Welcome to the June/July 2024 issue of Texoma Farm & Home magazine. It might be more accurate to just call it the “Summer 2024 Issue” because that’s where we are— deep in the dog days of summer.
The heat is relentless, and the days are long, but this also means it is time for BBQs and summer parties. This issue has just what you need for those occasions.
Check out our cover story about Nocona Meat Company. This family-owned, artisan butcher shop in Montague County has everything you need for the perfect summer cook-out. Their meats and cheeses are hand cut, locally grown and slaughtered on site. Read about them on page 3.
Summertime BBQs also call for the perfect cocktail and another local provider can help you with that. Weber Ranch Distillery in Muenster has made a name for themselves in the spirits’ world. Their handmade vodka has Mexican roots and is produced right in North Texas. Read all about it on page 28.
Food and spirits go hand-in-hand with good music. Read all about local musician Dustin Perkins on page 24.
This issue also includes healthful tips for beating the heat, ways to jumpstart your work-out routine, our regular rodeo feature and much more.
Thanks, as always, for your readership. We are glad you are here!
Happy summer!
Austin & Jennifer Lewter
Publishers- Texoma Farm & Home
Nocona Meat Company: a cut above the rest
by Jessica Edwards
Nocona, Texas is more than a headquarters for boots and ball gloves. It’s also home to one of the top meat processing plants and meat markets in the area.
Nocona Meat Company is a family-owned business founded by John Caussey, Frank Garrett, Ronnie Vaughan and Eric Kennedy in June 2022. Caussey, a cattleman, grew aggravated during Covid when he couldn’t get his cattle processed and sold. He and son-in-law Garrett decided to start their own busi-
ness. While the men had experience and knowledge, they needed someone to help run the back (and front) end of the business.
“Ronnie and I worked together on a meat deal in the past,” Caussey said. “He’s been doing this since God made dirt (45 years). He’s been a real asset to getting this business started.”
The goal of Nocona Meat Company was to give people an opportunity to buy meat that comes fresh from a feed lot while providing old-fashioned, good cus-
tomer service.
“People nowadays want to know they’re getting fresh meat,” Caussey said. “That’s what they’re getting with us.”
The business is two-fold. First, Nocona Meat Company is a full-service meat processing plant. Customers are welcome to bring their own animals or can use animals the company provides. Caussey owns a nearby feed lot where he raises black angus and a breed mixed with angus. The cattle are transported to Noco-
Continued on page 4
Nocona Meat Company specializes in custom hand cut meat offerings for any occasion.
(Staff photo by Jessica Edwards)
Nocona Meat Company offers a wide variety of homemade cheeses.
From page 3
na Meat Company where, under careful USDA inspection, they are slaughtered on-site and hung for 14 days in a dry-aging process. The beef is then portioned into primal cuts for the customer (or front counter).
The second arm of Nocona Meat Company is the front meat counter, which was a late addition to the business. The market was Vaughan’s idea, whose experience as a meat manager at other companies has enabled the retail side of the business to succeed.
“At first, we weren’t too sure about it,” Garrett said. “But the market has really bloomed beyond our expectations. Sometimes it actually outsells our processing.”
Nocona Meat Company specializes in beef, hogs, chicken, sheep and goats. They also offer in-house jerky, sausages, bratwurst and meat patties as well as local eggs and honey. Meat is always fresh, never frozen, and they offer competitive pricing. But it’s the quality of their products that really sets Nocona Meat Company apart.
“Nothing compares to our quality,” Caussey said. “If you don’t like it, we’ll give you your money back.”
Nocona Meat Company is trusted and used by an overwhelming number of local groups and organizations. From area charities and organizations to the high school barbecue team, Nocona Meat Company strives to build community and support the local people of Montague County. In 2023, the Chamber of Commerce awarded them Business of the Year.
They attract an array of customers, from ranches reselling meat, to locals popping in for a fresh cut for dinner that night.
“Because we process meat ourselves, if there’s something a customer wants that we don’t have, we’ll get it. We don’t sell anything not choice or prime,” Vaughan said.
The team takes a lot of pride in their quality, their attention to detail and their careful record-keeping. They utilize a checks and balances system that tracks an animal from the time it’s dropped off to its arrival in the cooler.
“We know that every animal that
comes in here has gone back to the person who brought it in,” Garret said. “Not every meat processing company can say that.”
But it’s the incredible teamwork that the business partners claim is the true secret to their success. From Caussey’s knowledge of the cattle business and Vaughan’s expertise in processing to Garrett’s experience and stability as the rock of the business, Nocona Meat Company has a “perfect storm” with the people and experience within the company.
“There’s not a plant out there that has the experience and the people as this one,” Caussey said.
In addition to its four business partners, Nocona Meat Company has 11 employees, most of whom are cross-trained on the various duties needed to run a successful meat processing plant and market. The business is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
The business will hold a celebration for its second anniversary on June 22.
“We’re blessed to be where we are and to have accomplished what we’ve done,” Garrett said. “It’s all been good, and it just keeps moving forward.”
(Courtesy Photo)
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6 tips for staying hydrated this summer
Texoma Farm & Home
Summer is marked by hot and humid conditions. After all, the band The Lovin’ Spoonful didn’t sing, “Hot town, summer in the city. Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty” because the summer weather is crisp and cool. Although summer temperatures can make a day at the beach or in the pool ideal, that rising mercury also can contribute to dehydration.
The Mayo Clinic advises that water is critical to every cell, tissue and organ in the human body. The body relies on water to function properly. Water helps to regulate body temperature, flush waste from the body, lubricate and cushion joints, and promote healthy digestion. And that’s just the start. So when temperatures climb and the body begins sweating to cool off, it is vital to replenish lost fluids at a faster rate. The U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine says women should consume 2.7 liters of fluid per day, while men need 3.7 liters. These amounts increase if one is exercising, sweating, has an illness like a fever, or is vomiting.
The following are six ways to stay properly hydrated to avoid adverse reactions during hot summer days.
1. Consume a glass of water when you wake up. Start the day off with some water to give you an energy boost
and get your metabolism moving.
2. Coffee and tea count toward fluid intake. Drinking your favorite tea or coffee is an another way to take in fluids. A 2016 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that caffeine doesn’t contribute to dehydration for healthy adults, so having a cup or two should be fine.
3. Certain foods are hydrating as well. Hydrating foods include cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, and peppers. The Mayo Clinic says the average person
gets 20 percent of his fluid intake from food.
4. Make water more fun. Add unsweetened flavoring to water if you find plain water too bland. You can squeeze in lemon or lime juice, or float cucumber or apple slices in the water for some flavor.
5. Reach for calorie-free beverages before food. It’s easy to mistake the signs of dehydration for hunger. By drinking a glass of water or another unsweetened beverage prior to every meal, you can stay hydrated and reduce the amount of food you eat. This can be part of a healthy weight loss plan.
6. Occasionally consume
electrolyte powders and drinks. Working out in the heat or sweating profusely can unbalance electrolytes in the body. The Cleveland Clinic says electrolytes are substances that help the body regulate chemical reactions and maintain balance between fluids inside and outside of your cells. They include sodium, calcium and potassium. An electrolyte-infused beverage can help replenish these lost substances. Staying hydrated is essential at all times, but it’s especially important when summer temperatures can make loss of body fluid more significant.
Following a few simple tips can halp you stay properly hydrated to avoid adverse reactions during hot summer days.
(Courtesy Photo)
A Smarter Approach to Sound
You hear about remarkable advancements in technology every day. Some are relevant to the life you lead; others less so. If, however, you have difficulty hearing – or you know someone who does – you’ll want to learn about a groundbreaking new hearing aid designed for exceptional focus, ultimate convenience and unparalleled aesthetics.
The new Widex SmartRIC™ brings audiological excellence to the way you really live, providing you with added confidence and clarity in varied environments. It’s where tech and design meet real life, with features that help you feel more connected and able to focus on the voices and sounds you want to hear.
First, the striking new L-shaped design is modern, sleek and functional. It fits higher on the ear with microphones at an optimized angle so they follow the direction of your natural attention. The stylish shape and round edges are also designed for comfort when wearing glasses.
Second, the Widex SmartRIC™ was carefully engineered with microphone covers to counter the wind and touch noise, so you can enjoy natural sounds and conversations with ease.
“Our patients are saying they have never heard a hearing aid that was so clear!” Jill Sheppard, B.S., SLP/Audiology, Licensed Fitter and Dispenser of Hearing Instruments (LFDHI), and co-owner of HearCare & Associates in Sherman and Gainesville said. “They can finally understand conversation – in both quiet and noisy environments. What’s really exciting is that we’ve put it on patients with the most difficulty hearing and sometimes they have been so emotional because they say it’s like hearing their life the way it used to be.”
Additionally, you can now enjoy the freedom of not having to think about your hearing aids when you’re on-the-go. The long-lasting rechargeable RIC hearing
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The first step to better hearing is to have your hearing evaluated by trusted professionals. According to Kenneth Sheppard, Jr., LFDHI and co-owner of HearCare & Associates in Sherman and Gainesville, it’s not uncommon to delay making the decision to have a hearing evaluation until the difficulty is significant.
“Some people are proactive, but for others, it might take having something happen in their life, or with someone they love – or they miss something very im-
portant,” Kenneth said.
You’ve heard many of the excuses and maybe used some of them yourself. Even if you’ve adjusted to your hearing difficulty, it takes enormous effort. It’s exhausting to always remain vigilant about reading lips, filtering background noise and trying to understand voices.
“Your hearing health is a priority for you – and for us,” Jill said. “That’s why we’re excited to offer you information about this new, technologically amazing hearing aid, as well as the variety of options that may be available to you. We want you to be an educated consumer.
“Certainly, we understand that you want the best from your investment in hearing well. You deserve personalized attention and a hearing aid customized to your needs. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the excellence in customer service you’ve come to expect.”
Find out more about the options available to you. Call 903-868-2650 today. It’s worth your time. It’s about your life.
Exercise is one of the most effective tools for strengthening the heart and avoiding various illnesses.
Activities that can promote cardiovascular health
Resolving to be physically active is an important step towards heart health and overall well-being. Exercise is one of the most effective tools for strengthening the heart and avoiding various illnesses, including high cholesterol, that can affect cardiovascular health, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Although any exercise can be beneficial, there is a fitness recipe designed to be the most effective for strengthening the heart and helping it to work to its full potential. Here are the guidelines recommended by the American Heart Association and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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• Get 150 minutes per week or more of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or a combination of both. These activities can include running, cycling, swimming, and others that will get the heart pumping.
• Incorporate moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity at least two days a week.
• Strength training should be designed to work the entire body. It doesn’t have to be traditional weightlifting, either. Body weight exercises, yoga, Pilates, and even tai chi can build strength and
offer additional benefits like improving balance.
• Consider HIIT exercises. HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training, which involves exercising as hard as one can for a short period, and then resting briefly before exercising hard again for a short period. While there are many different HIIT programs, UT Southwestern Medical Center says a popular one involves exercising hard for four minutes, followed by three minutes of recovery time, for four cycles total.
• While stretching, flexibility and balance exercises do not directly affect heart health, they do help one stay
flexible and free from joint pain and other issues that can sideline a person from exercise. Doing what one can to protect against falls and reduce risk of being sedentary will benefit the heart in the long run.
• Don’t discount everyday activities in relation to how they can enhance heart health. Walking, gardening, playing with children, or tossing a ball to a family pet are beneficial aerobic activities.
Heart health is something to take seriously, and exercise plays a key role in strengthening the heart.
(Courtesy Photo)
Equine Aqua Spa: One horse, one rider, one facility
Ramona Caldwell came from a family of horsemen.
“All my life, it’s been horses,” she said.
Caldwell continued the family tradition by owning horses for her daughter. When her daughter started showing those horses, Caldwell had fun going along and cheering her on. However, things took an
by Jessica Edwards
interesting turn when they went to a show that was short one rider.
“Someone grabbed me, put a riding hat on my head, loaned me some boots and sent me into the arena. I didn’t know what I was doing – I just held on. Afterwards I realized, ‘Hey, I’m pretty good at this!’”
That was 35 years ago, and Caldwell
has been an avid show woman ever since.
She’d always had a dream of owning her own facility where she could treat and care for the animals she loved so much. In 2009, tax rates in Arizona (where she and her husband were living) grew too high, so they moved to Texas where they built Double J Ranch in Whitesboro.
Continued on page 13
Ramona Caldwell cares for each client’s horse as if it were her own. While most of the horses on the property belong to Caldwell, clients can board their horses on the property while they receive treatments.
(Courtesy Photo)
From page 10
When her husband passed away, Caldwell seized the opportunity to do something she’d always wanted: she built her own facility, Equine Aqua Spa Center, where she could offer chiropractic and massage services to equestrian clients.
In 2017 she moved into her current building and began attracting all genres of horses, from reigning horses and cutting horses to racehorses and post-operation horses recovering from surgery. Her stateof-the-art facility includes two climate-controlled barns, an indoor six-panel walker, a saltwater Nautilus spa, solarium, magnetic theraplate and a 105-foot long, 14-foot deep equine swim lane.
“Most movement is up and down,” Caldwell said, lifting her foot straight up and setting it straight down. “When swimming, animals stretch out their legs and use other muscles, and compression is released from their joints. The swim lane is a great tool for strengthening and recovery.”
An outdoor track and several outdoor turnouts surround the barn and welcome center, and the property features several natural streams and ponds. From the moment visitors drive through the main gate, they’re overcome with a sense of seclusion and tranquility – the perfect place to rest and recover.
Although Equine Aqua Spa was intended to treat horses, Caldwell’s team also welcomes canine and bovine clients. Her oversized boarding capabilities, covered arena and spacious stalls make it an ideal stop for trainers on the
Equine Aqua Spa includes a state-of-the-art facility with climate-controlled barns, indoor six-panel walker, saltwater Nautilus spa, solarium, magnetic theraplate and 105-foot long equine swim lane. (Courtesy Photo)
road.
“Our clients are mostly local,” Caldwell said. “We have a few as far as Stephenville, but we also get a group from Florida who stops here on their way to and from Wyoming. We get a lot of big-time trainers on their way to and from rodeos and shows in Fort Worth who stop here to prep their animals.”
Perhaps surprisingly, Equine Aqua Spa also services human clients.
“Pain is real. Emotions are real. Horses have it. Dogs have it. People have it. We treat it all,” Caldwell said.
The northern two-story center on her property offers a variety of therapies for human clients. Treatments include a HOCATT machine which serves as a steam sauna and provides CO2, infrared healing photon lights, pure oxygen and more. A pulsed electro-magnetic field mat provides detoxification and uses high-powered magnets to recharge body cells and relieve body pains. A mitochon-
dria sauna blanket combines red light with heat and frequencies to assist with muscle recovery, pain relief and more.
Caldwell oversees a large staff and keeps three people on 24-hour shifts to provide the utmost care to their animal clients. Caldwell used to take her work on the road, but as her business and services grew, it became difficult to transport equipment. Now she thrives on word-of-mouth advertising.
“People know me. Veterinarians trust me and recommend me,” Caldwell said. “Sometimes people are skeptical at first of some of our services, but once they see results, we earn their trust.”
Possibly the best spokesperson for the effectiveness of Equine Aqua Spa is a spotted miniature stallion named Patriot who lives on the property. Patriot is 44 years old.
“My mother showed miniatures,” Caldwell said. “When she passed away in 2002, Patriot came to live with me. He was 22 years old then, and I
figured he wouldn’t be around much longer. But here we are! I have his papers here somewhere showing he was born in 1980, because people don’t believe me. But it’s true. He’s 44 years old.”
The typical life expectancy for a miniature horse is 25 to 30 years.
“If Patriot isn’t a good example of the benefits of our services, then I don’t know what is!” Caldwell laughed.
Equine Aqua Spa Center is located at 1257 County Road 132 in Whitesboro. They’re open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays by appointment only. Caldwell is happy to offer tours of the facility and even books the space for private events, like corporate meetings and weddings. To learn more about the facility and services, and to read testimonials from satisfied clients, visit www.EquineAquaSpaCenter.com or call 903-818-6616.
Brimming with Tradition:
More and more, helmets among rodeo cowboys a devisive topic
by Mackenzie Johnson
“I’ll die before I cowboy in a helmet.”
“If you feel the need to ride in a helmet, you probably shouldn’t be riding at all.”
“Helmets are just so ugly. I’d rather suffer a TBI than wear one.”
These are a few of the comments found on TikTok’s most viewed videos under the topic helmets in the western industry.
The debate of whether helmets belong in the western space is a topic never quite settled between those who choose to put a helmet on their head and those who choose a cowboy hat. The history of rodeo is rich and the traditions run deep, but with that admirable heritage can also come a built in hostility to anything straying away from the foundation of the sport.
While neither side is wrong, the choice to wear a helmet is often viewed as tarnishing the beloved past of cowboying.
The Ones
Beneath the Helmet
Brianna Cox and Nik Morris are two cowgirls in the western world who have found themselves on opposite paths.
As the science evolves surrounding traumatic brain injury, the rodeo community has seen an uptick of cowboys wearing protective helmets.
While both 4H rooted horsewomen hail from the state of Indiana, Cox is now a professional barrel racer in Texas and Morris resides in Kentucky where she and her family breed and race thoroughbreds.
Cox was introduced into barrel racing at the age of eight by her uncle who owned a breeding operation, and the sport stuck with her far past her days of competing in 4H. She moved to Texas at 18 to
(Courtesy Photo by Yvon Guignard)
pursue her dreams of rodeoing.
Morris was a jack of all trades of the sorts when it came to western events. Growing up, she was involved in barrel racing, showmanship, western pleasure and just about any other event her local 4H association had to offer. Morris eventually gravitated over to the racing industry.
Despite the differing directions the two followed, they have one main factor in
common– their dedication to wearing a helmet.
Cox and Morris’ early connection to 4H ensured their knowledge of helmet safety and they haven’t changed their viewpoint since, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t faced people who’ve tried.
Cox has racked up nearly 40,000 TikTok followers and over a million likes, and the helmet on her head seems to be a common point of notice for her viewers.
“If I post a run or something specific about helmets on social media, I sometimes get comments along the lines of ‘can you not ride?’ or ‘you’re not a real cowgirl’ as an attack on my riding abilities because I ride in a helmet,” Cox said. “It’s almost like you’re viewed as immature or childish because you choose to wear one.”
Morris has first handedly seen an even more direct offense to helmets at the barn she originally rode.
“There was one girl, a barrel racer, who wore a helmet because her dad wanted her to,” Morris said. “I remember her constantly getting bullied for not being ‘cowgirl enough’ and being told her horse needed more training if she was just that insecure that she needed to wear a helmet.”
Helmets indicating a hole in a horse’s training and a rider’s ability is a common assumption that most people aren’t even aware that they’re making. And a lot of
times, this misconception stems from those we see the most in helmets: children.
“Helmets have always been associated with little kids who’ve just started out riding, and I think that mindset has carried over to when you see older girls wearing them, you automatically assume that they too are afraid and timid, and not so much that they’ve got a helmet on in case of a freak accident,” Cox said.
However, possibly more prominent than any other subconscious reason for one’s dissent to helmets is due to the thing we all love the most– the legacy of the western industry.
You Ain’t No Cowboy
The entire basis of a cowboy and the historic sport of rodeo is built upon ranching. The default image of a horseman takes shape in our minds as a tough, weathered cowboy, probably in need of some serious orthodontia, who spends
his days checking and roping cattle out on the ranch.
And what did that man have on his head during such tasks? A hat, of course.
Wearing a hat was practical. It shaded these men from the sun on hot desert days and let’s be honest, hid their receding hairlines.
These guys spent all day out on the plains getting wrinkled skin from the beating sun and chapped lips from the relentless wind, and they wanted protection from these elements. But this mindset has never switched into modern times.
Cowboys and cowgirls wear hats, not helmets, and if one ever is wearing a helmet, they simply cannot be a serious rider or more specifically, a rodeo competitor.
“There is this ego that comes from the misguided idea that being a cowboy is based upon that olden day cowboy image,” Morris said. “The lack of technology those cowboys had regarding helmets is not akin to what we have now.”
This perceived cowboy image not only can make traditionalists uncomfortable when helmets are brought into the picture, but also the riders wearing those helmets.
“Whenever I’m at a pro rodeo, there will be times where I’m like ‘oh, I am the only one here right now wearing a helmet’ and I get conscious of how I don’t look like the stereotypical cowgirl,” Cox said. “And I don’t think it’s people staring at me and making me feel that way, but the insecurity is more embedded in me, deep down. It’s natural to feel insecure, but I have to realize this is who I am, and I’m going to own it.”
Why So Judgy, Mister Mustache?
Nearly all of us have seen him. That older guy with a handlebar mustache leaned up against the fence at a rodeo, decked in a pearl snap button up, Wrangler jeans and a felt hat tipped across a graying eyebrow.
He definitely bronc rode in his 20s and has more belt buckles than you do years on this Earth. His muscles are too stiff, bones too brittle, to compete nowadays, but he’s always at the rodeos.
He’s either a devoted spectator or the official who sits atop a stout horse, flag in hand to determine whether a ride will be counted as qualified. He is the epitome of a cowboy, through and through. Which also means he probably isn’t too fond of that helmet on that barrel racer’s head.
“I think men who have been in the industry since the 90s
show a lot of dissent for helmets,” Morris said. “They have that ‘we survived, so I don’t see why you feel the need to change tradition’ type mentality.”
Now, this is not the case for every gentleman in his mid 60s, but more times than not, it’s this demographic of people who are not a diehard fan of helmets in rodeo. And more times than not, they’re not even actively aware they are opposed and that they view them as a tarnishing of the western lifestyle.
“It’s not even little kids who are the main ones commenting on my content,” Cox said with a laugh. “The overwhelming majority is older men commenting ‘good run but lose the helmet’ on my TikToks.”
Primarily the boomer generation is the group of people responsible for the pushback of helmets, as the entire western industry was built upon their backs. They are responsible for rodeo’s popularity and they constructed the sport in entirety based upon their ideals.
The ideals of fitting into the cookie cutter description of a cowboy– button up shirt, jeans, boots and a hat.
Of course, these men are not solely to blame for what helmet wearers can face.
Barrel racers can be notoriously mean and rough stock riders can be equipped with that overwhelming ego, but our stereotypical, wizened cowboy is typically the helmet challenger, especially if you’re a woman.
“There are going to be people who try to discredit you for just being a woman in rodeo no matter how successful you are, helmet on or not,” Cox said.
Women have always been outsiders in rodeo. The main reason why they were funneled into rodeo was because A, they were the wives of the husbands competing in the rodeo, and B, the audience needed entertainment.
These girls were colorful, loud and designed to charm you, not impress you with their ability to ride a horse. That was their husband’s job.
It’s been tough for women to step out of this bubble and into an environment where they can be taken seriously as rodeo competitors.
Men will always have the upperhand, but women are much more recognized now.
However, since men will permanently reserve that forefront spot, they control the reins of what the image of rodeo is. This image is a self reflection of themselves, and if women are going to be a part of rodeo, they are going to have to fit into that image.
Needless to say, this identity does not include a helmet.
“I’m at that point where you can talk all you want if you don’t agree (with my helmet), but I’m the one out here rodeoing and accomplishing all these things, and your words don’t make me want to throw on a hat,” Cox said.
Nothing Like Your Noggin
If you’re wondering why you should turn your hat in for a
RODEO
helmet after reading about how frowned upon they are, then you have a valid concern. However, there’s nothing quite like your noggin and its protection surpasses any concerns of conflict with your style.
“The western industry views heads a little bit differently than say the racing or hunter jumper industry,” Morris said. “They view heads as something to wear an accessory on. I don’t think there’s much respect for what brain injuries can do.”
Head injuries are the number one cause of hospitalization and death for horse riders, according to the National Institutes of Health. Yet, brain trauma is still taken so lightly in the rodeo industry, especially when it comes to top level competitors and trainers.
These individuals are on the back of a horse all day long, these mounts typically being fresh and fractious colts, but this is the bracket of people the least likely to put a helmet on their head and it typically stems back to one thing– the stigma surrounding helmets.
“It’s surprising how many rodeo girls I’ve talked to that wear hats tell me that they wish they could go out of their comfort zone and switch to a helmet, but the fear of getting made fun of keeps them from doing so,” Cox said.
Due to the disapproving mentality that comes hand in hand with helmets, these high profile horsemen and women are not
More and more cowboys aren’t beginning to realize that helmets are just for kids.
(Courtesy
going to feel encouraged to stray away from the status quo and risk their professional platform, thus not encouraging the amateurs who admire them to run and find the nearest helmet either.
Photo by G. Paulson)
RODEO
It’s a cycle hard to break, but traumatic brain injuries unfortunately don’t care whether or not helmets contradict your aesthetic. They only care that you have an exposed head.
“Although barrel racing and jumping are high action things, some of the most scary falls I’ve seen didn’t even happen in a competition,” Morris said. “Their horse got spooked on a trail ride or their horse flipped down an embankment. We can’t really control the environment and predict how freak accidents will happen, so it’s important to me to do my part to protect myself.”
This risk of injury is even higher in a competitive environment.
“Even if you have the most dependable horse, accidents always happen,” Cox said. “Especially in rodeo where you can get thrown less than ideal ground conditions. Helmets give you that peace of mind that even in those conditions, my life could potentially be saved.”
Helmet Hypocrisy
When supporting the stance of helmets, it’s important to maintain a position of acceptance.
“I would love it if everyone wore helmets, but I try not to be the type who pushes them onto people,” Cox said. “I have the mentality that you should do what you want to do and what you feel comfortable with. The more you push it down people’s throats, the more likely they are to push back and resist it.”
One can complain all day about how they are judged for being a helmet head, but that defamation goes both ways. They should encourage and educate people to wear a helmet, not shame them for choosing otherwise.
“At the end of the day, it’s your decision if you want to wear a helmet or not,” Morris said. “But if you were to ask the cowboys of the early 1900s, they would probably tell you hats were designed in a different way to absorb some of the shock
of a fall compared to today. Now hats are more of a fashion statement. I think they would have jumped on the opportunity to protect their heads.”
No matter where someone stands in the option of wearing a hat or a helmet, the thing that connects them to the other is the shared love of the western lifestyle. Being a part of an industry brimming with such tradition is one of the things that makes cowboying so renowned and that authenticity should be permanently celebrated– but it’s important to remember some of the best traditions are those remade.
Mackenzie Johnson is an Agriculture Communications major at Tarleton State University where she is a barrel racer on the college rodeo team.
SLOW COOK SOME SPICY WINGS FOR THE BIG GAME
Texoma Farm & Home
The games garner the bulk of fans’ attention when football season kicks off each year at the end of summer. While the exciting action on the gridiron is a cause for celebration among millions of football fans, the food enjoyed during game day provides much to look forward to as well.
Certain foods have become part and parcel of watching a particular sport. For example, who can attend a baseball game and resist the temptation to indulge in a hot dog? For football fans, chicken wings are the go-to game day dish. There’s no shortage of ways to prepare chicken wings, but fans who like their game day grub to have a little kick can try this recipe for “Spicy Soy Chicken Wings” courtesy of Andrew Schloss’s “Cooking Slow: Recipes for Slowing Down and Cooking More” (Chronicle Books).
Spicy Soy Chicken Wings
Makes 4 servings
4 lbs. chicken wings, cut into sections at the joints, tapered wing tips trimmed and discarded
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2⁄3 cup soy sauce
2⁄3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1⁄8 teaspoon hot chili powder, preferably habanero
2 garlic cloves, minced
Combine the chicken wing pieces with a generous amount of salt and pepper in a large zippered plastic bag. Close the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
Preheat the oven to 225 F. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish in a single layer without crowding.
In a small saucepan, stir together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cayenne, chili powder, and garlic and heat to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Pour over the chicken. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and cook until the chicken is nearly falling off the bone, about 3 hours.
Raise the oven temperature to 450 F and continue baking until the chicken browns and the sauce thickens into a glaze, about 10 minutes longer. Watch carefully near the end of the cooking time to avoid burning. Toss the wings in the sauce to coat and serve.
Variation: In a slow cooker:
Follow the recipe, cooking the chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker on high for 3 to 4 hours, instead of a baking dish in the oven. When the wings are cooked through, transfer to a bowl. Simmer the sauce with the lid of the cooker off until it thickens, about 10 minutes longer. Toss the wings in the thickened sauce and serve.
Fans who like their game day grub to have a little kick can try this recipe for “Spicy Soy Chicken Wings.”
(Courtesy photo)
North Texas artist a true renaissance man
by Mary Jane Farmer
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” — Maya Angelou
The sounds of hand clapping and yahoos brought the Split Window (Recording) Studio to full life, from the moment Dustin Perkins belted out his first song until he completed his Sunday afternoon concert.
Dustin is working on his latest album now, utilizing the mystical magic that combines his music and his band’s input with that of (Denison’s) Split Window producers.
Music is not Dustin Perkins’ only artistic talent. The Okie excels in creating works of art that grace people’s homes or businesses. Walls, doors, kitchen or office cabinet doors, anything and everything defining unique wood art.
Yeppers, the man is artistic in the truest sense of the word — there’s no doubt.
Music
“The more I sing, the more I pay attention to the words I put into my songs,” the Texan-turned-Okie explained. His songs almost always have a positive spin on them. For instance “Luckiest Man Alive.” “There’s a hole in my pocket, about to run out…The phone keeps a ringin’ every time it gets quiet around here,” etc. But Perkins is certain he’s the “luckiest man alive.”
Perkins’ dedication to his music let him hit the road on his “Bag of Bones” tour, about a decade ago. He set out without any firm gigs scheduled. Instead, when he’d hit a town that looked promising, he’d manage to get that guitar out and make new fans with his style and songs. The tour lasted quite a few weeks, and ended with a scheduled show at the now-shuttered Hank’s Texas Grill, and his fans packed the house, so delighted Dustin was back within listening distance.
One has to wonder if one of Perkins’ newer songs, “Doing My Best to Get Back Home,” stemmed from that Bag of Bones Tour.
The artist took about a 10-year break from singing and songwriting and performing. What did he do during those 10 years? Well, he said, “I didn’t understand life’s up and downs. Getting out of music wasn’t my choice. The first couple of years I was really bitter and did not understand my life.
“Then, I spent the better part of the third year getting in touch with God. I didn’t understand why I wasn’t hearing from Him. Then I realized I had to change my perspective, that was all I really needed. I started realizing how blessed I was.
“I couldn’t change situations, but, through self-reflection and self-improvement, I could change the way I look and feel. You don’t got nothin’ if you don’t have love. I had love and had walked away from it. My band mates, my family, God’s love… not romantic love… just appreciation for it all,” the father of
North Texas native Dustin Perkins splits his time between the music busines and woodworking.
(Photo Courtesy of Mary Jane Farmer/Scene in Town)
stwo explained.
Perkins got into the music business when he was 15 years old, and that was 22 years ago. During that time, he’s released four albums; and he’s released the first song off this fifth project, a song appropriately called “Long Time Comin’” The full album is due out sometime in August and will be available on all platforms.
Dustin said he’s got absolutely zero, zip, nada, zilch plans to hire a radio promoter for it in hopes of having a chart-maker. “I’ll send the songs out, old-school, and if there’s any interest,
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ENTERTAINMENT
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the DJs will play it. The game has changed so much — it’s more about getting on the Spotify charts. But, the response so far has been super good.
“I am a different human than I was 10 years ago. Different perspective, more financially stable, more patient. It seems to be working. Every radio station has eat us up.”
One thing hasn’t changed. In the past, Dustin was known for almost always having new merchandise to offer fans at his gigs. That hasn’t and isn’t changing. When he and the band (all longtime musican/friends) recently played at Texas Music Revolution, he had Dustin Perkins sunglasses, along with a unique and hand-crafted tobacco pipeline made from wood scraps. “And the monies go back into the business,” he said.
Wood business
Perkins has worked at ‘real’ jobs during these decades, and has an unmatchable work ethic. During his 10-year hiatus, he worked in construction. And some of that time was with land developer Dan Barney. “He was pushing over 200-year-old trees and putting them in brush piles, making the land ready for future development,” Perkins explained. “I said ‘Why don’t you buy a sawmill?’” Dan said he’d buy the saw mill and teach
Dustin how to best use it, and he’d make sure that the trees were made available to him. “I told him I’d love to have something like this someday. A couple of years later, he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. He had already given me an appreciation and skills to make custom doors, counter tops and such, and how to run all the equipment. Then, he turned this business over to me.
“It’s been a blessing beyond measure. I never dreamed I’d have this business.”
Perkins said he’s still learning, and calls Dan once a day to talk over the process. “He has saved me so many miles.”
The wood business is called “Perkins One Creek Millworks” and is located in Snow, Oklahoma, about 18 miles north of Perkins’ Antlers home.
So, when asked if this work is another expression of Perkins’ artistry, he answered without hesitation, “Very much so. A lot of stuff I build is out of the lumber made from those 200-yearold trees. I told Dan the other day that I feel so blessed because there is never a day that I hate getting out of bed.
“I am blessed, surrounded by people who love me. I couldn’t dream up a better life than what I have going on right now.
“I’m so grateful for all the support from all my fans, I couldn’t do without. It’s amazing to see so many faces in the crowd. Anybody and everybody I have met and love. A big thank you to all the fans and customers.”
Weber Ranch Vodka: Born in Jalisco, crafted in Texas
In 2006, after graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a Master’s degree in business administration, Jalisco native Antonio Rodriguez was thrilled to land his first job with Patrón Tequila.
“I was not a tequila drinker,” Rodriguez said. “I was just a lucky guy who got a job offer.”
Through his 17 years of experience working for Patrón, Rodriguez gained an appreciation for the agave plant, a staple of Mexico and the main ingredient in tequila. Rodriguez learned how to harvest, ferment, cook and distill agave to achieve different results for different product needs.
“It’s a fun industry,” Rodriguez said. “We get to enjoy what we make. Like a chef tasting his dinner, if you make a good batch of tequila, you need to understand why it was good so you understand how to replicate it. It’s an interactive process.”
For Rodriguez, the best part about his job was the people he worked with.
“Regardless of the road you’re on, being around the right people, listening and learning every day – that’s the best experience you can have,” he said.
When Rodriguez expressed interest in continued growth in the company, Patrón sent Rodriguez to the United States. Located in the major hub of Dallas, Texas, he could learn the sales part of the industry and help on the commercial side of the business.
A few short years later, he received a phone call from some old friends. Former Patrón colleagues had created an idea, and they wanted Rodriguez to join them in their venture.
“Lee Applbaum called me up and started listing a bunch of our friends’ names – John Paul DeJoria, Ed Brown,
by Jessica Edwards
Much like the vodka he creates, Antonio Rodriguez was born in Jalisco yet crafted in Texas. The Master Distiller and Senior Vice President of Production for Weber Ranch, Rodriguez loves the product they make and the people who play a role in its success. (Courtesy Photo)
Brad Vassar, Dave Wilson,” Rodriguez said. “They had an idea and wanted to do something together again. It was a dream team of people involved. I had lots of respect for those guys, so it didn’t even matter what the project was. I was in.”
While Rodgriguez suspected they were considering a new brand of tequila, he was shocked to learn they were developing an agave vodka, a first in the alcohol industry. While Rodriquez wondered what he’d signed up for, he also trusted the team.
“They had an idea that we had never heard of and had never been done, and they commissioned me to make it a reality,” Rodriguez said. “I thought, it should be possible. Am I officially crazy? I think we can do it.”
In reality, Rodriguez had no clue if it would be possible, but it was an opportu-
nity he couldn’t pass up.
“Our mantra is basically, we’ll figure it out,” Rodriguez said.
The group formed Round 2 Spirits and the wheels were set in motion. The founders had an idea, a name and some packaging drafts. All they needed was a product – and that’s how Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka was born.
As Master Distiller and Senior Vice President of Production, Rodriguez got to work learning everything he could about the vodka industry, including the ins and outs of the distillery process.
“There was nobody to call, nobody to ask. This had never been done before,” Rodriguez said. “It was a process of trial and error.”
One of the greatest strokes of luck for Weber Ranch was finding a distillery in
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Muenster, Texas that just happened to have the unique equipment they needed to create the high-quality product they were envisioning.
Blue Weber Agave is hand-harvested and distilled in Jalisco before being transported to Weber Ranch Distillery. There it is further distilled in a proprietary copper pot and column stills (which the Muenster distillery had), filtered and bottled. This second distillation and filtration in Texas, as well as the addition of water from the local Trinity Aquifer, helps create this vodka’s unique character.
The company was working against the clock, hoping to release this new product before anyone else in the industry did. It took about a year to develop Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, but the company is proud of the results.
“The first time I saw consumer reactions to our product –seeing their faces, surprised by the taste – it was an amazing experience,” Rodriguez said.
Vodka is typically made from wheat, corn or potatoes and processed via mass industrial methods. Weber Ranch Vodka is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave and water from the local Trinity Aquifer. This means it is gluten, carb and additive free (as well as kosher), making it the most pure, natural, high-quality product possible. Its extraordinarily unique and clean taste profile retains all the bright citrus notes from the agave yet cre-
eat up everything, and still, they’re that anidividends, o f tempo63 knee-high,” the goats respect it most of the time.
Ranch.
ates a velvety smooth mouthfeel unlike any other vodka.
“We’re able to offer a new, high-quality product made by passionate people,” Rodriguez said. “It’s made with better ingredients, there are more ways to enjoy it, and I get to work with friends. What could be better?”
Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka was initially available in only a few markets, including Texas, Florida, California and New York. Today, it’s in over 50 markets, with the goal to be all over the United States by the end of 2024. Locally, it can be found in liquor stores and many area bars and restaurants. For now, Weber Ranch Distillery is strictly used for production, but the team is working on eventually creating a space for a tasting room so folks can see why they’re so passionate about their product.
Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka’s unique flavor profile opens up massive opportunities for its use, ranging from vodka- and tequila-based drinks while placing nicely in traditional agave cocktails (like a ranch water or paloma) as well.
“It’s a great product,” Rodriguez said, “but no product can be made without great people. From the construction of the building, to our equipment, to developing the product – the passion of people involved in this project is reflected in the taste profile of our vodka.”
For more information about Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, including cocktail recipes and where to purchase, please visit www.weberranch.com.
their lesson; sheep are somewhere in between.(Photos courtesy Noble Research Institute)
This Month’s Featured Pet:
Texoma Farm & Home
Jack the Sunflower Cat
Jack is a friendly tuxedo cat who roams the ranch that hosts The Sunflower Experience in Bowie, Texas. For just $5, guests can wander through towering fields of beautiful sunflowers, take gorgeous photos of the flowers and pollinators that visit the garden and even use provided clippers to cut a bloom to take home.
Benches, picnic tables and sitting areas make for a nice stop to take in the view. Jack may tag along to guide you through the trails that run between the sunflower patches. Or he may be too busy chasing bugs.
Either way, he’s a friendly pet who is happy to welcome visitors to his home among the flowers.
