Adding value, generation by generation

This is former show heifer of Colton’s that is now working in the herd. She carries Black Oak and Pine Ridge genetics and the calf is sired by a son of LN LMC 12th Man.

By Martha Hollida Garrett

Simbrahs have proven their value for two decades for the Hewitt family and the value is recognized by three generations of this Fouke, Arkansas based operation.

Jimmy and Crystal Hewitt are the middle generation of Hewitts and are the current owners of Cherokee Cattle Company. They are joined by their children, Kyleen, 17 and Colton, 15 and Jimmy’s parents, Billy and Sherrie Hewitt.

Jimmy’s first exposure to the breed came in the early 1990’s while showing cattle. In high school, Jimmy showed Simmentals and his sister showed Brahmans. This provided additional knowledge about the base breeds behind Simbrahs. His parents purchased their first Simbrahs in 1997 for his sister to show. Jimmy and future wife Crystal purchased their first SImbrah from Stagg Cattle Company of PAGE 14 Fall, 2020 • SIMBRAH World

Colton, Crystal, Jimmy and Kyleen Hewitt, owners of Cherokee Cattle Company.

Mount Pleasant, Texas in 1999. The family’s initial purchases convinced them the breed would work well in southwest Arkansas.

Jimmy graduated from Oklahoma State University (OSU) with a degree in ag economics. He met Crystal, a Stroud, Oklahoma native at college and the couple were married during their time at school. Crystal holds a bachelor’s degree in ag economics, as well as a masters degree in media specialty and administration.

“While we were at school, we purchased a few head of Simbrahs on our own. We added them to Mom and Dad’s herd,” Jimmy said. “They took care of them while we were away and we returned often to help.”

Upon graduating, they decided to build a life in Fouke, where they would establish careers and grow their Simbrah program. Over the years, they have made calculated purchases and today their herd numbers about 50 cows. They have made purchases from the Texas operations of Pine Ridge Ranch, Baring Cattle Company, Shallow Water Ranch, Freasier Ranch, Victor Guerra and Seale Cattle

Company, plus lots from Synergy participants. They utilize AI to incorporate new genetics. That is one of the Crystal’s responsibilities.

They both have jobs away from the cattle, as well. Jimmy is a production manager for Cooper Tire & Rubber, and Crystal is an ag instructor for Fouke High School. They are one of a few Simbrah breeders in Arkansas and are committed to the breed and are quick to promote the cattle.

“There’s a lot to like about this breed,” said Jimmy, citing their excellent maternal traits, low maintenance, hardiness, desired fertility, their easy fleshing ability and how they can withstand the heat and humidity of a southern Arkansas summer and its cold, wet days of winter.

They have developed a market for their bulls and registered females locally. Cherokee Cattle Company was once the only registered Simbrah operation in this area. There are now five other small registered herds, with predominantly Cherokee genetics. Many of their females have also become show projects for Crystal’s students.

They promote the breed at local shows and state fairs, including Four States in Texarkana, Arkansas and the Arkansas State Fair. They also compete on a national level by exhibiting at the Fort Worth Livestock Show, Dixie National and the International Show in Houston. They have consigned top females to sales at these national events and rely on Facebook marketing and word of mouth to market their genetics.

Kyleen and Colton have drawn a lot of attention to the breed and Cherokee Cattle Company by exhibiting homeraised Simbrahs throughout Arkansas, and at the American Junior Simmental Association (AJSA) Regional and National Classics and the American Junior Simbrah Roundup (AJSR).

Some of their classmates and ag students of Crystal have joined them in showing Simbrahs. That has offered a great educational opportunity for people new to the beef industry.

“We have had several kids come to us and want to show,” Crystal said. “A majority of them have had no experience

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Simbrah calves at Cherokee Cattle Company in Fouke, Arkansas.

The 2019 American Junior Simmental Classic was a banner day for Kyleen and Colton Hewitt. Kyleen’s heifer, Cherokee’s Harmony, was named grand champion bred and owned. The heifer carries Pine Ridge breeding. Colton’s heifer won the reserve bred and owned title and she carries La Muneca breeding.

FFA has been very important to the Hewitt family and has provided them a way to grow the Simbrah breed in Arkansas, as youth have come to them for show calves. Mom, Crystal is an ag teacher and both Kyleen and Colton are very involved FFA members. Kyleen is currently serving as an Arkansas State FFA officer.

SIMBRAH World • Fall, 2020