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Vol. 19 Issue 4
Greater Houston/Southeast Texas
February 17-23, 2014 | FREE
State Senator John Whitmire
Visions Inspired by a Day at the Ranch
“Youth Learn Values & Key Principles About Land and Animals” WALLER COUNTY- Preparing men of color for life and leadership are keys to raising the next generation of Black and Hispanic leaders. BoyScout Troop 1906, Cub Scout 338 of Prairie View and three youth in the Aldine ISD Future Farmers of America members at Eisenhower High School got a taste of success with some hands on experience spending a day at the RS Deer & Cattle Ranch. Both the scout troop and pack has been rated one of the best in the United States. Aldine FFA students competed very well with their animal entries and competed to raise money for scholarships. The event was hosted by RS Deer &
Cattle Ranch. The youth were given a tour of the ranch via hayride and shared some valuable lessons in animal care, Black History, leadership and business. For 18-year old Gabriel Joubert, the lessons he learned about running a ranch kept him focused on his goals of someday owning a farm. Joubert, who is in FFA and has been raising animals for several years, recently raised a steer that was a healthy 1,133 pounds that was sold at Aldine's 55th Annual FFA Show. "Doing this takes a lot of patience and love," Joubert, who comes from Acres Home area said. "I really learned a lot about many ways to use land. It gave me a real look into the business and what I want
to do with my future." His steer started out at about 500-lbs and he spent countless hours and long days walking, feeding his steer and caring for each animal. He also raised a goat and pig and sold his animals at the show. Demarcus Spearman, 17, is no stranger to farms and farming. He took his 600-lb calf and raised it to be a 1,335-lb steer - 2nd largest in class at the Aldine show. "This was a great experience for me and gives me something to work toward," he said. "I already have set goals to work on taking a small ranch and using the land and animals to control my own destiny." The tour consisted of learning the ins and outs of raising and caring for cattle
and deer and some of the industry and marketing demands and business and recreation opportunities available for those choosing a career in land management and agriculture. For 12-year old Callista Duncan, the trip to the ranch was not only fun, but also proved to be a lesson in life. She not only developed an appreciation for the animals, but learned that deer antlers tell a story about a deer’s value, but also gives insight into his family and leadership status in the herd. "I think that is so neat," she said. "It makes me appreciate deer and cow a whole lot more now than before." Duncan said another thing that was impressive to See RANCH pg. 4