KRIRM 2023 Spring Newsletter

From the Director

Dr. Clay P. Mathis Director & Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. & Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Chair

Gift of the Historic H.R. Smith Ranch Offers Unique Opportunity to KRIRM Graduate Students

Most ranchers I know look forward to spring. This time of year usually brings much needed rains, new calves on the ground, and milder temperatures that make their work outside more pleasant. Spring is a time that represents new possibilities and endless opportunities, bringing with it the anticipation of the future and all it holds. For the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM), the same is true.

In January of 2023, KRIRM received a tremendous opportunity. The estate of Mary Carrol Gregory transferred the historic H.R. Smith Ranch in Campbellton, Texas, to the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation for the benefit of and to be managed by the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management.

The ranch was established in the 1930’s by legendary South Texas oilman, H.R. Smith, and named Hacienda de la Tordilla, or Land/Estate of the Dapple-Grey, for the surrounding hills that resembled the spotted horse at sunset. Spread out over approximately 8,000 acres, H.R. and his family never lived at the ranch fulltime but enjoyed it as a retreat, raising Palomino horses and hosting guests in the meticulously designed Spanish-style main house which is surrounded by oak trees and sprawling views.

How the gift of the H.R. Smith Ranch through Mrs. Gregory came about is unique. She was the only child of H.R. Smith and had no children of her own. One of her philanthropic focuses had always been education while also wanting to make sure that her father’s legacy was not forgotten after she passed. Through several relationships, both personal and professional, she learned about KRIRM and it was clear that her interest and our mission aligned. While the passing of Mrs. Gregory was unexpected and certainly unfortunate, plans for her estate had been well thought out and documented. Her desire was to gift the ranch to an entity that would not immediately sell it, but rather use it as a tool to develop and train students.

The H.R. Smith Ranch will allow KRIRM to integrate ongoing efforts and will provide a foundation for applied research to support teaching and offer ranch managers the tools and information to successfully create and maintain a viable ranching enterprise. A key to success has always been our experiential learning approach to education. A strength of our graduate training program is the real-world case studies our students tackle, serving as consultants and presenting actionable recommendations to ranch owners and the ranching industry as a whole. As a precursor to the transfer of the ranch, KRIRM Masters students utilized historical ranch records and current industry and market conditions to present a comprehensive

Continued on page 6

Clay P. Mathis, PhD, Director and Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. & Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Chair

Emily Stribling, Editor

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

Chair: John Alexander, Jr., King Ranch, Inc.

Hughes Abell, Llano Partners, Ltd.

James Clement III, Beggs Cattle Company

Caroline Alexander Forgason, Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. & Helen C. Kleberg Foundation

Heath Grigg, King Ranch, Inc.

Jeff Hildebrand, Hilcorp Energy Company

Clay P. Mathis, PhD, King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management

Jim McAdams, McAdams Cattle Co.

Bob McCan, McFaddin Enterprises

Shad Nelson, PhD, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Clint Richardson, Ag Reserves

Jason Van Tassell, Sunlight Ranches

Neal Wilkins, PhD, East Foundation

On the Cover

In this Issue

Spring 2023, Volume 19, Issue 1

2 | Gift of the Historic H.R. Smith Ranch Offers Unique Opportunity to KRIRM Graduate Students

KRIRM has the distinct capability and capacity to give students the opportunity to conduct applied research on a ranch managed by the Institute

4 | Education & Innovation

Replacement Heifer Development Considerations for Long Term Success

7 | Case Study

Identification of Federal and State Assistance Programs with Potential Utility for Ranchers

14 | Alumni Spotlight: Jen Livsey

Class of 2011 graduate reflects on her experience at the Institute and shares insights she has gained

Our Mission

Sustaining our ranching heritage through education, innovation, and outreach.

Our Vision

We are determined to educate leaders who will make a positive difference in ranching and ensure that our hard-earned heritage is not lost.

By Dave Delaney

Education & Innovation Replacement Heifer Development Considerations for Long Term Success

Whether in response to restocking due to drought, or simply a change in operations to take advantage of the uptrend in the current beef cycle, those of us at the Institute thought this might be a timely subject to address.

Of all the strategic decisions the commercial cow-calf operator has to make, few have more long-range implications for overall profitability than those made relative to the development of replacement heifers. Despite higher prices, the demand for our product has been outstanding and the producer seems to be regaining some of the leverage lost since the events surrounding the outbreak of Covid-19. Many think the potential exists for the commercial cow-calf operator to see profits approaching those of the 2014-2015 calving seasons. However, while the outlook for calf prices is excellent, barring any unforeseen “Black Swan” type events, now is NOT the time to become complacent with regard to your overall operating expenses.

The hyper-inflationary environment we’ve experienced the last couple of years, and are likely to see in the near future, means that our annual cow costs have risen steadily over the last few years at a rate I personally can’t recall over my 40year career. CattleFax has stated that we’ll likely see an all time historic high in 2023 after having set previous highs in 2021 and 2022. While feed inputs have made a big impact on this trend, I think we’d all agree that almost everything costs more. Not to be “Captain Obvious” but being a low-cost, high-

performance producer has never been more important in order to protect our operations from ever increasing sales and input cost price volatility. Always remember the top 25% producers in these categories (they are not mutually exclusive) rarely experience losses!

With such high prices and potential profitability, the temptation often exists to take advantage of the current market in order to maximize short term profitability and cash flow. If you are a buyer of your replacement stock, you may simply say to yourself that prices are just too high and you’re going to wait it out. We should caution that, unless under dire circumstances, this should be avoided as even one year will result in a significant aging of your mature cow herd, meaning you’ll have to purchase or retain even more cattle in coming years. It’s often said if we could outguess the market we wouldn’t need our day jobs!

Whether you are on an accrual or a cost basis accounting system, making mistakes in the heifer development process can be very costly from both a production (longevity and fertility) and overall financial standpoint. It also makes up a very high percentage of our total cow herd expenses. While there are many excellent brochures available addressing this issue, from both a financial and production systems perspective, from many of our top Land Grant Universities, in the interest of brevity we won’t dive too deeply into specific system comparisons. However, we hope to stimulate some thought that, despite the fact you may think you already have the best system in place

for your operation (and one that has worked efficiently in the past), current events may dictate you take another deeper dive into this subject.

To begin, the promotion of both fertility and longevity (under strict open culling criteria) and thus long-term profitability in the herd, begins with the insistence of ensuring first-exposure heifers calve before, and absolutely no later than, two years of age. A heifer’s inability to breed at or near their first birthday, assuming 60% +/- of mature weight, is highly correlated to infertility issues later in life.

to meet many producer’s expectations. Some hybrid operators, stocker and cow-calf, purchase stocker heifers with this goal in mind and have arrangements to buy other’s calf crops.

Obviously, there are herd bio-security and adaptability issues to be addressed here, but it is being done successfully. In this case, size and age (i.e. limiting the carry period and cost incurred between purchasing and/or sorting and first exposure) can be somewhat controlled in order to minimize cost. As regards the purchase of bred heifers, increasing demand is already driving costs of some reported high-quality heifer sales to $2,500 and higher. Young, bred cows (pairs), are also very high.

While it is undoubtedly best to more intensively manage both the first and second-calf herds individually – which most larger operations do without significantly increasing inputs – logistics on your operation may make this next to impossible for both. If this is the case, experience for most of us shows that more intensive management of the second-calf herd, where open cattle have already been previously sorted once, should take precedence over the first-calf herd. Also, while most operators use certain breeds or other criteria, such as low calf weight EPD, regarding their bulls on first exposure herds – making stand-alone herds imperative for both this and dystocia reasons – once palpated pregnant, the second exposure herds are often mixed with the more mature cows. In addition, while there are a few direct EPD’s that can be used to promote fertility (heifer pregnancy %, rebreed rate, standardized longevity, etc.), for the vast majority of commercial cow-calf operators establishing an absolute culling criterion of both first and second-calf open females may be the quickest route to building fertility under your specific resource input and environmental conditions. Furthermore, those yearling first exposure open heifers should be of an age that full value can be realized either by selling or feeding out.

In general terms, there are usually only three venues available for replacement females to replace cow turnover, which usually runs 12-15% annually. These include either retained ownership, at weaning or the end of the stocker phase, purchased yearlings – bred or open, or purchased young mature cows. I know many cow-calf operators who run purchased or retained stockers as well, and simply “top” this herd when they ship, usually in the fall. As any successful stocker operator’s goal is to cheapen these cattle back as much as possible, when done right this approach can lead to a high-quality animal with a low book cost. I think all of us would agree that the overall quality of the national cow herd has improved incredibly over the last several years and many heifers being sold on video and elsewhere are available

Demand for these two classes of animals often comes from diversified landowners who may not be commercial cowcalf producers as their sole or majority source of income or focus. However, there are some very high-quality producers out there who focus on selling quality bred replacement females. We would recommend that you execute a Net Present Value assessment on these animals in comparison to other alternatives, recognizing that there may be other intangibles that are difficult to analyze using a financial model.

While book costs can be established at both weaning and purchase regardless of your approach to female replacements, allocating additional costs can sometimes be challenging unless using a more sophisticated accounting system. However, good producers have a pretty good idea how allocations should be made and estimates of the cost entering the herd for a palpated pregnant first-calf heifer should be made for system comparison purposes. We should all realize that internal heifer development can come with an opportunity cost – from being weaned

through exposure to having her first calf can be 445 days or more – not only from an alternative sale price standpoint, but also the requirements for labor, pasture, supplement, etc. that might otherwise be allocated to the mature herd or the stocker

Regardless of size, all operators should be aware that other alternatives exist, and our best efforts at analyzing and determining these costs are critical to our operations.

operation. These are very high fixed cost operations where the very high return to fixed cost (i.e. using only variable cost in the analysis) realized by additional headcount, more calves or stockers to sell, can be astounding.

While input costs and resource availability vary considerably on both a specific operation and a regional basis, in all likelihood the best approach regardless of option chosen will depend heavily on forage-based programs given the current cost of supplemental feeds. The use of highly-digestible byproducts works well in meeting both energy and protein needs in these situations. In addition, there is research showing that heifers can be successfully bred at lighter weights, saving overall input costs, if placed on an increasing level of nutrition prior to exposure. While this subject in itself is worthy of an article, nutrition is undoubtedly the most important aspect of any heifer development program. I encourage you to google this subject, or contact your extension service or nutritional consultant if you have any question as to the adequacy of your current program.

For many of us, especially larger operations with economies of scale, in house development of retained calf crop females will remain the preferred option both financially and from a production/genetics standpoint. However, regardless of size, all operators should be aware that other alternatives exist, and our best efforts at analyzing and determining these costs are critical to operation success. The basis of most quality improvement programs, both financial and production, has always been, “You can’t improve what you don’t measure!” With all the changes going on in the ranching and cattle industries, we’d encourage you to do a deep dive into this question. After all, the commercial/cow-calf producer is really the only “non-margin” operator in the entire beef production system. While management can add additional sales and value through genetics, production increases and other cost-effective programs, at the end of the day what we control most are our input costs. Any change that will lower unit cost of production will go a long way to making you a more profitable operator over the long term.

Gift of the Historic H.R. Smith Ranch Offers Unique Opportunity to KRIRM Graduate Students, continued...

management plan for the ranch under KRIRM management. This case study supplemented our original proposal to Mrs. Gregory, and provided KRIRM a roadmap for management with detailed financial outcomes projected for the business.

With the transfer of the H.R. Smith Ranch now complete, KRIRM will venture into territory not offered by any other ranching program. We have the distinct capability and capacity to give students the opportunity to conduct applied research on a ranch managed by the Institute. Adding this valuable component to our program will not only improve their skills, but also sets them apart from other ranch management

students. It will be used as a training laboratory that generates real data and effective solutions that can be used both on the ranch and outside the ranch by sharing that information with other ranching industry stakeholders.

We are grateful to Mrs. Gregory for entrusting KRIRM with such a valuable gift. Through best practices of strategically managing the ranch’s natural resources and various agricultural enterprises, KRIRM will not only ensure the history of the family and the ranch are preserved but will also fulfill its mission to sustain our ranching heritage.

Petter was raised in Pleasanton, TX and earned his bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management at Texas A&M University. He previously worked for Bass family ranches in South Texas before managing farm and ranch trust assets for the US Trust - Bank of America. In 2015 he returned to Pleasanton to work for the family’s land consulting and services business.

Petter says he looks forward to working at a ranch-sized classroom that will be used for hands-on education of ranch management and land stewardship.

We are pleased to announce Jeffrey Petter as the Ranch Manager of the H.R. Smith Ranch.

He is joined by his wife, Jill, and their two children, Jack and Julia.

Jeffrey Petter

H.R. Smith Ranch/ KRIRM Ranch Manager

CASE STUDY: IDENTIFICATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS WITH POTENTIAL UTILITY FOR RANCHERS

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THROUGH CASE STUDIES

For two decades KRIRM has worked to develop exceptional ranch managers through a Master’s of Science in Ranch Management. We combine classroom fundamentals in agriculture and business to complement their practical ranching and technical skills. No exercise has proved more impactful than experiential learning through case studies.

During their graduate training, each student completes at least seven case studies for partnering ranches across North America. Over the years KRIRM students have completed over 130 case studies for more than 50 ranches and ag organizations.

INTRODUCTION

Many of the historical southern Texas Panhandle ranches were established in the late 1800’s. With a long-standing commitment to western heritage, they embody ranching traditions, with a focus on raising high quality cattle and working ranch horses. The host ranch of this case study consists of native rangeland with no cultivated ground. Important landowner considerations include natural resource management and rangeland health, economic sustainability, and the preservation of western heritage and traditions.

Realizing the need for additional ways to reduce operating costs, the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management assisted in identification of federal and state cost share programs with potential utility on their properties located in Texas.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project was to: 1) investigate federal and state resource management assistance programs and; 2) identify programs with potential to help (financially) achieve resource, ownership and management goals.

PROJECT APPROACH

Conversation with ranch owners suggested natural resource management should be the focus, with emphasis on brush management to enhance habitat for both cattle and wildlife. Applicable assistance programs were identified via web research and personal communication with agency professionals. Specifics regarding programs offered, cost share rates, long-term commitments, participant qualification, application process, and cost share funding availability were identified.

RESULTS

Three agencies with oversight of potential cost share opportunities were identified: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

One of the most popular and widely used NRCS cost share programs is Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This program is designed to provide financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers seeking to implement conservation practices addressing natural resource conservation concerns. A voluntary program, EQIP encourages agricultural producers to implement conservation practices by providing cost-share opportunities for certain practices.

The application process for EQIP consists of:

1) Participants must acquire a farm and tract number provided by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in order to be eligible for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Participants must provide proof of identity, a copy of the recorded deed, and a copy of articles of incorporation, bylaws, or partnership (if applicable).

2) Successful applicants must have a rolling average annual adjusted gross income of less than $900,000 for the last three tax years.

3) A conservation plan is required. If the ranch does not have a conservation plan, the NRCS will help develop a plan. A conservation plan should include, but is not limited to:

land use map

soils map complete with descriptions

photos of key areas

riparian areas

highly erodible soils

bare ground

encroachment (brush, trees, weeds)

any other applicable monitoring sites

resources inventory

schedule of recommended conservation practices and follow-up treatments

description of any other conservation practices that support the long-term goals and resource needs of the ranch

Upon completion of 1-3 above, a participant is prepared to apply for the EQIP program. Application for EQIP is filed through the local NRCS agent, a fundamental participant in this process.

Over the life of a farm bill (>4 years), recipients are eligible for up to $450,000 in assistance. The probability of individual projects being chosen for cost-share funding is based on several factors. The NRCS has different ways of prioritizing projects for assistance consideration, but the primary method by which Texas NRCS agents prioritize projects is by identifying priority resource concerns.

To consider the different ecosystems and priorities within, when allocating resources across the state NRCS has divided Texas into five administrative zones. These administrative zones are then further divided into resource teams with responsibility by county. The host ranch falls into Administrative Zone 1, based in Lubbock. The Snyder and Spur resource teams have responsibility for the counties wherein the ranches lie. The resource teams consist of conservation districts that are responsible for considering local input to select top priorities for each land use type. Local input is collected by NRCS resource teams hosting local work groups (LWG). Producers and other stakeholders are invited to attend and discuss natural resource management priorities. Input from LWG guides implementation of the EQIP program (and other USDA cost share programs as well).

Each resource team identifies three priorities for each land use type. The five land use types include: non-irrigated cropland, irrigated cropland, pastureland, rangeland, and forestland. Priorities can be classified under different categories such as soil, water, air, plant, animal, and energy. Since the host ranch is concerned with rangeland improvement (including wildlife habitat), these results focus on programs for rangelands. The main rangeland concerns for the Snyder and Spur resource teams are:

Animal: Inadequate livestock water quality, quantity, distribution

Animal: Feed and forage imbalance, defined as feed and forage quality or quantity inadequate to meet nutritional needs and production goals of the kinds and classes of livestock present on a ranch

Plant: Plant structure and composition, defined as increased biodiversity within specific ecological communities, including wetlands, target ecosystems, or unique plant communities

Each application is submitted and processed by a computergenerated program that searches for key words matching the criteria listed above. Applications can be eligible via multiple avenues, for example:

a ranch can be in an EQIP priority area or be in a Regional Conservation Partnership Program the landowner can be from a socially disadvantaged group the land can be classified as highly erodible or as wetlands the project can be cropland being restored to native rangeland

Unfortunately, at the present time, the ranches are not in an EQIP priority area nor are Regional Conservation Partnership Programs applicable. If the ranch does not have projects that fall under the priority resource concerns for their resource team but has other concerns that need attention, ranch representatives can attend LWG meetings, offer input, and potentially influence the priorities.

When an applicant is approved for funding, the project moves forward. The NRCS refers to different practices as treatments, and these treatments must be completed to NRCS specifications. For example, if the NRCS is providing fence construction cost sharing, the fence must be built to NRCS specifications. Most fencing contractors are familiar with the NRCS specifications. Each treatment through EQIP has a lifespan – the time lapse before a treatment can be repeated, or a different treatment can be performed using the same set of objectives for a targeted species.

All brush management EQIP treatments have a 10-year lifespan. For comparison, the actual useful life of a mechanical brush treatment (depending on species) is typically 15 years. Water-wells have a 25-year lifespan, and all prescribed grazing treatments have a 1-year lifespan. Cost share payments are distributed upon approved project completion (including a final inspection by a NRCS agent).

As mentioned previously, these treatments are cost shared, wherein participants are responsible for the difference between total project cost and cost share funding. However, producers must pay the full cost of the treatment up front, and if the project is completed to NRCS specifications the landowner will then receive the cost share funding. For example, the cost of a brush management project (mechanical treatment and reseeding) for juniper with heavy cover (>51% brush canopy), is approximately $550/acre. The NRCS cost share is $325, leaving the resource owner responsible for $225/acre. The NRCS has an extensive list of projects with the corresponding cost share amount. Local NRCS and county extension agents can be helpful with estimation of total project cost and expected results.

Since ranch owners are concerned with native rangeland improvements and have no cropland, cost share rates for applicable practices were included (Table 1).

Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program administered by NRCS wherein resource owners are compensated for conservation-based practices that help the environment thrive. Conservation Stewardship Program functions via five-year contracts; participants receive an annual payment for participation. Three components determine the annual payment:

Maintenance of existing conservation activities occurring at enrollment

Additional conservation activities implemented during the contract

Whether a landowner: adopts or improves a resource conserving crop rotation or adopts an advanced grazing management plan

Again, the local NRCS agent can explain which management practices warrant compensation.

Partners for Fish and Wildlife

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) program, administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), has been in effect since 1987 to provide technical assistance and cost share support to landowners with wildlife habitat enhancement goals. Land improvement projects through the partners program are voluntary. Throughout the project, landowners continue to own and manage their land for their personal benefit while simultaneously improving habitat for wildlife.

The PFW operates similar to EQIP as a cost share program designed to help landowners improve land for the benefit of

The Texas horned lizard is currently listed as a threatened species in Texas.

wildlife and livestock production. Cost share rates are the same as for EQIP however, they are more flexible on the rates and can customize projects to benefit landowners. Depending on the project, cost share may be greater or less than published cost share rate. Some projects are completely paid for with no cost to the landowner. Full payment projects involve returning land back to its native state (ex. cultivated to native range). The PFW program specifically focuses on the conservation of federal trust species and their habitats. Federal trust species include migratory birds, threatened or endangered species, and marine mammals of interest.

Unlike EQIP, PFW does not have an adjusted gross income cap, payment amounts are not limited, and payments are not tied to the tenure of the Farm Bill. Projects under $25,000 can be approved at the state level, whereas if the project budget is over $25,000 it must receive federal approval. Funding for PFW is allocated directly by Congress (instead of through the Farm Bill).

PFW has a different ranking system than NRCS programs. The primary ranking factors for PFW projects are:

•

•

Does the proposed private lands project complement activities on National Wildlife Refuge System lands? Or, Is there potential for the proposed project to improve habitat for a federal trust species?

Secondary ranking factors include:

Is the project in conjunction with state fish or wildlife agencies, conservation districts, or other partners? Does the project reduce habitat fragmentation? Does the project conserve or restore a natural community that is nationally or globally imperiled? Is the project self-sustaining?

Is the project on lands that serve as buffers for federal or state conservation lands?

General ranking factors include:

• • •

prioritizing longer duration projects over shorter duration projects, prioritizing projects that involve cost sharing opportunities with non-USFWS partners (a landowner cannot use NRCS funds for the same project that they are also trying to secure PFW funding) and, prioritizing the most cost-effective projects

If a project or ranch aligns with more than one of these ranking factors, funding probability increases. If an applicant has a conservation plan on file with NRCS, the request is preferred over those without a conservation plan. Once an application is approved, the recipient may do the work or hire a contractor.

From an economic viewpoint, cost share programs can have appreciable positive impacts on financial indicators like Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR).

Upon completion, a project must be maintained for 10 years or the cost share funds must be repaid. Project maintenance will depend on specifics outlined in the PFW contact. If a project involves improving habitat for a huntable species, that species may be responsibly hunted during the contract period with no repercussions.

Landowner Incentives Program

Due to very limited USFWS representation in Texas, the Landowner Incentives Program (LIP) is overseen by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). All LIP funding comes through the previously-described PFW program. Participants cannot receive funding for the same project through both LIP and PFW. The program priorities are the same, the only difference being LIP participants work specifically with TPWD staff. Since the ranches lie in the Upper Brazos River Basin, which is a LIP priority area, there is a possibility that qualifying projects may be given priority.

ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Maintenance of natural resources and ranch infrastructure is a never-ending responsibility. Brush management and water development seem to be universally commonplace on most Texas ranches. Neglecting maintenance needs compromises ranch productivity and sustainability. Many ranch owners opt to not use voluntary cost share programs for improvements, which is perfectly acceptable. However, from an economic viewpoint, cost share programs can have appreciable positive impacts on financial indicators like Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Possible positive project outcomes include, but are not limited to, increased carrying

capacity, improved resource utilization, improved wildlife habitat and productivity, and increased recreational revenue. Assuming cost share projects in fact improve ranch productivity, lower initial project costs (via a cost share program) will directly impact return on investment.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Whether ranch ownership elects to apply for cost share funds or not, development of a sound written conservation plan is recommended. A conservation plan on file with NRCS is a prerequisite for EQIP and CSP and is often an asset when applying for other federal or state cost share opportunities. In addition, a written conservation plan is an integral component of effective generational transfer of resource management responsibility.

Federal and state cost share programs have the potential to help landowners accomplish resource improvement goals. If ranch owners identify resource improvement projects that align with PFW/LIP interests, pursue cost share via LIP; only TPWD is involved which simplifies the process. Beyond, LIP, pursue PFW; one USFWS agent for the Panhandle and Rolling Plains is involved and historically almost all PFW projects receive funding.

If ranch owners intend to pursue cost share programs with the NRCS (EQIP or CSP), develop relationships with the appropriate resource teams and be personally involved in the local working groups. A working relationship with local NRCS professionals is essential for efficient navigation of cost share program opportunities.

1When calculated by the NRCS, cost per acre between all methods was similar so a flat rate was applied to all application methods.

Table 1. Cost share rates for rangeland improvement practices with potential application on Texas Rolling Plains Ranches

KRIRM CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN 2023!

This year the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) will celebrate its 20th year of educating the next generation of ranch managers. When KRIRM was founded, the industry had a need for high-level ranch professionals who had the skills and expertise to manage the complexities of modernday ranching operations. That need still exists today. Our industry faces a constant barrage of new challenges every year and KRIRM continues to prepare the brightest minds to meet these challenges head on by finding realworld solutions to make a positive impact on the ranching industry at local, state, and national levels.

Over the last 20 years, KRIRM has graduated 53 alumni who manage over 9 million acres of ranchland and wildlife habitat. Our graduates are progressive leaders and exceptional managers at some of the most diverse ranches in the country, but they are also sought out as industry experts who provide a unique perspective. As we look toward the next 20 years, it is exciting to think about 50 or more new alumni using their professional knowledge to shape the ranching industry in our country and ensure that our heritage is not lost. Their influence on this way of life that we love is vital to successful ranching operations and the legacy we leave for future generations.

KRIRM is on a mission, and we will continue to sustain our ranching heritage through education, innovation, and outreach for the next 20 years and beyond!

Learn more at: krirm.tamuk.edu

Fourth Cohort Completes the Excellence in Ag Leadership Program

Established in 2014, the Excellence in Ag Leadership Program, coordinated by the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) and partnered with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA), was created to identify, cultivate and encourage the next generation of leaders in the ranching industry. To be eligible, participants must have completed NCBA Young Cattleman’s Conference or be a KRIRM ranch management graduate student.

The distance-education program requires participants to attend three KRIRM lectureships that focus on managing farm and ranch employees, systems thinking in ranching and managing the cow-calf business; and complete a 360-degree leadership assessment designed to help participants understand how they are perceived as leaders. Participants also receive individualized coaching from KRIRM leadership to develop a clear understanding of how they can become a more effective leader based on their unique strengths.

Our goal is that the knowledge gained, networking connections established and professional development completed have better equipped participants to be leaders, strengthened their ability to recognize

opportunities to serve and reinforced their confidence to tackle complex decisions on personal, organizational, and community levels. We are confident they will positively impact the ranching industry.

This year’s cohort of 9 individuals (pictured below) joins 49 others who have completed the program to date.

Front row- Dr. Clay Mathis, Barb Wilkinson, Chase Crandall, Caroline Holt, Nathan Clackum, Caroline Wild, Dr. Kim McCuistion, Back Row- Sam Newell, Jason Small, Tyler Woodland, Bradley Donner, Dr. Rick Machen. Not pictured - Maddee Moore.

The Impact of Annual Giving

Sustaining Our Ranching Heritage through Education, Innovation, and Outreach

When the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management was founded, there was one purposeto serve the ranching industry by educating the next generation of ranch managers. In the last twenty years, we have never waivered from that mission. We know that real influence and impact come from professionals who have been trained to manage complex ranching operations and can be a voice for the ranching industry at the local, regional, and national levels. Our dedication to the people we educate, whether they are obtaining a master’s of science degree or attending one of our lectureships, has earned us the reputation of being the premier ranch management program in the world.

We haven’t achieved this success alone. KRIRM donors continue to partner with us to provide necessary funding that strengthens our program.

Gifts through our Ranching Legacy Program support:

Funds for KRIRM Student Success

Applied Research to generate Innovative Ranching Solutions

Continuing Education in Ranch Management through Lectureships and Symposia

Recruitment of World-Class Faculty

If you haven’t considered giving to KRIRM, this is a great time to learn more about partnering with us through our Ranching Legacy Program.

Visit our website at krirm.tamuk.edu/giving to join with us in sustaining our ranching heritage!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up a fifth-generation rancher in Eastern Colorado, graduated from KRIRM in 2011, and live near Denver with my husband and two kids.

Why did you choose to attend KRIRM?

While in college my Grandma sent me a Western Horseman article about KRIRM and wrote “If I were you this is what I would do.” It took me a few years, but after I met Dr. Dunn and the students, Grandma’s wisdom won out. I had grown up very involved on my family’s ranch but wanted more education around land, livestock, and people management.

How do you think receiving your MS in Ranch Management prepared you for what you are doing now?

I own and run an insurance agency focused on ranchers, so I use the analytical and people management skills (the focus of my Masters project at KRIRM) I gained on a daily basis. On my family’s ranch, the Flying Diamond, I do a lot around land/resource management and expansion as well as grazing management, so Systems Thinking is invaluable.

What does it mean to be the first woman to graduate from the program?

I am very blessed to come from a family that has always seen women as equally capable to men and set expectations accordingly, on the ranch and in all fields of life. I felt KRIRM was a continuation of that. I know ag can have (sometimes deservedly) the reputation of a men’s club, but I always felt like I earned, and was on, the same footing as the guys. There have been many outstanding female ranchers before me and there will be many after me, and KRIRM will be lucky enough to have some of them as graduates.

Jen Livsey

KRIRM CLASS OF 2011 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

What do you think is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today?

We are operating in a world that, largely due to distance, propaganda and ignorance, is increasingly antagonistic towards what we do and the meat we produce. Learning how to be savvy in recognizing and marketing the whole package of services (habitat, nutrient cycling, water infiltration, etc) livestock grazing produces is going to be key to maintaining an even remotely friendly business environment over the long term. It’s not just the marketing; we actually have to get better at grazing too. I think there is massive potential to improve our grazing practices, at scale, in the US and that doing so is necessary from a profitability (micro) and reputation (macro) standpoint.

What would you tell a professional who is considering applying to the master’s program or contemplating attending lectureships through KRIRM?

I could not more strongly encourage it; I found my two years at KRIRM the most intellectually fulfilling of my life (Princeton has nothing on it). The quality of your classmates and the network you will gain is the best there is. Two years is not that long in the grand scheme of life. And if you decide two years is too long, or that uprooting to South Texas is prohibitive, the lectureships are a great alternative.

Any closing remarks?

Managing our land resources is the most interesting, worthwhile, and ultimately rewarding work I think a person can do. Our nation would be much better served if our best and brightest chose careers in agriculture. KRIRM is the nexus for great people and great opportunities, making it such an asset for our industry.

Learn more about KRIRM in our new video at:

krirm.tamuk.edu/masters-program

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"Our nation would be much better served if our best and brightest chose careers in agriculture. KRIRM is the nexus for great people and great opportunities, making it such an asset for our industry."

Successful Operations Require WorldClass Training for Ranch Employees

It is more crucial than ever that ranch employees have the tools they need for successful ranching operations. Our unique approach to continued education in ranch management means we provide multiple opportunities throughout the year for hands-on, applied learning that fits into a professional schedule and covers a widerange of industry specific topics.

Register and view more information at: krirm.tamuk.edu/outreach

WHY INVEST IN LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES?

Employee development is equally as important as controlling costs, marketing your products and mitigating risk for your operation.

Having fewer employees than in the past requires each one to be highly skilled in multiple areas.

KRIRM rancher-focused events broaden minds, while inspiring creativity and innovation. Advanced training increases employee autonomy. More tasks can be done well, independently.

Remaining 2023 Rancher Learning Opportunities

VISIT KRIRM.TAMUK.EDUOUTREACH FOR MORE INFORMATION

Richard Mifflin Kleberg, Jr. Family Lectureship on Equine Management

May 15-17, 2023

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX & Online || $400

Lead Instructor: Dr. Benjamin Espy, DVM

This course is taught by nationally recognized equine professionals in the world’s largest outdoor laboratory and is a fantastic place to polish your horsemanship. Board certified experts, practicing veterinarians, and professionals in disciplines spanning the equine industry will apply current science to the daily use, management, and care of horses.

B.K. “Kley” Johnson Lectureship on Brush Management

September 22-23, 2023

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX & Online || $300

Lead Instructor: Jeff Goodwin, PhD Invasive species compete for precious soil nutrients and compromise growth of higher succession forages.Managing these invasive plants is never a onceand-done event, but rather an ongoing, never-ending process. Here’s an opportunity to learn the full complement of management tools and see firsthand the results of their application.

Sponsored by: Corteva

Holt Cat® Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management

October 5-6, 2023

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX & Online || $150

Drought Recovery and High Cattle

Prices: Making the Right Decisions Now Beef inventories and markets are cyclical. Drought dissipation and bullish cattle prices indicate real opportunity for ranchers is just ahead. Register to hear symposium speakers reflect back and look ahead to better days and strategic choices for business improvement.

Drought Recovery and High Cattle Prices:

MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS NOW

October 5-6, 2023 || Kingsville, Texas & Online

October 5-6, 2023 || Kingsville, TX & Online

Beef inventories and markets are cyclical. Drought dissipation and bullish cattle prices indicate real opportunity for ranchers is just ahead. Register to hear symposium speakers reflect back and look ahead to better days and strategic choices for business improvement.

Register and view more information at: krirm.tamuk.edu/symposium

20th Annual HOLT CAT® Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management