude Cross Earrings, $39; Pearl Necklace, $14; Erimish Bracelets, $8$14. To shop items, follow Que Cute Style Boutique on Facebook, facebook.com/ quecutestyleboutique/ and Instagram, @ quecutestyleboutique. Or call the store directly at (915) 204-8713.

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Brought to you by Que Cute Style Boutique

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AG BUSINESS

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How Trevor Lienemann is making a name for himself in the Angus breed and in the cattle feeding business.

Focusing on the

Numbers

ne of the most striking characteristics about Trevor Lienemann is his vision. You hear it in his voice when he speaks and you can see it in the evolution of the experiences of his life. His experiences are uncommon, as an accountant by trade who revolutionized a sector of agriculture equipment industry. While today Lienemann, whose operation is just south of Lincoln, Nebraska, is busy hosting dignitaries from all corners of the globe such as China, Ghana and even the minister of agriculture from Belarus; it hasn’t always been this way. Lienemann’s origins in the cattle business are humble, which makes his ascent into the upper echelon of elite Angus genetics even more impressive. The herd began as six single heifers purchased for $750 per head from a neighbor. As an accountant by day in a private firm, the cattle were a family affair and a hobby. But Lienemann’s interest in Angus genetics was based on a familiar field: numbers.

By Kate Miller

The Angus breed’s use of expected progeny differences or EPD’s struck a chord in the accounting-centric rancher, who dove head first into improving the cattle he was raising. The first bull calves he raised, looking at the numbers, seemed to be pretty good. He sold the first bulls for $1500 per head, money in the early 1990’s that put him in the black, and soon a business model emerged. As the cattle operation grew, so did the demands. With children and both he and his wife Torri being employed off the farm, the feeding ritual had to be streamlined. There simply were not enough hours in the day, and efficiency, a central theme to Lienemann, must be optimized. That is...to make the system as perfect, effective and functional as possible. The Cone Insert Feeder was born of this necessity, a pursuit to become more efficient in the cattle business. “Being employed off the farm, I just did not have the time to commit to feeding hay every day, so I was putting out round bales a few times per week. But as an accountant, my mind is geared toward understanding costs Ranch House Journal | 35

and looking for efficiencies. Seeing 25 percent of the hay left on the ground was not efficient, and I knew there had to be a better way,” said Lienemann.

AN IDEA IS BORN The first cone insert was patented in the early 2000s, and it revolutionized the way cattlemen thought about feeding hay. But Lienemann, ever in search of better ways, was still unsatisfied with the initial design. The insert was costly from an investment standpoint and cumbersome in the field in terms of usability. So he went back to the drawing board, and in August 2007 the first Bextra Basket Feeder was sold and became available nationwide. Bextra, a new word in the industry, stood out among established brands, not just for its original name, but its original design. The product boasts an independent third party stamp of approval through research trials at Oklahoma State University. The work at OSU effectively tested the efficiency of multiple feeders on the market. The study found that conventional feeders had a hay loss of up to 25 percent, while the Bextra feeder was less than five percent. Not only did the feeder reduce waste by 20 percent, but it also showed a reduction in mechanical cost and labor. The study was published during the height of the most recent devastating drought in Oklahoma, and it brought forth a sustainable way for producers who were struggling with high hay costs to stay in business. “For me, that has been the most rewarding part of the process,” said Lienemann, “Customers call and 36 | Ranch House Journal

thank me, and they tell me the stories about the products effect on their bottom line. It is rewarding to be aiding my fellow industry allies in creating efficiency when feeding cattle.” “The Bextra feeder is an investment, not a cost,” he said, spoken like a true accountant. But his logic is sound: Bextra feeders reduce waste and increase production efficiencies, reducing how much it costs to raise cattle. By becoming more economically efficient, producers can create a more sustainable and competitively priced commodity.

THE BUSINESS BREED When he was not focused on changing the agriculture equipment industry, he focused his time on Angus

genetics. His approach toward genetic quality gave rise to the operations name: Lienetics, a portmanteau combining Lienemann and Angus genetics. “It is our responsibility as seedstock producers to improve the industry. Our belief is that Angus cattle can do that. We focus on optimum impact, not selecting for any one trait to an extreme, but looking for balanced traits at a high level. We are producers of genetic materials

at the heart of what we do,” said Lienemann. Their focus on genetic quality is evident through their participation in the Montana Midland Bull Test (MBT) every year. A Lienetics bull won the contest in 2012, competing amongst the most storied names within the Angus Industry, a moment he marked with pride. “I liken Midland to my college years, when I took corporate tax accounting as an elective. It was the worst grade I received at school, but it is the class I learned the most from,” said Lienemann. “That mentality is why we send bulls. The process is tough, sometimes it is humbling, but every year we learn. That learning equates to progress not just for our operation, but for the breed.” They buy back feeder calves from their bull customers and put them on feed at a local feedlot. “This process allows us to understand the true performance and true carcass quality and the impacts of the genetics we have selected in real time,” said Lienemann. But Lienemann’s true vision extends beyond just bull sales, he is looking all the way to the plate. “We as an industry have to produce a product that is consistent and offers the quality the consumer is looking for,” he said. When questioned about the largest challenge the industry faces today, consumer education ranks first. He understands the necessity of cattlemen getting out of their normal lifestyle to reach a public that is barraged with misinformation.

“We have hosted the Certified Angus Beef tour now three years in a row. The tour brings chefs from the nation’s largest cities, and they get to experience where the beef they serve originates,” said Lienemann. “It is a powerful thing to watch them understand how breeding decisions I made three to five years before the product comes into their restaurants affects the quality of the beef they serve. Helping them see that beef is truly a sustainable product, that cattle are nature’s best converters of solar energy, and that we as cattlemen are the stewards of the resource we have been given, helps to dispel the masses of misinformation they receive.”

THE BUSINESS BREED But perhaps the most endearing quality of Lienemann’s is the pride with which he speaks of his family. The humble appreciation for his wife and the delight in his children Maci, Taylon, Sydni and Skylar, is evident in every word. There is rich satisfaction in the accomplishments

of his children within the industry. Their start in Angus cattle began young, and the focus on developing responsible herdsmen made Lienetics an all-encompassing family venture. “The kids own their own cattle. They have their own checkbook and they have to make real world decisions on developing their own herd. Through this process they develop an understanding of business and life’s issues. They win some and they lose some,” he said. All of the Lienemann children have been highly involved in junior activities. This involvement he credits to much of their success. “As a family, we felt like the National Junior Angus Program was 20 percent about showing cattle, and 80 percent about the relationships we made along the way,” said Lienemann. In 2016 the family hosted the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball at their home. The event promotes beef as part of a nutritious and balanced diet, showcases rural Nebraska and most importantly raises funds for the University of Nebraska Medical

Center’s Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. Of the event, Lienemann said, “Having Clint Black singing in your yard brings a moment of reflection as to how you got here. This is not where we thought we would be 23 years later.” Ever humble in his appreciation of his successes, he credited God, his family, the industry, fellow cattlemen, and friends that made so many opportunities possible. Looking back over the last two decades, the Lieneman story is about more than efficient feeders and Angus cattle; it is the modern portrait of the American Dream. It is the result of years of creating opportunity through foresight and challenging work. But even having come so far, in his voice you know he is not yet through. There is work yet to be done and efficiencies yet to be captured. Surveying all Lienemann has accomplished already, we should be glad that a once accountant is now a cattleman. To learn more about Bextra Feeders, visit bextrafeeder.com. For more information on Trevor and his family’s ranch, visit lienetics.com. Ranch House Journal | 37

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LIFE & HOME

Angus

2017

Convention Text and Photos by Meg Drake

American Angus Association’s annual convention is a time when producers and industry professionals can come together to network, collaborate and learn about the latest technologies and practices in raising Angus cattle. This year’s convention was held in Fort Worth, Texas. The city welcomed over 2,500 event participants to its downtown convention center. The Ranch House booth saw tons of traffic over the two-day tradeshow. We also saw several familiar faces and were thrilled to see clients well represented during the convention. Team members Ashley Grant, Matthew Marr, Taylor Gazda and Meg Drake represented Ranch House during this year’s tradeshow. One of the highlights was meeting with potential clients to discuss marketing strategies during our free 30-minute marketing consultations. To see where the RHD crew is headed next, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter. Visit ranchhousedesigns. com/join-mailing-list to sign up. -RHJ

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Angus

Convention

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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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La Muñeca Flores is proud to have sold the ABBA International Sale Topper, LMC LF Polled Ten for $19,500 to Kylie Sellman.

2017

Highlights

CONGRATS to our grandson, Pops on winning the RGV Brahman Steer Show. We encourage other Brahman breeders to create their own successful Registered Brahman Steer Shows in their areas to grow the breed.

We are proud that her full brother LMC LF Polled King won the RGV Show and was Reserve Calf Champ in San Antonio.

CONGRATS to all of the winners and participants in our LMC $ellabration and LMC Jackpot shows in March !!

CONGRATS to our LMC & Friends ANIMO Award winners and A BIG HEARTY THANKS to all of our donors.

CONGRATS to all of our Guerra Family Scholarship winners throughout the state. GOOD LUCK in college. Dream big, study hard, get involved & be the best you can be.

We are very proud of what The Brahman Foundation has done. We wish our new board & officers the best !! MIL GRACIAS to all of our TBF donors !!

CONGRATS to all of our winners at our 30th Annual LMC Jr. Round Up & Futurity with a special hug for our LMC Award Winners.

CARLOS & SISTER GUERRA FAMILY

At the recent ABBA Performance Bull Test & Sale, LMC bred POLLED bulls placed 3, 8 & 10th with all 4 of our bulls being in the top 7 sellers averaging $7,150 selling to 3 states. WHY ? They are THE COWMAN'S KIND !! MIL GRACIAS to all who bid and bought bulls !!

PO Box 81 • Linn, TX 78563 956-383-7566 (O) Carlos 802-1641 Victor 607-5515 • Carlos Jr. 330-1963 Email: LaMuñecaCattle@aol.com Website: www.LaMuñecaCattle.com

LMC LN Polled Pappo

We were fortunate to sell lots of bulls this year to many repeat and new buyers from several states. The demand for Polled Brahmans is at an all time high. MIL Housebuyers Journal!! | 47 GRACIAS to all ofRanch our 2017

WESTERN HERITAGE

FFA ROOTS TO LITTLE COWBOY BOOTS Ashleigh Wingo is taking Children’s western wear by storm. By Shannon Bellis

Buying your child’s first pair of cowboy boots is often a cherished memory, representing the “passing of the torch” for the western way-of-life from one generation to the next. Small in the Saddle, Bellville, Texas, has made the search for children’s western wear even easier, by having unique boots, cowboy hats, or everything in between for young cowboys and cowgirls. Ashleigh’s passion for agriculture began when she joined FFA in high school and continued through college where she attended Sam Houston State University and majored in animal science. After a quick stint as an asset manager for a swine operation after graduation, Ashleigh wanted to pursue dream of owning a business. “My start with Small in the Saddle was definitely a God-calling,” said Ashleigh Wingo. She and her motherin-law, Annie, purchased Small in the Saddle in 2016 from a gentleman who attended the same church. “He was looking for a career change, and I was looking for a new adventure.” “I’ve always loved western fashion,” Ashleigh said. “I feel like people know

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a bit of who you are by what you wear.” Ashleigh noticed, however, that children’s western wear choices were slim, which led her to Small in the Saddle – a store solely focused on western fashion for infants and toddlers. In order to grow her business, Ashleigh turned to Ranch House Designs to build an online store to help her sell to a nationwide audience. “I am so thankful I discovered Ranch House,” Ashleigh said. “I loved working with them to take my ideas and transform them into a website that helps me grow my business.” Ashleigh works hard to find unique products that stand out and represent the roots of the business.

“One of the things I love most about my job is the faces of the children when they try on their first pair of cowboy boots and the joy it brings to the parents and grandparents who shop for them,” Ashleigh said. “Those moments alone make this business worth it,” she said. “It gives me the fuel and excitement to constantly be looking for new products for the shop.” From jeans and pearl snaps to casual western wear, Ashleigh offers unique children’s western wear at an affordable price. She also offers an assortment of western themed toys, stuffed animals, puzzles, baby shower items, and books. Small in the Saddle is keeping western heritage alive and well for generations to come. To learn more information about Small in the Saddle or to place an online order, go to www. smallinthesaddle.com.

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FRIENDS & FAMILIES

Southern Styled Wedding CAROLINE AND HONDO MARTINEZ Images provided by Emily Green Photo

Caroline and Hondo Martinez, who now make their home in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, met at the Houston Livestock Show several years ago. Caroline’s family, the Watkins of Welsh, Louisiana, operate a diversified cattle and farming operation, and the Martinez family ranches in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. This fall, they began their life together in marriage, surrounded by many friends and family in the ranching sector. The ceremony was held at the historical Saint Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville, Louisiana, one of the oldest Catholic churches in America and the third oldest in Louisiana, making it a church very dear to the Acadian/Cajun people of the area. In true Cajun style, the intimate event focused on faith, family and love. After the ceremony, the wedding party boarded a trolley car, which delivered them to the Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia, Louisiana for the reception, where guests enjoyed a lively night of dinner, dancing, and fun. Vendors: Venue: Saint Martin de Tours Catholic Church Dress: Jonquil by Anne Barge Bridesmaid’s dresses: Vera Wang White Collection Tuxedos: Vera Wang Food: Private Chef “Sam” Shannon R. Trahan of Lafayette, Louisiana Band: Chinatown of Dallas, Texas Flowers: Dallas Floral Designs of Broussard, Louisiana Photography: Emily Green Photo of New Orleans, Louisiana Wedding Cake: Ruddock’s Bakery of Crowley, Louisiana Organist: Pat Melancon of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana Violinist: Tommy Broussard of Lafayette, Louisiana Invitations: David’s Bridal 50 | Ranch House Journal

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VISIT TRAVEL

Take a break from winter in the valley of the sun.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

By Meg Drake

hether you’re visiting the city for fun or you’re traveling to Arizona’s state capital for the 2018 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention, Phoenix is the perfect escape from winter’s freezing temperatures. It’s been a while since I’ve traveled to the sunny city (since Kansas State played Oregon in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl, to be exact), so I decided to ask our Ranch House team and Facebook followers for some help. Overall, here are the most frequently listed must-sees and must-dos in Phoenix and the surrounding area.

GET OUTSIDE With an average annual temp of 75 degrees, Phoenix is the perfect place to participate in outdoor activities. From hiking and golfing to exploring downtown Scottsdale, the town has something for every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. If you’re into hiking, Camelback Mountain is a popular destination for tourists and locals. Atop the 54 | Ranch House Journal

mountain, situated between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, hikers can experience amazing views and beautiful scenery. The park has two hiking trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, both of which are ranked as difficult. So if you’re planning on hiking the mountain, their website indicates it’s important to make sure you’re adequately prepared. To learn more, visit climbcamelback.com. Phoenix is also home to many beautiful public golf courses. The most popular being Troon North Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale and Wickenburg Ranch Golf and Social Club. If you’d like to stay close to the city rather than travel for a game of golf, TPC Scottsdale is your best bet. The Desert Botanical Garden is also listed as a popular sightseeing destination. What better place to view the world’s finest collection of arid plants than Arizona? The garden is home to over 50,000 different desert plants that can be observed along five themed trails. You can also find concerts, special events and seasonal exhibits scheduled throughout the year. Visit dbg. org to see what special events are happening during your stay.

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GRAB SOME GRUB Along with plenty of outdoor activities, Phoenix also has a plethora of delicious dining opportunities. While you’re in town, be sure to try these restaurant suggestions… Stockyards Steakhouse: Since 1947 the Stockyards Restaurant has been providing delicious beefy eats to the Phoenix area. In the early 2000’s the restaurant was revitalized and restored. Because of its role in Arizona’s cattle industry and its architectural style, the venue was recently added to the City of Phoenix Historical Register. The Breadfruit & Rum Bar: If you’re into Jamaican-styled entrees coupled with daring rum cocktails, then the award-winning Breadfruit & Rum Bar is a must-try! Quite different from your typical steak and potatoes type joint, the restaurant specializes in serving up delicious seafood melodies. They also offer over 150 different premium rums and fine cigars to further add to your overall dining experience. Rustler’s Rooste Steakhouse: Built in an old mine shaft, the Rustler’s Rooste Steakhouse is known for entertainment and delicious eats. The restaurant offers guests the finest steaks, ribs, chicken and seafood. Plus, while dining, you can enjoy live music and beautiful views of the entire city. The Salt Cellar Restaurant: Another excellent location for delicious seafood, the Salt Cellar is Arizona’s only underground restaurant. Known for always having an available selection of whole Maine lobster, the restaurant serves a wide array of seafood along with black Angus steaks and various chicken choices. Los Olivos Mexican Patio: Centered around family, homemade ingredients and a relaxing and intimate dining experience, Los Olivos Mexican Patio has been serving authentic Sonoran cuisine to guests for over 70 years. Located in Scottsdale, 56 | Ranch House Journal

the family-owned and -operated establishment continues their tradition of good food, excellent service and a warm and friendly atmosphere.

DO A LITTLE SHOPPING Old Town Scottsdale is a favorite among Phoenix visitors. The area is lined with beautiful shops and art galleries that contain southwestinspired items like turquoise jewelry, American Indian artwork and Mexican-influenced clothing. Aside from shopping, Old Town Scottsdale is also alive and well in the nightlife and fine dining departments. Up for a really unique shopping experience? If you answered yes, then check out the Melrose Shopping

District while you’re in town. This area is described as one of the city’s best places to purchase unique, vintage items. The district features many independently-owned boutiques and specialty shops.

GET CULTURED Phoenix is home to many historical sites, monuments and museums. Heritage Square, Heard Museum and the Western Spirit Museum are among the most popular. Did you know Phoenix has a vibrant Victorian past that dates back to the late 1800’s? Neither did I, which is why Heritage Square is now on my “must-see” list. Located within the original townsite of the city, the area is a reflection of what Phoenix looked like in its earliest beginnings. The Rosson House Museum is listed as the main attraction in this area. But, maybe art is more your thing. The Heard Museum, internationally recognized, is dedicated to featuring American Indian art. The museum collaborates with American Indian artists and tribal communities to help tell their stories from a first-person perspective. Visiting the museum allows you an exclusive look into the lives of the American Indian people, especially those from the southwest regions of North America. Last but not least on the culture map is the Western Spirit Museum. Located in Scottsdale, the museum has been described as one of the nation’s best Western museums. Immerse yourself in the culture and learn more about individuals and events that shaped the Western United States, and bordering Canadian provinces and Mexican states.

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WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

AMANDA LEO:

International Potato Expert and

Dedicated Show Mom By Sally Long Conway From growing potatoes to raising club calves, Amanda Leo and her family aim to produce the quality that sets the foundation and enriches the lives of others in the agricultural industry. Amanda grew up in a farming family and spent her weekends in the show ring. From early on she developed a passion for both industries. Following graduation from California State University in 2000, she went to work for their family operation on a “temporary” basis, she laughs at the fact she is still there 17 years later. The family business includes three different entities: Cal-Ore Seed, Inc., Cal-Ore Global, Inc. and Discovery Garden’s LLC. Cal-Ore Seed Inc. is a grower, packer, shipper and broker of seed potatoes, conventional potatoes, organic potatoes, hay, garlic and onions. CalOre Global, Inc. handles all of their international potato shipments, plus some fruit farming (citrus, grapes, and apples). Discovery Garden’s LLC is responsible for the domestic retail sales of their proprietary potato varieties; varieties that are specialized and they have the exclusive rights to grow and/or market. Her current role within the family business is serving as their Controller. She does everything from taking care of the company’s financial documents, to serving as the human resources department and much more. Amanda and her family have become experts in international agriculture, and leading promoters of the U.S. potato, which she credits to the commitment and dedication of her father and brother. “Our success in the export business is because of the knowledge, hard work and pure perseverance of my dad, Rob Campbell and my brother, Mark Campbell,” said Amanda. “In a family farming operation you either succeed together or fail together and because of these two incredible men we have succeeded.” Currently Cal-Ore Global Inc. has approximately 500 containers of chipping potatoes contracted with international customers. These potatoes will be loaded 60 | Ranch House Journal

into 40-foot refrigerated ocean containers and shipped from the port in Tacoma, Washington or Seattle, Washington to Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The average transit time is anywhere from 14 to 30 days, depending on the destination. Each container will hold around 52,000 pounds of potatoes. Although their international expansion has certainly created new opportunities, Amanda warns it comes with increased challenges and risks. “Farming and ranching is already a full risk-sport, but exporting products really takes it to the next level,” she said. So how does one develop an international market? For those exploring the opportunity of adding an international dynamic to their business, Amanda has some words of wisdom. First, do your homework. Knowing your customer, their culture, and the importing requirements of the country and region are a necessity, she said. “If possible, visit the customer prior to shipment,” she advises. She also recommends discussing how your product will be processed or used, and how payment will be made. Second, Amanda recommended to start small. “The learning curve for exporting is huge, just the paperwork alone is enough to overwhelm the most accomplished business professional. A small error can cause a huge nightmare when overseas customs officials get involved,” Amanda said. Her advice,

“ask that a sample of all required documents be provided before entering into a contract. Then ask yourself, can you meet all these requirements?” Finally, Amanda feels that developing very strong relationships with your national commodity council or breed association, state agencies, and national agencies have been a huge asset. “In order to successfully export any agricultural product you must have a good team in place,” she said. “This means at your facility, and at every point along the chain. We work closely with our state inspection agencies as well as national agencies,” said Amanda. “A successful export shipment is great but few realize that a failed export shipment can cripple the entire U.S. export supply chain.” In addition to her role as Controller within the family operation; Amanda, her husband, and their two sons own and operate Leo Bros. Show Steers. They currently run over 100 cows and market an average of 45 club calves per year. Their oldest son Brody, age 11, is already on a jackpot circuit and in his 3rd year with 4-H. Youngest son, Tristan, age 7, is eagerly awaiting his debut in the show ring and loves to help in the barn. “The club calf business is not how we make a living, but it is what we love,” said Amanda. Both Cal-Ore and Leo Bros. Show Steers share the same core values. Although they cater to different sectors within the agricultural industry, their

commonalities are what make Amanda passionate about them both. They’re both driven by repeat business, ‘the best compliment is a repeat customer’ Amanda said. Whether it is being trusted with a show calf prospect or marketing your crop to the retailer, for the Leos, having customers reinvest in their operation year-after-year is the ultimate compliment. She also appreciates that your biggest competitor can be your best friend. In both raising club calves and crops, competition drives producers to generate a better product. Ultimately, you are advocating for the advancement of the industry, not just your own success, which enables close friendships among competitors, she said. Finally, she feels a supportive network is key in their success. “Whether it is a calf with a cough or seed variety struggling to flourish, knowing you could pick up the phone and have a handful of people willing to help you means a lot,” said Amanda. Whether it be in the barn or the boardroom, Amanda Leo is a woman that gets things done. She and her family are committed to progressing agriculture through the quality of the products they produce. We are proud to work with Amanda and her family in their show steer program, and salute her, and the many outstanding women in agriculture making a difference. Ranch House Journal | 61

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LAND & OUTDOORS

A Once in a Lifetime

HUNT

J.P. Bryan and Hayes West provide a different kind of hunting experience at Maravillas Ranch in Marathon, Texas.

estled in the Del Norte mountain range just outside of Marathon, Texas sits the Maravillas Hunting Ranch. Loosely translated, Maravilla means amaze in Spanish. The property’s combination of captivating views, beautiful wildlife and alluring arid landscape make Maravillas seem an appropriate name. Owned by J.P. Bryan, a Houston businessman, the ranch is home to many different hunting species,

By Meg Drake

including elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, aoudad, javelina, feral hogs, turkey and blue quail along with predator species like coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions. Bryan purchased the 30,000 acre property a little over 20 years ago. Since then, he has put tons of effort into preserving and improving the natural habitat, thus allowing animals to flourish on the ranch. In the last five years, Bryan and his family have hired Hayes West to manage the Maravillas ranch. Hayes, his wife Michelle, and their three children call Maravillas

home. Along with Maravillas, Bryan also owns the Chalk Draw ranch, which borders the property. As a local west Texas resident, not many understand the area and the land better than Hayes. “I grew up in Marfa, Texas and have worked on ranches in this area my whole life,” he said. “This is the first time however, I’ve worked on a ranch dedicated solely to hunting.” Hayes said he enjoys the country and the wildlife, but one of his favorite parts of the job is helping other hunters. “I enjoy getting a hunter his Ranch House Journal | 65

first mule deer or west Texas elk,” he said. The property is beautiful and very active in the fall. It’s the perfect time to observe the different species that inhabit the ranch. If you’re visiting in the late afternoon however, Elk can be more difficult to locate. Hayes said it’s common for elk to return to the mountains once temperatures begin to increase in the late morning.

CONSERVATION EFFORTS Situated in close proximity to the Big Bend National Park, the rocky landscape is filled with arid, desertlike plants. However, it hasn’t always looked as stunning as it does now, according to Hayes. Bryan, who has a natural born love for land and the outdoors, made it a priority to improve the property through clearing the ranch of brush and promoting the growth of native grasses. “When J.P. first bought the property, he spiked the land to help get rid of brush like greasewood and cedar,” said Hayes. “This really allowed for native 66 | Ranch House Journal

grasses to develop and take off.” The ranch was careful however, to keep brush present in the draws that wind through the property. “It’s important to make sure you keep some brush for wildlife,” said Hayes. “A lot of strategy has been put into making sure this property is well suited for sustaining wildlife.” Other efforts implemented by the ranch included installing watering systems and protein feeders. These efforts allow animals to thrive without having to travel far distances, thus increasing the likelihood of hunters being able to experience a kill like a mule deer or elk.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF

HUNTING EXPERIENCE Hayes said Maravillas is different from many Texas hunting ranches in that they do not use or rely on high fences and almost all hunting on the property is done by buggy. “I have a 70-year-old gentleman that loves to hunt here,” he said. “At that age it can be difficult to get around. By using a

buggy to transport hunters, I’m able to get them much closer to their targets.” Trophy mule deer cannot be harvested on the property until January, and the ranch only allows for two trophy elk to be killed per year. “We like to be conservative with trophy hunts,” said Hayes. “We’re not in it to be greedy. We consider the animals and allow them time to breed and reproduce.” Coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, elk, aoudad and feral hogs can be hunted year round on the ranch. Seasonal game include turkey, quail, whitetail deer, mule deer and javelinas. Mule deer start at $3,500. Trophy mule deer range from $5,500 to $10,000, depending on their antler size. Trophy elk, begin around $10,000 and go up from there. To date, one of the largest mule deer harvested on the ranch scored a 196, Hayes reported.

ACCOMMODATIONS The ranch offers accommodations to hunters, including lodging for up to 12 visitors, a fully-stocked commercial

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kitchen, a large storage cooler, a processing station and an on-duty cook. The hunting lodge has several comfortable sleeping options, hang out areas and enough bathroom space to accommodate large parties. Hayes said the sitting porch is a favorite spot among visitors. “People love to sit here, sip their coffee in the morning and watch wildlife come up to the pond and feeders,” he said. Marathon, the nearest town, offers one-of-a-kind dining and lodging as well. Home to around 300 residents, Marathon is known for its small town charm and the world famous Gage Hotel. Hayes’s wife Michelle works at the hotel as the venue’s event coordinator. 68 | Ranch House Journal

Not only does Bryan own the Chalk Draw and Maravillas Ranches, but he also owns many of the buildings and businesses in town, including the Gage Hotel. “If it wasn’t for J.P. investing in this town and really putting it on the map as a travel destination, I’m not sure there would be a Marathon, Texas left,” said Hayes.

MARKETING THE RANCH Hayes has relied mostly on word of mouth to book hunts at the ranch. Over the last five years he has attended several Texas Trophy Hunter conferences and feels that through greater visibility he has been more successful booking larger trophy hunts. The ranch has also employed the

help of Ranch House Designs to market hunts. “We’ve had a few inquiries from people who have viewed our website, which was built by Ranch House,” said Hayes. Although the ranch mostly sees instate hunters, Hayes said he is always looking to welcome more out-of-state visitors to Maravillas. To learn more about the ranch and to get in contact with Hayes about booking a future hunt, visit maravillasranch.com. Editor’s note: If you’re planning a visit to The Gage Hotel, try a cup of joe at the V6 Coffee Bar and enjoy a five star dining experience at the White Buffalo Bar next door.

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AG KIDS

RANCH KIDS

BOOKS FOR

As the winter nights mean shorter days and cooler evenings, I’ve found we can get to bedtime a little earlier, and really snuggle up under some warm blankets for our bedtime stories. This month, we share four of our favorite books with a little bit of a ranching and farming plot.

1. LITTLE RED HOT By Eric A. Kimmel

We love many of Kimmel’s books, but this one portrays little red riding hood as a cowgirl who loves chili peppers. She bakes her grandma the hottest red pepper pie, and ultimately scares off the big bad wolf, who can’t stand the heat. A fun and sassy story.

2. THE DIGGING-EST DOG By Al Perkins

If you’ve ever had a ranch dog, you know they can dig! In this book, a city dog gets adopted by a country kid, but ends up digging up a lot of trouble. In the end, he makes it all right and loves life on the farm.

3. SHEILA RAE, THE BRAVE By Kevin Henkes

Why are mice so cute in books but so scary in your feed room? In this sweet book, Sheila Rae learns bravery from her sister Louise.

4. THE VERY BEST HOME FOR ME! By Jane Watson

Published in 1953, this classic is about a family of animals who live together in the woods. But when the house gets crowded, each animal goes his own way, finding the perfect home. A great story about how every home is different, but it can be the perfect home for you!

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By Rachel and Mollie Cutrer

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RURAL LIFESTYLE

Schaake Farms WESTMORELAND, KANSAS

Text by Melissa Grimmel Schaake Photography by Melissa Schaake and Luke & Cat Photography

This family-owned and operated Simmental ranch is located in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, or as the Schaake’s like to call it — God’s Country. The Schaake family began breeding Simmental cattle in 1974, after Scott was introduced to the breed when he exhibited the Grand Champion Steer (Simmental x Hereford) at his county fair. Scott began artificially breeding black cows to Simmental bulls which gave him a start in black-factored Simmental genetics. Today, many of their cow families trace back to Chipper N726, a cow who exemplified the word longevity. Since day one, their priority has been to produce seedstock cattle that are sound, functional and display genetic excellence in the show ring and more importantly, in the pasture. The Schaake’s believe it is key to pay attention to detail and to build future generations around successful cow families. Even though Scott and Kandi’s sons Shane and Shilo have hung up their show harnesses, the family continues to provide high-quality show heifer prospects every fall. They take pride in helping customers select, feed, care for, show, and market their purchases. Through the help of Ranch House, they have marketed their females and bulls through their website, Facebook and Instagram. They strive to get to know and create a friendship with their current and potential customers, to remain personable and to always be honest. This is also reflected within their marketing plans. The Schaake’s offer their top show heifer and donor prospects in their Heritage Sale every fall and their best bull prospects in the Gold Bullion Sale every spring. -RHJ 74 | Ranch House Journal

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5TOOLS

MARKETING TIP

MARKETING

TO USE IN 2018 By Rachel Cutrer, CEO, Ranch House

January is one of our busiest months of the year at Ranch House, because the new year is a great time to revive your marketing. So, is your marketing where you want it to be? Here are five tips I recommend for the new year: Your website must be mobile friendly (i.e Wordpress). When websites first came about, people had flip phones. Today, everyone accesses the internet from their smart phone. A website designed three or more years ago is most likely in html format, and thus not mobile responsive. If you don’t have a mobile responsive website, you’re missing out on every possible customer that uses an iPhone or Android. And, that’s like, everyone. Time to add another social media outlet besides Facebook. Anyone noticing how Facebook is changing a lot lately? You post a cute picture and it gets 5 likes, but you posted that exact same photo last year it got 500 likes? Something’s up, right? While Facebook is still the #1 social media outlet, it’s time to branch out into another outlet, and the one we’re recommending this year is Instagram. Tell your story. The days of being super-private and mysterious to generate intrigue are over. Customers want to get to know the real people behind their favorite businesses. Let your personality and your story shine! Try Facebook Live, or better yet, have a professional video made. There’s 80 | Ranch House Journal

no better salesman or representative of your company than you, in your sincerest and realest form. Print advertising: the new status symbol. Three years ago, I cut all print advertising from our ranch’s ad budget because we had such a strong digital presence. While digital is still our #1 focus, we’ll be investing more dollars into print advertising in 2018 than ever before. Advertise in your breed publication, or magazines like the Ranch House Journal. Print a nice brochure on really cool paper. Publish a sale catalog, even if you’re having an online sale. In the digital age where your message can be lost in a quick swipe, printed pieces are timeless. Businesses who invest in print advertising will also be timeless. Start your own mailing list. You’ll need two mailing lists: digital and

printed. Your digital list contains email addresses of those who have voluntarily signed up to get emails from you. How do you get voluntary sign ups? Through your website and Facebook. Step 1: Have a catalog request page on your website. Step 2: Post a link to your catalog request page on Facebook, where you can also use paid advertising to put this in front of a targeted audience. It’s that easy. Once you start building a list, it’s a good idea to send interesting content at least once a month, to keep your list fresh and weed out any bad email addresses. Even the best companies take a good look at their marketing each year and determine areas they can improve. If you need help implementing any of these ideas, we’d love to help you take your ideas into action.

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FOOD

START A CONVERSATION

A RANCHER AND A CHEF USE CONVERSATION AND CULINARY DELIGHTS TO ADVOCATE FOR AGRICULTURE. By Anne S. Lampe

In an effort to help farmers and ranchers gain confidence and experience in connecting with consumers, Debbie Lyons Blythe and Chef Alli Winter have teamed up to facilitate motivational presentations and workshops. Titled Empower & Encourage, the presentations are designed to promote advocating for agriculture one conversation at a time.

Debbie and Alli share recipes, laughter, life lessons and a few tears in their high-energy presentation, which is centered around experiences, food and cooking. The ladies have tailored these presentations toward their agricultural peers, with the goal of encouraging agriculturalists to connect with different consumers

Pictured Left, Chef Alli. Pictured Right, Debbie Lyons Blythe of Lyons Ranch.

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that make up today’s dinner table. During the workshop I attended, Debbie shared the story that led her to become a blogger and an advocate for agriculture. She told us of her husband’s cousin Shannon, who, while visiting the Blythe ranch, questioned Debbie’s decision to serve milk and beef. Shannon believed these agricultural products were loaded with unsafe hormones. Understand, Shannon was just a few generations removed from being a rancher herself. Each of us, more than likely, has a Shannon in our life, whether it be a friend, relative or acquaintance, that has questioned agricultural practices and food production. Chef Alli reminded us that food conversations are very important no matter what role in agriculture we play. Everyone is connected to agriculture by food. Through Empower & Encourage, Debbie and Allie challenge those in agriculture to share their own stories through conversation and connect with consumers by sharing day-today farm and ranch experiences and practices. Encouraging audiences to talk about the “hard stuff,” such as antibiotics, hormones, the environment and GMO’s, helps consumers better understand how and why we raise crops and livestock. What better way to do that than to gather around the modern dinner table?

CRISPY CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF ® SCHMACON™ AND SWEET POTATO HASH FROM CHEF ALLI

INGREDIENTS:

½ - ¾ lb. chopped sliced Schmacon™* ¾ tsp. dried thyme 1 yellow onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½ inch cubes 2 cloves garlic, minced 12 oz. pkg frozen sweet corn, thawed 12 oz. pkg frozen shelled edamame, thawed 1 cup cooked quinoa 1-2 cups vegetable or chicken broth Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS:

1. In a very large skillet or saute pan over medium heat, cook Schmacon until browned and crispy, then remove to paper towels to drain; reserve cooked Schmacon.

CAN BE SERVED AS THE MAIN ENTREE OR AS A HEARTY SIDE DISH. A THICK CUT BACON MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE SCHMACON. Made of 100% whole muscle beef, Schmacon makes bacon a “not so guilty pleasure.” Schmanon’s smoky, sweet, beefy deliciousness inspires creative uses for every meal, lending itself to countless surprising applications no matter what time of day. It commands center attention but complements other flavors just as well. Schmacon is whole muscle beef seasoned with a proprietary spice blend and recipe inspired by its inventor’s culinary roots. Learn more at www.schmacon.com.

2. Remove all but 1 tbs. of Schmacon drippings from pan; add thyme, onion, bell peppers and sweet potatoes; saute for 10-12 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook an additional minute; add corn, edamame, and quinoa; add broth as needed, a little at a time. 3. Cover pan and continue to cook hash, stirring often, 8-10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are nicely forktender. Add reserved Schmacon to hash with salt and pepper to taste; serve at once. Ranch House Journal | 85

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FRIENDS & FAMILIES

2017 RANCH HOUSE DESIGNS

Marketing Summit By Meg Drake | Photos by Taylor Gazda and Meg Drake

At Ranch House, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re passionate about taking knowledge we have acquired in the agriculture marketing field and sharing it with producers, students, educators and more. Throughout the year, we host various educational events where attendees can learn about the latest trends in marketing and how they can be applied to their business. In the past, we have held seminars in Kansas City, Denver, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth and Louisville, to name a few. This year, however, we brought our annual Marketing Summit back to the Ranch House Designs hometown of Wharton, Texas. We had approximately 100 attendees register for the two-day conference. To keep things new and fresh, we decided to change up the structure of the Summit. Rather than have RHD employees present on topics, we invited several clients to serve on educational panels with Ranch House team members. From discussing retail products, to branding strategies, and social media marketing, our experts offered advice and insight on how to successfully market agriculture-related services, products, and more. Educational seminars also serve as an excellent time to get advice from our RHD help desk. Designers, social media strategists, account managers and other RHD team members meet with attendees one-on-one to help answer their toughest questions. -RHJ 90 | Ranch House Journal

To be the first to know about future Ranch House educational seminars, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter by visting: ranchhousedesigns.com/join-mailing-list

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RURAL LIFESTYLE

California Dairies, Inc. By Brooke Bennett | Photos by Rachel Azevedo Photography

California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) is a member-owned milk marketing and processing cooperative co-owned by more than 400 California dairy families. From San Diego County in the south, to Sacramento County in the north, our independent, familyowned member dairies dot California’s rural landscape, collectively shipping 17 billion pounds of milk annually from their farms. All of the milk used to produce our high quality, safe and nutritious dairy products originate at one of our member-owners’ dairy farms. CDI produces 43 percent of California’s milk, or nine percent of the milk produced in the United States. With six processing facilities located in California, CDI manufactures a variety of exceptional quality dairy products, including butter, cream cheese, milk powder, and fluid milk, all made with 100 percent Real California Milk. We pride ourselves on producing the highest quality products from the highest quality California milk as we are committed to becoming the world’s leading source of sustainable dairy nutrition. -RHJ

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

Lynn Hough

Chief Operating Officer

Meg Drake

VP, Communications

ACCOUNT SERVICES TEAM

Paul Maulsby

Account Manager

Ciara Acton

Project Manager

Sally Long

Project Manager

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Matthew Marr Account Manager

Tori Arriazola

Marketing Associate

Monica Mears

Administrative Assistant

Callie Graves

VP, Print & Social Media

Jessica Hobbs VP, Web

CREATIVE SERVICES TEAM

Seth Alling

Carole Arriaga

Kristen Davis

Developer

Web Designer & Ecommerce

Graphic Designer

Taylor Gazda

Tana Hajovsky

Kaitlyn Merriman

Sara Rader

Melissa Schaake

Sarah Simpson

Social Media Specialist

Web Updates

Graphic Designer

Design Associate

Graphic Designer

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Pencil In These Dates

National Western Stock Show

January

VA Club Calf Producers

6-21 2018 National Western Stock Show & Rodeo Denver, Colorado www.nationalwestern.com

2018 National Western Angus Bull Sale Denver, Colorado www.nationalwestern.com

12-3 2018 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Fort Worth, Texas www.fwssr.com

23-27 2018 Sioux Empire Farm Show Sioux Falls, South Dakota www.siouxempirefarmshow.org

26-28 Virginia Club Calf Producers Winter Classic Harrisonburg, Virginia www.virginiaclubcalfproducers.com

Virginia Club Calf Producers Eastern Elite Production Sale Location TBD www.virginiaclubcalfproducers.com

APEX Cattle Annual Heterosis Headquarters Bull and Bred Heifer Sale Dannebrog, Nebraska www.apexcattle.com

31-2 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Convention and Trade Show

Want to add your event? Email meg@ranchhousedesigns.com for your free listing.

Phoenix, Arizona www.convention.beefusa.org Ranch House Journal | 99

Pencil In These Dates

Febuary 2-17

2018 San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo San Angelo, Texas www.sanangelorodeo.com/

8-25

2018 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo San Antonio, Texas www.sarodeo.com

9-17

2018 National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Celebration of Champions Fort Worth, Texas www.nrcha.com/celebration-ofchampions

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale Dickinson, North Dakota www.prairiehillsgelbvieh.com

11-18 2018 Iowa Beef Expo Des Moines, Iowa www.iowabeefexpo.com

PBR Iron Cowboy 16

Beef Maker Bull & Female Sale Cedartown, Georgia www.barnesherefords.org www.whitehawkbeefmakers.com

21-25 2018 Illinois Beef Expo Springfield, Illinois www.illinoisbeefexpo.com

2018 PBR Iron Cowboy Arlington, Texas www.pbr.com

RFD-TV’s The American Arlington, Texas www.americanrodeo.com

27-18 2018 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

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Houston, Texas www.rodeohouston.com

Emmons Beefmasters

March 4

Gold Bullion Group Sale Wamego, Kansas www.goldbulliongroup.com

Dry Creek Angus & Reed Polled Herefords Sale Clifton, Kansas www.reedpolledherefords.com www.drycreekangus.com

Lienetics Ranch & Willer Timber Ridge Angus Bull & Female Sale

Grimmel Girls Show Cattle

Beatrice, Nebraska www.lienetics.com www.wtrangus.com

10-24 2018 Rodeo Austin Austin, Texas www.rodeoaustin.com

Circle A Angus Ranch Spring Bull & Heifer Sale Iberia, Missouri www.circlearanch.com

Rodeo Austin

Partners In Progress XXX Hereford & Angus Sale Wadley, Georgia www.ces-predestined.com

23-25 2018 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention Fort Worth, Texas www.tscra.org/events

Emmons Beefmasters Bull Sale Groesbeck, Texas www.emmonsbeefmasters.com

Harrison Cattle Co. Inaugural Production Sale Arapaho, Oklahoma www.harrisoncattleco.com

Grimmel Girls Show Cattle Online Genetics Sale www.grimmelgirlsshowcattle.com

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

From Jiu Jitsu Fighter

to Rancher

First generation cattleman making a name for himself.

nlike many agriculturists, Mitchell Coats started his cattle operation in Boise, Idaho, without the guidance of a predecessor. There was no farmer or rancher helping him in his journey from Jiu Jitsu fighting to Wagyu wrangling. “I didn’t inherit anything,” he said.

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By Kaitlyn Alanis

“I’m a first-generation guy. I didn’t inherit any land, any fencing, any feed tubs, water troughs — nothing.” As a first-generation rancher, Coats had no obligation to take over any cattle, continue any family traditions, or sustain a ranching legacy. Rather, the national award-winning Jiu Jitsu fighter of more than 14 years found himself leaving the business world and creating his own path into

the cattle industry, simply because he wanted the lifestyle that agriculturists lead. Coats noticed the same values he established during his championship fighting career were also present in the agricultural industry - hard work, integrity, responsibility and no days off.

A LIFE, NOT A JOB “I told my wife — we didn’t have children at the time — that I was looking for an investment, but I also want a lifestyle,” he said. “We were talking about having kids, and I wanted to raise them around those principles — the things that come from being around livestock.” Within a three-year span, Coats, the founder and co-owner of Prime 37 Beef, has built his operation from a small cow-calf herd on one acre of land, to a 30 plus cow-calf operation now housed on 1,600 acres thanks to a partnership with Stock Rock Ranch. Alongside his friend and business partner David Gee, who is also a first-generation rancher, Coats drew upon values like hard work and responsibility to grow Prime 37. “It was just kind of like, ‘Oh, you want to try ag? Well just go ahead and put some cattle in my [Gee’s] backyard,’” Coats said. “But of course, I don’t do anything small, and he doesn’t do anything small, and we’re just really scaling up, but it all started in a backyard.” When Coats, now 36, started his ranch with just two head of cattle in a backyard in 2014, he had nearly no experience or education in agriculture. Taking a non-traditional route,

Coats started his small cow-calf operation about six months before he began a degree in agriculture science at the University of Idaho, which he is pursuing now. Coats expects to graduate in the spring of 2018. “College was a total want, and not a need, because I had already proven myself successful as an entrepreneur,” he said. “Because it was a want, I said if I’m going to sit my butt in class and invest myself, I want to do something I’m passionate about. I was looking for an investment, a passion and a degree at the same time.” And that is exactly what agriculture has been able to provide him and his family. “I think a lot of kids grow up in a sterile environment,” he said. “They don’t get dirty, literally or figuratively. But figuratively, they are in boxes all day, from house to car to school. Being able to be out where there’s no boundaries or borders is something I wouldn’t be able to do without cattle.” “Buying a cabin or a boat would do that, but it wouldn’t pay for itself,” he continued. “Cattle, if you do it right, does both. Cattle subsidizes the lifestyle for my family.” However, the task of creating not just a business, but a lifestyle, has come with its own set of challenges.

The same values he established during his championship fighting career were also present in the agricultural industry - hard work, integrity, responsibility and no days off.

FIRST GENERATION CHALLENGES Leading a grass-fed beef business in the flint hills of Idaho has been anything but easy. “As a first-generation rancher, there are more drawbacks to benefits,” Coats said. The challenges started with securing land and continuing his daily routine of studying for school, growing a business and raising a family. “We struggled to find somewhere suitable to meet our cattle’s current needs and a place that would allow us to grow and expand,” Coats said. Prime 37 has high expectations to reach and exceed standards, so room for growth was of utmost importance to Coats and Gee. To do so, though, they recognized

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financial restraints. “Cattle ranching is a very cashintensive business, especially in the beginning,” Coats said. “We have tried to procure some of the best genetics that our region has to offer, which is costly. Investing in the genetics is our number one priority, but we also had to purchase many of the items that people would have inherited from one generation to the next — things like squeeze chutes, scales, trailers and feed bunks.” But of course, as a man experienced with business management, Coats knew that starting a cattle ranching business from the ground up would consist of a lot more challenges than just purchasing land and cattle. “There is a natural learning curve in every business,” he said. “There are things that you just don’t know when you first set out. Things like learning flood irrigation, animal husbandry,

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where to butcher and ruminant nutrition are some examples of things we had to learn along the way.” While learning the best nutrition techniques for his Wagyu cattle may be new, implementing basic business techniques is not. “We continue to find the answers to our problems by assessing our strengths and Coats accepts an award during the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences banquet. Picweaknesses,” Coats said. tured with Coats is his wife, Stephanie Coats. By not mirroring other operations that have first-generation rancher has provided been in the business for Coats with opportunities that would generations, Coats said they have be uncommon to one who has been on created their own path. a ranch built generations ago. “Our primary advantage is I can look at market trends and I don’t have PERKS OF A FIRSTto ask anyone’s permission,” Coats GENERATION RANCHER said. “I don’t have to ask my father or grandfather permission, or wait until I Despite the challenges, life as a

inherit the operation.” “There’s more disadvantages, but that’s my primary advantage — I steer the ship,” he continued. “It’s like a cruise ship, somebody turns it, and a mile later the ship will turn. I have much tighter of a turn.” The opportunity to steer the ship as he and his partner chooses has allowed Coats to develop Prime 37 into a business that not only produces local, grass-fed beef, but a ranch that believes in transparency and bridging the gap between farm and fork. They have been Coats’ sons Ryder pictured with Prime 37 able to do so through business partner, David Gee. easy integration of new technologies and production methods, including genetic LIFE AS A BUSINESS testing, new cattle-handling techniques From turning cattle into a business, and new data-collecting software. a career into a lifestyle and his passion “We feel that we approach things into a niche, Coats said he has seen with an open mind,” Coats said. “We nothing but growth during his first don’t have biases about many things, three and a half years as a local cattle and we are willing to discuss anything rancher. that will help the cattle or our bottom “We are committed to it,” Coats line.” said. “We have our savings in it, but

“We feel we approach things with an open mind.” Coats said. “We dont have biases about many things and we are willing to discuss anything that will help the cattle or bottom line.”

the business is already in the black as of last year, so it’s not too bad if you’re business minded. But you have to be willing to be out there at all hours. You have to be all in.” “My life is my business and my business is my life,” he continued. “There is no off time. “

GROWTH AND HIBERNATION Coats has watched Prime 37 continue to evolve. Not only does the operation sell beef, but they’ve

also begun to sell seedstock. Producing marketable cattle has allowed Coats to better utilize his understanding of math and science. “We are hibernating the production side of things and really focusing on building the genetic foundation of our herd,” he said. Coats said Ranch House Designs has been a vital part of Prime 37’s growth. “Ranch House has helped us tremendously,” he said. “Specifically, we wanted a logo that would be timeless and reflected our region. We were blown away with the final version. They took what we had in our minds and translated it to something tangible.” Their logo recently won the 2017 national championship logo design award from the Livestock Publication Council. “We turned to RHD because of their professionalism, integrity, designercustomer interface, and speedy turnaround,” Coats said. “Ranch House is a one-stop-shop to create a brand presence worthy of our efforts and passion for our new venture.” Coats is now hopeful to evolve from an undergraduate ranching student to a ranching agricultural law student in the near future. “I want to advocate and lobby for the ag industry here in Idaho,” he said. “There’s some underrepresentation, and it’s important to have more people that are advocates for agriculture to be present. I have a logical business mind, I understand the city type and I have experiences on the ranch. It marries very well.” To learn more about Prime 37, visit www.prime37beef.com. Ranch House Journal | 105

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RURAL LIFESTYLE

Resistol Rookie of the Year LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Text and Images by Melissa Grimmel Schaake

Passion, commitment and giving back are words that come to mind after attending the 2017 PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year Luncheon & Celebration held during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR). Resistol, official hat of the PRCA, celebrated their 2017 Rookies during an annual luncheon at the South Point Hotel & Casino on WNFRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resistol Night. Ranch House Social Media Specialist and Video producer, Sara Rader, and Graphic Designer, Melissa Grimmel Schaake attended and covered the event in Las Vegas, Nevada. While competitors have multiple chances to win gold buckles throughout their rodeo careers, they have only one chance to be named a Resistol Rookie of the Year. Past Resistol Rookies, including Tuff Hedeman, Cash Myers and Joe Beaver spoke during the event, reminding recipients of what an honor it is to be named a Resistol Rookie. An astounding 82 percent of Resistol Rookies will go on to qualify for the WNFR and 40 percent will go on to win a gold buckle in their career. Congratulations to the 2017 PRCA Resistol Rookies of the Year! -RHJ 108 | Ranch House Journal

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BEEFMAKER 100 Age Advantage Hereford Bulls SELLING Commercial Female 100 Plus Lots

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FEBRUARY 16, 2018

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CHB$

+65 +0.013 +0.40 +0.23 +$ 19 +$ 15 +$ 15 +$ 30

Gary R. Hedrick (678) 858-0914 g.hedrick@whitehawkinc.com Ben Hedrick (404) 216-4274 Herdsman, Diego Gutierrez (678) 629-1804 James Atkins (404) 922-6508 HAWK www.whitehawkbeefmakers.com

WHITE RANCH

Partners in Progress Meet the Smith, Oglesby and Gillooly Families of Georgia:

Story and Photos by Bailey Toates-Herrin

114 | Ranch House Journal

PRODUCER

How a love for raising high-quality cattle brought the Smith, Oglesby and Gillooly families together.

nyone can feel at home at the corner of Pete Smith Road and Charles Smith Road in Wadley, Georgia. The Smith family has called this area home for more than 80 years. The roads are lined with cattle pastures and row crops—a little piece of agriculture heaven. William Patrick Smith moved to Jefferson County in the 1930s to

start his own farm. He visited several banks, but none of them would loan him money since he was an “outsider.” Eventually, a friend lent him the money. The farm grew into three businesses—a sawmill, a cotton gin and a cattle operation. William Patrick Smith and his wife, Coralee, had three children, Wynder Smith, Charles Smith and Patricia (Smith) Edwards. Charles grew up around his family’s commercial cattle herd. By the 1950s, Charles and Wynder had started an

Angus herd and in 1976, they added Hereford cattle to the mix. “A lot of the initial herd building started in the 1970s by Charles and Wynder,” said Kyle Gillooly, manager of Smith Angus Farm and CES Polled Herefords. “Smith Angus had their first production sale in 1982 called Sale of Progress and we continue to use the theme in our sales today. We now have a joint Angus and Hereford production sale called Partners in Progress.” Ranch House Journal | 115

GROWTH AND PROGRESS Today, the herd consists of nearly 150 Angus cows and 150 Hereford cows. They have about 200 calves of each breed every year. Approximately 25 percent of the calf crop are embryo transfer calves, 50 percent natural AI-sired calves and the remaining 25 percent come from their own herd sires. “We market most of our females through our production sale,” Kyle said. “Our bulls are sold by private treaty. We sell over 60 bulls each year. Due to the availability of both Angus and Hereford cattle, the production of black baldy females is a key component of this operation. They make up a large portion of our 350 plus head commercial operation, as well as our recipient herd for embryo calves. We often receive compliments on our registered herd, but more often than not, guests are stunned by the quality of our recipient females.” Recently, the operation has employed the help of Ranch House Designs to further market their cattle and their genetics. “It was an easy decision to let Ranch House create our website several years ago,” said Kyle. “Their creativity and intuition continues to close the gap between producer and consumer. For our operation, there is still no substitute for face-to-face communication with prospective buyers. However, once we combined our decades of seedstock experience with the Ranch House reputation, we’re now connecting and networking with customers at a much faster pace.” With a focus on producing sound, functional, high-quality seedstock, Smith Angus and CES Polled Herefords strive to produce cattle that look good and perform well. “Anyone that knows our operation well enough knows that we don’t chase extremes,” Kyle said. “We aren’t necessarily in the business to produce show cattle, and we aren’t demanding that our cattle top the charts of every trait and grid with their genetic profile. However, if we can produce cattle within that 116 | Ranch House Journal

spectrum, we can more easily balance multiple trait selections.” The Smith family not only prides itself on quality cattle but in taking care of the land. “I’ve never met a family that loves agriculture as much as the Smith family,” said Kyle. “Their dedication to land and livestock management is immeasurable, and their commitment to raising the next generation with the same passion and appreciation is evident.”

A BRIDGING OF TWO FAMILIES Charles married Diane Cobb in 1958. The two had two children, Lynne (Smith) Oglesby and Charles Smith, Jr. Both children have four children of their own. One grandchild, in particular, took an interest in the cattle—Jennifer (Oglesby) Gillooly. “I can remember riding around with Papa checking cattle,” said Jennifer. “That is what made me want to start showing cattle.” Jennifer showed Herefords, attending every Hereford Junior National Show from 1990 to 2005. Kyle also grew up in the Junior Angus and Hereford Associations. It was the 1999 Hereford Junior Nationals in East Lansing, Michigan when Jennifer and Kyle met for the first time.

The two became good friends and always looked forward to reuniting at Hereford events. Eventually, they decided to see if there could be something more between them. Jennifer and Kyle started dating in January 2005. “It was my last year to show at Nationals, and Kyle called,” said Jennifer. “He told me he had two heifers I had to check out. I flew up to Washington, Indiana to see what he had for me.” Jennifer selected one of his heifers to show at Nationals. Kyle helped manage the show heifers that summer before the big show while Jennifer was busy with nursing school. “My grandma loved him,” said Jennifer. “When Kyle would stay with my grandparents, Granny loved the fact that Kyle would make up the bed the same way she did. My whole family fell in love with him.”

Jennifer. “He got down on one knee, and the rest is history.” Charles was having a hard time after losing his wife on May 30, 2005, of pancreatic cancer. He needed some extra help on the farm. Kyle moved to Georgia in September of 2005 to lend a helping hand. Charles gave Kyle and Jennifer a house for them to live in once they were married. “Kyle moved in right away to help Papa with the farm,” said Jennifer. “I was still in nursing school at Georgia College in Milledgeville.” The two were married May 13, 2006, and Jennifer finished up school in December. Jennifer and Kyle have two beautiful children—Grant, 8 and Diana Kate, 4. “Charles knows that not all of the grandkids will stick around on the farm, but there’s an assurance that the strong root system will always keep them connected,” said Kyle. “I’m blessed to work for and be part of a family whose faith in God, and each other, is the THE NEXT GENERATION ultimate key to this operation’s success.” Charles remarried in December While Kyle was visiting one July of 2006 to Bettilu Morris, a former weekend, he took Jennifer’s father to dinner to ask for permission to marry classmate. Charles cherishes every moment with his wife, children, his daughter. “I was working at a local restaurant grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially the memories on the farm. waiting tables, and after I got off To learn more about their operation, work that night, I was shocked to find visit http://ces-predestined.com/. Kyle waiting for me outside,” said

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118 | Ranch House Journal

Curtin Rampage 6423 LOT 4 • Reg. No. 18766852 Sire: Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 • Dam: Crazy K Blackcap 4256

SEE HIM IN DENVER SELLING ON JANUARY 10TH!

NATIONAL WESTERN

CED +12; BW +1.0; WW +93; YW +149; MILK +27; CW +48; MARB +.65; RE +.68; FAT +.010 $W +102.06; $F +118.63; $G +41.00; $B +178.98 CED

DMI

DOC

46 58 29

CEM

MILK

29 39

REA

FAT

TEND

RAMPAGE 6423 IS POWERFUL FALL YEARLING AND OUTSTANDING HERD SIRE PROSPECT WHO BLENDS THE MULTI-TRAIT LEADER, RAMPAGE WITH A DIRECT DAUGHTER OF THE $40,000 SPRING GROVE RANCH DONOR, BLACKCAP 1748 SIRED BY THE GROWTH AND MARB. SIRE, PROPHET. RAMPAGE 6423 RANKS AMONG NON-PARENT BULLS IN THE TOP 1% FOR WW, YW, CW, $F, $W AND $B; 2% FOR RE; 10% FOR CED; 20% FOR MILK; AND 25% FOR $G. Maternal sisters to the dam of Rampage 6423 includes: Blackcap 5203, the $50,000 selection of Express Ranches in the 2017 Crazy K Ranch Sale; Blackcap 5198, the $32,000 selection of Sydenstricker Genetics through the 2017 Crazy K Ranch Sale; Blackcap 4206, the $14,000 selection of Sydenstricker Genetics Blackcap 4257, the $11,000 selection of HillHouse Angus; Blackcap 4255 selected by Seagraves Angus; and Blackcap 4009 selling to Rimrock Productions.

C U RTIN LAND & CATTLE

1942 East 2400 North Road Blue Mound, IL 62513 T.J. CURTIN • 217-825-3005 tj@curtinlandandcattle.com FRED CURTIN • 217-827-2958 Ranch House Journal | 119

www.curtinlandandcattle.com

FRIENDS & FAMILIES

Winter On The Ranch Text by Meg Drake

Winter on the ranch can be stressful. Between calving, feeding, breaking ice and ensuring the overall health and wellness of our animals, finding winter’s silver lining can sometimes be difficult. It’s a good thing livestock producers are some of the most dedicated caretakers in the world. In an attempt to find that silver lining, we asked Ranch House’s Facebook and Instagram followers to submit their favorite “winter on the ranch” images. As it turns out, winter serves as the backdrop to some of the most beautiful ranching images we have ever seen. Though the temps may be frigid, these images prove that livestock producers truly have the best “office” view. Don’t see your photo? Never miss another chance to have your photos featured in the journal, follow Ranch House Designs on Facebook and Instagram (@ ranchhousedesigns) to learn about upcoming photo spreads. -RHJ

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12 PICTURES TAKEN BY

1. Photo by Anne S. Lampe; 2. Photo by Angel Davis; 3. Photo by Daarla Klages; 4. Photo by Angel Davis; 5. Photo by Kelli Hutchings; 6. Photos by Seana Brown; 7. Photo by Gina Olson; 8. Photo by Anne S. Lampe; 9. Photos by Seana Brown; 10 & 11 Photos by Natalie and JaTanna Kovarik-Williams; 12. Photo by Seana Brown Ranch House Journal | 121â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

FEATURED CLIENTS

NEW WEBSITES LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS FALL L&M Sure Shine www.landmsureshine.com L&M Sure-Shine provides unique, mostly all-natural show products for the livestock show industry. Located in Morreland, Indiana they produce products for cattle, goats, swine and sheep. L&M Products cover all the bases needed to give your show animals an advantage. They have done intensive research on their products, which will help you get the most out of your sale animals.

Echo Energy Services www.echoenergyservice.com Echo Energy Services from El Campo, Texas provides oilfield equipment rentals and flowback and well testing services. Echo Energy Services has been serving Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma for the past seven years. In addition to their services, Echo Energy provides specialty equipment rentals, including sand traps, flare stacks, vapor tanks, and more.

Rafter 2 Ranch www.rafter2ranch.com Rafter 2 Ranch, an hour south of San Antonio, Texas is committed to producing Red Brangus cattle. The ranch is a combination of the long standing Harper and Taylor Ranches. These two ranches date back to the mid 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Currently, they produce registered and commercial Red Brangus cattle. They have even started exporting cattle to Mexico, which is a major accomplishment of theirs.

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FEATURED CLIENTS

NEW WEBSITES LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS FALL Springer Cattle Co. www.springercattleco.com Springer Cattle Co. uses a holistic approach to raise 100% grass fed cattle. They strive to incorporate management practices that improve forage diversity and soil health. In addition, their cattle are raised without hormones. With four different beef packages, there is a package to fit every family lifestyle. Located in Morton, Illinois, Springer Cattle Co. can provide you with your need for grass fed beef.

Triangle B Ranch www.tbrwagyu.com Since 2002, Triangle B Ranch, Inc has been raising fullblood and American Wagyu cattle in Oklahoma. This vertically integrated operation also has an online eCommerce store. Focusing on breeding high quality Wagyu products, Triangle B Ranch focuses on genetic traits. In addition, the website also allows visitors to view semen, seedstock, and embryos for sale.

Circle B Livestock www.circleblivestock.com Circle B Livestock, LLC raises top quality cattle, horses, and working dogs. Their goal is to produce livestock with style and functionality, thus allowing their animals to be competitive nationwide. Their cowherd consists of registered Angus, Simmental, and Sim-Angus cattle. They also have a club-calf division. In addition, Circle Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ranch horses and working dogs play a very important role in the growth of their cowherd. 124 | Ranch House Journal

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FEATURED CLIENTS

NEW WEBSITES LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS FALL Hotz Farms www.hotzfarms.com Hotz Farms produces purebred Angus and purebred Simmental cattle in Lone Tree, Iowa. Their strategy is to purchase elite show heifers to exhibit in the showring then use those high profile genetics in their breeding program. They strive to produce females that are not only efficient with excellent pedigrees, but will also be profitable during their productive life.

Hereford Prep www.herefordprep.com

Hereford Prep Collection is a stylish and preppy clothing line perfect for every livestock lover. Hereford Prep Collection provides unique opportunities for young people to learn more about operating a business. Also, they think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for youth to know that Agriculture isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just about mud puddles and tractors. You can love the Ag industry and be an engineer, scientist, doctor, lawyer or even a fashionista.

Infinity Cattle Services www.infinitycattle.com Infinity Cattle Services provides sale management and assistance on special projects to help producers in the cattle industry achieve winning results. Chris and Kasey Shivers have been active in the Brahman breed and cattle industry for 30 years. In addition to their expertise in the cattle industry, Infinity Cattle Services provides organization and preparation for sales of any size or platform. Their various services include sales and sale management, genetic improvement programs, and marketing. 126 | Ranch House Journal

FROM BEGINNING TO THE FINAL DRIVE

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NEW WEBSITES

FEATURED CLIENTS

LAUNCHED BY RANCH HOUSE THIS FALL Waller County Butane www.wallercountybutane.com Established in 1945, Waller County Butane is a full service propane company. Waller County Butane provides superior quality and exceptional residential and commercial services. Furthermore, with three generations currently working at the company, their main focus is customer service. In addition to the services they offer, they want to teach visitors the importance of safety while using propane.

Barenthsen-Bullinger Red Angus www.bbredangus.com

Barenthsen-Bullinger Red Angus in North Dakota is a fourth and fifth generation ranch. In addition to their great heritage, Barenthsen-Bullinger Red Angus also operates from the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original homestead. With approximately 350 registered Red Angus females in the harsh North Dakota environment, the ranch focuses on developing cattle that will perform well and also maintain themselves without pampering.

Jo Bonds Dance Studios www.jobondsdance.com Jo Bonds Dance Studios is a home-based studio with small personalized classes for student ages three and older in northern Tarrant County. Since 1976, Jo has been teaching beginners and more experienced dancers. The studio offers many dance classes, including ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, tumbling and hip-hop. Jo Bonds Dance Studios sets strong goals for students including technique, musicality, respecting minds and bodies, and above all having fun. 128 | Ranch House Journal

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130 | Ranch House Journal

are made of

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Extension is a milestone opportunity for the Angus breed. His unique and rare pedigree blends some of the key traits that have inďŹ&#x201A;uenced our breed's success for decades. He is a powerful individual, with an abundance of rib shape and muscle dimension while being super fr fronted and combining a structurally correct package. Use his line-bred Emulation genetics to increase consistency and maternal abilities as well as his dam's mass and power into your cow herd. Contact ST Genetics to place your pre-orders for SexedULTRA 4M semen. For more information give us or ST a call mo 866.589.1708!

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RURAL LIFESTYLE

King Ranch Institute of Ranch Management

Symposium Text by Ashley Patterson Photography by Meg Drake and Ashley Patterson

The 14th Annual Holt Cat® Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management was held on Oct. 26-27, 2017 in Kingsville, Texas, attracting more than 155 ranchers and landowners from 12 states and Canada to discuss transitioning ranch ownership and management. The symposium, Succession Planning: Transitioning Ranch Ownership and Management hosted by the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM), addressed the important need for ranchers to begin the succession conversation immediately. Among the speakers were Dick Wittman of Wittman Consulting and Wittman Farms, Margaret Vaughan of MCV Consulting, attorney James Decker, rancher Bob McCan, and Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch, to name a few. An industry trade show with 15 exhibitors was open throughout the program, offering attendees a chance to network with agricultural organizations. The Texas Farm Credit Certificate in Advanced Ranch Management awards were presented to 20 individuals during an evening social and steak dinner. About KRIRM Formed in 2003, KRIRM is a ranch management master’s program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville created in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the legendary King Ranch. As the only ranch management master’s program in the world, KRIRM teaches graduate students using a multi-disciplinary, systems approach to ranch management, and provides the highest quality lectureships and symposia to stakeholders in the ranching industry. For more information about KRIRM, visit krirm.tamuk.edu, a website proudly designed by Ranch House Designs. -RHJ 132 | Ranch House Journal

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RHD NEWS

Ranch House Designs Recognizes

2017 PROFESSIONAL AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATORS WINNERS Each year, the Professional Agricultural Communicators hosts a contest designed to showcase the many talents of those within the agricultural industry. This year, the contest had over 70 entries from communications enthusiasts from across the country specializing in design, writing, photography and digital media. We are pleased to recognize the first-place winners of the following categories: Ad Design – Debbie McWilliams Logo Design – Emily Brinkman Catalog Design – Kelsey Steinkraus Designer of the Year – Kelsey Steinkraus Educational Writing – Alexis Shanes Human Interest Writing – Maria Tibbetts News Writing – Savanna Simmons Writer of the Year – Savanna Simmons Agricultural Scenic Photo – Heidi Anderson Human Interest Photo – Cheramie Viator Livestock Photo – Heidi Anderson Photographer of the Year – Heidi Anderson

Alexis Shanes

Cheramie Viator

Debbie McWilliams Fry

Emily Brinkman

Heidi Anderson

Kate Hagans

Kelsey Steinkraus

Maria Tibbetts

Paige Wallace

Sara Kober

Savanna Simmons

Video – Paige Wallace Social Media Account – Sara Kober Blog – Kate Hagans Digital Specialist of the Year – Paige Wallace PAC Student of the Year – Alexis Shanes PAC Member of the Year – Heidi Anderson

Congratulations to all participants in this year’s contest. For more information about PAC, visit www.agcommunicators.org. About PAC Professional Agricultural Communicators was formed in 2015 by a group of individuals to build a community for those who work in the multi-faceted area of agriculture and livestock communications and marketing. 134 | Ranch House Journal

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RURAL LIFESTYLE

2017 North American International Livestock Expo Text and Images by Sara Rader

For many exhibitors, new and old, they will never forget stepping onto the green shavings and walking down the tunnel into Freedom Hall for the first time. The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), held in Louisville, Kentucky, is the largest all-breed, purebred livestock event in the world, with 10 livestock divisions and nearly 30,000 entries from various locations nationwide. Every year, Louisville attracts renowned judges, the highest quality of livestock, leading industry breeders and more. The stakes are high and the competition is fierce, which results in an event that is highly recognizable throughout the livestock showing industry. This year, several Ranch House team members attended the event. Including Account Manager, Paul Maulsby, Social Media Strategist and Video Producer, Sara Rader and Designer, Melissa Grimmel Schaake. We hope you enjoy these images captured during this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s junior heifer and steer show and open show. -RHJ 136 | Ranch House Journal

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138 | Ranch House Journal

Leatherneck Spotlight on

AG COLLEGES

NATION

Western Illinois University School of Agriculture

By Matthew Marr

Finding that perfect fit in a college or university is a lot like dating— perfection does not exist, but dang we come very close to it. My best advice to anyone is that everything happens for a reason. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade my undergraduate experience for any other, and I’m glad that experience took place at the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture in an area known as “Leatherneck Nation.”

NECK NATION Call it slang if you must, but the term “Neck Nation” refers to more than just the area WIU is nestled in; it refers to the culture there as well. It’s one of those things that from the outside looking in, no one understands, but from the inside looking out, no one can explain it. Now that I’ve experienced both perspectives, here is my best attempt at explaining it. Other schools probably have a variety of adjectives to describe the kids from WIU - talented, fun, and smart, among others. Nevertheless, the type of students that gather here

To learn more about the program, visit www.wiu.edu. Always remember, “It’s A Great Day To Be A Leatherneck!”

are unique, like-minded, and very hard working. There are many who underestimate the stock of such a small school, but in the words of associate professor in animal science, Dr. Mark Hoge, “rest assured, these kids will out-hustle and out-perform their contemporaries. Any time. Any day.”

LESSONS FROM THE BARNS Anyone who becomes part of the Leatherneck Aggie family is familiar with the livestock barns on the north edge of campus, which provide a teaching opportunity for agriculture students. “All three of the livestock units are functioning on the best vision in their respective tenures since I have been here,” said Hoge. Every fall, the WIU swine unit produces some of the highest quality Yorkshire and Spot show pigs in the nation. And each year, they prepare truck loads and individual lots for exhibition at the National Barrow Show. Aside from successfully representing the university and program on a national level, the preparation and teamwork required

for this show serves as a crucial bonding phase for new and existing agriculture students at WIU. A “Barrow Barn” schedule is set, and each morning and night it is up to students to make sure pigs are fed, washed, walked and pictured. There are also cool things happening at the beef unit. Although faculty advise the breeding and research that takes place there, students are actively engaged during calving season and the WIU Performance Tested Bull Sale every year, which in 2017 yielded the sale’s second highest average in its forty-six year history. The same rules apply here as in the swine barn: students play a crucial part in the rearing and caring of these animals. From feeding and fitting to data collecting, picturing and more students are involved in every step of the production process. In recent years, WIU has enjoyed several facility and technology upgrades to help attract the best and brightest students and faculty. Their annual WUI Ag Legacy Sale Ranch House Journal | 139

is one of the means these updates have been funded. This annual sale is coordinated through the university’s livestock marketing course. Since the sale began in 2015, it has raised well over $100,000.00 for those necessary improvements. Many of these donations were from program alumni, who believe so much in the program.

RAPID FIRE: LIVESTOCK JUDGING

The livestock judging program is one of the most well known programs in the WIU School of Agriculture. Dr. Hoge, who is a nationally recognized livestock judge himself, has coached the team since he became a faculty member back in 2003. Students flock to the judging program for the opportunity to learn to evaluate livestock and to also have Hoge as a mentor. It’s not often that students have the opportunity to say their livestock coach also served as a judge for major livestock shows. Hoge has repeatedly judged cattle and hogs at major livestock shows around the country. He gives each student his unwavering commitment to helping each one achieve. The style of judges Hoge produces is unique. To him, coaching is more than just teaching someone to evaluate the four animals before them in each class—it’s about the fundamentals of identifying quality in all types and kinds of livestock. “They’re all the same creatures,” he said. “You don’t have to be a seventh generation cattle breeder to understand the evaluation of that particular specie.” The time commitment as a coach is enormous, and for Hoge, he notes that he coaches and parents very similarly. “I treat my students like my children, and my children like my students,” said Dr. Hoge. The schedule for each member of the livestock judging team is quite chaotic. They spend 20 to 30 hours per week 140 | Ranch House Journal

practicing and are still expected to keep up with coursework and organizational involvement. What’s more, competing on a national level requires extensive travel, with terribly uneven sleep schedules and sometimes enduring subzero temperatures. “Believe in a plan, and don’t let others influence your drive. Stay humble. Work hard,” said Dr. Hoge. Ask any alumnus of this program and they’d do it all over again, tomorrow, and without hesitation.

terms of facilities, national competitive teams, and alumni involvement. The caliber of students and faculty is dense, and they perform with the best agricultural graduates out there. “There has never been a better time for us here than right now,” says Dr. Andy Baker, Director of the WIU School of Agriculture.

THE LITTLE GIANT The WIU School of Agriculture is unique. Compared to other major land grant institutions, it’s relatively small. The current enrollment in the agricultural program is only 400 students. However, it performs on the same level as the largest land grant universities in the nation in

The WIU Barn is a great place to provide students a hands on learning experience.

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OUR ADVERTISERS Ag Kids Club.................................................. 88 Bachman Cattle Farm .................................... 63 Bextra Bale Feeder....................................... IBC Bovine Elite................................................... 107 Bradley Signature Homes ............................ 118 Calf Climate .................................................. 39 CES-Predestined............................................. 62 Circle A Angus Ranch.................................... 13 Curtin Land & Cattle ................................... 119 Dameron Angus.............................................. 16 Donor Solutions ............................................. 58 Doug Satree.................................................... 25 Dry Creek Angus ......................................... 106 Dubina Rose Ranch ....................................... 79 Emmons Ranch ........................................... 123 Gold Bullion Group...................................... 135 Harrison Cattle Company ............................. 95 HeartBrand...................................... Back Cover Hereford Prep................................................. 15 Horsley Brothers ............................................ 97 HydraBed...................................................... 143 Infinity Cattle Services ................................... 19 Ingram Angus................................. 129,130,131 Kent Feeds......................................................... 7 LaMuneca ...................................................... 47 Legendary Akaushi Genetics.......................... 59 Lienetics Ranch............................................ IBC Luke and Cat Photography............................. 45 Martindale Feed Mill...................................... 53 MoorMan’s ShowTec.................................... 127 Nemeha Valley Cattle Co .............................. 76 Newsome Belted Galloway ............................ 71 Outlaw Spirit .................................................. 78 Pleasant Valley Farm ...................................... 83 Powerline Beef Genetics ................................ 69 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh...................................... 38 Quail Hollow Herefords................................. 46 Rebel Roots Boutique .................................... 33 Resistol.............................................................. 3 Rincker Law ................................................... 44 Ropes and Rhinestones .................................. 82 ShowBloom....................................................... 5 Six Mile Creek ............................................... 81 Soul Revival Boutique..................................... 21 Strait Ranches ........................................... 72,73 Sullivan Supply .............................................. 17 Tennessee River Music................................... 31 Texas Pork Producers...................................... 77 Texas True Threads........................................ 23 TNT Western Wear ..................................... 125 Tru-Test Ad................................................ 86,87 True North Technologies................................ 30 True North Technologies................................ 49 V8 Ranch............................................... 110,111 Webb Farms ................................................... 89 Werner Family Angus .................................... 64 White Hawk Ranch ..................................... 113

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PARTING

THOUGHTS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The beginning of a new year is always my favorite. It’s time for a fresh start, a time to set new goals, and a time to begin achieving them. No matter how good things are going, there is always room to take a step back and look for improvement. Maybe consider where you want to be this time next year and what it will take to get there. Is it going to take putting in extra hours at work? Hiring a photographer? Attending a workshop? Improvements to your website? Growing your customer base on social media? What ever your dreams are, you don’t have to do it alone. The Ranch House team is comprised of a talented group to help make your dreams a reality - all under our one roof. As I look back on 2017 I, as well as my fellow coworkers, remain

UPCOMING ISSUES

extremely thankful to be able to assist other producers and clients in their marketing dreams. Dream big. Work hard. Stay focused. And most of all, surround yourself with good people. On behalf of all of us at Ranch House, we wish you a Happy New Year! May 2018 be your best year yet! Melissa Grimmel Schaake Graphic Designer RHJ Art Director

MEDIA

Spring 2018 - Releases April 1 - Ads due February 25 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

KIT

To subscribe, visit www.ranchhousedesigns.com and click on the Magazine tab

HOW TO ADVERTISE

As a complimentary service to our clients, if we design your ad, it is automatically included in the next issue of the Ranch House Journal. If you don’t have an ad, but want to be in the next issue, we can easily design one for you! If you are on a web contract with us, you can run your camera ready ads for $100/ page. Non website clients, $500 per page. Contact callie@ranchhousedesigns. com to reserve your spot. All advertisements are full page, full color ads. 8.5 x 11, + .125 bleed, jpg or pdf format.

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CODY LOWDERMAN

5 MINUTES WITH...

WORLD CHAMPION AUCTIONEER AND DEDICATED HEREFORD BREEDER

by Meg Drake

When Cody Lowderman isn’t busy accepting awards for his great talent as an auctioneer, he’s playing an integral role in his family’s two businesses: Lowderman Livestock Auctions and their purebred Hereford operation. Even though he’s charted many profession-related accomplishments like being named the 2017 Reserve World Champion Livestock Auctioneer, Cody said his greatest achievement is being a father. We were excited to catch up with Cody to chat about his two passions: auctioneering and helping producers market and sell their purebred cattle. What was the path like to becoming an auctioneer? I grew up listening to my dad’s auctioneer chant. I would often go to a weekly livestock market he sold, as well as a weekly consignment auction and always enjoyed the auction atmosphere, but I honestly didn’t picture myself being an auctioneer until later on. My first public auctioneer experience was as a student at Michigan State University serving as an auctioneer for a marketing class showpig sale. Following graduation, I attended World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, then returned home to the family auction and cattle business. Aside from auctioneering, Are there other business ventures you participate in? I am closely involved in my family’s Hereford cattle operation. We have been fortunate enough to be recognized on the national level, including several national champions the past few years. We run approximately 200 cows and host an annual production sale each September. I am also a partner in Lowderman Auction Options, an online marketing business primarily focused on Hereford cattle. I have also had the honor and privilege to judge numerous county, state and national cattle shows. What’s your favorite thing about the Hereford breed? The people! Many of the people I have had the opportunity to meet in the Hereford breed have helped shape and guide me throughout my career. The networking and friendships gained within the Hereford breed are really priceless. There are many of those people who I work with in my profession today and others that have remained good friends. In many senses, it becomes a small world as you look back and see how the dots have been connected. What’s it like juggling an auctioneer service with raising Hereford cattle? There’s no doubt it can be challenging at times, but my family and loyal employees are major attributes. I’ve always had the motto “surround yourself with good people and good things will happen.” My wife, along with my parents, my brothers and their wives, all play an intricate part in this operation. We each have our own “click” or spoke in the wheel, and sometimes I wonder how, but the wheel keeps turning. What is your favorite type of sale to auctioneer? I have a true passion for selling purebred and commercial cattle auctions. There is not a better feeling than climbing in the auction block before a big cattle sale. Do you have any weird pre-sale rituals you do before taking the auction block? I always take three deep breathes, say a small prayer to the good Lord, and make sure I have my cherry flavored Halls cough drops on hand. -RHJ 144 | Ranch House Journal