The Cattleman - January 2023

Protecting Real Beef

Demand for fake meat is waning, surveys show.

Streaming The Story

Behind the scenes with “BBQuest.”

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FEATURES

18

The Future of Meat Alternatives

Demand for fake meat is waning, surveys show.

By Burt Rutherford

Streaming Beef’s Story

Behind the scenes with “BBQuest” from Beef Loving Texans.

By Sarah Harris

BETTER TOGETHER

In coming together, we accomplish much more than we ever could alone.

This is a lesson often learned early in life, and one that continues to ring true. Just look at Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association — a group formed for that very purpose.

The association was founded in 1877 in response to the needs of cattle raisers who sought to combat cattle rustling. Today, its grown to encompass policy, education, insurance services and more. This was only possible because of the forward-thinking minds of 40 individuals who understood the potential of an organization working toward a common goal.

The January 2022 issue of The Cattleman gives a closer look to the ways we join with others, both within our membership and beyond.

This month, the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature begins. Throughout the 140 days the legislature meets, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will advocate on behalf of our members for policy that strengthens the Texas beef industry. Prime among these policies includes efforts to protect beef’s reputation among consumers, a featured story within these pages. Read to discover the intricacies of fake meat, the alternative proteins competing for space in our grocery store shelves, and why we placed the issue on our list of priorities this session.

Apart from policy, you will find the value of other entities coming together, too.

Texas Beef Council holds a critical role in supporting research and promoting beef among consumers. We hear from their team to learn how they joined forces with ranchers — including Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members — to launch the third season of “BBQuest.” You will love this behind-thescenes look at the development of the educational content featuring the places and people not only serving great beef, but raising it, too.

If you are feeling inspired after reading these stories, be sure to register for the Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo March 24-26 in Fort Worth. It is a wonderful way to become more engaged with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

After all, we need your voice to drive our association as much today as we did 145 years ago. T C

Jaclyn Roberts Executive Director of Communications & Marketing/ Editor-in-Chief, The Cattleman

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ON THE COVER

A snowy backdrop during this winter cattle working on the Bridwell West Ranch near Adrian.

Photo by Emily McCartney

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome 2023 with TSCRA’s annual wall calendar, complete with gestation table.

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THE FUTURE OF MEAT ALTERNATIVES

Demand for fake meat is waning, surveys show.

By Burt Rutherford

You can’t fool Mother Nature. Yet, it seems some will never quit trying. Take, for example, plant-based meat alternatives, better known as fake meat.

“You’ve got a bunch of ingredients on the shelf,” says Ty Lawrence, Ph.D., meat scientist and director of the Beef Carcass Research Center at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.

“The winner is the one that can make a hamburger patty or chicken nugget or something that’s ground, formed and restructured out of plant-based ingredients.”

Indeed, plant-based meat alternatives need extrusion, forming, molding and a long list of ingredients to mimic what real beef patties look and taste like. Highly processed within a food processing facility, it is the textbook definition of factory food. Then there is the real stuff.

“[Fake meat] is infinitely more processed than taking a muscle from a steer, putting it in a grinder and making a hamburger patty,” Lawrence says. “That is about as minimal of processing as you could have, compared to what goes on behind all of these food science experiments.”

WALKING LIKE A DUCK

While a number of issues and concerns swirl around the most recent iterations of fake meat to hit the market, the biggest is truth in labeling.

That is according to Dustin Dean, a cow-calf producer and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association director. He is co-owner and general manager of Dean and Peeler Premium Angus Beef, a branded beef packing and fabrication operation in Floresville with retail stores in several South Texas communities.

Remember the old saying that if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. That, in essence, is what Dean has told the Texas Legislature twice in testimonies on behalf of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association regarding the labels fake meat companies put on their products.

“First things first, we just want a level playing field,” he says. “It’s a good thing that we are

developing technology where a supplemental or additional protein product can be made out of plantbased raw material. We are not against that at all.”

In fact, Dean welcomes the rivalry, which he acknowledges as an important product for underdeveloped parts of the world where food supplies are limited.

“We’re not against more competition in the protein sector, because we believe that our product, Texas beef, is the most wholesome, safest, most nutritious that there is anywhere in the world,” Dean says. “We like competition. We just need it to be fair competition.”

To that end, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is asking state legislators to put real beef on the same playing field by labeling fake meat for what it really is.

“We don’t believe they can use words like ‘meat,’” Dean says. “We don’t believe they should be able to use words like ‘burger.’ We don’t believe that they should be able to use words that are solely intended, from a marketing standpoint, to make the product represent itself as something that it’s really not.”

A look back at previous USDA labeling regulations shows the precedent is already set.

“By law, imitation crab meat has to be labeled as just that, an imitation of crab meat and not the real thing,” Dean says.

Beyond that, he argues that if he were to slap a ribeye steak label on a box of briskets and sell it at ribeye price, he would be severely apprehended. While the Texas Legislature has yet to pass a labeling law, Dean says the temperature of state politicians on both sides of the aisle is positive.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will continue to work with legislators from both parties to achieve a plant-based labeling law.

VOTING WITH THEIR DOLLARS

While the beef business at both the state and federal level continues to lobby for truth in labeling for fake meat, consumers ultimately have the final vote on whether or not they will buy and consume plant-based alternatives.

The votes are in.

Nationally, fake meat purchases peaked in the third quarter of 2020, with 34% of consumers saying they consume alternatives on a weekly or more basis, says Mike Simone, executive director, market research and intelligence with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

It’s been declining ever since. Third quarter of 2022 survey results show that about 25% of consumers say they consume alternatives on a weekly or more basis, Simone says.

However, those consumers aren’t buying plant-based alternatives exclusively.

“They also consume beef, chicken, pork and fish in similar levels to others who don’t consume alternatives at the same level,” he says. “So, it’s part of their diet, but it’s not exclusive for most people. They include it in their diet, but it continues to go down.”

That’s national data. Based on what Lawrence saw during the pandemic, Texas consumers had a different response.

“You went into a H-E-B in South Texas, there was not an iota of a package of beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb. Nothing. But the alternative meat case was stocked full and unsold,” Lawrence says. “And I don’t doubt but that happened all across the country. People grabbed traditional proteins that they knew would sustain their family and left this food science experiment on the shelf.”

A PLANT-BASED ODYSSEY

Many, from the mid-70s on up, likely recall what passed for a hamburger patty in the school cafeteria. Jayson Lusk does.

“I joke, when I was in the school cafeteria, about whether the burgers were mixed with soy or oatmeal or something else,” says the head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue and expert on consumer shopping behavior.

Ty Lawrence West Texas A&M University

Dustin Dean Dean and Peeler Premium Angus Beef

Based on research by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, 2022 third-quarter survey results show about 25% of consumers say they consume alternatives on a weekly or more basis, down from 34% in the third quarter of 2020.

“Often, I think, these kinds of plant-based additives have been used to bring down the cost of ground products, to extend them,” Lusk says.

“That’s a perception a lot of people have. What’s new about the new products, whether it’s Beyond or Impossible, is they really are a bit different than the old veggie burgers.”

According to Lawrence, MorningStar Farms introduced meatless meats in 1975. Then in the mid-80s, Quorn came out with their Meatless Patty, which was around 43% fungus-based. Those products never lit up beef producers’ radar. Then came Beyond Beef and the Impossible burger.

Lusk postulates those products still suffer, to some extent, from the reputation of the earlier attempts at producing plant-based alternatives.

“While this new breed of plant-based meat alternatives are better in taste and texture, they do more closely mimic beef, they’re still not quite the same,” Lusk says. “And I think most consumers can taste that in a side-byside comparison.”

However, if you look at the consumer segment most likely to purchase plant-based alternatives, Lusk says the biggest demographic is age: “They’re much more popular among younger consumers.”

In part, that may be because younger consumers don’t have a school cafeteria hangover about veggie burgers.

But other factors are at play, as well. Novelty, Lusk says, is a big driver, at least at first, of plant-based sales.

Sales were high when the products were first introduced and have been declining ever since. What’s more, those who continue buying plant-based alternatives likely aren’t big beef consumers to begin with, Lusk says.

“None of that is to say these don’t necessarily pose some competitive challenge,” he says. “They do, particularly if they can get their price point down. And I think that’s something that’s likely to happen over the next several years.”

Lusk also notes the target demographic of plant-based products: “Younger consumers tend to place more weight on things like environmental impact and animal welfare when buying. Those are areas where these plant-based alternatives tend to score a little better in terms of people’s perceptions.”

Research showcasing beef’s environmental footprint may help curb this perception. Particularly due to beef’s ability to provide higher-quality nutrition while supporting healthy ecosystems.

Jayson Lusk Purdue University

Lawrence points to these disparities as factors that may curb investor funding.

“This stuff is lower in nutrition, higher in price and typically is hidden in the grocery store,” he says. “The investor market went crazy in pouring money into this and most of that, if not all, will be ultimately lost.”

WHAT ABOUT CULTURED MEAT?

Lawrence says marketing petri-dish beef is even a greater stretch than plant-based alternatives.

Lab-produced meat involves incubating living muscle cells in a bioreactor. The liquid medium the cells grow in has to include all the nutrients required to cells to grow and divide (i.e. amino acids, fatty acids, hormones, minerals, sugars, vitamins) and other elements a cow naturally produces in the womb.

Then there’s this: Cells grown in culture media includes a percentage of antibiotics and antifungals. The resulting product will not have the look or texture of real meat.

“You have this slightly opaque slime that has the texture of Jell-O or pudding,” Lawrence says. “These are cells grown in a tank and pumped from one tank to another like any liquid. These aren’t muscles that contracted to move bones that let an animal run across a pasture.”

The liquified cell-based meat just does not have the same appeal as animal-based muscle cuts that

-G -G

STREAMING BEEF’S STORY

Behind the scenes with “BBQuest” from Beef Loving Texans.

By Sarah Harris Photos courtesy of Texas Beef Council

Few things are more synonymous with the Lone Star State than barbecue — especially beef. For the last four years, audiences from across the world fired up their TVs to watch “BBQuest,” an original series created by Texas Beef Council showcasing Texas barbecue, restaurants and pitmasters.

The latest season, which launched in summer 2022, “BBQuest: Beyond the Pit,” features not only people

and places that made the show popular, but also producers raising the celebrated protein.

“For the first time, we’re taking viewers not just to Texas barbecue joints, but to the places where beef’s story begins,” says Molly McAdams, Texas Beef Council’s executive vice president. “We’re spotlighting the individuals, families and cattle operations that put so much hard work into producing delicious, high-quality beef consumers can feel good about purchasing.”

The first season of “BBQuest” released in 2018. A product of Beef Loving Texans, the council’s consumer-facing brand, the show represents new trends in TV and entertainment embracing today’s ondemand culture. The series is available to stream on Hulu, BeefLovingTexans.com and YouTube.

Through its first two seasons, “BBQuest” has been viewed more than 2.9 million times and watched for 620,000-plus hours. The series has generated more than 830,000 social media engagements. News stories and media interviews amplified its reach even further, with 11 million impressions outside of streaming platforms. The series also received an Award of Excellence from the Communicator Awards, a Gold Hermes Creative Award and recognition as a SABRE Award finalist, which stands for superior achievement in branding reputation and engagement.

“While ‘BBQuest’ is certainly fun to watch, it’s also a way for us to connect with consumers and teach them about the beef industry,” McAdams says. “‘BBQuest’ is a form of what’s now commonly referred to as ‘edutainment’ — entertainment that also educates.”

And educate it would.

The series embarked on a journey in season three to visit some of our state’s top barbecue joints, while stopping in at nearby cattle operations to highlight the beef producers who make it all possible.

SHAPING THE STORY

Most consumers are three generations removed from the farm, meaning the practices and innovations of modern-day agriculture are not well known. Telling the story of Texas ranchers required a trusted voice.

Kelsey Pribilski, who has hosted “BBQuest” since its inception, would take on the challenge of educating consumers about beef alongside a new co-host for season three, Jess Pryles. Pryles is a respected member of the Texas barbecue scene and social media influencer who lent a level of credibility and authenticity to the show. Texas Beef Council says Pryles excels at connecting consumers to different industries on and off the camera.

In addition to her expertise, Pryles develops exclusive “BBQuest” recipes, which are available on the Beef Loving Texans website, extending the brand beyond the TV screen.

Season three restaurants were chosen based on recent accolades and rankings, and combined a mixture of old and new-school preparation.

“Since launching ‘BBQuest’ four years ago, it’s truly remarkable to see how much has changed, and yet

stayed the same, when it comes to Texas barbecue, and that’s exactly what you see in season three’s ‘Beyond the Pit’,” says Rachel Chou, Texas Beef Council director of consumer marketing. “There has been so much exciting innovation around cooking methods and international flavors, while there’s still a huge dedication to long-held recipes and smoking techniques.”

This diversity among cooking techniques also mirrors the diversity across cattle operations, posing the next challenge — finding those who could showcase the many facets of beef production in Texas.

“Rather than organizing this season’s episodes around a particular geographical location, we’re focusing more on the storytelling component,” Chou says. “Each ‘BBQuest’ episode centers around a different uniting theme, allowing the co-hosts to discover what really makes Texas barbecue so unique.”

TEXAS TRAILBLAZERS: CANEY CREEK RANCH

Before moving back home to the family’s Caney Creek Ranch near Fairfield in 2007, Kimberly Ratcliff worked for Bloomberg, fully immersed in a career on Wall Street, promoting the company’s commodity platform. Today, working alongside her father, she now manages the ranch, a diverse beef operation covering 2,500 acres across Freestone, Leon and Houston counties.

“My favorite part about being a cattle rancher is the community,” Ratcliff says. “Especially the community where our ranch is located. Ranching can be complex and we must keep up with

Now in its third season, “BBQuest” hosts Kelsey Pribilski, far right, and Jess Pryles, middle, share the journey from barbecue joints to beef cattle ranches across the state, including stops with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members.

Kimberly Ratcliff Caney Creek Ranch

a wide range of information and influences to stay in business, and I believe the strong community allows us to continue as an established operation.”

In addition, Ratcliff is the executive director of 100 Ranchers, an organization comprised primarily of minority producers across counties in Texas. 100 Ranchers works to unite farmers and ranchers by strengthening and promoting agriculture. The members are an integral part of sharing information, resources and best practices, and connecting people and projects through a strong network.

Caney Creek Ranch raises registered Charbray cattle, about 550 a season. Their breeding stock are sold nationally and internationally and the ranch also produces commercial cattle, horses, livestock feed resources, and has a direct-to-consumer meat company, Farm to Freezer Meat Co.

Ratcliff completed Texas Christian University’s Ranch Management program and is an alumnus of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, or TALL, program.

FAMILY & COMMUNITY: J.D. HUDGINS INC.

John Coleman Locke is a sixth-generation rancher managing the Locke Division of J.D. Hudgins Inc., a family-run cattle operation dating back to 1908. The 900-acre ranch specializes in registered Brahman cattle near Hungerford, located 50 miles southwest of Houston.

When it comes to Brahman cattle, J.D. Hudgins has contributed significantly to the growth of the thenemerging Brahman breed, thanks to a bull named Manso, purchased in 1933 by ranch founders to sire the herd.

It has been estimated that Manso has made genetic contributions to more than 75% of all cattle registered by the American Brahman Breeders Association. Today, the 114-year-old ranch maintains about 300 mother cows for breeding and sells bulls, heifers, semen and embryos to anyone looking to improve their herd.

John, a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association member, is officially the ranch manager

and CEO, but calls himself a “jack-of-all-trades and master of none.” However, he jokes with seriousness that being somewhat versed in a number of tasks is a safer bet than being highly proficient in just one, especially considering the diverse skill set it takes to keep the ranch going over the years. At his side helping with operations is his father, Coleman Locke, a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association honorary director; wife, Salina; and three daughters.

“It was fun filming a TV show at the ranch,” John says. “It’s a little overwhelming with all of the cameras, retakes and real stars, but ultimately it’s always fun to share what we do with other people. Through filming we can share with people in the moment, and it’s also exciting to think of the greater potential reach.”

LEGACY & TRADITION: SAUNDERS RANCH

Throughout the past seven generations, the men and women of the Saunders family have become legends in Texas ranching. Headquartered in Weatherford since 1934, the family owns and operates Saunders Ranch, a prominent cowcalf, yearling and equine business with cattle-raising roots dating back to the 19th century.

Thomas Bailey Saunders began raising cattle in Gonzales as early as 1850. Later in 1902, his grandson, Tom B. Saunders II, became the first cattle dealer at the Fort Worth Stockyards and his cattle company was the largest in the U.S. for much of the early turn-of-thecentury period.

Thomas B. Saunders III, the next generation in succession, furthered the cattle business, helped found the National Cutting Horse Association and, in 1934, established the Twin V livestock brand and Weatherford ranch property that the future Saunders’ generations still call home today.

Thomas B. Saunders IV saddled up in the family business at age 12, groomed in the Fort Worth stockyards by his father. Later, he moved to the Weatherford property, while working the ranch, publishing books on the rich culture of Texas agriculture, and raising a family there with his wife, Ann.

Today, his son, Thomas Saunders V, along with his wife, Lynn, and two grown daughters, Madalynn and Leslie Ann, oversee the day-to-day dealings of Saunders Ranch, including being members of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

“Every day brings a new challenge on the ranch,” Madalynn says. “It’s exciting and always evolving, which keeps you on your toes. Not to mention, cattle producers are the best.”

Everyone pitches in to keep the business running smoothly. Lynn, who met Thomas V when they were just kids, and was “part of it all from the beginning,” runs the ranch office and still does all the accounting. Daughter

John Coleman Locke J.D. Hudgins Inc.

Madalynn Saunders Saunders Ranch

Leslie works in marketing, and tends to the website and social media for Saunders Ranch.

By profession, daughter Madalynn is a livestock risk protection advisor and uses her skills to assist in the calendar of operations for their own livestock, alongside her father, as well as help with risk management decisions.

CREATIVITY & INNOVATION: GRAHAM LAND & CATTLE CO.

Josh Gray, Graham Land & Cattle’s financial manager, worked in the Gonzales-based feedyard during summers and then returned after college more than 15 years ago. His family goes way back in this operation: Josh’s father, Jay, was once general manager and his grandfather was involved with the business prior to 1987, when it was Harrell Cattle Co.

“There’s so many aspects of cattle ranching that have been wildly fulfilling, it’s difficult to say what my favorite would be,” Gray says. “I think there is a special kind of enjoyment in working with individuals to solve difficult problems and make this operation function with the resources we’re given. Day in and day out, we have a responsibility to care for these

animals and I consider it a joy to get to work with the people around me.”

Cattle are fed under the guidance of a beef cattle nutritionist who gets creative to repurpose things humans cannot eat to meet the animal’s individual nutritional needs. For example, brewer’s grain sourced from local breweries is transformed from an unwanted byproduct of the beer-making process into a nutritionally-dense ingredient mixed with steamflaked corn, rice bran, cotton seed and other ingredients personalized for cattle.

Gray says formulating rations for the cattle in their feedyard is as much a science as it is an art. Bunk riders inspect the pens each day to measure how much feed the cows leave “on the table” so to speak. This helps the team adjust the amount of feed and reduce waste. Cattle at Graham also sport individual identification tags tracking feed intake and overall health of each individual animal.

The feedyard recycles manure to make their own fertilizer, and tests the soil regularly to meet environmental requirements. According to Gray, these innovations are part of the bigger picture that keep Graham Land & Cattle going. T C

2022 Grassmanship Scholarship Winner

Sarah Harris is a freelance writer who splits her time between Austin and her family’s ranch near Tilden.

Josh Gray Graham Land & Cattle

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TSCRA

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE $182,000 FROM DISASTER RELIEF FUND

In December, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association announced $182,000 in donations through its Disaster Relief Fund to 37 volunteer fire departments in disaster declared counties throughout Texas.

The funding supports resources, equipment and training for volunteer fire departments to ensure they can quickly and more efficiently suppress rangeland wildfires. A complete list of donation recipients is on page 25.

“Volunteer fire departments are the first line of defense when catastrophic wildfires occur and have a critical role in protecting rangeland, communities and cattle raisers alike,” said Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Arthur Uhl. “We are proud to provide funds that can have a long-term impact on rural communities and the agriculture industry.”

Donations were made possible through contributions from individuals and businesses across the U.S. to the association’s Disaster Relief Fund, and follow donations to affected ranchers earlier this spring. This support comes after more than 650,000 acres of rangeland burned throughout the state of Texas in 2022, impacting thousands of cattle producers.

The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Disaster Relief Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization providing emergency, short-term financial assistance to meet a variety of needs related to natural disasters.

Seven TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund award recipients were honored Nov. 28 during a luncheon in Kingsville. Pictured from left: John Davis, Nueces County; Jose Mendietta, Kenedy County; JJ Adame, City of Kingsville; Rick Salinas, City of Kingsville; Homar Perez, Southern Brooks; Ruben Hernandez, Kenedy County; Brandon Harris, Kleberg County; Michael Clack, Nueces County; Stephanie Simmons, Nueces County; and Ruben Ramirez, Falfurrias.

The Paradise Volunteer Fire Department was among those awarded donations through TSCRA’s Disaster Relief Fund. Pictured, from left, are: Brittany Bruton, Grady Bruton, Nathan Doughty, Cade Goodman, James Howarth, Cole Harris, Jonathan Buchholz, Chris Harris and Nathan Wilson.

Additional volunteer fire department recipients, from left, include: Craig Barton, Christoval; Randy Wood, Fort McKavett; Jimmy Barton, Christoval; David McIntyre, Wall; pictured with TSCRA President Arthur Uhl and Special Ranger H.D. Brittain.

RESPONDING TO THE CALL

Fire departments awarded donations through TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund.

• Benbolt Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Callisburg Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Christoval Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc.

• City of Kingsville Fire Dept.

• D'Hanis Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Dublin Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Escobares Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Fort McKavett Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc.

• Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Greenwood Slidell Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Huckabay Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Iowa Park Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Kenedy County Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Kleberg County Fire Rescue

• Lone Camp Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Miami/Roberts County Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Moss Lake Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Muenster Volunteer Fire Dept.

• North Hood County Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Nueces County Emergency Service Districts #1 and #3

• Olden Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Palo Pinto Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Paradise Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Proctor Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Rising Star Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Rocksprings/Edwards County Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Southern Brooks Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Sparta Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Tioga Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Troy Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Valera Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Wall Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc.

• Wingate Volunteer Fire Dept.

• Wise County Emergency Service District #1

TSCRA WELCOMES SPRING INTERNS

Five interns joined the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association team for a spring semester internship experience. Logan Lankford and Maddie Riley are based in Austin; Lainye Meador, Hannah Scarborough and Annie Sulpizio are based in the association’s Fort Worth office.

Name: Logan Lankford

City: Wolfe City

School: Texas A&M University

Major: Agricultural Leadership & Development

Logan Lankford is from Wolfe City, where his family has been involved in agriculture for more than five generations. His roots go back to Oliver Loving of the Goodnight Loving Trail. Today, they run a cow-calf and feeder calf herd, as well as operate a family cotton gin. He is a junior at Texas A&M University, studying agricultural leadership and development, with a minor in business.

Name: Lainye Meador

City: Canyon

School: West Texas A&M University

Major: Agribusiness & Economics

A native of Canyon, Lainye Meador is a West Texas A&M University junior majoring in agribusiness and economics, with a minor in animal science. She is involved in many campus activities, including Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Chi Omega sorority. She is also a member of Rise Ministries, and an agricultural ambassador for the department of agricultural sciences.

Name: Maddie Riley

City: Richards

School: Texas Tech University

Major: Agricultural Communications & Journalism

Maddie Riley is a sophomore at Texas Tech University, studying agricultural communications and journalism, with minors in animal science and political science. She is a member of the Texas Tech Ranch Horse Team, which has been recognized with multiple state, national and world championships. She is also a member of Texas Tech’s President’s Select, giving tours, working events and representing the university.

A crossbreeding program for commercial beef producers

Name: Hannah Scarborough

City: Decatur

School: West Texas A&M University

Degree: Agricultural Media & Communications

From Decatur, Hannah Scarborough has a great passion for agriculture, as her family roots run five generations deep in the cattle industry. Her greatgrandfather was a partner in Vann-Roach Cattle Co. in Fort Worth. Her father currently owns and operates Decatur Livestock Market. A graduate of West Texas A&M University, she holds a bachelor’s of science in agricultural media and communications, and a minor in agricultural business and economics.

Name: Annie Sulpizio

City: Yuma, Arizona

School: Texas Tech University

Major: Agricultural Communications & Animal Science

Annie Sulpizio was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona, surrounded by cattle and livestock her entire life. She is currently a sophomore at Texas Tech University, pursing dual degrees in agricultural communications and animal science, with a concentration in production. She has previously interned with Texas Beef Council and been involved with Agriculture Future of America and Texas Tech Cattlewomen’s Association.

The American Red program is a strategic cross that provides the beef industry with a unique blend of maternal traits, adaptability, growth, hybrid vigor and marbling in a heat-tolerant, red hide.

To learn more or to enroll, please contact Chessie Mitchell, RAAA tag program coordinator, at tags@redangus.org

BACK TO THE BASICS g Rocking Rocking R R Chair Ranch Chair Ranch

Ranching 101 session will offer a refresher on beef cattle fundamentals.

In the dynamic business of raising cattle, it can be beneficial to take a look back at the basics. During this month’s Ranching 101 at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will host a virtual session titled, “So you want to be a rancher?”

Webinar attendees can expect to learn the fundamentals of a successful cattle program from speaker Jason Cleere, Ph.D., associate professor and beef cattle specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Interested members can register by scanning the QR code.

Cleere is stationed at Texas A&M University in College Station, where he develops and implements Extension educational programs to increase production efficiency and profitability of Texas beef cattle producers. He also serves as coordinator of the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, which attracts more than 1,800 participants to campus each August. He has been a faculty member in the department of animal science for 20 years.

Cleere received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Texas A&M University in 1997, his master’s in animal science with an emphasis in beef cattle production from Texas A&M University in 1998, and his doctorate in animal science with an emphasis in beef cattle genetics and management from Texas Tech University in August 2002.

From September 2002-May 2005, he served as a beef cattle specialist for East Texas based at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton.

Cleere received the Texas A&M Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence as an Extension specialist in 2017 and on two separate occasions for his performance as a member of an Extension team. The Texas County Agricultural Agents Association has also recognized Cleere as the Specialist of the Year.

Cleere is a member of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, American Society of Animal Science, Independent Cattlemen’s Association and American Shorthorn Association, and owns a purebred cattle operation near Madisonville. T C

Hereford bulls for Sale by Private treaty and select consignment sales

Raising Registered Herefords since 1965 .

We pride ourselves with the intense selection pressure, we put on our cow herd. Fertility, sound udders, and structural correctness are the cornerstones.

Come select a bull to build your F-1 females

Upcoming sales

• February 15, San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo All Breeds Registered Range Bull Sale

Selling Range bulls, open Hereford heifers and RCR influenced bred Brangus heifers

• March 1, Houston All Breeds Registered Range Bull Sale

Selling Range bulls, open Hereford heifers and RCR influenced bred Brangus heifers

Loyd Whitehead, Owner

Randy Wood (325) 396-5526

Ft. McKavett, TX 76841 (call for directions)

www.therockingchairranch.com

Jason Cleere Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

INDUSTRY BRIEFS

TEXAS BEEF COUNCIL ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Texas Beef Council announced its board of directors for fiscal year 2023, which officially began Oct. 1.

The 20 directors represent various agriculture industry sectors and associations from across the state, and kicked off the year with the first meeting of the Texas Beef Council and the Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas on Nov. 16.

The 2023 board of directors includes the following individuals, each listed with their hometown and beef industry sector and/or association affiliation:

Executive Committee:

• Pat McDowell, chairman; Shamrock; Texas Farm Bureau

• Fred Schuetze, vice chairman; Granbury; purebred

• Dan Gattis, immediate past chairman; Georgetown; Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assoc.

• Brian Malaer, Harwood; Independent Cattlemen's Assoc.

• Shannon Treichel, Canyon; at-large

Directors:

• Brandon Cutrer, Wharton; purebred

• Ty deCordova, Groesbeck; Livestock Marketing Assoc. of Texas

• Neil Dudley, Hamilton; Southwest Meat Assoc.

• Leslie Kinsel, Cotulla; Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assoc.

• Amy Kirkland, Vega; Texas Cattle Feeders Assoc.

• Sarah McKenzie, Pecos County; Texas Farm Bureau

• Pat Shields, Bryan; at-large

• Marsha Shoemaker, Bellevue; Texas CattleWomen

• Mark Sustaire, Winnsboro; dairy

• Richard Winter, Canyon; Texas Cattle Feeders Assoc.

• Chloe Wilson, Sabinal; Independent Cattlemen's Assoc.

First-term Directors:

• Klazina de Boer, Dublin; dairy

• Dane Elliott , Pawnee; Texas Farm Bureau

• Gilly Riojas, Corpus Christi; Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assoc.

• Brandi Richards, Hereford; Texas Cattle Feeders Assoc.

USMEF CONFERENCE EXAMINES EXPORT OUTLOOK

The U.S. Meat Export Federation Strategic Planning Conference was held Nov. 9-11 in Oklahoma City, attracting farmers, ranchers, processors and exporters from throughout the nation.

While U.S. red meat exports will likely set a value record approaching $20 billion this year, the industry faces obstacles related to the sluggish global economy, weakening currencies of key trading partners and COVID’s lingering effects. Challenges are also mounting on the production side, especially for livestock producers impacted by drought.

Keynote speaker Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, detailed the larger-than-expected contraction of the U.S. cattle herd, which helped drive U.S. beef production and exports to record highs in 2022, but will be a significant constraint for exporters next year. The drought has also heightened production costs for cattle feeders.

“If you’re putting an animal in a feedyard anywhere in the Central Plains — let’s say Kansas or Oklahoma — your cost to put on a pound of gain is between $1.30-$1.40,” Blach explained. “We have not seen that historically, not even back in 2008, when we had the ethanol mandate and for a period of time, corn was at $8.00 per bushel. This is an interesting time, when the market needs more corn and where it’s needed most, the corn just isn't there.”

Blach also highlighted the remarkable efficiency and sustainability of the U.S. beef industry, which he maintains is well-positioned for success, even in this challenging environment.

“Whenever I ask an audience, ‘who's the biggest beef producer in the world?’ — everyone says Brazil, because it has 300 million cattle,” Blach said. “But we’re producing more beef than Brazil with only onethird the number of cattle. Why? Because of our highquality, grain-fed beef. The U.S. has the best carbon footprint of anybody on the list of top beef producers,

CattleFax CEO Randy Blach addresses the crowd at the U.S. Meat Export Federation Strategic Planning Conference. Courtesy photo.

because of the way our production systems work and the amount of production that we get on a per-head basis.”

Blach added that the U.S. achieved record beef production in 2022 with 30 million fewer cattle than in the 1970s.

U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom gave members an update on yearto-date export results and his outlook for coming months. While challenging times lie ahead, Halstrom highlighted the importance of market diversification in keeping beef exports on a record pace through the first three quarters of 2022.

He listed several mounting obstacles for U.S. exports, including global inflation, ongoing supply chain challenges and the strengthening U.S. dollar. As an example, Halstrom noted that devaluation of the Japanese yen has pushed prices for U.S. meat products 30% higher than a year ago in an extremely competitive market.

Market diversification has long been a top priority for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and Halstrom praised the U.S. industry’s commitment to developing new and emerging markets for red meat exports. He noted that the often-tense U.S.China relationship underscores the importance of this strategy. Halstrom explained while China is a major U.S. red meat customer, on pace to purchase $4 billion in U.S. beef and pork this year, the U.S. is not nearly as dependent on China as most other suppliers.

“Uruguay exports 58% of its beef production to China, New Zealand 44%, Brazil 18% and Australia 14%,” Halstrom said. “But even with our recent growth, just 3% of U.S. beef production is exported to China.”

CATTLE RAISERS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 school year. The application and information on qualifications can be found online at cattleraisersmuseum.com or by calling 817-332-8551.

Applications must be received Feb. 3.

Since 2004, the foundation has awarded almost $852,000 in scholarships to deserving students pursuing degrees in agriculture or agriculturerelated programs. In 2022, the foundation awarded 27 scholarships totaling $75,500, the largest amount it’s granted in a single year. T C

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS

All rights reserved. Each office independently owned and operated. An Equal Housing Opportunity Company.

©2023 Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS ® All rights reserved. Each office independently owned and operated. An Equal Housing Opportunity Company.

OBITUARIES

DR. GLENN PAUL BLODGETT , 73, of Guthrie, died Nov. 20.

Born on Dec. 21, 1948, Blodgett’s fondest childhood memory was getting his first horse, “Smokey,” when he was 10 years old.

After high school, he attended Texas Tech University for one year before transferring to Oklahoma State University, where he received a bachelor’s in animal science. He completed veterinary school at Texas A&M University in 1974 and began working at the Spur Veterinary Hospital. Two years later, he opened Hansford County Veterinary Hospital.

In 1982, Anne Marion of Burnett Ranches approached Blodgett to work as the resident veterinarian and manager for the Four Sixes Ranch horse division. Through their partnership, they developed a worldclass, multi-tiered operation with some of the most elite race, performance and working ranch horses in the world.

Under his leadership, the Four Sixes Ranch became an industry leader in reproduction, breeding more than 1,500 mares annually. The ranch became an alltime leading breeder of both racing and performance American Quarter Horses, and in 1993, won the American Quarter Horse Association’s Best Remuda Award.

Blodgett is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Blodgett; two daughters, Buffie Guynes and Brandie (Blodgett) Mustian (Mike); grandchildren Claire Guynes, Rebecca Guynes, Catherine Guynes, Myla Mustian and Maddox Mustian; sister, Marilyn Cline; brother-in-law, Ronnie Wright (Lelia); and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

EDGAR DALE HERRING , 91, of Talpa, died Nov. 20.

Herring was born Nov. 20, 1931, in Santa Anna to Edgar Otto Herring and Cora Belle (Dancer) Herring.

He graduated from Talpa High School in 1949 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955.

Herring attended Tech Technological College from 1955-1959 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry. He married Arletta Jane Sides, of DeLeon, June 13, 1964.

A fourth-generation cattle and sheep rancher, Herring was a member of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and lifelong practitioner of environmental stewardship, receiving multiple Texas conservation awards.

Herring is survived by his son, Andy Dale Herring (Kimberly), of Franklin; daughter Angelita DeAnn (Herring) Stephenson (Jerry Don), of Talpa; five grandchildren, James Herring Stephenson, of Stephenville, Sydney Renee Herring, of Houston, Shelbi Paige Stephenson, of Talpa, Cole Edward Herring, of Fort Stockton, and Allie Dale Herring, of Lubbock; brotherin-law and sister-in-law, Sherman and Joyce Sides, of DeLeon; and nephews, Bradley Sides and Brandon Sides.

W.R.

“BOB” WATT

JR., 88, of Fort Worth, died Nov. 9.

For 33 years, Watt served as the president and general manager of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, more commonly known as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

Watt began part-time work at the stock show in 1955, pitching in between college semesters when he was studying animal husbandry at Oklahoma State University. He was elected to the organization’s board of directors in 1958, and remained on the governing body for 64 years.

During his tenure, Watt played a critical role in an era of growth and improvements at the stock show’s home, the Will Rogers Memorial Center, that was pivotal in Fort Worth’s emergence as the nation’s premier location for livestock and equestrian competitions.

Ranching was another vocation that fulfilled Watt’s life. From a young age, he devoted considerable time on his family’s Watt Ranch in Throckmorton County. He oversaw the cow-calf operation for more than 50 years with a strong devotion and passion for stewardship of the land and livestock under his careful watch.

Watt also served as a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association honorary vice president.

He is survived by his wife, Jerri Anne Watt; daughter, Susan Watt; stepson, Mike McCrary (Erica); brother, Tom Watt (Betty); seven grandchildren; one greatgranddaughter; and two nephews. T C

To learn more about membership, scan the code above or visit TSCRA.org.

DISTRICT 1 — NORTH TEXAS

Bulls missing in Montague County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Chris Ward reports two Angus bulls missing approximately five miles south of Bowie. The bulls are around 4-5 years old and have a circle with three spokes brand on the left shoulder. They were last seen in spring 2022. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Ward at 806-205-0119.

DISTRICT 2 — TEXAS & OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE

Calves missing in Beckham County, Oklahoma.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Ben Eggleston reports nine black Angus calves missing from a pasture north of Elk City, Oklahoma. The missing steers and heifers weigh approximately 600 pounds, and have red handwritten tags in the left ear.

Bull missing in Lipscomb County.

Eggleston also reports one registered black Angus bull missing near Darrouzett. The bull is branded with -L on the left hip.

Horse missing in Montague County.

The special ranger reports an 18-year-old Percheron gelding missing. Last seen Oct. 23, the horse is paint colored and approximately 17.1 hands tall. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Eggleston at 806-852-4741.

DISTRICT 11 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Yearlings missing near Italy.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Robert Pemberton reports 45 crossbred yearlings missing. The cattle weigh approximately 400-600 pounds and some are branded with CJ7 on the left hip.

Tractor missing near Aubrey.

Pemberton also reports a blue New Holland T1530 tractor with a loader and 4-foot John Deere mower attached. The serial number of the tractor is ZBNBA1158 and the serial number of the loader attachment is Y7M021891. The tractor was last seen Oct. 29. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Pemberton at 903-450-3900.

DISTRICT 19 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Ewes missing near Sonora.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger H.D. Brittain reports 50 Rambouillet and Suffolk ewes missing. The sheep were last seen Sept. 5.

Equipment stolen in San Angelo.

Brittain also reports three camo-colored John Deere Gators, a John Deere tractor, a John Deere lawn mower and one John Deere air compressor stolen from South Plains Implement. Two of the missing Gators are singlecab 2022 models and the third is a 2017 crew cab with a mounted air compressor. The vin numbers of the Gators are: 1M083MALPM060186, 1M083MALPM060190 and 1M0825GFJHM130484. The equipment was last seen on Oct. 15. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Brittain at 325-853-2062.

DISTRICT 25 — SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Bull missing near Goliad.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Robert Fields reports one black Limousin bull missing. Last seen Oct. 27, the bull is approximately 7 years old and branded with a connected 24 on the right hip. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Fields at 361-207-5207.

DISTRICT 26 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Heifers missing in Kerr County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger J.T. Jennings reports seven black AngusWagyu heifers missing from a pasture east of Comfort. Last seen Sept. 1, the heifers have yellow ear tags in the left ear with No. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Jennings at 830-997-7585. T C

TSCRA offers a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and/or grand jury indictment of individuals for theft of livestock or related property. Anonymity is guaranteed. To provide information, call the Operation Cow Thief tip line at 817-916-1775.

Jordan Cattle Auction…

Where Cattlemen Come to Buy and Sell!

Special Replacement Female Sales

Saturday,Jan.21@10:00a.m.–SanSaba ConsignmentsWelcome!

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Special Bull Sales

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Thursday,Jan.12@10:00a.m.–SanSaba

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Thursday,Feb.9@10:00a.m.–SanSaba

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Shelby Trailer Service LLC 282066 E 1790 Rd

Comanche, OK 73529

Quality products since 1999 www.shelbytrailer.com

Shelby Trailer Service, LLC manufactures products from 100% recycled tire rubber and plastics. Shelby offers many styles of flooring for all your trailers; horse, livestock, equipment, and truck beds. Options are Shelby original cross lug livestock board, 2”x8”, tongue and groove traction board 1.5”x 7” and 2”x8” plank traction board, all in lengths up to 24’ long.

Theft & Law

DEFENDANT - TERRY LOUISE O'NEILL

Date of Birth: Dec. 13, 1954

Offense: Theft of Livestock

Date of Offense: Aug. 18, 2021

Victim: Seguin Cattle Co.

Location of Offense: Guadalupe County

Trial Date: June 8, 2022

Trial Court: 274th District Court

Plea: Guilty

Sentence: Four years, deferred adjudication

Fine: $1,669

Community Service: 80 hours

TSCRA Special Ranger: Robert Fields T C

PERPETUATING PROFIT

By Sarah Hill

While a cattle operation is a wonderful legacy and livelihood for many families, at the end of the day, it is a business. That means it must be sustainable and profitable.

Accomplishing both can be challenging in today’s economic environment, but attitude and mindset can help, according to Mallory Vestal, Ph.D., associate professor of agricultural business and economics at West Texas A&M University.

“There’s no one way to make your operation profitable — it’s a combination of things,” says Vestal, who was a recent speaker during Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s Ranching 101 webinar series.

Of course, total revenue is a result of where the dollars coming from, the price received for cattle sold and the number of cattle sold. Understanding the relationship of price with variable and fixed costs can help make adjustments to build profitability.

“You have to have a plan, be purposeful and be able to pivot in order to perpetuate profit,” Vestal says. “There’s no roadmap with a 100%, one-size-fits-all plan for cowcalf operators.”

Everyone will eventually face some kind of challenge or time of adversity making it hard to sustain their cowcalf operation. But how those challenges are handled proves whether or not the ranch remains in business for the long haul.

INITIAL STEPS

There are several areas that can make or break profitability, Vestal says, including recordkeeping, the breeding season and conception rates, marketing strategy, and an overall vision for the operation’s shortand long-term plans.

“What does profitability look like for your operation?” Vestal asks. “Is it breaking even, or increasing your revenue by a certain amount each year?”

Photos by Kayla Jennings

Building blocks of success in any cattle market.

Ranching

Ranching

Among the most critical pieces of the profitability puzzle is recordkeeping. She says it is important to understand the motivation behind keeping records — is it only for tax purposes? Or are the records influencing management decisions?

Vestal recommends using record-keeping software, but there is a difference between just collecting data and having valuable information, and savvy cattlemen should know and understand the difference.

“Recordkeeping is critical for many reasons, but it depends on what type of operation you’re running,” says Max Westheimer, enterprise account executive with AgriWebb, a livestock ranch management software company. “For cow-calf operations, maybe it’s important to keep records to see the performance of your cows each year, so you know which cows to cull based on pregnancy rates, weaning weights or birth weights.”

Westheimer notes that as margins become tighter, data can be used as an insurance policy to gain insights for future generations to set up the operation for long-term success and sustainability.

“In a stocker operation, a lot of value can be realized assigning daily gains to individual animals and seeing how their actual weights matched up with your estimations,” Westheimer says. “If you’re not weighing them, or don’t have access to infrastructure to catch weights as frequently, you may not be able to take advantage of various market conditions.”

Essential data to include in records include input and feed costs, veterinary treatment and expenses, overall production calendar, calving dates and how long bulls were out with cows.

Are conception rates 75% or higher? If not, why not? What changes could boost conception rates?

Data can also be especially beneficial during transition periods for operations to take advantage of opportunities to capture premiums or sell to a certain supply chain.

“If they’ve never done it before, the operator isn’t going to have a whole lot of information on what that looks like, but keeping that information can help determine if it was successful or a bust,” he says. “You can’t manage what you can’t measure, and if you’re measuring something incorrectly, you’ll also end up managing incorrectly.”

MARKET WISELY

Having a solid game plan for when and how to market animals can make all the difference in an operation’s bottom line.

Vestal says the majority of calves in the region arrive to market in October-December.

With this in mind, small changes in the production window could bring greater returns. Cattle are like any other commodity, so there are better or worse times to sell or buy. It pays to have data to influence these decisions.

“If it’s a good time to sell cull cows, a cattle producer may not know which cows to cull,” Westheimer says. “Or maybe they need to sell steers at a certain weight or right after weaning in order to recoup costs.”

Adding value, when possible, either through preconditioning, verification programs or other branded opportunities, can result in additional premiums and higher prices at sale time.

“If you’re eligible for a program, yes, it will take more paperwork, but that investment of time, energy and effort is a small way to differentiate your product,” Vestal says.

Westheimer compares cattle marketing to the financial markets.

“If you take advantage of market opportunities, pay attention to the news and innovations in the market, you’ll be able to make more money with what

YOU R SAFET Y

you have,” he says. “Cattle production is no different. You’re trying to make more money or make small improvements to grow the business.”

CAST A VISION

Short- and long-term plans are necessary, and Vestal recommends writing down both to share with anyone involved in the operation.

“The number one way to make a goal unsuccessful is not sharing it,” she says. “By sharing your goals, someone else knows what you’re working toward.”

Business objectives should be set annually, and tactical decisions in the short-term plan can help lead to strategic long-term goals.

Vestal also encourages cattle raisers to include a stretch objective, one goal that the operation and employees have to set the bar a little higher.

A written budget is also a fundamental piece of ranch planning, Vestal says. She likens a budget outline to a hot-wire fence for the cows — everything fits within its parameters.

Other important considerations include monthly cashflow worksheets, income and expense projections, planned or projected capital expenses, and risk management.

“There are many tools available to help with each of these areas,” Vestal says. “A cow has to generate revenue, and producers need to have a clear picture of what it costs to run that cow, including expenses on vehicles, feed, etc.”

Recordkeeping and planning can also be helpful in a transition scenario, according to Westheimer. Having daily records is an easy way to arm the next generation with valuable data to make the operation better, more efficient and sustainable.

An estimated 11% of U.S. family farms have a transition plan in place. Think about what could change in the next 50 years and what is needed to protect profits for future generations.

“You also need to develop people,” Vestal says. “Are you teaching your kids why you do things a certain way? Are you building your bench with strong decision makers who can keep your operation profitable in the future?”

In all things, remembering the why is also important. Cattle raisers are protecting their legacy while setting the operation up for profitability — now and in the future.

At Cactus Feeders The Cattle Come First, and Our Cattle Feeding Customers are the Core of Our Business

Get to know the individuals who make Cactus Feeders a success.

Cactus Feedyard

Matthew Turney, Manager Cactus, TX cell: (806) 282-7077

Rusty Jackson, Manager Ulysses, KS cell: (806) 773-9457

Frontier Feedyard

Ross Kelso, Manager Spearman, TX cell: (806) 662-4741

Stratford Feedyard

Pistol Audrain, Manager Stratford, TX cell: (806) 753-7133

At Cactus, our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) makes each employee an owner of the company. They think like owners and take care of the cattle like owners. That’s the secret to what has made Cactus Feeders a success, and that will continue to make us successful tomorrow.

Southwest Feedyard

Kacey Graham, Manager Hereford, TX cell: (806) 316-8799

Hale Center Feedyard

David Watts, Manager Hale Center, TX cell: (806) 202-0209

Ulysses Feedyard

Adam Gerrond, Manager Ulysses, KS cell:(806) 390-9034

Wolf Creek Feedyard

Keith Brinson, Manager Perryton, TX cell:(806) 282-7588

Wrangler Feedyard

Randy Shields, Manager Tulia, TX cell: (806) 290-0559

Syracuse Feedyard

Phil Moreman, Manager Syracuse, KS cell: (806) 340-4790

DETAILS ON DROUGHT: THE CREEPING DISASTER

Expert sheds light on the ever-present threat.

By Chrissy Fly

Abiologist by training, Chad McNutt found his passion at the intersection of livestock and atmospheric science. Earlier this year, the drought expert joined TSCRA Talk Host Kristen Brown for a discussion on drought — and how cattle raisers can stay informed and be prepared for this constant concern.

McNutt started his career at the home of the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, studying the early warning signs of drought. His father worked in the cattle business for a long time, and McNutt knew one day he wanted to help relay weather and climate information to livestock producers.

In 2017, he founded Livestock Wx to accomplish just that. Naturally, the state of drought conditions is a topic he covers frequently.

To begin, McNutt said drought can be tricky to define. An online survey once uncovered around 150 definitions to describe the phenomenon.

“The bottom line: Drought is a deficit of moisture over a given period of time,” he said. “You can look at drought in a lot of different time frames — weeks to months, and years — and that really gets to the type of impact.”

McNutt said one of the most difficult things about drought is that it is unavoidable.

Especially in Texas and across the Southwest, it is rarely a question of whether or not, but rather when and for how long. For generations, this has caused many sleepless nights for cattle raisers managing grass production, water supply and soil moisture.

WHAT’S AHEAD

Still feeling the impact of 2022’s extreme heat and drought conditions, McNutt said much of the coming year will depend on how the winter fares.

“As we head into perhaps a third year of La Nina, which is very uncommon, we really need to watch to see what happens in the winter and spring,” he said. “If that’s going to result in a dry winter and spring, then there’s a good chance we’re going to have another hot summer next year.”

Exacerbating drought conditions lead to an overall increase in temperatures. McNutt pointed to Texas, where the summer temperatures keep rising. Of the 10 hottest summers on record in the state, he said six of them have occurred since 1980.

“If we are seeing higher summer temperatures and get a dry year all of a sudden, it just makes it worse,” he said. “Then you can get a situation where it [drought] starts re-enforcing itself.”

Record heat bakes the ground and evaporates moisture from plants and soils. This evaporation typically aids in keeping temperatures a bit cooler, but when a situation occurs where there is no more moisture to evaporate, the result is extremely high temperatures and further baking of plants and the soil.

It’s a reinforcing loop that continues until muchneeded rains begin to fall. That could mean weeks, months or seasons-long periods of limited moisture.

Even though a drought can take a lot of time to develop, it can seem like it takes even longer to dissipate. There’s no straight answer for when a drought is considered over, but McNutt said it mainly goes back to the time scale and how it’s being monitored.

ON THE DEFENSE

Like the old saying goes, it is wise to plan for the worst and hope for the best when it comes to drought preparation and planning.

“You can’t prevent drought, but you can build resistance and lessen the impacts,” McNutt said. “Keeping a healthy ecosystem on your ranches, on your landscape, is the best defense. Also, having multiple water strategies and developing it where you can.”

While it may seem like common sense, avoiding overgrazing and not compacting the soil can make a considerable difference as to how the land withstands, and rebounds from, drought.

Looking back at history and areas of the ranch that have been previously affected by extreme dry conditions can go a long way, too. Tracking things like

long-term soil moisture and grass growth can set a baseline for how to monitor and improve. It can be as simple as putting out a few extra rain gauges across the ranch.

“To track conditions on your place, you want to have your own rain gauges out there,” McNutt said. “The technology is there these days to help log it for you.”

When signals show a looming dry spell, keep the drought management plan handy and ready to place into action. McNutt said it’s beneficial to have a written plan answering questions about what will happen with the herd in year one, two or three of extreme dry conditions.

Most of all, be aware and prepared.

“They call drought the creeping disaster because it can surprise you,” McNutt said. “It is slow to evolve, and if you are not monitoring conditions, it can surprise you. I encourage everyone to keep abreast of what’s going on.”

To listen to more of the conversation, download TSCRA Talk via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. T C

Chrissy Fly is a freelance writer and graduate student at Oklahoma State University.

WHAT PLANT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY?

By Kent Ferguson

Photo by

Found growing throughout Texas and the Central Plains, Hairy grama is a native warmseason perennial short grass.

This plant:

• Grows in clumps and reaches 6-20 inches tall.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

• Seeds that are close together and compressed on the spikelet that resemble teeth on a small comb.

• Is often confused with Blue grama, but on a closer look, there are hairs on the lower leaf margins of the Hairy grama. Blue grama also lack the stinger appearance, but is more palatable.

• Is a blue-green color in early stages, and turns to straw or gray as it becomes dormant.

• Has leaves that are 2-8 inches long, 1/16 inch wide and grow closely to its base.

• Produces a raceme seedhead with 1-4 spikelets projecting outward from the main axis, which tend to curve as they mature. A distinct projection occurs that resembles a wasp stinger and will be 3/8 inch past the seed — giving it a hairy appearance, hence the name.

Hairy grama is considered fair grazing for livestock, although it is not well liked by most wildlife. Turkeys have been known to strip the seeds in tough times.

When found growing in large quantities on rangelands, Hairy grama can be an indicator of overstocking. It will crowd out more desirable forage species within heavily grazed pastures. T C

Hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta)

Benny Simpson,

Kent Ferguson, a retired rangeland management specialist from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides plant identification photo stories to help ranchers.

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BQA TIP: AVOID ACIDOSIS

Rumen acidosis is a condition occurring in cattle when potential hydrogen, or pH, in the rumen drops too low for normal function and microbial growth. It can lead to reduced animal weight, liver abscesses, foot abscesses, founder and even death.

Acidosis is most often caused by a sudden increase in feeds containing a large amount of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates — such as wheat, barley, corn, oats, grain sorghum, wheat midds, rice bran, soybean hulls and similar feedstuffs.

To help prevent acidosis, it is important to gradually increase the amount of these feeds in the diet. Also, feeding whole corn is safer than steam-flaked corn. T C

Photo by Cami Froneberger

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY GROWS TEXAS

Farms,

ranches cultivate the state’s economy.

By Lisa Minton and Astrid Alvarado

Photos by Jerod Foster

Agriculture is a big part of the Texas economy. Farming and ranching operations can be found in every corner of the state, from citrus crops in the Rio Grande Valley to cotton in the High Plains — and in between, there are rice paddies in the Coastal Plains, cattle and sheep ranches in West Texas and timber harvesting in the pineywoods of East Texas.

Agriculture existed in Texas long before European settlers arrived. Caddo tribes in the eastern part of the state grew corn, beans and squash, as detailed by the Texas State Historical Association. Pueblo tribes in the west not only cultivated food crops, but also grew cotton and developed irrigation techniques. Early Spanish settlers introduced hogs, goats, sheep and cattle.

As other settlers arrived, they established farming and ranching operations, ranging from small family farms to large cotton plantations and cattle ranches. Since those days, Texas agriculture has changed significantly.

Advanced cultivation practices, improved seed varieties, mechanization and the introduction of electricity and paved roads have contributed to the modernization and expansion of the state’s agricultural industry, which produced $24.9 billion in cash receipts in 2021 — about 5.7% of the U.S. total and the fourth highest among all states.

According to USDA, Texas has around 247,000 farms — 12.3% of the U.S. total and by far the most of any state (Figure 1). The state’s 126 million acres of farmland is 14.1% of the U.S. total and more than twice that of secondranked Montana.

One of the reasons Texas has so much more farmland than other states is that USDA defines ranches as farmland — nearly 70% of Texas’ farmland belongs to our state’s ranches. The 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture, a survey conducted every five years, estimates the percentage of Texas farmland acreage by use:

TOP 5 STATES, NUMBER OF FARMS, 2021

Source: USDA Economic Research Service and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

The 2017 USDA census also estimates that of the 408,506 Texas agriculture producers, 61.8% were male, and 38.2% were female. The average age of all Texas agriculture producers is 59.2 years old, 1.7 years older than the national average.

TOP COMMODITIES & EXPORTS

As might be expected, cattle are Texas’ top agricultural commodity, with a 40.4% share of cash receipts — more than three times that of milk, the second highest. Texas’ top three agricultural commodities — cattle, milk and broilers — represented nearly two-thirds of the state’s total agricultural cash receipts in 2021 (Figure 2).

USDA valued Texas agricultural exports at $5.8 billion in 2020, the sixth highest total in the U.S., following California, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska — ranked first through fifth, respectively. Texas’ top five agricultural exports were:

1. Cotton ($1.7 billion; ranked No. 1 among all states)

2. Beef and veal ($1 billion; ranked No. 2)

3. Other plant products ($520.9 million; ranked No. 7)

4. Dairy products ($437.8 million; ranked No. 4)

5. Feeds (corn, sorghum, barley and oats) and other feed grains (such as hay and alfalfa) ($ 320.1 million; ranked No. 9)

TOP 5

Beyond Our Gates

According to a 2019 study by the Center for North American Studies at Texas A&M University, Canada and Mexico were the top foreign markets for Texas agricultural products in 2018. Total economic activity for Texas agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico was valued at more than $3.7 billion and supported 22,972 jobs.

Texas agricultural exports to Canada in 2018 totaled $903.3 million — $234 million in animal products and $669.3 million in plant products. The top three agricultural exports from Texas to Canada were:

1. O ther horticultural products, such as cut flowers, live trees and other ornamental plants ($266.6 million)

2. Beef and veal ($97.7 million)

3. Food preparation products, such as cake mixes, gravy packets and dried pasta ($69 million)

In 2018, Texas exports to Mexico totaled $863.3 million — $344.1 million in animal products and $519.2 million in plant products. The top three agricultural exports from Texas to Mexico were:

1. Cotton ($139.4 million)

2. Beef and veal ($138.7 million)

3. O ther horticultural products ($82.8 million)

Beyond Our Gates

ECONOMIC IMPACT

The agriculture industry in Texas involves more than just growing crops and raising animals; it includes many other economic activities forming the supply chain between farm and consumers.

The food and fiber system includes machinery repair, fertilizer production, food processing and manufacturing, transportation, wholesale distribution, retail sales and eating establishments. It also includes fabric, clothing and footwear produced from plant and animal fibers or hides. Certain financial, real estate, warehouse, transportation and other services related to agriculture, as well as labor, also are included in the wide array of inputs used to measure agriculture’s economic contributions.

Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Extension measures the economic impact of agriculture by determining its contribution to the state’s total gross domestic product. AgriLife estimated that in 2019, the Texas food and fiber system contributed $159.3 billion, about 8.6% of the state’s total GDP.

Nationwide, the food and fiber system’s share of the economy is less than in Texas. According to SelectUSA, agriculture, food and related industries contributed $1.1 trillion — a 5.2% share — to the U.S. GDP in 2019.

CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

Agriculture once required an enormous amount of labor to sustain production, but with modern capitalintensive practices and the increasing use of technology, the industry has become much more productive, while requiring a much smaller share of the labor force. While this economic transformation has resulted in greater food security and improved nutrition, today’s farmers and ranchers still face many challenges.

Agriculture increasingly relies on technology in its business operations, and in today’s high-tech world, having access to broadband connections is more important than ever.

Broadband is essential to the practice of precision agriculture, in which farmers use technology such as

GET

variable-rate input applications, GPS systems and remote sensors to perform soil mapping; operate irrigation systems; run autonomous machinery; and assist with data collection. These innovative techniques allow higher quality yields and increased production efficiency.

Technology also helps farmers reduce fuel and water usage, allowing for more sustainable operations. Additionally, an increasing number of farmers and ranchers are using wireless trackers to manage cattle and other livestock. This use of technology in agriculture, however, depends on access to a reliable broadband connection, and much of rural Texas remains without access.

According to a 2019 USDA study, 24 million Americans live in households without access to broadband, and 80% of them live in rural areas. In Texas, 25% of farms don’t have internet access. USDA noted that adequate

FROM YOUR PASTURES & RANGELAND

In key locations across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, Helena has branches staffed with people who can provide landowners, ranchers and wildlife enthusiasts with all their management needs.

For more information, contact your local Helena representative or visit HelenaAgri.com.

Beyond Our Gates

broadband infrastructure and other digital technologies in agriculture could add $47-$65 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

The Texas Broadband Plan, developed by the Broadband Development Office, includes the need to reach agriculture as an essential part of the effort to expand affordable, high-quality internet service statewide. The Broadband Development Office, created by the Legislature in 2021, is housed in the Comptroller’s office.

Over the past year, most of Texas — 245 of its 254 counties at one point — has been struggling with the worst drought since 2011, significantly affecting agriculture.

Cotton crops in the High Plains region, for example, have suffered tremendous losses: the entire production of dryland cotton and a significant portion of the irrigated crops. An August 2022 study by Texas Tech’s International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness anticipates a 65% loss of total cotton production in the region, costing $1.2 billion in losses in economic activity, even with crop insurance.

With so much of Texas under drought conditions, wildfires pose a serious threat to the state’s farms and ranches, damaging or destroying crops, livestock, agriculture production facilities, barns and homes. Between December 2021-August 2022, Texas A&M Forest Service crews responded to 1,725 wildfires burning nearly 600,000 acres. At time of writing, 118 counties have implemented burn bans, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Roughly one in every eight Texans faces food insecurity — limited or uncertain access to adequate food, as defined by the USDA — and the growth of Texas’ population highlights the need to address this issue. The state is expected to reach a population close to 50 million people by 2050, and farmers will continue to play a crucial role in providing affordable and accessible food to Texans.

Over that timeframe, the USDA estimates that the global demand for food will increase by 70-100%, taking into account growth in population and a rise in incomes.

TRADITION & OUTLOOK

Thousands of Texans run multi-generational farms and ranches. The 2017 Census of Agriculture found 97% of Texas farms were family farms.

In 2021, the Texas Department of Agriculture honored 57 family farms and ranches that have been in continuous agricultural production for a century or more. Many Texas families who have owned their farms for generations cite dedication to their communities as a driving factor for their perseverance.

While farming can be demanding, Texas farmers cite resilience, responsibility and humility as values of working in agriculture. Additionally, some Texas farmers say farming has given them a greater appreciation for the land and labor that provides crops and resources year round. Farmers with these values and work ethic will continue expanding and adapting their businesses to meet the changing needs of the public.

Today’s farmers and ranchers must be adaptable to changing conditions, including droughts, new technologies and the demand for more food as our population grows. They work hard to boost production, using often-limited resources, while meeting consumers’ changing tastes and expectations — and it is not an easy balancing act.

Farmers face many challenges. As more of the population moves to urban areas, affordable farm labor becomes more difficult to find. Water availability and soil conservation remain ongoing issues, as do issues related to property rights and eminent domain. Texas farmers have remained resilient through it all, however, and their hard work as stewards of our land has made Texas a leader in agriculture and food exports. T C

Lisa Minton and Astrid Alvarado authored this story on behalf of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

A LEGACY OF SERVICE

By Sarah Harris

Raised as the fifth generation on his family’s HK Ranch in Victoria County, Claude Koontz has known the value of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers membership his entire life.

Koontz’s late father, Henry Clay Koontz, was a prominent Red Brahman breeder and an active association member, also serving as a director. Koontz recalls attending several years of the Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo with his father, including the association’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1977.

After his father unexpectedly passed away in 1985, the family operation was forced to adapt and has continued to evolve over the years. The Red Brahman herd was sold in 1988 and today, the ranch has a commercial cow-calf herd and farming business.

The cattle are owned by an outside entity while the ranch manages the cattle. According to Koontz, this business model has proved successful for both the ranch and the cattle owner.

“We take responsibility for the cattle in terms of monitoring health, feeding, providing the labor and so forth,” he says. “The owner covers all the expenses — vet bills, feed and labor costs. We provide daily management oversight, so, for example, if a cow is having an issue or health problem, we handle it. This business model is a significant change from owning and managing a registered Red Brahman herd, as my father did for many years, but it’s worked well for us.”

While he is heavily involved with the ranch, Koontz is a partner with a San Antonio investment firm, and therefore relies on a ranch manager to handle the dayto-day responsibilities.

Koontz has strived to serve Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in ways germane to his

interests and role within the family ranch. He previously served as chairman of the association promotion committee, and now sits on the property rights and tax committee. He and his family have hosted Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association ranch gatherings, an important tool in recruiting new association members.

“If you own cattle or just own land and lease the property, you need to be a TSCRA member,” Koontz says. “I think more than half of what we do is for landowners. I always cite TSCRA’s advocacy in Austin and in Washington, D.C., around topics like eminent domain, mineral rights, law enforcement and border issues, in addition to advocating for animal health rules and regulations. You don’t think you need TSCRA or its resources until you are notified power lines are being planned right down the middle of your property.”

He touts the association’s special rangers and many friendships he has found within the organization as additional reasons to be involved in Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

“I have formed lifelong friendships that would not exist if I had not attended the meetings and taken an active role in this association.” T C

Sarah Harris is a freelance writer who splits her time between Austin and her family’s ranch near Tilden.

TSCRA Director Claude Koontz carries on the family tradition.

Claude Koontz pictured with his wife, Jessica.

ARTHUR G. UHL 111 President

4040 Broadway St., Ste. 430 San Antonio, Texas 78209

PAST PRESIDENTS

John M. “Jack” Shelton III Amarillo, 1984-1986

James L. Powell San Angelo, 1988-1990

Tom Beard Alpine, 1994-1995

C. Coney Burgess Amarillo, 1997-1999

J. Mark McLaughlin San Angelo, 1999-2001

John E. Dudley Comanche, 2001-2003

Bob McCan Victoria, 2003-2005

C.R. “Dick” Sherron Beaumont, 2005-2007

Jon Means Van Horn, 2007-2009

Dave Scott Richmond, 2009-2011

Joe J. Parker Byers, 2011-2013

CARL RAY POLK JR. First Vice President

P.O. Box 155108 Lufkin, Texas 75915

Pete Bonds Saginaw, 2013-2016

Richard Thorpe lll Winters, 2016-2018

Robert E. McKnight Jr. Fort Davis, 2018-2020

G. Hughes Abell Austin, 2020-2022

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS

Jack Hunt San Juan Capistrano, California

Richard Wortham Austin

EXECUTIVE STAFF HEADQUARTERS

P.O. Box 101988 Fort Worth, Texas 76185 817-332-7064 • 800-242-7820

Jason Skaggs Executive Vice President/ Chief Executive Officer

Jaclyn Roberts Executive Director, Communications & Marketing

STEPHEN DIEBEL

Second Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer 3907 Salem Rd. Victoria, Texas 77904

Emily Lochner

Executive Director, Engagement & Education

Grace Dunham

Executive Director, Events & Partnerships

Megan Wills

Executive Director, Finance & Human Resources

Michele Woodham

Executive Director, Insurance Services

Scott Williamson

Executive Director, Law Enforcement, Brand & Inspection Services

Lisa Walker

Executive Director, Membership & Operations

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

919 Congress Ave., Suite 750 Austin, Texas 78701

Melissa Hamilton Executive Director, Government Relations

REGION 1 DIRECTORS

Joe M. (Jody) Bellah, Throckmorton

Blake Birdwell, Canyon

E. S. F. “Swasey” Brainard II, Pampa

J. K. “Rooter” Brite Jr., Bowie

Donnell Brown, Throckmorton

Campbell Burgess, Amarillo

J. D. Cage, Muleshoe

Deborah Clark, Henrietta

Lynn Cowden, Skellytown

J. B. Daniel, Crowell

James Henderson, Memphis

Clayton Henry, Wichita Falls

Brooks Hodges, Guthrie

Joe Leathers, Guthrie

Frank McLelland, Tahoka

Jeff Mitchell, Amarillo

Gage Moorhouse, Benjamin

Diaz W. Murray, Wichita Falls

J. Malcolm Shelton IV, Amarillo

Dale A. Smith, Amarillo

Jim Thompson, Breckenridge

Tom Watson, Muleshoe

Wesley Welch, Lubbock

HONORARY DIRECTORS

William L. “Buck” Arrington, Pampa

Van Baize, Nocona

Emry Birdwell Jr., Henrietta

Mary Lou Bradley-Henderson, Childress

R. A. “Rob” Brown Jr., Throckmorton

Mike Gibson, Paducah

Ronald J. “Ron” Gill, Chico

Robert B. Mansfield, Amarillo

Tom Moorhouse, Benjamin

Boots O’Neal, Guthrie

James Palmer, Roaring Springs

Wilson Scaling, Henrietta

Chris Scharbauer, Amarillo

John Welch, Wolfforth

A. B. “Buck” Wharton III, Vernon

Tom Woodward, Decatur

REGION 2 DIRECTORS

Kevin Busher, Winters

Charles M. “Charley” Christensen Jr., San Angelo

C.A. “Chili” Cole IV, San Angelo

Alan F. Curry, San Angelo

James H. Dudley IV, Horseshoe Bay

Amanda Dyer, Fort Davis

Johnny Ferguson, Big Lake

D.A. “Day” Harral, Fort Stockton

Ron Helm, Van Horn

Heath Hemphill, Coleman

Shelby W. Horn, Fredericksburg

Larry R. Horwood, Sterling City

Grant Jones, Rochelle

Mark W. Jones, Brady

W. Clay Jones, Brady

Ty Keeling, Boerne

Lorenzo Lasater, San Angelo

Brian T. McLaughlin, Midland

David L. Neal, San Angelo

Gerald Nobles Jr., Brady

James Oliver, Ozona

Wade Perks, San Angelo

Gordon E. Sauer, Fredericksburg

Jessica Tate, Marfa

James Uhl, Fort McKavett

Cody Webb, Barnhart

Ken Welch, Baird

Ray W. Willoughby III, Eldorado

HONORARY DIRECTORS

C. A. “Chip” Cole III, San Angelo

William C. “Billito” Donnell Jr., Alpine

Richard Gates, Marfa

W. H. “Billy” Green III, Albany

Rafe Hargrove, Rotan

Dr. Joe Pat Hemphill, Coleman

Richard D. “Dick” Hughes, El Paso

Ken Jordan, San Saba

Don Keeling, Fredericksburg

Chris Lacy, Fort Davis

Laurence M. Lasater, San Angelo

Ben Love, Marathon

Len P. Mertz, San Angelo

Tom Perini, Buffalo Gap

Bill Phinizy, Gail

Frank Price, Sterling City

Danny B. Stewart, Sterling City

Rick Tate, Marfa

Cliff Teinert, Albany

Dennis W. Webb, Barnhart

W. C. “Billy” Williams, Mertzon

REGION 3 DIRECTORS

Ford Drummond, Pawhuska, Oklahoma

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Les Nunn, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

REGION 4 DIRECTORS

Edward Bordovsky Jr., Riviera

Austin Brown III, Beeville

W. Christopher Bush, Refugio

Presnall C. Cage, Falfurrias

James Clement lll, Kingsville

David S. Crow, Corpus Christi

Dustin Dean, Floresville

David DeLaney, Kingsville

Robert “Bobby” Dobson, Birmingham, Alabama

James L. “Jamie” Donnell Jr., Fowlerton

J. David Eppright, Cost

Benjamin Eshleman III, Corpus Christi

Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons, Carrizo Springs

Cody Fry, Lueders

Jim L. Gates, Pearsall

Milton S. Greeson Jr., Victoria

Bret Griffith, Del Rio

Heath Grigg, Kingsville

Marty R. Harris, Tilden

Leslie Kinsel, Cotulla

Claude Koontz, San Antonio

Steven J. Mafrige, Tilden

Beth Knolle Naiser, Sandia

Federico Nieto, Raymondville

T. Michael O’Connor, Victoria

Jason Peeler, Floresville

J.R. Ramirez, La Pryor

Gilly Riojas, Corpus Christi

M. Stuart Sasser, Corpus Christi

Lew Thompson, Pearsall

Gene S. “Primo” Walker Jr., Mirando City

C. Clark Welder, Beeville

John Zacek, Victoria

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Steve G. Beever, Pearsall

Richard H. Bennett, San Antonio

Chip Briscoe, Carrizo Springs

Martin W. Clement II, Kingsville

Thurman S. Clements Jr., Victoria

Nixon Dillard, Pleasanton

Trainor Evans, Mercedes

Thomas J. “Tommy” Haegelin, Concan

Dr. Philip C. Hardee, Beatrice, Alabama

Allen C. “Dick” Jones IV, Corpus Christi

Joan Negley Kelleher, San Antonio

David W. Killam, Laredo

Dan W. Kinsel III, Cotulla

Steve C. Lewis, San Antonio

Jim McAdams, Seguin

James A. McAllen, Linn

Red McCombs, San Antonio

Tim Pennell, Westhoff

Jim Peters, Quemado

Scott Petty Jr., San Antonio

Tom Risinger, Weslaco

Frates Seeligson Jr., San Antonio

Richard Traylor, Batesville

Roger F. Welder, Victoria

David W. Winters, Del Rio

REGION 5 DIRECTORS

Wayne Cockrell, College Station

Herff Cornelius Jr., Wadsworth

Carlos Detering III, Houston

Dr. Lewis (Bud) Dinges, Richmond

Gardner H. Dudley, Houston

Jay C. Evans, Dripping Springs

Dan Gattis, Georgetown

Kelley Sullivan Georgiades, College Station

George Harrison, Bay City

Tom J. Haynie, Navasota

Robert Hodgen, Houston

Colt Hoffman, Marlin

Clay Kenley, Crockett

Gary Price, Blooming Grove

Clive Runnells III, Austin

John Sumner Runnells III, Bay City

Tony Spears, Rosanky

John “Rocky” Sullivan, Galveston

Bill White, Stowell

Claudia Scott Wright, Richmond

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Leroy Ezer, Anahuac

Frank Green, Liberty

Coleman H. Locke, Hungerford

Katharine Armstrong Love, Austin

Richard M. Lucas Jr., Houston

William “Alan” McNeill, Beaumont

Evalyn Moore, Richmond

Raymond E. Moore IV, Richmond

Rick Peebles, Baytown

Gordon Richardson, Caldwell

Charles R. “Butch” Robinson, Navasota

Nolan Ryan, Round Rock

J. D. “Bubba” Sartwelle Jr., Sealy

Ed Small, Austin

Guy F. Stovall Jr., El Campo

Linda Joy Stovall, El Campo

Gerald Sullivan, Galveston

John L. Sullivan, Galveston

Robert J. Underbrink, Houston

Mark A. Wheelis, Montgomery

Beau Brite White, Rosanky

Dr. M. R. “Mike” Wirtz, Brenham

REGION 6 DIRECTORS

April Bonds, Saginaw

Missy Bonds, Saginaw

John L. Cantrell, Cresson

Ian Chapman, Madill, Oklahoma

Hunter Crow, Dallas

James T. Dangelmayr, Muenster

Seth Denbow, Weatherford

Crawford Edwards, Fort Worth

John Greer, Henrietta

Jason Harlow, Dallas

Pete Hudgins, Sherman

Tom Johnson, Wortham

John Z. Kimberlin Jr., Dallas

Ken Leiber, Fort Worth

James E. “Jim” Link, Crowley

Stefan Marchman, Fort Worth

William H. McCall, Fort Worth

Dan Nance, Haslet

Susan Roach, Fort Worth

Stephen S. “Steve” Sikes, Fort Worth

Bragg Smith III, Dallas

Bart Wulff, Dallas

Curtis Younts Jr., Belton

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Bradford S. “Brad” Barnes, Fort Worth

George Beggs IV, Fort Worth

John W. Carpenter III, Dallas

Barrett D. Clark, Breckenridge

Markham B. Dossett, Waco

Bob Drake, Davis, Oklahoma

James H. “Jim” Dudley, Comanche

Jon David Mayfield, Dublin

C. H. “Terry” McCall, Comanche

Bob Moorhouse, Weatherford

Russell “Rusty” Noble, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Mary Joe Reynolds-Montgomery, Fort Worth

Tom L. Roach III, Bozeman, Montana

Stephen T. “Steve” Swenson, Dallas

Faces of Law Enforcement

THROUGH IT ALL

TSCRA Market Inspector reflects on decades of service.

By Jena McRell

Forty years ago, when Bruce Halfmann began his role as a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association market inspector, the cattle business in Tom Green County was about to change forever.

The year was 1983 and Halfmann was encouraged by a friend to apply for one of two vacant brand inspector positions at Producers Livestock Auction in San Angelo. Halfmann, who was raising cattle and farming at the time, figured it was worth a shot.

Five minutes into the interview, he was hired.

Time was of the essence because, facing extreme drought conditions, the area’s cattle producers were lining up in droves to market their animals.

“ They had cattle in every pen, in every nook and cranny you could find,” Halfmann recalls. “It was just packed.”

Anywhere from 5,000-6,000 head per week were sold at the market that year. In October alone, Producers Livestock Auction sold 56,000 head — a monthly record that still stands today.

In his position as a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association market inspector, Halfmann is responsible for monitoring the cattle, checking for brands and filing the appropriate paperwork with association headquarters in Fort Worth.

“In those days, it was a stack of papers close to a foot tall when you got through,” Halfmann says. “It took a half a day to do the paperwork. It was just amazing.”

Thinking back on the ‘80s is a low-time for many cattle raisers, especially those in Halfmann’s home region. As he describes, many sold off during that time period, never to return to the cattle business.

Half mann was born and raised near Wall on land his father inherited in 1947. They cleared the land to run cattle and raise crops, and a few years later, purchased additional acres near Paint Rock, which Halfmann still farms today.

His brother is a regular buyer at Producers Livestock Auction, and he has cousins who operate Halfmann Land & Livestock near Miles.

Being around cattle and looking out for fellow livestock producers is a role Halfmann has enjoyed over the course of the last four decades. He says he’s proud to help work with the association’s special rangers investigating cases and assisting area ranchers.

“ When someone calls you saying they are missing a bull and we turn that in to the special ranger, it’s great when they can call you back and say they found that animal,” Halfmann says. “That’s rewarding.”

From drought to wildfire, green grass and plenty, Halfmann has seen it all over the course of his lifetime and service to the cattle industry. While much has changed during that time, some things remain the same.

“I enjoy the people around here. Most are very cordial and will try to help you in any way that they can,” Halfmann says. “They’re just real good people out here.” T C

Bruce Halfmann checks in cattle at Producers Livestock Auction in San Angelo. Photo by H.D. Brittain, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association special ranger.

Don’t buy an imposter.

Not all “Angus” bulls are REGISTERED Angus bulls.

Know what you’re buying. There are a lot of Angus bulls on the market, but not all are backed by the power of 80 million datapoints and a registration paper.

REGIONS & DISTRICTS

JAY FOSTER Supervisor Region 1

H.D. BRITTAIN Supervisor Region 2

JOE AGUILAR JR. Supervisor Region 4

DAVID

MARCAURELE Supervisor Region 5

BO FOX Supervisor Region 6

BART PERRIER Supervisor Region 3

TSCRA Special Rangers

TSCRA Special Rangers

New Members

-C Ranch/RCA Ranch

Madisonville

2T Cattle Co.

Amarillo

4M Ranch

Hondo

4W Farm

Houston

Austin Adams

Clarendon

William Adams

Littleton, Colorado

Artec Farms

Sulphur Springs

Baty Land & Cattle LLC

Shelbyville

Brandon Bell

Point

James Billings

McGregor

Black Walnut Ranch

Dallas

Bowen Cutting Horses

Brenham

C8 Cattle Co.

Inez

Lori Cary

Sylvester

Cave Farms

Ackerly

Circle K Ranch

Fredericksburg

Compestre Ranch

San Ysidro, California

Sally Conrad Beyer

Fort Worth

William Cotie

Pearland

Covington Lands LP

Midland

Carlos De Leon

Dallas

Doe A

Spur

John Erskine

Wink

Jennifer Fernandez

Stockdale

Chad Foster

Uvalde

R. Dale Franz

Brookshire

Christopher Freeman

Lipan

Quinn & Kimberly Fritz

Fredericksburg

Garrett & Garrett Land & Cattle Inc.

Marshall

Jane Goldstein

San Antonio

Mark Graham

Tuscola

Robin Ham

Sweetwater

Teresa Hamilton

Weatherford

Christopher Harbert

Abilene

David Holmes

San Antonio

Thomas Holthaus

Lewisville

Hummingbird Hill Partners LLC

Chappell Hill

Stan & Carissa Jones

Lampasas

Jeff Jordan

Leander

Wayne Jordan

Apple Springs

K Bar Ranch

Point Blank

Kramer Ranch

West Columbia

Landriault Farms

Dayton

James Landrum

Beeville

Kyle Lauhoff

Weston Lakes

Legacy Cattle

Wildorado

Leona Valley Gin Co. LLC

Batesville

Vanessa Lopez

Falfurrias

Los Piasanos

Harwood

Dare Lovett

Houston

Jerry Marcontell

Rye

Mirabile Ranch

Buna

MK Cattle Co.

Childress

Mother Luck Ranch

Johnson City

MZ Ranch Services

San Antonio

Milt Ojeman

Gilmer

Cameron Pratt

Graham

Rafter A Devine

Ranchito Garza LLC

Gonzales

Rayner

Hamlin

John Ridgeway

Crawford

Rittimann Ranch -46 Spring Branch

Yandell Rogers

Kemah

Ronnie Bothe Farm

Brenham

Running MC

Hudson Oaks

John Sharker

Leonard

Brannon Sims

Cleburne

Lou Sterzenbach Sanger

Derek Teel Granite, Oklahoma

Temoc & Seb Cattle

Kingsville

Angie Thornton Midway

Tres

Sulphur Springs

Dale Wamstad

Dallas

Rod Watts Boerne

Lorenz Wendel

Fredericksburg

Whiskey Ranch

Brownsboro

Thad York Saratoga, Wyoming

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

ANDERSON

Anderson County Livestock Exchange

Where: Elkhart

Phone: 903-764-1919

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Michael Little, 903-876-3153

Elkhart Horse Auction

Where: Elkhart

Phone: 903-764-1495

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Tiffany Patterson, 903-388-7288

ATASCOSA

Atascosa Livestock Exchange

Where: Pleasanton

Phone: 830-281-2516

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Marvin Bendele, 210-213-5890

AUSTIN

Four County Auction

Where: Industry

Phone: 979-357-2545

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-3041

BAILEY

Muleshoe Livestock Auction

Where: Muleshoe

Phone: 806-272-4201

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Benny Parker, 806-946-9142

BEE

Beeville Livestock Comm.

Where: Beeville

Phone: 361-358-1727

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Robert Bridge, 361-542-6693

BOSQUE

Meridian L/S Comm. Co.

Where: Meridian

Phone: 254-435-2988

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Larry Brown, 254-265-1920

BOWIE

J & J Livestock Auction

Where: Texarkana

Phone: 903-832-3576

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Lana Caldwell, 903-908-0530

BRAZOS

Brazos Valley Livestock Comm.

Where: Bryan

Phone: 979-778-0904

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

BURLESON

Caldwell Livestock Comm.

Where: Caldwell

Phone: 979-567-4119

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Mark Nygard, 512-281-6330

CALDWELL

Lockhart Auction

Where: Lockhart

Phone: 512-398-3476

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

CAMP

Bruce Overstreet Livestock

Where: Pittsburg

Phone: 903-856-3440

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Michelle Willeford, 903-767-0670

CHEROKEE

Tri County Livestock Market

Where: New Summerfield

Phone: 903-726-3291

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Michael Little, 903-876-3153

COLEMAN

Coleman Livestock Auction

Where: Coleman

Phone: 325-625-4191

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Dave Williams, 325-669-2030

COLORADO

Cattleman’s Columbus Livestock Auction

Where: Columbus

Phone: 979-732-2622

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-1228

COMANCHE

Comanche Livestock Exchange

Where: Comanche

Phone: 325-356-5231

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Michael Davis, 254-879-3121

COOKE

The New Gainesville Livestock Auction

Where: Gainesville

Phone: 940-665-4367

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Robin Gibbs, 903-227-0791

CORYELL

Coryell County Comm.

Where: Gatesville

Phone: 254-865-9121

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

DALLAM

Cattleman’s Livestock Comm.

Where: Dalhart

Phone: 806-249-5505

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Clifton Miller, 806-570-7439

DEAF SMITH

Hereford Livestock Auction

Where: Hereford

Phone: 806-240-3082

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Joe Bob Via, 806-452-9280

DEWITT

Cuero Livestock Comm.

Where: Cuero

Phone: 361-275-2329

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Rodger Koehler, 830-305-5544

EASTLAND

Texas Cattle Exchange

Where: Eastland

Phone: 254-629-2288

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Ronnie Ober, 817-371-7071

EL PASO

Rio Grand Classic

Where: El Paso

Phone: 956-487-5551

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Joe Karl Rios, 915-858-0590

ERATH

Dublin Livestock Auction

Where: Dublin

Phone: 254-445-1734

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Ronnie Ober, 817-371-7071

Erath County Dairy Sale

Where: Dublin

Phone: 254-968-7253

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

Stephenville Cattle Co.

Where: Stephenville

Phone: 254-968-4844

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

FAYETTE

Flatonia Livestock Comm.

Where: Flatonia

Phone: 361-865-3538

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Danielle Robbins, 512-944-0383

Schulenburg Livestock Auction

Where: Schulenburg

Phone: 979-743-6566

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Megan Stavena, 979-320-4228

FLOYD

Floydada Livestock Sales

Where: Floydada

Phone: 806-983-2153

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: John Hindman, 806-778-4899

FRIO

Pearsall Livestock Auction

Where: Pearsall

Phone: 830-334-3653

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

GILLESPIE

Gillespie Livestock Co.

Where: Fredericksburg

Phone: 830-997-4394

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Tom Roarick, 830-889-5155

GONZALES

Gonzales Livestock Market

Where: Gonzales

Phone: 830-672-2845

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: JoGayle Stavena, 979-332-2186

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

Nixon Livestock Comm.

Where: Nixon

Phone: 830-582-1561

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Cade Burks, 830-391-4501

GREGG

Longview Livestock

Where: Longview

Phone: 903-235-6385

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

GRIMES

Mid-Tex Livestock Auction

Where: Anderson

Phone: 936-825-3970

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Danielle Robbins, 512-944-0383

Navasota Livestock Auction

Where: Navasota

Phone: 936-825-6545

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

GUADALUPE

Seguin Cattle Co.

Where: Seguin

Phone: 830-379-9955

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Cade Burks, 830-391-4501

HAMILTON

Hamilton Livestock Comm.

Where: Hamilton

Phone: 254-386-3185

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

HARDIN

Gore Family Auction Center

Where: Silsbee

Phone: 409-782-0612

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Christy McCoy, 409-782-0612

HENDERSON

Athens Comm. Co.

Where: Athens

Phone: 903-675-3333

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Brandy Baughman, 903-440-4382

HIDALGO

Edinburg Livestock Auction

Where: Edinburg

Phone: 956-383-5671

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Coney Alvarez Jr., 956-437-3899

HILL

Hubbard Livestock Market

Where: Hubbard

Phone: 254-576-2584

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

HOPKINS

Sulphur Springs Livestock Comm.

Where: Sulphur Springs

Phone: 903-885-2455

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

HOUSTON

East Texas Livestock Auction

Where: Crockett

Phone: 936-544-2246

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Robert Ware, 903-388-5365

HOWARD

Big Spring Livestock Auction

Where: Big Spring

Phone: 432-267-5881

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Bruce Brandenberger, 254-977-5763

JACKSON

Edna Livestock Auction

Where: Edna

Phone: 361-782-7666

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

JASPER

Kirbyville Auction Barn

Where: Kirbyville

Phone: 409-423-2612

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Casey Jones, 409-423-0685

JIM WELLS

Gulf Coast Livestock Market

Where: Alice

Phone: 361-664-4395

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Ramiro Garcia, 361-460-0008

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

JOHNSON

Johnson County Cattle Auction

Where: Cleburne

Phone: 817-556-9090

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Lee Snyder, 254-707-1682

KARNES

Karnes City Auction

Where: Karnes City

Phone: 830-780-3382

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

Karnes County Livestock Exchange

Where: Kenedy

Phone: 830-583-2574

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

LAMAR

Cattlemen’s Livestock Comm.

Where: Paris

Phone: 903-784-2238

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Robin Gibbs, 903-227-0791

Paris Livestock Auction

Where: Paris

Phone: 903-739-2575

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Lana Caldwell, 903-908-0530

LAMPASAS

Lampasas Cattle Auction

Where: Lampasas

Phone: 512-556-3611

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

LAVACA

Hallettsville Livestock Comm.

Where: Hallettsville

Phone: 361-798-4336

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

LEE

Giddings Livestock Comm.

Where: Giddings

Phone: 979-542-2274

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

Lexington Livestock Comm.

Where: Lexington

Phone: 979-773-2922

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

LEON

Buffalo Livestock Comm.

Where: Buffalo

Phone: 903-322-4940

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Robert Ware, 903-388-5365

LIBERTY

Raywood Livestock Market

Where: Raywood

Phone: 936-587-4941

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Harvey Williamson, 963-334-5325

LIMESTONE

Groesbeck Auction & Livestock

Where: Groesbeck

Phone: 254-729-3277

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Tyler Rader, 713-907-2725

LIVE OAK

Live Oak Livestock Auction

Where: Three Rivers

Phone: 361-786-2553

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Marvin Bendele, 210-213-5890

LUBBOCK

Lubbock Stockyards

Where: Lubbock

Phone: 806-745-3383

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: J.E. Stone, 806-777-4396

MASON

Jordan Cattle Auction

Where: Mason

Phone: 325-347-6361

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Warren Ottmers, 830-669-2262

MCLENNAN

Waco Stockyards

Where: Waco

Phone: 254-753-3191

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Larry Brown, 254-265-1920

West Auction

Where: West

Phone: 254-826-3725

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

MEDINA

Union Comm.

Where: Hondo

Phone: 830-741-8061,

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

MILAM

Milam County Livestock Auction

Where: Cameron

Phone: 254-697-6697

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

NACOGDOCHES

Nacogdoches Livestock Exchange

Where: Nacogdoches

Phone: 936-564-8661

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Michael Witcher, 936-556-0992

NAVARRO

Corsicana Livestock Market

Where: Corsicana

Phone: 903-872-1631

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Lee Snyder, 254-707-1682

PANOLA

Panola Livestock

Where: Carthage

Phone: 903-693-6361

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Lori Blankenship, 936-234-3441

POLK

Livingston Livestock Exchange

Where: Livingston

Phone: 936-327-4917

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Harvey Williamson, 963-334-5325

POTTER

Amarillo Livestock Auction

Where: Amarillo

Phone: 806-373-7464

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Michael Vessels, 806-517-3188

Members interested in registering for a Ranching 101 session can do so by scanning the QR code. Questions can be directed to education@tscra.org.

Ranching 101 seminars give participants practical, sound guidance on the information, tools and equipment needed to get started in ranching or land ownership.

All sessions are held via Zoom from 1 - 2 p.m.

January 17

So You Want to be a Rancher?

February 21

Cold Weather Nutrition

March 14

The Grazing Plan

April 18

Adding Value to Your Calf Crop's Bottom Line

May 16

Scoping Out Sickness: A Veterinarian's Perspective

June 20

Cattlemen at the Capitol - 2023 Session Review

July 18

Lease Land Logic

August 15

How to Calculate Cow Cost

September 19

Bull Buyers Guide

October 17

Predator Control

November 21

Optimizing Calf Health

December 12

Cow Talk: Sharing Our Industry with Others

Presenting Sponsor:

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

Lonestar Stockyards

Where: Amarillo

Phone: 806-677-0777

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Michael Vessels, 806-517-3188

RAINS

Emory Livestock Auction

Where: Emory

Phone: 903-473-2512

Sale Days: Tuesday & Saturday

Contact: Brandy Baughman, 903-440-4382

ROBERTSON

Calvert Livestock Co.

Where: Calvert

Phone: 979-364-2829

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

RUSK

Hunt Livestock Exchange

Where: Henderson

Phone: 903-657-2690

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Samuel Steadman, 318-617-1141

SAN SABA

Jordan Cattle Auction

Where: San Saba

Phone: 325-372-5159

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: David Munden, 325-456-7253

SHELBY Center Auction Co.

Where: Center

Phone: 936-598-4395

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Michael Witcher, 936-556-0992

STARR

Triple G Livestock Auction LLC

Where: Rio Grande City

Phone: 956-437-1988

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Coney Alvarez Jr., 956-437-3899

SWISHER

Tulia Livestock Auction

Where: Tulia

Phone: 806-995-4184

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Michael Vessels, 806-517-3188

TAYLOR

Abilene Auction

Where: Abilene

Phone: 325-673-7865

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Dave Williams, 325-669-2030

TITUS

Stone Livestock Comm.

Where: Mt. Pleasant

Phone: 903-575-9099

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

TOM GREEN

Producers Livestock Auction

Where: San Angelo

Phone: 325-653-3371

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Bruce Halfmann, 325-315-5972

UVALDE

Southwest Livestock Exchange

Where: Uvalde

Phone: 830-278-5621

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

VAN ZANDT

Mort Livestock Exchange

Where: Canton

Phone: 903-287-6386

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

Van Zandt Comm. Co.

Where: Wills Point

Phone: 903-872-2117

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

WASHINGTON

Brenham Livestock Auction

Where: Brenham

Phone: 979-836-3621

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-3041

WHARTON

El Campo Livestock Co.

Where: El Campo

Phone: 979-543-2703

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

Wharton Livestock Auction

Where: Wharton

Phone: 979-532-3660

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: JoGayle Stavena, 979-332-2186

WICHITA

Wichita Livestock Sales

Where: Wichita Falls

Phone: 940-541-2222

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: R.C. Langford, 832-330-7279

WILBARGER

Vernon Livestock Market LLC

Where: Vernon

Phone: 940-552-6000

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Larry Lee, 940-886-6746

WISE

Decatur Livestock Market

Where: Decatur

Phone: 940-627-5599

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: R.C. Langford, 832-330-7279

WOOD

Winnsboro Livestock Auction

Where: Winnsboro

Phone: 903-365-2201

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Alan Pruitt, 903-725-6200

YOUNG

Graham Livestock Comm. LLC

Where: Graham

Phone: 940-549-0078

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Ronnie Ober, 817-371-7071

Simmental and SimAngus™ Bulls

Saturday, February 18, 2023

1:00 PM – Females Sell First Lunch at 12:00 noon

At the Ranch, Winona, Texas

Located one mile south of I-20 on FM 757 midway between Tyler and Longview

Selling

50 Purebred Simmental and SimAngus™ Bulls

• Yearling to Two-Year-Old Bulls

• All are polled

• Most are AI sired by breed leaders in both Simmental and Angus

40 Purebred Simmental and SimAngus™ Females

• Pairs and Breds plus both Simmental and SimAngus™

Open Heifers ready to breed

• All are polled

• Most are AI sired and bred to AI sires

70 Simbrah Heifers

• Pairs and Breds plus Simbrah Open Heifers ready to breed

• Most are ½ Simmental

½ Brahman heifers resulting from the mating of productive

7P Ranch Simmental cows to ONE elite Brahman AI sire –Mr Kallion 1352

• The Disposition is Excellent on these cattle

• Most are registered with the American Simmental Association and can be Golden Certified registered with the American Brahman Breeders Association

Simmental and SimAngus™ Females

Simbrah Females

www.7PRanch.com

Call

Like us on Facebook.

catalog

Go to www.CattleInMotion.com to view online catalog and videos of our sale offering AND for live broadcast with internet bidding available on sale day.

Auctioneer: Mark Tillman • 210-216-6754 • TX LIC# 9642

Sale Consultants: Warren Garrett • 903-316-2889

Marty Ropp • 406-581-7835

AKAUSHI

ROEDE R A NGU S R ANC H

Registered Black Herefords bacicafarms.com

HOGUE CATTLE COMPANY

Registered Black Angus

Robert L. Hogue M.D. • Judy Hogue

ANGUS BEEFMASTER

6 Spring Hollow, Brownwood, Texas 76801 Ranch: 10108 CR 237 • Phone: 325-643-2225

Cell: 325-647-9168 • Fax: 326-643-6235

Email: rlhmd@familymedical.us

Lesikar Ranch

200+ Registered Angus Bulls For Sale Private Treaty

Lyn Lesikar Jason Lesikar 817-726-7998817-738-2177

Casey Beefmasters

BLACK HEREFORD BRAHMAN

Mike & Carla Bacica 11707 FM 2868 Flint, TX 75762

Mike: 903-520-0390 mbpga@aol.com

Carla: 903-530-8551 wtnca@aol.com

Detering Red Brahmans

Beef Oriented Red Brahmans for the pasture and the show ring Liendo Plantation, 38653 Wyatt Chapel Rd. Hempstead, TX 77445 Will Detering, owner 281.989.8965 Web site: deteringredbrahmans.com

A-F RANCHES, LLC

806-255-8873

LONE STAR ANGUS

The Dale Lasater Ranch Matheson, Colorado 80830 210-872-1117 • alexlasater@yahoo.com www.DaleLasaterRanch.com

Bill

Hilltop Ranch Beefmasters

Quality Beefmaster Cattle Ranches in Webb, Wilson and Kendall counties Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2947 Laredo, Texas 78044 Phone: 361/586-5067

Performance Beefmasters from the Founding Family 62nd Bull Sale:

October 7, 2023

Private Treaty

Lorenzo Lasater • San Angelo, TX 325.656.9126 • isabeefmasters.com

Cullin Smith (409) 779-9872

Quality Brahman Ca le Since 1936

PARTIN & PARTIN HEART BAR RANCH Janet, Steve and Carlton Partin 3159 FM 837 • Montalba, Texas 75853 903-549-3000 • Fax: 903-549-3005 Janet Partin: 903-922-3689 Carlton Partin: 407-709-0297 www.heartbarranch.com email: partin.partin@aol.com

5th Generation

Visitors are always Welcome

Our 101st Year

Sartwelle Brahman Ranch Ltd P O Box 27, Campbellton, Texas USA 78008

Sensibly Bred and Raised Brahman Cattle 979-877-4239

Sugie Sartwelle J. D. Sartwelle III 361-500-5792

Email: sartwellej@gmail.com

SATTERFIELD RANCH

at LOST PRAIRIE LAKE • Palestine, Texas

SRegistered Gray Brahmans Dr. Scott & Nancy Satterfield 410 ACR 376 • Palestine, TX 75801 830-613-1492 www.satterfieldranch.com

C ATTLE C

OMPANY

P.O. Box 623 • Cuero, TX 77954

Registered Brangus & Charolais Bulls

BRANGUS CHAROLAIS

EVERY DAY IS SALE DAY AT Farris Ranching Company

Danny & MB Farris Tuscola, TX 325.669.5727

Boscamp 830-857-5189 Julie

Boscamp

Dennis Cha r olais Bull s

Easy Calving and… Explosive Growth Eric and Angie Dennis Saint Jo, TX 940/995-2161 940/841-2792 Cell

ROLLING O FARMS

For Sale Year

Round

Petta Ranch BRANGUS

QUALITY CHAROLAIS BULLS & HEIFERS REGISTERED + GENTLE

D.P. OWEN + GROESBECK, TEXAS 254-729-8644

CHAROLAIS BULLS

One or a truckload - Give us a call SW&S Cattle Company

Don and Kathy Schill 903-388-1342 • Donie, Texas

T HOMAS CHAR O LAIS, INC .

P.O. Box 595 • Raymondville, Texas 78580

Mitch Thomas: 956-535-0936

Tonnyre Thomas Joe: 956-535-0942 thomasra@gte.net www.thomascharolais.com

EQUIPMENT

John 325-642-0745 • Tom 325-642-0748 Comanche, Texas; Ph. 325-356-2284; Fax 325-356-3185 Email: john@dudleybros.com

10 -15’ high! Complete 1 hp unit w/ light, timer, 100’ power cord. Pre-assembled - installs in minutes!

FACTORYDIRECT $869 95 $AVE HUNDREDS!!!

Elegance & Improved Water Quality! CasCade 5000 Floating Pond Fountain Aerator ONE YEAR WARRANTY!

608-254-2735 Call 7 days / week • FAST UPS SHIPPING!

So ut hw est Tex a s B r ee ders Of th e Cowman’s Typ e Cattle David Howard 83 0 -9 88 -224 1 fa x: 8 3 0-9 8 8-3 131 cel l: 830- 59 1- 311 0 P.O Box 1 03 9, Sabinal T X 788 81

Lee & Jacqui Haygood

Ka dd atz Au cti one eri ng and Far m Eq ui pm ent Sa les 254-232-1675 Lic #TXS6676 • AR Lic #2283 Farmstore.online Order parts online at

We can sell your surplus equipment on online auction anywhere in the U.S. Sell your equipment in our next online auction, your location or ours Farmstore.com

NEW & US ED FARM EQUI PM ENT APPR AISALS

HEREFORD

J .T . E chols DVM P.O. Box 709 • Breckenridge, TX 76424 Of: (254) 559-9739 • Cell: 923 Hillside Ave. Canadian, TX 79014 806-323-2906 lee@indianmoundranch.com www.indianmoundranch.com

NEEL POLLED HEREFORDS

Contact: Nina Neel Sanders 214-454-8587 • Brady, TX

NOACK HEREF OR DS

7–

Jim Cell 915-479-5299 • Sue Cell 915-549-2534

Texas’Only Hereford Operation West of the Rio Grande Jim and Sue Darnell barjbarherefords@aol.com

TEXAS RANCH: 5 Paseo de Paz Lane El Paso, Texas 79932

“Quality Registered Herefords” Est.1921 – Bulls for sale at all times out of good milking cows

OKLAHOMA RANCH: County Hwy 50 7 miles north of Hwy 64 Freedom, Okla.

BAR J BAR HEREFORD RANCH SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

COATES RANCH COMPANY Ranch located six miles north of Big Lake, Texas on Highway 137. Steve Wayne Coates Box 645 Mertzon, TX 76941 325/835-2531

Office: 512-446-6200 Cell: 979-218-0065

James L. Powell • Arthur Uhl • James Uhl

36 W. Beauregard, Ste. 301 • San Angelo, Texas 76903

Powell Herefords O: 325-653-1688 • F: 325-653-3573 www.powellranches.com powellranches@gmail.com

David Neal, Ranch Manager 325-456-0669 or 325-651-2826 Britt Mynatt, Herd Manager 325-853-2202 or 325-340-2121

Maynard Warnken 979-561-8846 Kevin Warnken 979-743-0619

ROCKIN’ W

POLLED HEREFORDS

“Registered Herefords Since 1938” DOUBLE DIAMOND HEREFORDS THE BOLD BREED Registered Polled Herefords www.DoubleDiamondHerefords.com McDade, Texas Rusk, Texas 512.970.1595 512.970.3588

Drawer 29, Schulenburg, TX 78956 979-561-8867 fax • rockinw@cvctx.com

January 2023 tscra.org | 77 The Cattleman

877.811.1573

LLPRANCHLAND.COM 325-655-6989 1002 Koenigheim, San Angelo, Texas 76903

Lezli McPhail, Realtor

1880 Santa Fe Dr. #100 Weatherford, Tx 76086 (817)727-3265

lezlimcphail@jdgefite.com

COLFAX CO., NM – 491.55 ac. +/-, 371 shares of Antelope Valley Irr. Dist. water. 2 center pivot systems. 270 ac. +/- of pasture w/pens & corrals. Elk, deer & antelope are hunted in the area. KINNEY CO., TX – 802 ac. +/-. Brush country w/some live oaks. Good Hunting! CARSON CO., TX – 640 ac. +/- 5 mi. N of Panhandle on TX 207. 333 ac. +/- under 3 center pivot systems. One well produces 800 GPM. Permanent perimeter and cross fencing.

PRICE REDUCED! CEDARVALE, NM – 7,113 acre ranch (5,152 ac. +/- Deeded – 1,961 ac. +/- State Lease) well fenced & watered w/good pens, new barn.

SANTA GERTRUDIS SIMMENTAL/ SIMBRAH TEXAS LONGHORN

Borchers Southern Y Ranches, L.P.

Charla Borchers-Leon • Mary Kay Borchers

2401 N. Wheeler St. • Victoria, Texas 77901 • 361-575-1297

Santa Gertrudis • Braford F-1

Purebred • Star 5 • Crossbred Cattle

Steven Boothe 361-575-1297 O • 361-571-9728 M

YBlack or Red Simbrah • SimAngus HT • SimAngus

ZFILEGONIA

C ATTLE C OMPAN Y

Joe & Beth Mercer 327 CR 459, Lott, TX 76656 • H/O/Fax: 254-984-2225 bethmercer1974@gmail.com • www.filegoniacattle.com

Foster Bros. Farms Lockney, Texas

Office:(806) 652-3351 / Fax:(806) 652-3738

Santa Gertrudis

Harris Riverbend Farms

P.O.Box 691 Cleburne, TX 76031

Performance Tested Beef Type Glen Rose, TX David Harris Home (817) 641-4159 Office (817) 641-4771

From The Home of “Reputation”

SANTA GERTRUDIS CATTLE

Breeding Santa Gertrudis Since 1936

JOHN MARTIN RANCHES

Box 869, San Diego, Texas 78384 Ranch: 361-701-5683

BRIGGS RANCHES

P.O. Box 1417 Victoria, Texas 77902 361/573-7141

Traylor Division San Roque DivisionSan Carlos Division Bloomington, TX Catarina, TXRio Grande City, TX

Joe Jones-Manager • 361/897-1337

fosterbros@att.net / www.fosterbrosfarms.com

David & DarLee Foster (806) 652-3824 (806) 983-7221 mbl.

Mallett

SIMMENTALS

Jody & Shawnda Foster (806) 652-2383 (806) 983-7225 mbl.

Simmental & SimAngus

19th Annual Bull Sale

BULL SALE

March 2nd, 2023

March 8, 2012

San Saba, Texas

Private Treaty Sales

Our cattle are perfomance tested.

Mike Mallett 10602 North Hwy. 281 • Lampasas, TX 76550

Mike and Connie Mallett • 512-556-1021 Lampasas, Texas • mallettsimmentals.com

Home: 512-556-8548 • Cell: 512-556-1021 www.mallettsimmentals.com

Upcoming Events

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

JANUARY

THURSDAY, JAN. 5

Commercial Cattlemen’s Luncheon

Where: Cattlemen’s Congress, Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

When: 11 a.m.

Linz Heritage Angus Open House

Where: Blue Branch Ranch, Byars, Oklahoma

When: 12 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 9

Stocker-Feeder Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, Mason

When: 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 10

Texas Legislature 88th Regular Session Begins

Where: Austin

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11

Weaned Calf Sale

Where: Navasota Livestock Auction Co., Navasota

When: 10 a.m.

THURSDAY, JAN. 12

Shady Oak Farm –

Charolais & SimAngus Bull Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 10 a.m.

Stocker-Feeder Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 11 a.m.

Wichita Falls Luncheon

Where: McBride’s Steakhouse, Wichita Falls

When: 11:30 a.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 13 -

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Where: Fort Worth

SATURDAY, JAN. 14

TSCRA Ranch Gathering

Where: Ranching Heritage Party, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

MONDAY, JAN. 16

Van Newkirk Herefords Annual Sale

Where: Oshkosh, Nebraska

When: 12:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 17

Ranching 101: So You Want to be a Rancher?

Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

Replacement Female Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 10 a.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 23

6th Annual “Early Bird” Bull Sale

Where: Gardiner Angus, Ashland, Kansas

When: 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 24

Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Sale

Where: OKC West Livestock Market, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

FEBRUARY

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1FRIDAY, FEB. 3

Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

Stocker & Feeder Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 10 a.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

South Texas Hereford Association: Sale Featuring Case Ranch Herefords

Where: Beeville Livestock Commission, Beeville

THURSDAY, FEB. 9SUNDAY, FEB. 26

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Where: San Antonio

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

Thomas Charolais: Spring Bull Sale

Where: Raymondville When: 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

Special Bull Offering: Martin-Bruni Cattle & Cannon Charolais Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

Wichita Falls Luncheon

Where: McBride’s Steakhouse, Wichita Falls When: 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

San Antonio Beefmaster Subasta Sale

Where: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Bradley 3 Ranch: Wide Body Sale

Where: Estelline

When: 12 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

San Antonio Stock Show All Breeds Bull & Female Sale

Where: San Antonio

When: 10 a.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Replacement Female Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba

When: 10 a.m.

7P Ranch: 29th Annual Spring Bull & Female Sale

Where: Winona

When: 12 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

Ranching 101: Cold Weather Nurtition

Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

44 Farms: Spring Bull Sale

Where: Cameron

When: 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, FEB. 28 -

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

Where: Houston

1923

Among the headlines was tick eradication at then-called Texas A&M College. William Sim, beef cattle herdsman in the animal husbandry department, wrote about progress made since the herd’s 1917 dipping protocol was established.

Two years later, it became law for the county to dip, which extended the effort to remove ticks from the pastures. By 1922, the results were clear. In the college’s herd, steers averaged nearly 400 pounds heavier and generated roughly $60 more per head.

“Tick eradication means healthy, fat, sleek cattle,” Sim wrote. “Let the good work go on.”