FEATURES
Published by the KING RANCH ® INSTITUTE FOR RANCH MANAGEMENT
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Wagon Tracks
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Leading a New Grass-fed Beef Brand in Hawaii
“Practical Stockmanship in Ranching Symposium Wrap Up” By Dr. Clay Mathis
KRIRM graduate has integral management roles with the Parker Ranch and a new branded beef effort By Kindra Gordon
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Expanding Outreach
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Lessons Learned, Opportunities Ahead
KRIRM partners with agricultural organizations to better serve the industry By Ashley Patterson 2017 KRIRM graduates look forward to future ranch management careers By Ashley Patterson
Cover Photo by Jesse Mae Dalton
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Texas A&M University-Kingsville 700 University Blvd., MSC 137 Kingsville, TX 78363 361-593-5401 361-593-5404 fax krirm@tamuk.edu http://krirm.tamuk.edu Clay P. Mathis, Ph.D., Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. & Helen C. Kleberg Endowed Director Ashley Patterson, Editor
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL Chair: James H. Clement, Jr., King Ranch, Inc. Caroline Alexander Forgason, Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. & Helen C. Kleberg Foundation Gus T. Canales, A.T. Canales Ranches Dave DeLaney, King Ranch, Inc. Bob McCan, McFaddin Enterprises Eric Jacobsen, AgReserves, Inc. Neal Wilkins, Ph.D., East Foundation Fred Bryant, Ph.D., Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Shad Nelson, Ph.D., Texas A&M University-Kingsville
“Practical Stockmanship in Ranching Symposium Wrap Up” From the Director, Dr. Clay Mathis
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s another year comes to a close, so does another annual Holt Cat® Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management. This past October, we held our 13 th symposium focused on Practical Stockmanship in Ranching. To say it was a success might be an understatement. We are pleased to report that it was our largest attended symposium to date, with more than 300 ranchers, landowners, and agriculturalists from 21 states, Mexico, Canada, and Ireland. Much like our past symposia and lectureships, we strive to provide the very best speakers and practitioners to instruct our programs, and this slate of symposium speakers was no different. I would like to use this column to summarize the symposium and what we learned from the exceptional speakers. The keynote address, made by Associate Director of Market Research for NCBA Shawn Darcy, outlined consumer perceptions on production practices and animal welfare. While he noted that nearly two-thirds of consumers recently surveyed felt positive about the way beef is raised, consumers were still concerned about animal abuse/inhumane treatment. After watching a beef production lifecycle video, consumers’ fears and overall suspicions decreased. We as producers must make sure our message to consumers shows our commitment to ensuring the humane treatment of livestock. A few of our own KRIRM personnel were able to offer their experiences and expertise on practical stockmanship. Our newest faculty member, Dr. Rick Machen, discussed the impact of stress and handling on cattle performance, explaining that research concludes low stress handling contributes to animal and handler welfare, improved animal performance, improved carcass merit, and greater consumer confidence in the industry. Lee Creech, a KRIRM graduate student, showed attendees how to correctly evaluate the long term feasibility of rebuilding corrals versus new construction options. Coming from a diverse family ranch, Creech’s experience with this topic was invaluable. One of the takeaways for Lee’s presentation was to not underestimate the cost effectiveness of portable panel corral systems compared to more permanent structures when projecting over a 20year period.
Discussion on stockmanship cannot exclude animal health, well-being, and practical application on the ranch; in addition to industry professionals and academia presentations, veterinarians and ranch managers rounded off the lineup, giving producers real-world scenarios. The overall message from veterinarians cited BQA guidelines and advised attendees to consider all aspects of animal handling and the impact husbandry practices have on consumers. Ranch managers offered their experiences when their operations implemented change in cattle handling—experiences that brought about positive change for the well-being of both the livestock and ranch employees. The symposium concluded at the low-stress cattle handling demonstration led by cattle handling experts Dr. Ron Gill and Curt Pate. The demonstration was held at King Ranch, and both Ron and Curt handled a set of Santa Gertrudis heifers on King Ranch horses, demonstrating the process from acclimating the horse and cattle to the situation, penning the cattle, working the cattle on foot, and to finally loading the cattle in a trailer. The overall message during the demonstration was the importance of teaching cattle to trust the handler, respond to pressure and use their instincts to accomplish the intentions of management, and when handling cattle slower is often faster. If you weren’t able to attend symposium, the complete post-symposium news release is online at krirm.tamuk. edu/krirmnews. You can also find pictures and updates from the event on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We hope you can join us for our events in 2017. From all of us at KRIRM, we wish you a Happy New Year and hope that you had a Merry Christmas!
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KRIRM graduate, Jason Van Tassell.
KRIRM graduate has integral management roles with the Parker Ranch and a new branded beef effort. By Kindra Gordon
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aised in Utah, Jason Van Tassell always knew he wanted to be a rancher. While his dad often encouraged him to pursue other career interests when he was young, Van Tassell’s passion for ranching couldn’t be dissuaded. “Ranching was in my blood since early childhood,” he says. Today, Van Tassell’s ranch dreams have taken him on an amazing journey providing the opportunity to work with many large ranches in the American West. His current ranch role has Van Tassell, his wife Laurie and their four children living in Hawaii where he is a livestock manager for the Parker Ranch and also serves as general manager of Paniolo Cattle Co., a new pasture-to-table enterprise focused on providing high-quality, affordable, locally raised beef. Van Tassell’s path to Hawaii is a culmination of his ranch life experiences, but he credits the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) with opening the door to the opportunity. Van Tassell earned a Master of Science in Ranch Management from KRIRM in 2012.
First Steps
Like many with a passion for ranching, Van Tassell’s initial plans did not include college. He went to New Zealand for two years on a Mormon church mission. When he returned, he tried a semester at Utah State University, but then returned 4 I Winter 2017 I KRIRM
to Utah’s Morgan Valley and worked for area ranchers. Eventually, Van Tassell went to work for Ensign Ranches in Utah in 1995. After a few years, a manager advised Van Tassell to finish his education if he wanted Laurie, Jason, and daughters Laney, 17; to move into a future Macey, 15; Texie, 5; and son Cache, 13. ranch management role. At Utah State, Van Tassell met and married his wife. School, ranch work, and starting a family followed. He completed an internship at Nebraska’s Rex Ranch, before graduating from Utah State in 2001 with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science. Van Tassell then worked for Deseret Land and Livestock in Utah for a couple years, when a call came to be the cattle manager at Pine Valley Ranch in eastern Oregon. Oregon became their home for six years, while advice from friend Les Nunn, a KRIRM graduate, encouraged Van Tassell to look at the KRIRM program. Van Tassell approached the KRIRM program with an open-mind, and tells, “That was the best thing we could have done. We were willing to take every opportunity that came our way to make us more rounded and
marketable.” And that is where Hawaii came into the story.
The Parker Ranch
Van Tassell had the opportunity to complete his first KRIRM internship with the Parker Ranch. During the summer of 2011, he and his family relocated for 10 weeks to the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. Van Tassell’s project was to compare the economics of grass-finishing and marketing cattle on the island versus the traditional process of shipping 400-500 lb. calves to the mainland to be fed-out and finished. He developed an economic model that provided Parker Ranch the data to seriously consider keeping a portion of their calves and finishing them on grass. That fall, Van Tassell returned to the KRIRM program, but stayed in contact with the Parker Ranch as they considered the plan. Van Tassell says, “It was exciting to know they valued the efforts from my internship.” After completing his master’s at KRIRM, Van Tassell returned to Oregon as general manager at Pine Valley Ranch. Eventually, a call came from Dutch Kuyper, President and CEO of Parker Ranch, who asked if Van Tassell would come to Hawaii to lead the grass-fed program he had researched so thoroughly. The Parker Ranch team had studied the supply chain from production through to retail and decided to aggressively shift a significant portion of production to the local beef brand concept. Today, Van Tassell works for the Parker Ranch alongside Keoki Wood, who serves in the other livestock manager role jointly overseeing the cow-calf operations. In his other role of general manager for Paniolo Cattle Co., Van Tassell leads the joint venture launched in February 2014 between Parker Ranch and the Ulupono Initiative aimed at developing a statewide local beef production system. Paniolo is the Hawaiian word for cowboy. Of the effort, Van Tassell explains, “Paniolo Cattle Company is an equal partnership of capital and capabilities based on shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to the future of ranching in Hawaii. Parker Ranch provides
The commitment of 1,400 cattle to the Paniolo Cattle Co. branded program represents the largest commitment of grass-fed beef by a single ranch in the state, and increased the supply of grass-fed beef to the market by nearly 35%.
calves and cattle management expertise for the joint venture and Ulupono Initiative contributes the intellectual capital to develop best practices for profitability and sustainable agricultural methods. Both entities have financial interest and handle the commercial aspects of the 20-plus Safeway stores business.” in Hawaii now offer The project began with a the Paniolo Cattle Co. commitment of 1,400 cattle by branded beef, as do several food service outlets and the Parker Ranch to be raised and Whole Foods stores. grass-finished on the Hawaii Island. Ultimately, Van Tassell says, “The intention is to build a local brand for our local market and build a robust cattle program that provides consistent, high quality beef to local markets.” The intent is also to involve cattle from other ranches throughout the state of Hawaii. Future opportunities may be to buy and finish other Hawaii-raised calves, or to provide a market for Hawaii ranchers to sell their grass-finished cattle. “We want to keep more money in Hawaii, provide jobs and give opportunities to capture value from livestock and the land resources…and strengthen the cattle industry in Hawaii,” he adds. The sustainability of the beef program is a foundational element of their business strategy. Among the goals is to achieve price competitiveness relative to imports mostly from Australia and New Zealand—an import substitution strategy which will help the local economy—relying solely on local resources and providing an economic engine for local economic development.
Value from KRIRM
In bringing the local, grass-fed beef project to fruition, Van Tassell credits his KRIRM training and opportunity to network with other ranch managers for aiding the process. “We focused on a systems approach at KRIRM. Problems aren’t isolated to one event or one thing. Being able to understand the whole system is important,” he notes. Van Tassell says whether it is a grass-fed beef program or daily ranch work, everything seems to build on that systems approach—from the soil and grass to the cattle and human element. All told, Van Tassell knows his journey in life has brought him and his family right where they are supposed to be. Reflecting, he says, “The biggest thing I try to share with others is that it was a hard decision being in the ranch business for so many years to step away from production – the branding, riding and physical work – and going to a classroom at the King Ranch Institute for two years. But I would do it again in a heartbeat. It’s given us more than we ever dreamed it would.” KRIRM I Winter 2017 I 5
Noble Foundation Photo
KRIRM partners with agricultural organizations to better serve the industry By Ashley Patterson
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ducating leaders who will make a positive difference in ranching and working to ensure that our hardearned heritage is not lost has been the vision for the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) throughout the last 13 years. During this period the impact has expanded beyond educating ranch management graduate students to include increasing effort to serve industry stakeholders. The KRIRM lectureship series has brought together ranchers and other stakeholders to empower them with the skills necessary to strategically manage diverse ranching operations and be successful leaders. The initial conception of KRIRM involved educating graduate students in ranch management. Today, KRIRM is the only program that offers a Master of Science in Ranch Management degree. When it was realized how the industry could be further served by hosting lectureships, the endowed lectureship series was created in 2008 with a generous donation from Texas Farm Credit. Each year, five to seven lectureships are offered that cover concepts that range from hands-on field training such as prescribed burning, grazing and equine management, to the more technical and business side of ranching such as managerial accounting and human resource management. These lectureships—which attract landowners, ranch managers, ranch employees, ag loan officers, ag educators and more— teach attendees how to deal with complex issues facing the ever-changing industry. Clay Mathis, Ph.D., director and endowed chair for KRIRM, attributed the success of the lectureships to the high
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quality instructors and practical topics. “Our philosophy has always been to find the very best instructor we can with the real world experience needed to be excellent, practical educators,” he said. Traditionally, all the lectureships are offered in Kingsville, Texas, but as these lectureships grew in attendance numbers and expanded in topics, the decision to host a few lectureships in other states was the next logical step in KRIRM’s outreach mission. “We have no intentions of holding fewer events in Kingsville,” said Mathis, “but we see potential in taking the training model we use and hosting events across the ranching states. It can be difficult for many of the stakeholders we serve to justify the time and expense associated with travel to South Texas for personal development. Our hope is to reach a broader audience by holding events in different states so that producers may only have to drive four to eight hours as opposed to two days of air travel.” This idea was tested in June 2016 as KRIRM partnered with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and held the Strategic Planning Lectureship at the Noble Foundation’s campus in Ardmore, Okla. With more than 42 ranchers and agriculturalists in attendance, the event was a great success and a testament to the potential of holding lectureships in the more central region of the country. Mathis explained that the KRIRM service mission is common with other organizations, and he realized the greater opportunity in serving KRIRM’s
Upcoming Off-Site Lectureships Application of Advanced Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle May 8-9, 2017 May 11-12, 2017 Montana State University South Dakota State University Bozeman, Montana Rapid City, South Dakota Human Resource Management for Ranchers Lectureship June 9-10, 2017 The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Ardmore, Oklahoma
View more information about these and other lectureships at krirm.tamuk.edu/lectureships
clientele by partnering with like-minded agricultural organizations such as the Noble Foundation. “We believe partners like The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Oklahoma, the Extension Service at land grant universities, and potentially other organizations will be a key component to increase the outreach of KRIRM,” he said. This year, another lectureship will be offered in conjunction with the Noble Foundation. The Human Resource Management for Ranchers Lectureship will be held June 9-10, 2017, offering attendees training in workforce planning and employee management. The workshop has been designed to build the skill-set of ranch managers so they can more effectively plan for, understand, and lead current and future employees of the ranch. Noble Foundation’s Senior Vice President and Agriculture Division Director Billy Cook, Ph.D., expressed his gratification in the successful collaboration between Noble and KRIRM, explaining that such relationships are critical for exploring creative solutions for agricultural producers. After the first lectureship in 2016, Cook looks forward to even more partnerships in 2017 and beyond. “We have identified additional areas for potential lectureships into the future where we will collaborate at an even higher level for the benefit of our producers,” said Cook. “I believe the lectureships will be just one portion of a multifaceted relationship between our two organizations as we move into the future.” In early 2016, KRIRM held its first lectureship on
Application of Advanced Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle. With a record lectureship attendance of more than 60 ranchers, landowners, and stakeholders from nine states and two countries, the lectureship discussed genetic selection and evaluation innovations that have evolved at a rapid pace in recent years. Instructors Matt Spangler, Ph.D. and Bob Weaber, Ph.D. helped attendees not only strengthen their foundational understanding of genetic principles, but also helped them build upon those principles to apply advanced genetic technologies in the real world of seedstock and commercial cattle production. Because of the success of this lectureship, it returned to the 2017 event schedule with two different sessions in May 2017. With the hope of a successful partnership similar to Noble Foundation, KRIRM will offer the genetics lectureship jointly with the extension services in Montana and South Dakota. The genetic technology lectureship in Bozeman, Mont., will be held with Montana State University Extension Service May 8-9, 2017, and with South Dakota State University Extension in Rapid City, South Dakota, May 11-12, 2017. With this expansion of the lectureships in ranching states outside of Texas, KRIRM and partners will increase the impact outlined in the KRIRM vision created 13 years ago. “We have a lot of opportunity to expand our outreach efforts,” said Mathis. “Our approach will be to add a few events, re-evaluate our growth and success, and then determine where and how we can increase our impact more.” KRIRM I Winter 2017 I 7
2017 KRIRM graduates from left to right: James Stuart, Lee Creech, Chris Kirby.
2017 KRIRM graduates look forward to future ranch management careers By Ashley Patterson
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he twelfth class of King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) graduate students are nearing the end of their studies in ranch management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. This May, three more students will become part of the KRIRM legacy as they join the ranks of the other 32 KRIRM alumni employed in 15 states managing a combined 4 million acres of ranchland and wildlife habitat, 95,000 head of cattle and bison, and 250 employees. The graduating class of 2017 reflects back on their time at KRIRM and the important lessons learned both inside and outside of the classroom.
Quantock, transitioned to the business side of the ranch. Through various other employments including attending auctioneer school, Creech’s main focus throughout his career journey was to broaden his skill set, which ultimately led him to the master’s in ranch management program at KRIRM. Although he said exiting the workforce and returning to school as a mature student was an adjustment, Creech’s experience was made easier by the network that immediately began to build. Even through initial contacts made with KRIRM such as the fellow students, Creech realized how the people he’s met will play an invaluable role in his future career development. “I compare it to finding Students from all over the puzzle pieces that I can put country have studied at together to create a much KRIRM, but Lee Creech holds more complex picture,” the honor of being the first explained Creech. “After international KRIRM graduate arriving in Kingsville, it was student. Raised on his family’s evident that this Master of ranching operation in Alberta, Science degree was going to be built with a lot more Canada, Creech worked in the day-to-day operations of the puzzle pieces than the required classes and courses.” ranch until graduating from the University of Lethbridge, Those puzzle pieces are the many components that Alberta with a Bachelor of make up the master’s in Management in Marketing. KRIRM students Chris Kirby (left) and Lee Creech (right) examining ranch management program After graduation, his role forage samples at the 2016 Grazing Management lectureship. with the family ranch, M.C. at KRIRM. Of course time
Lee Creech
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methods and improve his leadership and business skills. is spent in classrooms, but learning opportunities outside Much like his fellow graduate students, Kirby realizes that the of the classroom enhance the learning environment for KRIRM students. Through lectureships, internships, trade networks created and relationships built while at the institute shows, ranch visits, and participating in the Excellence in have been the most valuable. Ag Leadership Program, students participate in an array of “I believe the time spent at KRIRM has positioned learning experiences that broaden their skills even more. me to succeed in my future endeavors by deepening my Through his involvement in each area, Creech believes he understanding of the vast nature and variety of people, benefitted most from leadership training. organizations and opportunities that are encompassed in the “I think everyone believes they are perceptive about their ranching sector of the agricultural industry,” said Kirby. strengths and weaknesses, but finding ways to develop and The opportunities to collaborate and work with many document those strengths and weaknesses is a harder task,” current and future leaders in the ranching industry, he said. He further explained that constant feedback was specifically through his involvement on ranch projects, helped essential in finding ways to develop his strengths and manage Kirby improve his knowledge in unfamiliar areas while his weaknesses, leading to more personal development. strengthening skills he brought to the program. The classroom instruction is still an important puzzle One such area, which is the foundation of the KRIRM piece; students spend their two years taking courses in graduate training model, is systems thinking. This is a finance, accounting, concept that explains animal nutrition, more clearly how systems thinking, organizations and and more. Many of complex systems these classes require really function, students to collaborate and teaches the with local ranches importance of taking and agricultural multiple pieces of a organizations such ranching operation as King Ranch, Inc., into consideration and East Wildlife when making a Foundation on various decision. Each projects. Students project and analysis are assigned projects required students that involve practical to take a holistic, application of their systems approach During the 2016 Systems Thinking Lectureship, Creech, Kirby, and Stuart assisted other knowledge and skill to determine the attendees during an experiential learning business system simulation game. sets. Through this class solution. work, Creech believes “Approaching the his financial analysis and systems thinking and accounting issues using a systems thinking methodology provided me the skills have grown substantially. opportunity to address previously unseen correlations within “The level of analysis I’m now capable of undertaking the industry,” explained Kirby, “and how decisions made in before making complex decisions will greatly serve me in one segment indirectly affect the direction or decisions that the future. I’ve been able to, on multiple occasions, perform are available to other segments, both inside and outside the this analysis and have it vetted by my peers, which has been beef industry.” invaluable.” Kirby looks ahead with a bright outlook of the industry As Creech’s time in Kingsville draws to a close, he will and the impact he and the rest of the KRIRM graduate return to his family’s operation in Canada hoping to make a students can make. positive impact within the industry and capitalizing on his “We are all looking to become leaders in the ranching personal growth by playing a leadership role in the Canadian industry and are prepared to positively impact the ranching industry, ensuring the ranching heritage for generations to cattle industry. come.”
Chris Kirby
As part of a fifth-generation ranching family in Oregon, Chris Kirby is not unfamiliar with rich tradition and passion for the agricultural industry. His desire to contribute to the global agricultural community led him to the KRIRM ranch management program prepared to learn advanced ranching
James Stuart
As someone always seeking to learn and grow through his experiences, James Stuart came to KRIRM with nine years of experience managing ranches in Montana and Wyoming. Stuart’s previous jobs gave him the opportunities to manage KRIRM I Winter 2017 I 9
Commit to Lifelong Learning
Photo By Kelli Brown
Upcoming Events April 7-8, 2017
Strategic Planning Lectureship: Kingsville, Texas
May 8-9, 2017
Application of Advanced Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle: Bozeman, Montana
May 11-12, 2017
a custom grazing business as well as a 600-head commercial cow operation. In addition, he enjoyed sharing outdoor hunting experiences as a licensed professional hunting guide and outfitter. Recognizing the complexity that natural resource, livestock, and people management involves, Stuart sought to further his education to improve as a professional ranch manager. After spending nearly two years in the KRIRM program in South Texas, Stuart is confident that the program improved his leadership and communication skills. Stuart also set out to improve his knowledge of accounting and finance, areas of particular importance in the KRIRM program. Designed to instruct students from the business standpoint of ranch management, the program’s courses set a strong foundation in financial principles. “I feel that I have the resources to continue my lifelong progression,” said Stuart. “The real-world ranch projects were a great opportunity to make connections between class work and application.” A valuable learning experience for all KRIRM students is the internship after the completion of their first year. Students are placed on different ranches across the country, usually in a region that is unfamiliar in terms of geography and ranching operations. Stuart completed his internship last summer with Deseret Cattle and Citrus, giving him a chance to learn from one of the largest, most diverse ranches in the world. Of his time spent in Florida, Stuart said the highlight was learning how to manage a ranch with 40,000 cows. “To see all the moving parts and aspects to the operation was a great learning experience,” he explained. “Because of that, I am better prepared to manage diverse ranching operations in the future.” As Stuart anticipates managing a large ranch upon graduation, he believes the lessons learned at KRIRM improved his ability to make sound judgement decisions in all aspects of ranching. In addition to constantly searching for ways to improve himself, Stuart enjoys teaching others, and that desire is something he can give back to the industry. “I feel that my mentoring and leading will be an impact that I can make to the industry,” he said. “I am passionate to teach others about the economic, ecologic, and social aspects involved in managing large landscapes, livestock production, and employees.”
Application of Advanced Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle: Rapid City, South Dakota
June 9-10, 2017
Human Resource Management for Ranchers Lectureship: Ardmore, Oklahoma Visit krirm.tamuk.edu, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter, to learn more about our upcoming events and program. 10 I Winter 2017 I KRIRM
James Stuart pictured during the 2016 Equine Management Lectureship on King Ranch.
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NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID 700 University Blvd, MSC 137 Kingsville, Texas 78363
Certificate Program Testimonials Start your 2017 working toward the Texas Farm Credit Certificate in Advanced Ranch Management! Established in 2008, the certificate program prepares ranchers and landowners to deal with complex issues in today’s ever-changing ranching industry. It is designed for working professionals who wish to continue their education through symposia, lectureships, and workshops. Read what past certificate recipients had to say about the program and call 361-593-5401 to get started today!
“The certificate program provided me with several ideas for the management of a ranch. Specifically, I have used the information provided in the accounting lectureship and the strategic planning lectureship to enhance the operation.”
“The certificate program has many aspects, which I found beneficial. Although the educational materials were very helpful, the networking and information shared by other ranchers was what I found to be most beneficial.” --Kevin Holt , 2010 Recipient of the Texas Farm Credit Certificate in Advanced Ranch Managemnet
Learn more at krirm.tamuk.edu/certificateprogram
--Rob von der Leith, 2011 Recipient of the Texas Farm Credit Certificate in Advanced Ranch Management