From the Director

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

Experiential Learning While Serving Ranches Through Case Studies

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM). For two decades KRIRM has worked diligently to fulfill a vision established by the King Ranch Family… “We are determined to educate leaders who will make a positive difference in ranching, and ensure our hard-earned heritage is not lost.” Our number one priority has been to develop exceptional ranch managers through a Master’s of Science in Ranch Management. Strategically, we know our leverage is to first recruit exceptional students…and we have done this well! To develop these experienced graduate students, we combine classroom fundamentals in agriculture and business to complement their practical ranching and technical skills. But there is a single ingredient to this recipe for success that yields the greatest growth in our students…experiential learning through case studies. Learning by doing is the best path to mastery.

During their graduate training, each student completes at least seven case studies for partnering ranches across North America both as individuals and teams. In essence our students build their skills as they serve as consultants to partnering ranches, struggling through real issues and solving problems that matter to the success of the operations we serve. The students, with experienced faculty oversight, are accountable for the recommendations they make, which is much more motivating than any letter grade. It’s a win-win: our students hone their advanced ranch management skills and KRIRM serves the ranches to help them be more successful.

Over the years KRIRM students have completed over 130 case studies for more than 50 ranches and ag organizations. We are very proud of this service! The depth of the cases varies, but as an example we have included in this newsletter a case study Executive Summary for a project completed by 2016 KRIRM graduate Tom Davis for Spade Ranches. This particular project originated when Wesley Welch, General Manager of Spade Ranches, contacted us to describe a brush encroachment issue challenging the Renderbrook Division of Spade Ranches in West Texas. The goal was to create a multi-year prioritized plan for cost-effective brush management across the ranch.

By combining solid academic training with multiple, real-world case studies, KRIRM has been graduating some of the most effective managers in the ranching industry. We are proud of the success of our 50 alumni that currently manage 8.4 million acres across North America, and we are proud to have served more than 50 ranches during these past two decades.

700 University Blvd., MSC 137 Kingsville, TX 78363

361-593-5401

361-593-5404 fax krirm@tamuk.edu krirm.tamuk.edu

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, King Ranch, Inc.

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, Deseret Cattle & Citrus

Jason Van Tassell, Sunlight Ranches

Neal Wilkins, PhD, East Foundation

4

On the Cover

Photo by Ocotillo Films

In this Issue

Winter 2023, Volume 18, Issue 3

KRIRM students have completed 130 case studies for over 50 ranches and ag organizations in the past 20 years.

Focused on long-term success by applying Wall Street strategies to ranching.

8 | Class of 2023 - Driven to Make a Difference

The Class of 2023 is ready to apply their knowledge and experience to serve the ranching industry.

11 | Case Study

Brush Management on the Renderbrook Division of Spade Ranches.

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.