The Cattleman - April 2025

resiliency in the beef industry.

the U.S. can learn from Australia’s herd expansion.

Harlow Cattle Co.

Birdwell Plainview, TX (806) 681-3667

Griffin Atoka, OK (580) 271-1333

Johnson Dallas, TX (214) 384-2653

10 FEATURES 16

Rebuilding from Down Under

Lessons learned from Australia’s recent herd expansion.

By Kayla Jennings

25 Years From Now

Addressing tomorrow’s big challenges for the beef industry.

By Jena McRell

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

“Don’t predict the future. Just prepare for it.”

This is advice from Landon Nelson, a commercial livestock insurance officer with Farm Credit Services of America, who chatted with The Cattleman for one of this month’s feature stories, Rebuilding from Down Under. Nelson shares perspective to help cattle raisers navigating the cycles of today’s highpriced cattle market and imminent U.S. herd rebuild.

We also share insights from Angus Gidley-Baird, a senior analyst with Rabobank’s global animal protein team based in Sydney, Australia, on how the country’s cattle raisers weathered the highest-ever prices, followed by historic lows — all within one decade.

Nelson’s advice applies far beyond the cattle markets, too. Our second feature tackles an issue with even longer-term implications: transition planning.

With more than $1 trillion worth of farm wealth expected to change hands in the next 20 years, succession is no longer a distant conversation — it’s a reality every ranching family must confront. From labor shortages to family dynamics, we take a closer look at

what it takes to preserve both land and legacy for the next generation.

Of course, April wouldn’t be complete without a look ahead to the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo. Our convention preview section, starting on page 43, offers a sneak peek at the speakers, sessions and hands-on learning opportunities scheduled later this month.

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time — but don’t wait too long! Visit cattleraisersconvention.com to secure your spot and join us April 11-13 in Fort Worth for the largest annual ranching event in the Southwest. T C

Jaclyn Roberts Parrish

Executive Director of Communications, Marketing & Partnerships/Editor-in-Chief, The Cattleman jaclyn@tscra.org • 817-916-1794

April 2025 / / Vol. CXI, No. 11

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ON THE COVER

Chasing sunrise at La Babia Cattle Company, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members.

CONTENTS

Enjoy the view. The beef industry is filled with challenges, but there’s no life more rewarding.

Photos by Katie Barnett

REBUILDING FROM DOWN UNDER

Lessons learned from Australia’s recent herd expansion.

By Kayla Jennings

The cadence of an auctioneer chant rings loud in local auction markets and ranch sales around the globe every week. The gavel falls and “sold!” echoes through the venue as the next lot enters.

The clinking of gates and low roll of the auctioneer’s voice introducing the next lot feels familiar. Not so familiar are the record-high prices from the sale ring and the global impact of the current U.S. cattle cycle.

In a Feb. 4 Cattlemen’s College session held during CattleCon 2025, hosted by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in San Antonio, an Australia-based economist shared insights from the beef herd expansion his home country recently experienced.

“Regardless of where you are in the world, if you’re a cattle producer or a feedyard operator, you’re exposed to similar challenges,” said Angus GidleyBaird, a senior analyst with the global animal protein team for Rabobank based

in Sydney, Australia. “I’m going to try and pull out a couple of things that I saw in the Australian rebuild process and share them with you as possible conversation starters around what might happen in the U.S. over the next couple of years.”

Lay of the land

Australia and the U.S. are similar in cow herd and producer diversity. Both countries compete for the highest volume of global exports, and economically, the price of beef at the supermarket is roughly the same for both Australian and U.S. consumers.

However, the two countries differ when it comes to domestic demand. This leaves Australia more economically dependent on international exports. As a result, Australia has a keen eye on the global beef market.

“We are constantly looking to the global market to try and understand the dynamics, because that’s going to play into what the actual buyer of our products is going to do,” Gidley-Baird said.

by Katie

Photo

Barnett

As Australia’s national cow herd rebounded from its lowest inventory in history just five years ago, the dependence on the global market is even greater — responsible for 75% of their product sales in the last year.

Gidley-Baird said the global market is largely determined by what is happening in the U.S. As the country nears the cusp of a herd rebuild, many questions loom both domestically and abroad about what is to come in 2025 and 2026.

Downstairs in a buzzing National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show, Landon Nelson, a commercial livestock insurance officer with Farm Credit Services of America, answered those very questions for attendees.

“The cattle market is in a bullish run; we’re in a good spot in the cycle,” Nelson said. “Profitability over the past three years in the feedlot space has looked really good. Cow-calf producer profitability has looked very good, and you can attribute a lot of that to how much money people are willing to spend for beef.”

Nelson credits strong consumer demand to an increase in average household earnings, as well as the 25 years of genetic enhancement done by producers across the country.

While ranchers are enjoying high prices right now, Nelson said to keep in mind that history tends to repeat itself. “Everybody knows our herd is getting

Angus Gidley-Baird Landon Nelson

tighter,” he said of the U.S. beef cattle inventory. “We need to think more about demand.

“There is typically a 10-year cycle. Historically, there is a limited number of years where profitability is exceptional, and we’ve seen three years of exceptional profitability already.”

Cause and effect

This decade-long cycle played out like clockwork in Australia. Gidley-Baird took the audience back to 2013, when the Australian cattle herd was the largest it had been in 35 years. Plagued by drought from 2012 to 2014, the country saw cow numbers plummet because unproductive cows were heading to the processor. That coincided with the last herd rebuild cycle in the U.S. and created the perfect storm for Australian cattle producers.

We are constantly looking to the global market to try and understand the dynamics, because that’s going to play into what the actual buyer of our products is going to do.”

— Angus Gidley-Baird, Rabobank

“We look at it from an Australian point of view as a very strong global market,” Gidley-Baird explained. “U.S. beef prices were going through the roof because you were going through a rebuild in your own sense, too. We saw that global beef price pick up because of the shortage in the U.S.”

He said high prices encouraged many producers to sell even more of their breeding stock than necessary. In 2016, producers began slowly rebuilding their herd with a slight increase in moisture, but it was not long-lasting.

“We had that really dry period again through ’18 and ’19,” Gidley-Baird recalled. “That ended up in what we believed to be the lowest cattle inventory we’d seen in over 30 years. We had eaten into that breeding herd not once, but twice, and as a result, the volume of cattle and the ability for the herd to reproduce and replace itself with being severely compromised.”

This parallels the U.S. herd throughout the last few years when facing a La Niña weather pattern. Domestic producers have been digging deep to cull cows to a level their drought-ridden pastures could tolerate, and it has left the U.S. in a high-demand and low-supply situation.

That is precisely where Australian producers found themselves when the rains came in February 2020. Gidley-Baird reported replacement heifer prices jumped almost 80% in three months — and held.

Advice from Australia

Expect prices to get dearer.

Decide the best time to buy replacements for individual ranch budgets.

Select genetics wisely.

Manage cost of recovery.

Watch profitability of packing and feeding sectors.

“We had 12 months of great prices and then another 12 months of good prices before it came back down,” he recalled. “We saw an amazing jump in cattle prices and suddenly every cattle producer in Australia was saying, ‘Finally, we’ve been paid what we deserve.’”

Cattle producers were so eager to restock their pastures that they were outbidding everyone else by up to 15%. The market was high, but lasting implications were imminent.

“Producers were extending themselves trying to buy cattle,” Gidley-Baird said. “At the same time, your supply of cattle going into the feedyard had suddenly become very competitive. You are possibly losing numbers of cattle going on feed because of having to compete with an aggressive producer in a limited market.”

Because there were so few breeding cattle up for grabs, some producers began changing their entire business model to run stocker cattle. The problem with that was when the markets eventually went back down, there was a profit lag for the same producer trying to reenter the cow-calf sector.

This buying frenzy could only sustain itself for so long before Australia experienced a 70% collapse coming out of the pandemic in 2022, the lowest in a decade. In short, they had experienced the highest and lowest prices ever seen in that 10-year span.

CattleCon attendees gained insights into the next herd rebuild during sessions and conversations Feb. 4-6 in San Antonio. Photo by Kayla Jennings.

Source: Angus Gidley-Baird, Rabobank, Sydney, Australia

Changing Tides

Record Australian beef production projected to drop 1% in 2025 and 3% in 2026.

1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 7,000,000 8,000,000 9,000,000 10,000,000

Source: ABS, Rabobank 2025.

Gidley-Baird has seen this market fluctuation his entire career and Nelson compared it to airplanes — what goes up, must come down. Both agree that is important to remember at the start of a herd rebuild.

“Slow down, take a deep breath,” Nelson advised. “If every day you’re waking up feeling like ‘I’ve got to get in or I’m done,’ know that somebody else is feeling that way. That’s a very dangerous place to be.”

Only two years ago, replacement heifers sold somewhere in the ballpark of $2,000. Today, ranchers are investing $3,500 or more in replacements. He said that is when a producer needs to think about how many profitable calves must be sold to justify that figure.

From Gidley-Baird’s perspective, those who slowed down and formulated a plan ended up better off during Australia’s herd rebuild.

“They knew what they were sticking to, and that was their long-term arrangement, because the gains are there,” he said. “Trying to pick the market on a day-to-day, monthto-month, year-to-year basis — I spend my whole time trying to do that and never get it right. If you’re trying to do it as part of your business, it becomes a risky venture.”

Looking ahead

All these factors have led Gidley-Baird and his team to expect beef production to contract 3% in the coming year. That is based on the limited supply he predicts to come from the U.S., Brazil and China.

“That’s a positive thing for Australia because we’ve got a large amount we need to sell into that global market and if the global production is declining, that gives us bit more opportunity,” he said.

Gidley-Baird stated that the U.S. remains in a positive position due to consumer demand for American beef.

“They come to America, and they want our beef because of its brand, because of its quality,” Nelson added. “You do get to command a premium, and we do get to displace meat across the world, covering freight and everything, because it’s such a high-quality product.”

Domestically, Nelson has predictions of his own based on events throughout the last several months surrounding weather and import barriers. With challenges in Mexico presented by the New World screwworm, it is difficult to measure how that may change the market — specifically in Texas.

With the potential for those cattle to be released in large volumes coinciding with domestic cattle that had been on wheat entering feedyards later this spring, there could be an influx of supply throughout a threemonth period. He said that could pressure prices, but there is a caveat.

“Our typical seasonal high in fed cattle would occur in April,” he said. “If you look back, we’re putting cattle on feed for more days. We’re growing cattle longer and bigger for better marbling. That may drive our seasonal high to May or June.”

Because feedyards have more capacity to pay up for feeder cattle when they are profitable, he said that could be a supportive piece of the market.

“Even while there are supplies, though, people are going to look to the future and say, ‘Tomorrow there are less feeders, so we’re still going to compete very hard for them,’” Nelson explained. “I would say in Texas and Oklahoma, those are very immediate impacts to supply.”

Past the feedyard and into retail, Nelson said prices are strong and currently being supported by consumers seeking high-quality protein. As the supply continues to dwindle, though, there are some possible negative outcomes.

“It becomes a problem when the price for beef becomes so high it creates demand destruction beyond the amount of product shortage that we have,” he said. “For example, let’s just say we have 6% less beef, but we lose 10% of market — we lost 4% in the end.”

Proceed with caution

While the cattle cycle in Australia offers many points to learn from and parallels to the U.S., Nelson and GidleyBaird agree trying to predict what might happen next is a fool’s errand.

“Don’t predict the future, just prepare for it,” Nelson said. “If you look back to 2015 into ’16 at the managed money positions alongside the futures, they do move together. You will see that as the managed money pulls out, future price declines. We could go back and show that also equates to cash price declines. That’s true for feeder and live cattle.”

In addition to managed money figures, Nelson said there are a variety of things a producer can look to when planning for what is to come, but the important thing

is to find one or two indications relevant to the ranch — and stick with it.

“You might see the first slight signal happen in the meat trim when there’s too little,” he said. “That did almost predict the last move. The 50s lean trimmings market made a move and everything else caught up a day later.”

A basic understanding of how the market functions offers producers a clearer picture of their next steps. Nelson encouraged producers to seek out a trusted advisor with their best interest in mind. During market highs, there is value in managing risk through programs like livestock risk protection insurance or others.

“If somebody’s focused on education, helping you and holding a hand where it’s needed, you’ll grow as a producer and you’ll have a great partnership,” he said.

Ultimately, Nelson encouraged cattle raisers to take a hard look at what they can afford and what their capital looks like when making decisions throughout the next herd rebuild.

“While things are good, there’s a lot of money in play,” he said. “We can argue most of our move up has happened. Now it’s all about holding it together. Those are going to be the people, five years from now, who are situated to rebuild, grow or expand.” T C

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25 YEARS FROM NOW

Addressing tomorrow’s big challenges for the beef industry.

By Jena McRell

Photos courtesy of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Resiliency is nothing new in the world of agriculture. For generations, toughness and grit have been prerequisites for food production.

Ranchers, past and present, have been responsible for doing more with less, stewarding the land and caring for livestock no matter what Mother Nature or outside pressures throw their way.

There’s much to be said about how far U.S. beef producers have come. Collectively, the industry continues to increase output while operating with the smallest beef herd inventory since 1961. Yet, experts say today’s challenges are unlike any other.

Shannon Ferrell, an agricultural economics professor at Oklahoma State University, took center stage Feb. 5 during CattleCon 2025 in

San Antonio and stressed what is at stake for the future of agriculture.

“If we are going to make it to 2050, we’ve got to become resilient,” Ferrell said. “Resilient has lots of meanings, but what I’m partial to is the ability to bounce back when something big comes your way.”

On the horizon for the U.S. beef industry are growing consumer demands, tightened cattle supplies, and fewer hands and acres to do the work.

With the global population expected to exceed 9 billion in the next quarter-century, the need for high-quality protein will continue its upward trajectory.

To meet demand, Ferrell said research predicts meat and animal protein production will require a more than 70% increase.

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” said Shannon Ferrell, Oklahoma State University. “Try new stuff before someone forces you to do it. That’s key.”

But how can the industry meet these mounting pressures? “We innovate,” Ferrell said. “We have got to learn to embrace change, unify and take steps forward to get this industry, and our farms and ranches, intact for that next generation.”

Marty Ropp, of Allied Genetic Resources, offered similar future predictions. He was part of a Feb. 4 Cattlemen’s College panel discussion on generational transfer, which considered who will fill the shoes of today’s agriculture producers.

“When you visit with folks, whether it is in their truck or at the coffee shop, ag labor is either their number one or two issue,” Ropp said. “If everybody thinks the same way, then maybe this issue isn’t just important, maybe it is crucial.”

Seasons change

During his presentation, Ropp displayed a staggering statistic to the crowded room of CattleCon attendees. According to American Farmland Trust, nearly 40% of America’s agricultural land will transition in the next 15 years.

In addition, Ferrell told his audience that $1 trillion of farm wealth is expected to change hands in the next 20 years. This will require careful estate and succession planning.

He also pointed out that, according to the latest Census of Agriculture, the average age of a U.S. farmer and rancher is about 58 years old. In comparison, the average age of a small business owner is roughly 50 years old. “We need an infusion of young people to keep our industry sustainable,” Ferrell said.

He added that economic pressures are changing the landscape of the nation’s ranches. Operations are trending toward opposite ends of the size spectrum, either smaller scale, part-time outfits or larger, multi-faceted ranching enterprises.

“All the macroeconomic signals are telling us to either get big or get small,” Ferrell said, adding that hollowing out mid-size operations also affects rural communities.

For ranchers wanting to keep operations in the family, pass down property or hire more labor to expand or diversify, time is of the essence.

“Every single segment of agriculture is short of labor — and short of a plan to address their labor issues,” Ropp said.

A drive through small-town America reveals the core issue: there is no one there. With dwindling populations and fewer young people returning to these regions, the gap will continue to widen and cause issues for ag labor and rural development.

Equipping the next generation of cattle raisers to meet the needs of a growing consumer base was top of mind as Shannon Ferrell, pictured top, presented on the main stage and Marty Ropp, below, shared insights during Cattlemen’s College. Bottom photo by Kayla Jennings.

“The pipeline that funneled talent and folks who wanted to run businesses and ag operations is running dry,” Ropp said. “If we do not learn how to find a way to restock it, American ag production is in real trouble.”

Ferrell said attracting more young people requires attention on important issues like rural infrastructure, improving broadband, investing in schools, healthcare and transportation.

“We have got to maintain communities that our young people want to come back to,” he emphasized. “It simply comes down to the fact that we’ve got to keep adapting.

“Change is coming. It’s not just coming; it is going to come faster and faster. If we don’t adapt to it, we are going to be left behind.”

New thinking

Not long ago, if someone was looking for a ranch hand or seasonal labor, they posted a help wanted sign on the bulletin board of the local livestock market, cafe or feed store. That is not the case anymore, and the available pool of skilled labor has declined.

“Jobs must be promoted these days and not just offered,” Ropp said. “You can’t just hang that piece of paper up with phone numbers that you rip off, because nobody is ripping off those numbers anymore.”

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Dan Leahy, of the Foundation for Ranch Management, spoke about the value of apprenticeships in developing ranch employees. Photo by Kayla Jennings.

Every Point of View

THE SILENT GENERATION (Born 1928-1945)

• Shaped by the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, World War II and Korean War.

• Greatly value frugality, toughness and hierarchical leadership.

• Prefer face-to-face conversations with a respectful tone.

BABY BOOMERS (Born 1946-1964)

• Grew up amid social unrest and economic prosperity.

• Strong emphasis on professional success and organizational achievement.

• Respond well to communication emphasizing career growth and stability.

GENERATION X (Born 1965-1980)

• Smallest generation, characterized by independence and skepticism of authority.

• Work well alone but serve as a bridge between older and younger generations.

• Prefer relationship-building before full engagement.

Finding employees today requires proactive recruitment. Competitive pay and access to benefits is a major plus, too. Ultimately, agriculture’s success will require the industry to recruit young professionals who may not have grown up in the industry but have a desire to work and live in a rural setting.

Ropp heads up an initiative called New Acres, a 501(c)(3) organization that bridges the gap between ag employers and job seekers, focusing on people and connections. They use digital marketing, social media and compelling videos to capture attention and generate interest.

“We are looking at the rural-urban interface areas where there are thousands and thousands of young people,” he said. “[We have the opportunity] to promote the lifestyle, communities and a sense of belonging. It

MILLENNIALS (Born 1981-1996)

• The first generation to grow up as digital natives.

• Collaborative, value-driven and highly focused on sustainability.

• Prefer flexible work environments and values-based organizational change.

GENERATION Z (Born 1997-2012)

• Grew up post-9/11 and immersed in the information age from birth.

• Highly individualistic and exceptional learners who want to avoid repeating others' mistakes.

• Thrive on autonomy — just show them the goal and step aside.

GENERATION ALPHA (Born 2013-Present)

• Still developing generational traits.

• Natural innovators, digital communicators.

• Expected to be the smallest generation in a century due to delayed family-starting among Millennials and Gen Z.

Source: Shannon Ferrell, Oklahoma State University

is not just a job. It is a lifestyle and chance to be part of something bigger.”

Dan Leahy, with the Foundation for Ranch Management, joined Ropp during the panel discussion and offered insights into the next generation of professional ranch managers. He reminded the audience that the skills and responsibilities needed on the ranch and throughout the beef industry are many.

“Try and pick a position that cannot be filled in agriculture. It can’t be done,” Leahy said. “There is a place for everybody, and it is probably one of the most fulfilling pursuits on Earth.”

With young people today, he said it is often about balancing experience and knowledge. Don’t dismiss someone because they did not grow up in the business.

“You have those who were raised on a ranch, and they don’t even know what they know because they know so much,” Leahy explained. “Then you have those with no skills, but they have some knowledge. We know the most about what we’re most interested in, and you’d be amazed at how some of these kids can talk the talk because they are naturally interested.”

When considering hiring a ranch employee, Leahy encouraged the audience to adopt the time-tested apprenticeship model. “Apprenticeships have worked for 4,000 years,” he said. “It is an incentivized structure to assure mutual regard and success.”

Leahy’s organization has developed a toolkit, called an apprenticeship in a box, that provides ranch owners with a clear pathway for employee development, measuring growth and key milestones along the way.

“If the object of communication is to be understood, then the object of apprenticeship is mastery,” he said. “Communication must be intentional, it must be deliberate with the outcome in mind, and the same with apprenticeship.”

One strategy the Foundation for Ranch Management offers is what they call a greenbook to track and monitor progress. Many ranchers are accustomed to using a redbook, issued by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, to manage herd records, so this practice reflects the same approach to collecting information for both the mentor and apprentice.

Formalizing the hiring process and training for new ranch employees helps ensure everyone is on the same page and understands what success looks like. Clear and consistent communication is key.

Whether working alongside family or hired employees, Ferrell encouraged cattle producers to consider the

generational dynamics at play. Between now and 2050, the industry will face one to two generational shifts in who owns and manages farms and ranches. From the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to Millennials and Generation Z, everyone brings different philosophies and preferences to the table.

“We have to move past the us versus them mindset,” Ferrell said. “We have got to build unity in our communities, in our industry, with our allies and with our consumers. We have to learn how to see other perspectives and win hearts and minds.”

Don’t wait

For those looking to recruit new employees or pass the reins to a family member, the time to get started is now. Getting ranches into the hands of the next generation will be filled with challenges, Ferrell said.

Research has shown about 30% of ranches, farms and other small family-owned businesses will make it through one generational transition. Looking at two generational transitions, the chances lower to 12%. At three transitions, it’s 3%.

“In other words, if I started out with 100 farms and ranches, by the time they made three generational transitions, only 3% of them were still intact,” Ferrell said.

With each passing generation, the likelihood of transfer dwindles. Ferrell said there are several factors at play, and one of them is the fact that 64% of farmers and ranchers have no estate planning tools in place.

“We’ve got some work to do, folks,” he said. “You owe it to your family to lay out a plan for getting your farm or ranch to them successfully. The best time to do it was yesterday. Second best time is today. Get it done.” T C

Generational transfer relies on thoughtful and proactive estate and succession planning. Shannon Ferrell says the best time to start was yesterday. Photos by Katie Barnett.

LIVESTOCK REGISTRATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA

By Stephen Diebel, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association first vice president

In the near future, more than 55,000 Texas livestock producers will stand in line at their county clerk’s office to reregister cattle brands. The timeconsuming process, which is required once every decade, relies on a paper-based system and must be done in person. It is time for a change.

Before the next reregistration hits in 2031, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and lawmakers are advocating for updating the antiquated process to an online system that will bring efficiency, transparency and ease of use to county clerks, law enforcement and, most importantly, ranchers.

Two pieces of legislation have been filed in the 89th Legislature supporting this goal. House Bill 1417, coauthored by Reps. Ryan Guillen and Angelia Orr, establishes an electronic registry of livestock markets and brands in Texas. Sen. Charles Perry, chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, introduced companion legislation, Senate Bill 503. If passed, the bill would create an online platform to house registered brands in a centralized database at the Texas Animal Health Commission.

Bringing livestock registration into the digital era has several benefits.

First, an online system would allow cattle raisers to register, renew or update their brands from any location. For many, this would eliminate the need for in-person visits to the county clerk’s office. However, the option to register or reregister in person will continue to be available.

In addition, the automation of routine tasks, such as reminders and renewals, would streamline the brand registration process for all parties involved. An electronic system would also improve data accuracy and

accessibility, with fewer errors and discrepancies than paper-based systems.

Crucially, a centralized, searchable brand registry would provide law enforcement, county clerks and producers with the most up-to-date brand information.

While the type of publicly available information will not change, law enforcement, including Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers, will be able to quickly access relevant information to identify missing livestock, reducing the need to hold animals for extended time periods and expediting their return to their rightful owners.

As it currently stands, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s law enforcement, brand and inspection services division has been collecting brand information from county governments and other law enforcement agencies for more than 80 years as they work cases. While the association database has been crucial to that work, the labor and costs associated with the platform should be housed in a state agency as this is a statewide service.

We need to be clear: The push for a centralized database is not based on a need for more information, but rather a need to access information already being collected. General users will continue to have access to only basic information, while law enforcement will have access to more specifics as needed.

Enacting this approach will ensure our industry keeps up with the speed of digital information. The proposed registry will improve overall efficiency, reduce errors and benefit all parties involved — producers, clerks and law enforcement — as they manage and protect livestock brands in Texas. T C

STANDING WITH US

Rep. Angelia Orr is a wife, mother of two and small business owner. She and her husband, Will, live in Hill County where his family has farmed and ranched since 1872.

A 1992 graduate of Texas A&M University, Orr has dedicated her life to raising her family and serving the community. She has served the Republican Party as an election judge, a precinct chair and a delegate to six state conventions.

Orr was elected to the Itasca School Board in 2007 and went on to serve two terms as secretary. In 2010, she decided to run for district clerk, winning a competitive, threeperson Republican Primary before defeating a five-term Democrat incumbent.

conservatives and community leaders to run in the newly formed House District 13, which includes Hill, Bosque, Freestone, Limestone, Leon, Falls and part of McLennan County.

Drawing from her experience as a district clerk, Orr has played a pivotal role as an advisor and coauthor in the development of House Bill 1417. This legislation requires cooperative agreement between Texas ranchers and county clerks to facilitate a seamless transition for both parties.

After the Texas Legislature completed redistricting in 2021, Orr was encouraged by local grassroots

As state representative, Orr is a strong and committed voice for rural Texas. She says her main priorities include securing the border, cutting property taxes, improving local public schools, protecting private property rights, defending the second amendment and supporting a pro-life, pro-family culture in the state of Texas. T C

Rep. Angelia Orr

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD PRESENTED TO BLUE RANCH

Blue Ranch in Moore County was recognized Feb. 4 by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as a regional winner of the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Seven regional awards were presented to recipients during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio.

“Conservation practices of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country help to preserve natural resources and provide wildlife habitat,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Past President Mark Eisele. “The stewardship efforts of these award recipients confirm our industry’s commitment to protecting the land and water for future generations.”

Established in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Regional winners come from every corner of the country and undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources.

The 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional winners are:

• Region I: Angus Glen Farms LLC, Watkins Glen, New York

• Region II: Kempfer Cattle Company, Deer Park, Florida

• Region III: Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minnesota

• Region IV: Blue Ranch, Moore County, Texas

• Region V: LeValley Ranch, Hotchkiss, Colorado

• Region VI: Cottonwood Ranch, Wells, Nevada

• Region VII: Downey Ranch, Wamego, Kansas

“Blue Ranch embodies the spirit of land stewardship in every facet of their operational design, their vision, and most of all their actions and accomplishments,” said Jeff Goodwin, director of the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management at Texas A&M University. “The McCloys lead by example by providing leadership through industry engagement and providing an environment of learning for peers, students and resource professionals.”

With perennial water flowing and native grasses perfect for rotational grazing, Rex and Susan McCloy saw an opportunity to expand their extensive farming and cattle operation. A decade later, Blue Ranch just south of Dumas in Moore County is a benchmark for stewardship that yields highly efficient cattle production

and a thriving wildlife habitat, while managing constant environmental improvements to the sundry rolling prairie in the northwestern Texas Panhandle.

The McCloys’ goals are to achieve the highest levels of environmental, economic and social sustainability through holistic management practices; improve riparian areas to reduce erosion; expand wildlife populations through improved natural habitats; and promote sustainable grazing practices by advocating at the local level and beyond. Their management practices have increased forage production, improved water quality and provided habitat for wildlife.

“We are stewards of the land and all the resources that are associated with it,” Rex McCloy said. “What we do now has lasting impacts and consequences on the future of the operation, and we must leave it better than we found it.”

Story and photo courtesy of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Nominated by TSCRA, Blue Ranch was recognized by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as a regional winner of the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program during CattleCon 2025. Pictured from left are: Mike Turner, Ethan Turner, Susan McCoy and Rex McCoy.

More Power, More Control. The Arrowlock 88 Series packs more head gate pressure than most hydraulics, keeping your cattle, and bulls, secure and your ranch work safer.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TSCRA

TSCRA President Carl Ray Polk Jr. provided an update on the association’s priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session during the NCBA Region IV meeting. He also shared how TSCRA supported its members through education and programming in 2024.

TSCRA ATTENDS CATTLECON 2025, BRINGS POLICY TO COMMITTEES

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association was well represented during CattleCon 2025, which was held Feb. 4-6 in San Antonio. Nearly 190 members, including the association’s policy committee chairs and vice chairs, attended the beef industry’s annual gathering hosted by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association policy committees offered two resolutions to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s property rights and environmental management committee related to wildfire prevention, mitigation and response.

The resolutions support the removal of EPA emission standards for rural volunteer fire department vehicles used to fight wildfires, as well as the creation of flexible funding opportunities to compensate landowners for region-specific wildfire mitigation and prevention.

Additionally, the association presented a directive to the cattle health and well-being committee establishing mitigation and response protocols for New World screwworm. The directive enhances efforts to prevent and control NWS outbreaks in the U.S., including increased funding and resource allocation for monitoring, research and response initiatives.

In addition, it supports the establishment and operation of a sterile fly production facility within the U.S., as well as collaboration with livestock producers, wildlife experts, state governments and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies for long-term NWS control and eradication.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will be working and coordinating with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to advance these federal policy priorities.

SPECIAL RANGER TESTIFIES ON BRAND REGISTRATION LEGISLATION

Scott Williamson, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association executive director of law enforcement, brand and inspection services, testified on Feb. 24 before the Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Senate Bill 503, a priority bill for the association during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, establishes an electronic registry for livestock brands.

Williamson emphasized the importance of an online database and its benefits to ranchers, county clerks and law enforcement in Texas.

“A bill that establishes an electronic registry for livestock brands would update the current antiquated process and bring efficiency, transparency and ease of use to county clerks, law enforcement and livestock producers while still offering in-person registration,” Williamson said.

Currently, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association gathers brand information from county governments and law enforcement agencies to aid in investigations of lost or stolen livestock. While this registry is crucial to their work, it remains incomplete. A comprehensive, state-owned and managed database better serves the state.

“This proposed registry will improve overall efficiency, reduce errors and benefit all parties involved — ranchers, clerks and law enforcement — as they manage and protect livestock brands,” Williamson said.

If the bill is passed, law enforcement will have access to relevant information as they identify stolen or stray livestock and will reduce the need for a county to hold animals for extended periods of time while the rightful owner is identified.

TSCRA CONGRATULATES BROOKE ROLLINS ON SECRETARY OF AG CONFIRMATION

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. issued a statement congratulating Brooke Rollins on her Feb. 13 confirmation as USDA Secretary.

“Secretary Rollins is a friend of TSCRA and has always protected the interests of ranchers and landowners,” Polk said. “As a fellow Texan, we are confident she will not only be a champion of agriculture, but also of our rural communities and the beef industry. We look forward to working with Secretary Rollins and the USDA as she begins her work in Washington, D.C.”

USDA-APHIS RESUMES CATTLE AND BISON IMPORTS FROM MEXICO

In February, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service resumed cattle and bison imports from Mexico. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has closely monitored import status as the temporary trade halt was placed on Mexico after the New World screwworm was detected in Chiapas.

“Keeping the U.S. cattle herd healthy and safe is essential. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has taken detections of New World screwworm seriously and will continue to follow the status of the pest and prepare for actions that may need to be taken in the future,” said Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. “Resuming cattle trade is a positive step for our industry.”

AUSTIN OFFICE HOSTS NORTHERN TERRITORY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s Austin staff hosted Australia’s Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association during their recent visit to Texas. The organization collaborates with government and industry stakeholders at local, national and international levels to protect and promote its members’ interests, working closely with its board to develop sound policy positions.

Much like Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, their policy priorities surround natural resources, supply chain and market issues, and private property rights for ranchers. Discussion between both associations provided opportunities to better understand cattle industry issues as they relate to their respective countries.

CATTLE RAISERS ROUNDUP APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 2

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association announced it will host its fourth-annual TSCRA Cattle Raisers Roundup July 14-18. The event is open to high school students who are entering their junior or senior year in fall 2025 and interested in gaining knowledge about the beef supply chain, natural resources and other important ag issues.

Cattle Raisers Roundup will include tours at cattle ranches and beef packing plants, as well as the opportunity to speak with industry leaders. The program is structured to allow for practical application of everyday activities of those who buy, sell, produce and rely on beef protein. Applications are due May 2 and are available at tscra.org/what-we-do/students.

TSCRA SUBMITS SECOND AMICUS BRIEF ON LANDOWNER RIGHTS COURT CASE

On Jan. 29, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association submitted its second amicus brief supporting landowner ownership of groundwater in the Texas Supreme Court case Cactus Water Services LLC v. COG Operating LLC. In the dispute, landowners contracted to sell produced water to a third party, but the oil and gas company argued they retained ownership under existing leases.

“For Texas landowners, ownership of groundwater is among the most essential private property rights,” said Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr.

The amicus brief urges the court to uphold the longstanding principle in Texas that the landowner owns all the groundwater under their land, including groundwater brought to the surface as the result of the drilling process.

Beginning in 2005, Collier and Balmorhea Ranches Inc. entered certain oil and gas leases with COG Operating LLC. The leases did not convey any rights of ownership to the groundwater underlying the property, allowing only the extraction of oil, gas and hydrocarbons, and limited rights to use groundwater from a newly drilled well to aid in the extraction and production process. In 2019, Collier and Balmorhea Ranches leased the ownership rights to all water on and underlying the property to Cactus Water Services LLC. COG Operating LLC filed suit against Cactus Water, and both parties sought competing declaratory judgments regarding produced water ownership.

In 2023, the El Paso Court of Appeals ruled that oil and gas producers have an ownership interest in produced water. As a result, Cactus Water Services LLC petitioned the Texas Supreme Court for review of the prior ruling. T C

Australia’s Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association staff and members visit the Texas Capitol.

INDUSTRY BRIEFS

NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN BECOMES NEW NCBA PRESIDENT

Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman, ascended to the role of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president during CattleCon 2025, held in early February in San Antonio. Wehrbein, with a 45-year career in the cattle feeding sector, brings decades of dedication to the industry and leadership experience to the association’s top leadership post.

The 2025 officer team, approved by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association board of directors, took office at the end of this year’s convention.

Gene Copenhaver, of Virginia, was named presidentelect and Kim Brackett, of Idaho, was elected vice president. Skye Krebs, of Oregon, was elected chair of the policy division, and Kenny Rogers, of Colorado, was elected policy vice chair. Nancy Jackson, of Mississippi, and Travis Maddock, of North Dakota, were elected as chair and vice chair of the federation division, respectively. Brad Hastings, of Texas, will continue to serve in the role of treasurer.

As president, Wehrbein sees both challenges and opportunities ahead, but he’s confident the association’s unifying presence will remain critical to addressing key issues facing farmers and ranchers. He is particularly passionate about fostering opportunities for the next generation of cattle producers, recognizing their ability to drive innovation and industry progress.

“They’re ahead of where we were in my time,” he noted. “They understand the issues, and they’re ready to make a difference.”

Wehrbein’s focus during his time as president is to advocate for profit opportunities while also strengthening the freedom to operate. Securing tax relief provisions and pushing back on regulatory overreach is also crucial during the year ahead.

“The tax issue is critically important for agriculture,” Wehrbein said. “A few years ago, there was talk of doing away with the deduction of expenses, and that would have been devastating. We also have to keep pushing on the death tax. With what land values have done, if families are forced to sell or split up land to pay taxes, it would put a lot of people out of business.”

Married to his wife Sandy for more than 52 years, Wehrbein cherishes the support of his family, including

his two daughters, seven grandchildren and ten greatgrandchildren. He looks forward to the year ahead, working with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association members toward a stronger, more viable future.

“The overarching principle and aim of NCBA is to make things better for our members and create an environment where each of us focus on our farms and ranches,” Wehrbein explained. “That’s a big strength of NCBA — we’re not just big feedlots or big ranches. We’re everybody.”

NCBA ANNOUNCES 2025 POLICY PRIORITIES

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s executive committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at CattleCon 2025. This year the focus will be on engaging with the Trump administration and Congress to expand opportunities for producer profitability.

“NCBA will continue advocating for passage of a longterm farm bill and pushing to extend the critical tax provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that expire at the end of the year. We will also be continuing to fight for more flexibility for grazing and voluntary conservation work that is vital to preventing catastrophic wildfires that have been raging across the country,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein.

“Over the past few years producers have been increasingly squeezed by onerous regulatory burdens, including unscientific Endangered Species Act listings and the rapidly changing enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act. This government overreach has prevented meaningful conservation efforts, leaving America’s treasured natural resources in worse condition and cattle producers in a position of great uncertainty, with soaring legal and accounting bills. NCBA is laserfocused on advancing federal policies that will help improve the general business climate and give producers more opportunities moving forward to increase the profitability of their operations.”

Some of the 2025 policy priorities include:

• Work to retain core wins in the 2024 House Agriculture Committee-passed farm bill.

• Preserve family farms and ranches for future generations by advocating for essential tax relief for cattle producers.

• Fight for meaningful long-term relief from the burdensome reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act.

• Enhance wildfire prevention utilizing targeted grazing, controlled burns, and forest management practices to protect grazing lands.

• Keep working lands working by protecting family farms from undue regulatory burdens under the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and many other key regulations.

NEW LAND TRENDS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS STATUS OF AND SHIFTS IN TEXAS’ AGRICULTURAL LANDS

The Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute has published the latest Texas Land Trends Program report, Status Update and Trends of Texas Working Lands 1997-2022

The document is a critical resource in understanding the complex makeup of the state’s agricultural lands and the challenges presented by rapid economic and population changes. The report describes the status and recent changes in land values, ownership size and land use of privately owned Texas working lands. It shows on a larger scale how land use across the state has changed throughout the last 25 years.

“This report serves not only as an updated snapshot of current conditions but also as a resource to inform future policies affecting our state’s natural resources,” said Roel Lopez, Ph.D., director of the Natural Resources Institute and head of the Texas A&M University’s department of rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management.

Published every five years, the report pulls from extensive sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts, land value and land use data from independent school districts and the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Census of Agriculture dataset.

Texas is home to eight of the top 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S., according to the report. From 1997 to 2022, the Texas population increased 55%, from 19 million to 30 million residents or nearly 1,100 new residents per day. Eighty-eight percent of this population increase occurred within the state’s top 25 highest-growth counties.

The largest increases in land values were observed near major metropolitan areas. The average appraised market value of Texas working lands rose 55% since 2017, from $1,951 per acre to $3,021 per acre. Throughout the last 25 years, land values have increased by 505%.

From 1997 to 2022, Texas saw approximately 3.7 million acres of working lands converted to nonagricultural uses. The last five years alone accounted for the loss of nearly 1.8 million acres.

While grazing lands make up the largest portion of working lands in the state, they have steadily decreased since 1997 — losing roughly 6.7 million acres to other land uses over the 25 years.

U.S. BEEF EXPORT VALUE TRENDS HIGHER

Beef export value climbed 5% from 2023 despite a slight decrease in volume, as unit export values were record high. That is according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

December beef exports totaled 110,171 metric tons, up 1.5% from a year ago, while value climbed 4% to $897.6 million — the highest since July. For the full year, beef exports were 1.29 million metric tons, down 0.5% yearover-year, while value increased 5% to $10.45 billion.

“Considering the formidable headwinds in the large Asian markets — especially in the first half of the year — and the challenges on the supply side, beef exports exceeded expectations in 2024,” said U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The economic climate in Asia has shown modest improvement and, in the meantime, demand for U.S. beef strengthened in other regions, including double-digit growth in Mexico.

“The U.S. beef industry continues to export a steady percentage of production at higher prices, as evidenced by export value per head of fed slaughter reaching $415. U.S. beef always sells at a premium internationally, and the strong U.S. dollar contributed to further increases in pricing in local currencies. The 2024 results confirm that global demand is extremely resilient.” T C

MASTERING CATTLE GENETICS

Upcoming Ranching 101 sets the stage for genetic selection and improvement.

Make plans to attend the next Ranching 101 webinar, hosted by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, to learn more about the importance of beef cattle genetics.

Join the association as it welcomes Jason Cleere, Ph.D., associate professor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, who will discuss the importance of mastering cattle genetics in a successful operation. With years of experience developing educational programs to enhance the efficiency and profitability of the state’s beef producers, Cleere will share his expertise in genetic selection and herd improvement during the hour-long Zoom webinar.

As coordinator of the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course and a respected leader in the beef industry, Cleere has helped thousands of producers optimize their operations. In addition to his academic work, he owns a purebred cattle operation in Madisonville, giving him firsthand insight into the practical application of genetics in ranching.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s top experts on breeding strategies to improve herd productivity, efficiency and profitability.

ABOUT RANCHING 101

Offered by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Ranching 101 webinars provide participants with practical, sound guidance on the tools and equipment needed to get started in ranching or land ownership. The webinars are available online on the third Tuesday of every month.

Registration is complimentary for any association member. Visit tscra.org to learn more. T C

Sign up:

Ranching 101 is presented by:

For more than half a century, TCU’s renowned Ranch Management program has given students an edge in agricultural resource success. This unique nine-month intensive program equips graduates with real-world strategies as producers and land stewards in changing times.

Space is limited. Visit ranch.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7145.

Jason Cleere, Ph.D.

OBITUARIES

TOM RISINGER, 86, of Weslaco, died Jan. 4.

Risinger graduated from Wharton High School and attended the University of Texas at Austin on a rodeo scholarship.

Following graduation, Risinger honorably served the U.S. Army at Fort Lee, Virginia.

In the mid-1960s, Risinger was introduced to Simmental cattle by Travers Smith and proudly held American Simmental Association Membership No. 5.

For decades, Risinger and his wife, Dianne, ranched in Texas and Wyoming, building a legacy of hard work, dedication and a deep love for the land.

Throughout the years, he played key roles in U.S. agricultural trade missions to Japan — helping to open U.S. beef exports to the Japanese market — and West Africa, including Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast.

A Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association honorary director, Risinger was a lifelong advocate for the state’s beef industry and dedicated much of his time to stock shows, cattle industry educational opportunities, and youth programs and events.

Risinger is survived by his wife; daughters, Tracy (Bruce) Risinger Smith and Whitney Risinger Swanner; grandchildren, Tommy Swanner and Phoenix Swanner; and sister, Mary Ella Risinger Anderson. T C

Cactus Feedyard

Matthew Turney, Manager Cactus, TX

office: (806) 966-5151

cell: (806) 282-7077

Centerfire Feedyard

Adam Gerrond, Manager Ulysses, KS office: (620) 356-2010 cell: (806) 390-9034

Frontier Feedyard

Jon Vanwey, Manager Spearman, TX office: (806) 882-4251 cell: (719) 251-2381

Stratford Feedyard

Pistol Audrain, Manager Stratford, TX office: (806) 396-5501 cell: (806) 753-7133

Burlington Feedyard

Logan Hardin, Manager Burlington, CO office: (719) 346-8532 cell: (620) 575-6702

Southwest Feedyard

Kacey Graham, Manager Hereford, TX office: (806) 364-0693 cell: (806) 316-8799

Hale Center Feedyard

Rusty Jackson, Manager Hale Center, TX office: (806) 879-2104 cell: (806) 773-9457

Ulysses Feedyard

Adam Gerrond, Manager Ulysses, KS office: (620) 356-1750 cell: (806) 390-9034

Wolf Creek Feedyard

Keith Brinson, Manager Perryton, TX office: (806) 435-5697 cell: (806) 282-7588

Wrangler Feedyard

Randy Shields, Manager Tulia, TX office: (806) 583-2131 cell: (806) 290-0559

Syracuse Feedyard

Phil Moreman, Manager

Syracuse, KS office: (620) 384-7431 cell: (806) 340-4790

Theft & Law

DISTRICT 1 — TEXAS PANHANDLE

Calves missing in Motley County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Chris Ward reports 20 head of black baldy calves missing from a property west of FM 2009 near CR 128. The calves weigh between 550-600 pounds and have a “dragging A” branded on their left hips. They were last seen December 2024 and confirmed missing Jan. 19. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Ward at 806-205-0119.

DISTRICT 7 — NORTHWEST TEXAS

Steer calves missing in King County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Michael Looney reports 10 steer calves missing from a property east of County Road 379 in Seymour. The calves weigh approximately 450 pounds and are mixed in color. They are branded with a “Mashed O” on their left hip. The calves were last accounted for Dec. 4. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Looney at 806-778-2585.

DISTRICT 10 — NORTH TEXAS

Equipment stolen in Hill County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Robert Pemberton reports a 2008 72inch Bobcat root grapple stolen from a property near FM 308 and Richland Creek. The equipment was last seen Jan. 15 and was discovered missing Jan. 16.

Two bulls stolen in Kaufman County.

Pemberton also reports two bulls missing from a pasture off 1297 County Lane in Kaufman. The bulls are described as:

• A 3-year-old horned white bull with black spots and an “OVP” branded on his left hip and a yellow ear tag with No. 1 in his left ear.

• A 2-year-old horned white bull with “023” branded on his left hip and “RPR” branded on his right hip.

The bulls were stolen from the owner’s cattle pens Jan. 19. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Pemberton at 903-450-3900.

DISTRICT 11 — NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS

Stolen tractor in Bryan County, Oklahoma.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Randolph McGee reports a John Deere 6140 cab tractor stolen from a property off Kemp Road in Hendrix, Oklahoma. The tractor’s VIN No. is 1LO6140MVPG197628. The tractor was stolen between Jan. 6-24.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the return of the stolen tractor or the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the felony theft of property. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call McGee at 903-821-7506.

DISTRICT 19 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Calves missing in Tom Green County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger H.D. Brittain reports two Angus-Holsteincross heifer calves missing from a property in Tom Green County. The heifers weigh approximately 200 pounds with white ear tags in their right ears. Last seen Jan. 6, they have no brands or markings.

Cow-calf pairs missing in Coleman County.

Brittain also reports two black cow-calf pairs missing from a property off County Road 210 in Santa Anna. The pairs are branded with “A18” on their left hip. They were last seen Dec. 22. Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Brittain at 325-340-2268.

DISTRICT 26 — CENTRAL TEXAS

Cow-calf pairs missing in Llano County.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Ranger Todd Jennings reports a black Angus cow-calf pair and Red Angus cow-calf pair missing from a property off County Road 490 in Valley Spring. The cows have a “frying pan” brand on their left hip. They were last seen December 2024. Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Jennings at 830-997-7585. T C

TSCRA offers a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and/or grand jury indictment of individuals for theft of livestock or related property. Anonymity is guaranteed. To provide information, call the Operation Cow Thief tip line at 817-916-1775.

Join or renew your membership today.

Member benefits include the support of TSCRA Special Rangers, government relations advocacy, educational programs, networking and social events, member-only discounts, The Cattleman magazine and phone app, and insurance services.

To learn more about membership, scan the code above or visit TSCRA.org.

MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS PARTNER

Companies whose values and mission align with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association are invited to join the organization and engage directly with our 28,000+ members. As a TSCRA Business Partner Member, your company will be part of a community that shares a commitment to advancing the cattle industry and its future.

BENEFITS INCLUDE

FEATURED PARTNERS

TSCRA MEMBER-ONLY DISCOUNTS

Theft & Law

JEREMY TODD BYRD — DEFENDANT

Date of Birth: Dec. 29, 1971

Offense: Theft of Livestock - Aggregation Amounts of Theft

Date of Offense: Aug. 4, 2022

Victim: Raywood Livestock

Location of Offense: Liberty

Trial Date: Nov. 4, 2024

Trial Court: 75th Judicial District Court

Plea: Guilty

Sentence: Two years, probation

Restitution: $86,714.97

TSCRA Special Ranger: Mike Boone T C

STATE OF THE CATTLE INVENTORY

Texas beef herd grows slightly amid record prices.

By Adam Russell

Photos courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife

The Texas beef cattle herd has grown slightly since January 2024, while the overall U.S. herd remains near its lowest numbers since 1961.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts predict several factors will continue working against a rebuild of the state’s beef cattle herd. The latest USDA beef cattle inventory survey showed the U.S. herd had shrunk another 0.6% to 27.68 million head.

In Texas, the state’s beef herd grew by 60,000 head to 4.02 million over last year, according to the USDA report.

The historically strong beef cattle market, high input costs and longer-term drought concerns have stymied a herd rebuild, said Jason Cleere, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension statewide beef cattle specialist, and David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock and food product economist, both in Bryan-College Station.

Anderson, a professor in the department of agricultural economics, said 400- to 500-pound calves averaged $3.89 per pound in the Southern Plains market that includes North Texas and Oklahoma. That weight class of calf sold for $3.29 per pound at the same time last year.

“That’s outrageously high,” he said. “But the lower cattle numbers mean the pressure is going to be on higher calf prices.”

Cleere, associate professor in the department of animal science, said even the salvage values for older cows and bulls are at record highs.

“From a rancher perspective, it’s great to see a 2,000-pound bull selling as a packer for $2,500-$3,000,” he said. “So, if salvage values and demand is so high, it’s just another snapshot of how unprecedented the cattle market is.”

Prices are up, but so are costs

Despite the unprecedented market, Cleere said producers are finding it more challenging to find profits due to higher input costs. Everything in ranching costs more than the previous price surge following the 2011 drought.

Cleere said inflation-adjusted prices for a 550-pound calf are lower than in 2013-2014 when ranchers were realizing better margins. “Ranchers need these recordhigh prices because it costs more to raise that same 550-pound calf,” he said.

Optimism among Texas ranchers is brimming, especially east of Interstate 35 in areas historically known for forage and beef cattle production.

Price outlooks are good, and consistent rainfall has set the stage for a strong spring green-up and flush of

cool-season forages. The onset of cool-season forages like ryegrass and legumes can pack pounds on spring calves and help cows recover for breeding, Cleere said.

Despite the good market and moisture outlooks, Cleere said Texas ranchers have not yet held back heifers above replacement percentages in ways that indicate a herd rebuild.

“The weather has been encouraging, and some ranchers may be thinking about keeping more heifers, but that has to hold,” he said. “Ranchers have good memories, and they may be thinking about the next drought.”

Proceeding with caution

Cleere said many ranchers may also remember how drastically the beef cattle market dropped in 2016 after a rapid herd rebuild. Ranchers paid top dollar for replacement heifers with the expectation that prices would remain high or go higher. But prices fell, which meant losses at sale barns for the subsequent calves produced by those high-cost heifers.

After the 2012 drought, prices for a 400- to 500-pound feeder steer peaked at $3.17 per pound in May 2015, Anderson said. By December 2015 those steers brought $1.97 per pound.

That cautious approach, higher input costs and longterm weather outlook for more drought for Texas will likely mean the state never reaches its previous herd numbers again, Cleere said. Land-use changes and fragmentation due to population growth are also taking

Ranching

ranches, forage production, pastures and rangeland out of the state’s beef cattle production system.

“You see it, even in rural areas, so the reality is, if you look back 10 years, we’re not going to see those same cow-calf numbers that we once did,” he said. “The only thing that would change that is if inputs like fertilizer were dirt cheap so ranchers could ramp up their stocking rates.”

Optimize or maximize production

Despite the challenges, Cleere said Texas cattle ranchers should have beneficial opportunities in the next few years. He expects strong price trends to continue and recommends ranchers look for ways to reduce costs and increase profits.

Cleere said it could mean selling calves earlier or later depending on market prices and quality forage availability or focusing on cows’ post-calving body condition. Smart, timely investments in nutritional supplements or fertilizer applications can provide longterm benefits for operations.

“In this business, we oftentimes say optimizing production is a better strategy than maximizing production, but there are times in the cycle where maximizing potential may be the better strategy,” he said. “So, planning for next year’s calf crop by taking care of your productive cows’ nutrition and helping ease that breed-back could reap big rewards.” T C

Adam Russell is a communication specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife.

Higher cattle prices are helping, but ranchers are also facing higher input costs. The lower margins are resulting in a slowed herd rebuild in Texas and across the country.

WHAT PLANT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL?

By Kent Ferguson

Wild buckwheat, also known as Longleaf wild buckwheat, is a native warm-season forb found throughout the state.

The perennial plant grows in most soil types and sites, including sand, clay, limestone, shallows, slopes, prairies and bottomlands — except south of San Antonio to the Mexico border. Wild buckwheat:

• Grows from a thick root, which produces stems reaching up to 24 inches tall. The stems will branch off to form many leafless, flower-producing stems.

• Produces basal leaves that are green on top and white on the bottom.

• Has leaves that are 4-8 inches long, 1-inch wide and taper into a long petiole.

• Has stems that will also produce a few smaller white leaves, about 1-2 inches long, that are oblong-linear.

• Produces yellow flowers in tiny clusters, which are fringed in red.

Wild buckwheat is sought after by sheep, goats and white-tailed deer on occasion, but rarely grazed by cattle. Pollinators will use the many tiny flowers produced throughout the summer months.

With proper stocking rates and rotational grazing, this beneficial plant will spread throughout the pasture. T C

Kent Ferguson, a retired rangeland management specialist from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides plant identification photo stories to help ranchers

Wild buckwheat (Eriogonum longifolium)

Photo by Janice Lynn , Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

BQA TIP: KNOW THE RISKS

Johne’s disease causes profuse, watery diarrhea and weight loss in cattle. Unfortunately, there is no available treatment, and cattle will continue to get worse with time.

Caused by the bacterium

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis , infected cattle shed the bacteria in feces, colostrum and milk. Infection primarily occurs

in young calves when they consume feed, water, milk, colostrum or suckle from teats contaminated with the bacteria.

Biosecurity is the best way to prevent Johne’s disease from impacting a herd. Embryo transfer recipient cows of unknown history and dairy cows present increased risks for beef cow-calf operations. T C

Photo by Jerod Foster

JOIN US

Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo takes place April 11-13 in Fort Worth.

QA & THE EVOLUTION OF AGRITECH

Technology leaders preview Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo general session.

By Hannah Turner

Innovation takes many forms, and it is no surprise that many ranchers are at the forefront of adopting agricultural technology.

With more agritech options on the market now than ever before, the opportunities to boost productivity and improve profitability are endless. That is why it is imperative that ranchers stay up-to-date on available technologies to help optimize resources and increase the resiliency of their operations.

Join agritech leaders for a general session titled The Evolution of Agritech: Enabling the Ranch of the Future, sponsored by Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions and CattleMax, to kick off Saturday, April 12, at the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo in Fort Worth.

The following panelists will explore how technology can be used to save time, cut costs and secure the future of ranching for the next generation: Andrew Coppin, co-founder and CEO of Ranchbot; Terrell Miller, founder of CattleMax; Evon Onusic, co-founder and CEO of Frontiers Market; and Eric Yates, senior territory manager for Vence.

In the following interview, the agritech innovators preview what is to come in the highly anticipated mainstage Cattle Raisers Convention session.

Q

: How do you define agritech?

A : Coppin: In the ranching sector, we often think of agritech in three main subcategories: soil- and pasturerelated innovations around feed, methane reduction and carbon sequestration; animal ag tech, which can encompass tags, grazing applications, genetics and virtual fencing; and ranch tech, the things that help run a more efficient operation including remote water monitoring, automation and controls, artificial intelligence, weighing, etc.

Miller: Agritech is about using technology to make agriculture more efficient, profitable and sustainable. Having worked with ranchers for decades, I see it as leveraging data, automation and digital tools to streamline daily tasks, make better decisions and ensure a stronger future for farmers and ranchers everywhere.

Yates: Agritech refers to the use of innovative technology to improve efficiency and productivity in agriculture. For me, agritech is the implementation of technology into cattle production to help optimize a complex biological system.

Q: Why is Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo a great place to talk about new technology?

A : Coppin: This event is one of the key places ranchers go to learn and work on the business, not in it. What better venue could there be to explore new innovations that help streamline operations and allow cattle raisers to be productive, resilient and more sustainable with peers and technology providers? As a sector, we need to dispel myths about complexity and truly understand what is working and what is not in agritech. There are many solutions now with meaningful traction.

Miller: Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo connects ranchers who appreciate practical solutions to everyday challenges. It is a great environment to showcase innovative tools that reduce costs, increase profits and ensure longterm operations. Attendees are excited to learn, network and adopt new technologies that genuinely strengthen their ranching businesses.

Onusic: Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo is a great venue because of its reach and reputation. It is one of the

Andrew Coppin Ranchbot

Terrell Miller CattleMax

Eric Yates Vence

Evon Onusic Frontiers Market

few organizations that creates content for our industry focused on the most critical parts of the beef supply chain.

Q: Why is now the right time to pay attention to agritech?

A: Miller: As global food demand climbs, margins tighten and labor remains scarce, agritech offers timely solutions. Tools like data analytics and automation enable ranchers to innovate, cut costs and stay competitive. There has never been a greater need, or a better opportunity, to revolutionize the way we produce food.

Yates: Amid rising operational costs and the loss of working lands, cattle producers should focus on agritech to enhance productivity and sustainability. Innovations like virtual fencing and around-theclock animal monitoring can improve efficiency and profitability, while also addressing environmental concerns — securing the cattle industry’s future in a competitive protein market.

Q: What advice would you give to convention attendees who might be interested in new technologies?

A : Coppin: Take time to go and meet with agritech providers at their expo booths and learn what is happening. Ask questions about how their technology could work on your property, what problems it would solve, how many ranches it is on already, how it is installed and what it costs. You might be surprised how affordable some of these things are. Of course, also attend the agritech panel and hear from experts and ranchers about their experience with new technologies — and how it is changing their operations for the better.

Onusic: The artificial intelligence revolution, with the right partners, can solve real challenges while driving meaningful profits at scale. It takes patience, curiosity and trust that a tech partner can deliver real-dollar value with direct feedback.

Yates: Be open-minded when it comes to technology and think big! Technology can offer endless opportunities to help each individual ranch and offer solutions to large problems like a lack of skilled labor or land constraints.

Q: How do you see agritech shaping the future of the cattle business?

A : Coppin: As regulatory and social pressures build in the ranching sector, producers are compelled to do more with less and be more accountable for their supply chains. Much of the technology that has progressed allows ranchers to develop more productive,

profitable and efficient operations as costs continue to rise. We are in an exciting phase of the evolution in this sector where technology will have profound and positive impacts for cattle raisers — too good for them to ignore.

Miller: Agritech is revolutionizing ranching by providing real-time data, automating routine tasks and providing ranchers with better insights. We will continue to see more connected devices, predictive analytics and datadriven decisions. This shift will improve productivity, strengthen profitability and ensure the resilience of ranching businesses for generations to come.

Yates: Agritech will revolutionize the future of ranching and land stewardship. By empowering cattle producers with technology relevant to their ranch, it will enhance livestock management, optimize resource use and facilitate adaptation to rising challenges.

Don’t miss this and more insightful sessions as part of the School for Successful Ranching during Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo. For more information and an up-to-date schedule of events, visit cattleraisersconvention.com. T C

Hannah Turner is a freelance writer and communicator based in Wichita Falls.

Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo is packed with educational and networking opportunities for ranchers and landowners of all types and sizes. Photo by Kayla Jennings.

THE BUSINESS OF SUSTAINABILITY

A can’t-miss panel discussion explores the future of the beef industry.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association announced a powerhouse panel of global agricultural leaders from Costco, McDonald’s and Nestlé will take center stage April 12 during the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo in Fort Worth.

The keynote session, titled The Business of Sustainability: Strengthening beef’s future through industry partnerships, will explore the evolving relationship between cattle raisers and agricultural stakeholders working toward a resilient, high-quality beef supply.

The session will be moderated by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee Chair James Clement III.

“With a global footprint, these companies have a major influence over the future of the beef supply chain,” said Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. “Understanding their priorities and programs gives valuable insight into where the industry is headed.”

This conversation comes as more corporations invest in agriculture through ecosystem services, such as carbon-offset programs that leverage stewardship practices for financial incentives. Attendees can expect to learn how carbon fits into larger sustainability initiatives and how developing sectors including biodiversity, water and other resources can build on these emerging financial markets.

“There’s common ground in big business and sustainable agriculture but finding that common ground means asking the tough questions,” Polk said. “I’m excited to hear directly from these corporations to learn how they are approaching partnerships with cattle raisers to better understand what is ahead for the future of ranching.” T C

Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo takes place April 11-13 as the largest annual industry event in the Southwest, drawing more than 4,000 ranchers, landowners, wildlife managers and those with a passion for the industry.

Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434

Cell: 806-683-4613

steve@expressscale. com

www.expressscale.com

SCHOOL FOR SUCCESSFUL RANCHING PREVIEW

There’s something for everyone through the School for Successful Ranching, an annual educational series hosted during Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo. Based on four tracks — policy, land and wildlife, cow-calf and panel discussions — sessions offer something for every interest and experience level. Below are a few highlights of what’s ahead April 11-12 in Fort Worth.

Here We Go Again: The Next Texas Electric Transmission Build-out

Speaker: Zach Brady, Brady + Hamilton LLP

Friday, April 11 | 9-10 a.m.

As the Texas Public Utility Commission and ERCOT actively consider new electric transmission projects, landowners are faced with conversations involving new high-voltage transmission lines. One potential project includes a new unprecedented statewide loop that would serve as a super-transmission system, a buildout reminiscent of the Trans Texas Corridor. A well-known eminent domain, agricultural and energy lawyer, Zach Brady brings the latest details available on the processes that lead to permitting and construction for landowners.

Risk Management: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity

Speaker: Caitlyn Grudzinski, Commodity and Ingredient Hedging

Friday, April 11 | 10-11 a.m.

Compare Livestock Risk Protection vs. CME Risk Management during different periods of time. Look at current profit-loss levels and historical price swings to understand capital at risk for ranchers. Learn how to adjust profit-loss potential and take advantage of market volatility through risk management strategies. Discuss margin implications of hedging vs. staying open at current price levels.

Scoring for Success: Mastering Frame & Body Condition Evaluation

Speaker: Clay Burson, Zinpro

Friday, April 11 | 11-11:50 a.m.

Understanding frame and body condition scoring is vital for improving herd health, nutrition and reproductive efficiency. This session will cover the value of frame scoring and BCS as key

management tools for targeting production goals. Burson will also explore new technologies designed to enhance the reliability of selection for phenotypic traits and predictive measures of cow efficiency. Gain valuable insights to improve herd performance and make more informed management decisions.

New World Screwworm: The Threat Returns

Speakers: Dr. Lewis R. ‘Bob” Dinges, Texas Animal Health Commission; Dr. Burke Healey, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Friday, April 11 | 1:30-2:30 p.m.

New World screwworm infestations pose a significant risk to livestock, wildlife and the agricultural industry. Dr. Dinges and Dr. Healey will share insights on how state and federal agencies work together to detect, prevent and control this destructive pest. From surveillance strategies to rapid response efforts, this discussion will highlight the latest policies and actions to protect animal health and minimize economic impact. Stay informed on what this means for producers and landowners in the fight against screwworms

View from the Capitol: Austin Legislative Update

Speakers: Melissa Hamilton and Peyton Schumann, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Saturday, April 12 | 10-11 a.m.

The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association government relations team will deep dive into the pressing issues of the 89th Texas Legislative Session. They’ll talk about what bills affect cattle producers, where the association stands on the issue, and what’s being done to address it. T C

RANCHING FOR PROFIT WORKSHOP RANCHING FOR PROFIT WORKSHOP

April 10 | 12-5 p.m. | Fort Worth,TX

In conjuction with:

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR OPERATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Ranching for Profit is a dynamic, one-day workshop designed to give you valuable tools to increase the financial sustainability of your operation, and give insights into the relationship between ecology and grazing principles. You’ll also explore ecological processes and strategies to boost productivity, reduce workload and increase profitability.

This workshop is available as an ADD-ON to your full Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo registration.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RANCHING FOR PROFIT.

For more information and to register, contact education@tscra.org or 817-916-1748.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025

8:00 TO 11:00 PM

Hotel Drover, Fort Worth Stockyards

A passion for raising cattle starts early. And so should the protection. Treat your pastures with Corteva Agriscience™ herbicides to knock down weeds so your cattle can graze healthier and happier. It’s better for your herd, better for the land and better for your business. And by creating more sustainable acres, you’ll be protecting your passion for this work for generations to come. Find the latest innovations to help you at RangeAndPasture.com

To find your local Corteva Range and Pasture Specialist visit rangeandpasture.com/specialist

SUPPORT THOSE WHO PROTECT THE LAND YOU LOVE.

Participate in the Special Ranger Foundation Silent Auction & Raffle.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Special Rangers investigate and solve agricultural crime, assist with natural disaster recovery, and protect and educate cattle raisers across the Great Southwest.

Bids close at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12, during the Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo

Auction highlights:

• Many Guided Hunting and Fishing Packages

• “Not On Our Watch” Special Ranger Numbered Bronze

• Engraved Kimber Pro TLE II 45ACP

• Engraved Smith & Wesson Special Ranger handcuffs

• #1 Structural Pipe – 230 Joints; 7,000 Ft - 2 7/8

• Custom Jerry Fisk Knife –Damascus blade with 1,877 layers honoring TSCRA’s founding, 148-layer blade for each year of the Association. Mesquite handle from JC Loving’s home, ferrule engraved with Special Rangers’ brands.

On your mobile device, open your camera and point it at the image below to go to the registration / sign in page:

Text G1338 to 888-990-9876 or scan the QR code to register.

To lend support through auction items or cash donations, contact the special ranger in your district or call 817-916-1773.

Engraved Kimber Pro TLE II 45ACP with Custom Grips and Magazine

Engraved Smith & Wesson Special Ranger handcuffs

“Not On Our Watch” Special Ranger Numbered Bronze (Raffle tickets sold during the expo)

Jerry Fisk Damascus knife honoring TSCRA history from 1877 with mesquite and engraved ferrule.

Elevate outcomes for cattle at every stage of life with high-quality nutrition.

Providing superior dietary intake leads to elevated outcomes for cattle at every stage of life. Alligare’s GUNSLINGER P+D controls challenging weeds while allowing grass species to thrive.

Treat with the Gunslinger family of Range & Pasture products for broad spectrum control of broadleaf weeds, suppression of challenging brush species, and extended residual activity.

COFFEE & LOUNGE COVERAGE

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

The only thing that takes more work than raising cattle is keeping track of all of the records that go with it. That’s why there’s CattleMax. Whether you’re tracking cattle or keeping records of everything from rainfall to receipts, CattleMax does it all. And does it easily.

Deep Aquatic Technology locates supplemental sources of groundwater using advanced technologies to achieve near 100% accurac y compared to the industr y average of 30-40%. Stop drilling expensive “dr y holes” and get the abundant fresh water you need.

• Improve Your Economic Security

• Increase Proper ty Value

• Increase Yields

• Gain Peace of Mind

“If anyone questions this new technology in locating water, don’t! My personal experience has been ver y satisfying and the process of locating water on my proper ty eliminated all my concerns of a “dr y hole” drilled and spending an enormous amount of money just to have a “dr y hole” on my proper ty. To know prior to drilling, that you will nd water with 99% certainty is very comforting.” — BP (5-20-24)

Protect your livelihood— nding high- quality groundwater is a science, not an ar t. We implement e ective water & food security solutions. Our “Deep Seated Water” technology is location new water sources on arid lands. We employ the latest geospatial analysis and on-site instrumentation to locate hidden sources of uncontaminated fresh water. Over 1,500 wells have been drilled using these technologies.

RANCHING WITH PURPOSE

TSCRA Director Shelby Horn shares the value of mentorship.

By Shelby Kirton

For Shelby Horn, the cattle business isn’t just a profession — it’s a legacy, a passion and a way of life.

A sixth-generation cattle raiser, he grew up on his family’s cow-calf and yearling operation in Louisiana, where he learned firsthand the ups and downs of ranching. Horn’s early years were spent working cattle, absorbing lessons from seasoned ranchers and developing a deep respect for the industry’s traditions.

At 16, he knew ranching was his calling. In the early 1970s, a market crash nearly ruined his father, who turned to futures trading to navigate the downturn.

“As soon as I was old enough, he told me if I was going to be in this business, I needed to learn to trade futures,” Horn said. “That really became a big part of my expertise in the cattle business, marketing and trading.”

Horn took that knowledge with him as he earned an economics degree from Brigham Young University and later a master’s degree in agriculture from Texas A&M University. By the time he finished school in 1992, he had built his own herd of 500 cows and was ready to jump headfirst into the business alongside his father.

In 2000, Horn was hired to be the cattle marketing manager at Deseret Ranches and later the vice president overseeing operations in Texas, Oklahoma and Australia.

In 2008, Hughes Abell and Clay Birdwell, both Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association past presidents, recruited Horn to partner with them at Great Plains Cattle Feeders in the Texas Panhandle.

“Clay Birdwell was a major mentor to me from the time I was a kid,” he said. “I learned a lot from him and my time with him was a real blessing. Hughes also played a huge role in my decision to join the feedyard. I tell folks all the time that Hughes Abell has had a greater influence on my life than anyone except my own dad.”

Unfortunately, shortly after his arrival at Great Plains Cattle Feeders, Birdwell was diagnosed with cancer and Horn had to step up into a leadership position. Following Birdwell’s passing, Horn became president of Great Plains.

Recognizing the need to focus on the ranching side, Horn and Abell decided to sell the feedyard in 2017.

Horn then became the general manager of Abell Livestock Company, overseeing operations in Texas, Florida and New Mexico.

Horn credits Abell’s leadership and mentorship for shaping his career. “Hughes has been instrumental in my life, both professionally and personally,” he said.

Horn was elected to the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association board of directors in 2020 and has served as the marketing and transportation committee chairman. He now sits on the executive committee.

Beyond business, Horn is dedicated to ranching’s future.

“There’s a lot of deep experience at TSCRA and being associated with really good people who’ve had a lot of experience in the cattle industry has really benefited me,” he said. “Most of my mentors were TSCRA members, and I’ve gained a lot learning from them.”

Horn and his wife, Julie, are now empty nesters living in Fredericksburg. They have four children and five grandchildren.

His father, now 92, still plays a role in his life and business. “I still talk to him every week about the markets and about trading,” Horn says. “He’s still a little sharper than I ever was.”

Horn’s advice to others is simple: “Just get involved. It’s easy to sit on the sideline, but to really make an impact, you’ve got to show up. Get on a committee, come to events, represent our interests. There’s plenty of ways to serve, and we’re always looking for more people willing to put in the work.” T C

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CARL RAY POLK JR. President P.O. Box 155108 Lufkin, Texas 75915

PAST PRESIDENTS

John M. “Jack” Shelton III Amarillo, 1984-1986

James L. Powell San Angelo, 1988-1990

Tom Beard Alpine, 1994-1995

C. Coney Burgess Amarillo, 1997-1999

J. Mark McLaughlin San Angelo, 1999-2001

REGION 1

Joe M. “Jody” Bellah, Throckmorton

Blake Birdwell, Canyon

E. S. F. “Swasey” Brainard II, Pampa

J. K. “Rooter” Brite Jr., Bowie

Donnell Brown, Throckmorton

Campbell Burgess, Amarillo

Deborah Clark, Henrietta

Lynn Cowden, Skellytown

J. B. Daniel, Crowell

James Henderson, Memphis

Clayton Henry, Wichita Falls

STEPHEN DIEBEL

First Vice President 3907 Salem Rd. Victoria, Texas 77904

John E. Dudley Comanche, 2001-2003

Bob McCan Victoria, 2003-2005

C.R. “Dick” Sherron, MD Beaumont, 2005-2007

Jon Means Van Horn, 2007-2009

G. Dave Scott Richmond, 2009-2011

Joe J. Parker Jr. Byers, 2011-2013

Brooks Hodges, Guthrie

Joe Leathers, Guthrie

Frank McLelland, Tahoka

Jeff Mitchell, Amarillo

Gage Moorhouse, Benjamin

Diaz W. Murray, Wichita Falls

J. Malcolm Shelton IV, Amarillo

Dale A. Smith, Amarillo

Jim Thompson, Breckenridge

Ross Thompson, Iowa Park

Wesley Welch, Lubbock

DAN GATTIS

Second Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer 213B W. 8th St. Georgetown, Texas 78626

Pete Bonds Saginaw, 2013-2016

Richard Thorpe III, MD Winters, 2016-2018

Robert E. McKnight Jr. Fort Davis, 2018-2020

G. Hughes Abell Austin, 2020-2022

Arthur G. Uhl III San Antonio, 2022-2024

REGION 2

Kevin Busher, Winters

Charles M. “Charley” Christensen Jr., San Angelo

C.A. “Chili” Cole IV, San Angelo

Alan F. Curry, San Angelo

James H. Dudley IV, Horseshoe Bay

Amanda Dyer, Fort Davis

Johnny Ferguson, Big Lake

Cody Fry, Lueders

DA Harral, Fort Stockton

Ron Helm, Van Horn

Heath Hemphill, Coleman

Shelby W. Horn, Fredericksburg

Larry R. Horwood, Sterling City

Grant Jones, Rochelle

Mark W. Jones, Brady

W. Clay Jones, Brady

Ty Keeling, Boerne

Lorenzo Lasater, San Angelo

Brian T. McLaughlin, Midland

David L. Neal, San Angelo

Gerald Nobles Jr., Brady

James Oliver, Ozona

Wade Perks, San Angelo

Jessica Tate, Marfa

James Uhl, Fort McKavett

Cody Webb, Barnhart

C. Clark Welder, Fredricksburg

Ken Welch, Baird

Ray W. Willoughby III, Eldorado

REGION 3

Ford Drummond, Pawhuska, Oklahoma

REGION 4

Edward Bordovsky Jr., Riviera

Austin Brown III, Beeville

W. Christopher Bush, Refugio

James Clement lll, Kingsville

David S. Crow, Corpus Christi

Dustin Dean, Floresville

David DeLaney, Kingsville

Robert “Bobby” Dobson, Birmingham, Alabama

James L. “Jamie” Donnell Jr., Fowlerton

J. David Eppright, Cost

Benjamin Eshleman III, Corpus Christi

Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons, Carrizo Springs

Jim L. Gates, Pearsall

Milton S. Greeson Jr., Victoria

Bret Griffith, Del Rio

Heath Grigg, Kingsville

Marty R. Harris, Tilden

Anson Howard, San Antonio

Claude Koontz, San Antonio

Steven J. Mafrige, Tilden

Richard Marbach, Victoria

Beth Knolle Naiser, Sandia

Federico “Freddy” Nieto, Raymondville

T. Michael O’Connor, Victoria

Jason Peeler, Floresville

J.R. Ramirez, La Pryor

Michael Sasser, Corpus Christi

Lew Thompson, Pearsall

John E. Zacek, Victoria

REGION 5

Bill Cawley, Crockett

Wayne Cockrell, College Station

Herff Cornelius Jr., Wadsworth

Carlos Detering III, Houston

Gardner H. Dudley, Houston

Lloyd French IV, Houston

Kelley Sullivan Georgiades, College Station

George Harrison, Bay City

Robert Hodgen, Houston

Colt Hoffmann, Marlin

Clay Kenley, Crockett

Clive Runnells III, Austin

John Sumner Runnells III, Bay City

Tony Spears, Rosanky

John “Rocky” Sullivan, Galveston

Claudia Scott Wright, Richmond

REGION 6

April Bonds, Saginaw

Missy Bonds, Saginaw

John L. Cantrell, Cresson

Ian Chapman, Madill, Oklahoma

Hunter Crow, Dallas

James T. Dangelmayr, Muenster

Seth Denbow, Weatherford

Crawford Edwards, Fort Worth

John Greer, Henrietta

Jason Harlow, Dallas

Pete Hudgins, Sherman

Tom Johnson, Wortham

Ken Leiber, Fort Worth

Stefan Marchman, Fort Worth

William H. McCall, Fort Worth

Dan Nance, Haslet

Susan Roach, Fort Worth

Stephen S. “Steve” Sikes, Fort Worth

Bragg Smith III, Dallas

Curtis A. Younts Jr., Belton

Leslie Kinsel, Cotulla 1 3 2 6 5 4

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association directors are elected to represent six geographical regions across Texas and Oklahoma. Reference page 59 to explore an interactive map online.

HONORARY DIRECTORS

William L. “Buck” Arrington, Pampa

Van Baize, Nocona

Bradford S. “Brad” Barnes, Fort Worth

Steve G. Beever, Pearsall

George Beggs IV, Fort Worth

Richard H. Bennett, San Antonio

Emry Birdwell, Henrietta

Mary Lou Bradley-Henderson, Childress

Chip Briscoe, Carrizo Springs

R.A. “Rob” Brown, Throckmorton

J.D. Cage, Muleshoe

Presnall Cage, Falfurrias

John W. Carpenter III, Dallas

Barrett D. Clark, Breckenridge

Martin W. Clement II, Kingsville

Thurman S. Clements Jr., Victoria

C.A. “Chip” Cole III, San Angelo

Nixon Dillard, Pleasanton

William C. “Billito” Donnell Jr., Alpine

Markham B. Dossett, Waco

Bob Drake, Davis, Oklahoma

James H. “Jim” Dudley, Comanche

Jay C. Evans, Dripping Springs

Trainor Evans, Mercedes

Leroy Ezer, Anahuac

Richard Gates, Marfa

Mike Gibson, Paducah

Ronald J. “Ron” Gill, Chico

Frank Green, Liberty

W. H. “Billy” Green III, Albany

Thomas J. “Tommy” Haegelin, Concan

Dr. Philip C. Hardee, Beatrice, Alabama

Rafe Hargrove, Rotan

Tom J. Haynie, Navasota

Dr. Joe Pat Hemphill, Coleman

Allen C. “Dick” Jones IV, Corpus Christi

Ken Jordan, San Saba

Don Keeling, Fredericksburg

David W. Killam, Laredo

John Z. Kimberlin Jr., Dallas

Dan W. Kinsel III, Cotulla

Chris Lacy, Fort Davis

Laurence M. Lasater, San Angelo

Steve C. Lewis, San Antonio

James E. “Jim” Link, Crowley

Coleman H. Locke, Hungerford

Ben Love, Marathon

Katharine Armstrong Love, Austin

Richard M. Lucas Jr., Houston

Robert B. Mansfield, Amarillo

Jon David Mayfield, Dublin

Jim McAdams, Seguin

James A. McAllen, Linn

William “Alan” McNeill, Beaumont

Len P. Mertz, San Angelo

Evalyn Moore, Richmond

Raymond E. Moore IV, Richmond

Bob Moorhouse, Weatherford

Tom Moorhouse, Benjamin

Russell Noble, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Les Nunn, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

Boots O’Neal, Guthrie

James Palmer, Roaring Springs

Rick Peebles, Baytown

Tim Pennell, Westhoff

Tom Perini, Buffalo Gap

Jim Peters, Quemado

Scott Petty Jr., San Antonio

Bill Phinizy, Gail

Frank Price, Sterling City

Gary Price, Blooming Grove

Mary Joe Reynolds-Montgomery, Fort Worth

Tom L. Roach III, Bozeman, Montana

Charles R. “Butch” Robinson, Navasota

Nolan Ryan, Round Rock

M. Stuart Sasser, Corpus Christi

Gordon E. Sauer, Fredericksburg

Wilson Scaling, Henrietta

Chris Scharbauer, Amarillo

Frates Seeligson Jr., San Antonio

Ed Small, Austin

Danny B. Stewart, Sterling City

Guy F. Stovall Jr., El Campo

Gerald Sullivan, Galveston

Stephen T. “Steve” Swenson, Dallas

Rick Tate, Marfa

Cliff Teinert, Albany

Richard Traylor, Batesville

Robert J. Underbrink, Houston

Tom Watson, Muleshoe

Dennis W. Webb, Barnhart

John Welch, Wolfforth

Richard Wortham, Austin

Roger F. Welder, Victoria

A.B. Wharton, Vernon

Beau Brite White, Rosanky

W.C. “Billy” Williams, Mertzon

David W. Winters, Del Rio

Dr. M. R. “Mike” Wirtz, Brenham

Tom Woodward, Decatur

Bart Wulff, Dallas

SPECIAL RANGERS

New Members

3J Ranch Wortham

3M Ranch Azle

3S Cattle Co. Abilene

AirMedCare Network San Antonio

Riley Alexander Decatur

River Alexander Decatur

Mariah Baker Stephenville

Baker Ranch Crockett

Bar A Ranch Adair, Oklahoma

Bar L Kennard

Rusty Beisch Windthorst

Jace Berry Chickasha, Oklahoma

Tanner Bialas Richmond

BizAutom Chino, California

Black Water Houston

Blue Line Ranch LLC Orange

Blue Oval Creek Ranch Weatherford

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Braunfels

Amber Boner Chico

Billy & Kati Bounds Gainesville

Buffalo Creek Ranch Heath

C&S Ranch Angleton

Camp Howdy Ranch LLC Laredo

Don Campbell Ennis

Claire Cantwell Glen Rose

Riley Carver Avoca

Cedar Springs FLP Austin

Childress Hall Cattle Co. LLC Childress

CircleHouseB Cattle Co. Early

Courtney Claude Nacogdoches

Charlie Cleveland Lubbock

Sterling Cloudy Jasper

CMC Hay Port Lavaca

James Collins Burleson

Conterra Ag Dallas

Copperhead Florence

Cord of Three Enterprises LLC Blanco

Crazy H Land & Cattle LLC Meridian

Payton Crow Gordonville

Derek Crumpton Iowa Park

Daley Land & Cattle Co. LLC Midland

Aiden Daque Haslet

Davis Ranch Lubbock

Diamond S Cattle Maud

Dottom Farm Arlington

Double Diamond Cattle Co. College Station

McKenna Elsom Guy

Ereno Farms LLC Caldwell

Ervin Land & Cattle Naples

Brocklin & Monique Evans Leesville

Evening Star Ranch Orange Grove

Jared Fisher Ponca City, Oklahoma

Maci Freels Gainesville

G3 Farms LLC Tulia

Cathleen Gaffney Tyler

Stephen Garrett Jr. Robstown

Trenton Garrett Robstown

Santiago Garza Edinburg

Sofia Garza Edinburg

Vicente Garza III Edinburg

Ashlynn Gasch Edna

Kaitlin Geer

Wichita Falls

The Gilliam Farm Houston

Goodwin Ranch Thorndale

Zachary Griffeth Marrieta, Oklahoma

Corbin Grigg Groesbeck

Grogan’s Farm & Ranch San Angelo

Rhett Guinn Grove, Oklahoma

Presley Guy Henrietta

Hall Farm Grapevine

Gayla Hamby Crockett

Savannah Hanson Liberty

Holden Hawkins Bogata

Hutton Hawkins

Bogata

Sam Henshaw

Waurika, Oklahoma

Daryl Howard

Austin

Hudson Bunting Ranch

Abilene

Inspiration Valley Ranch

Gatesville

IT Tech Co. Ltd.

Diamond Bar, California

J S Livingston Ranches

Dallas

JN Cattle Waco

Kaleb Jones

Houston

John D. Jordan Laredo

New Members

Kirkland Cattle Transport LLC

Forney

Kiley Kizziah

Richmond

Abigail Koenig De Leon

Cathryn Koenig De Leon

Koepp Farm La Vernia

KP Farms Ladonia

Krazy K Angleton

La Mina/Santa Margarita Ranch

Roma

La Paz Farms

Bryan

LCL Farms LLC

Perkins, Oklahoma

New Members

Craig & Tyler Leonard Sonora

Craig Lollis Kingston, Oklahoma

Kassadee Lym Canyon

Marke Exploration Inc. Fort Worth

Kate Martin Brenham

Sawyer Mau Columbus

Jillian McKechnie Commerce

Robert Meeks IV Livingston

Savannah Melendez Richmond

MJ Cattle Co. Brownfield

Cole Mobley Bronson

Moore’s Ranch LLC Eldorado

Austin Newman Leonard

Justin Parker Meadow

Patriot Mobile Grapevine

Phillips Farm Telephone

Rayne Pitts Talco

River Pitts Talco

Emma Piwonka Blessing

Poole Feed Supply Wylie

Rafter S Cattle Co. Abilene

Makenzy Reed McKinney

Reich Farms LLC Crawford

Tabitha Reifel Alvin

Savannah Remmy Bay City

Jacobi Ridley Rowlett

Rockin’ T Cattle Co. Sunset

Rocking W Cattle Center

Savannah Roessler Gainesville

Lillian Rogers Graford

John Roley Lubbock

Christine Rosenbalm Frisco

Joleigh Russell Mount Pleasant

Presley Russell Mount Pleasant

Ty Scott Weatherford

Senter Family Ropesville

Shawn Kalina Cattle Co. West

Shane Smith Henderson

Howdee Snoddy Grandview

Dixie Snodgrass Glen Rose

Stephens Angus Ranch Weatherford

T&B Cattle Co. Sinton

T&R Cattle Eddy

Jason Taylor Dayton

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension La Marque

Jace & Destanee Thomae Winters

Marsha Todd Pasadena

Trees Ranches Mountain Home

Triple J Farms Tomball

Triple Peak Ranch Canyon Lake

Miles Tull Gatesville

Clara Tyler Lake Jackson

Kelden Vandygriff Abernathy

Veale Ranch Breckenridge

Dakota Walker Wichita Falls

Hudson Wedeking Mineola

William Westberry Springtown

Brylie Whitley Clyde

Hadley Whitley Clyde

Karter Wiley Paris

Curtis Witmer Mabank

Elijah Woodruff Rainbow

Lonna Wunderlich Brenham

YO Ranch Headquarters Mountain Home

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

ANDERSON

Elkhart Horse Auction

Where: Elkhart

Phone: 903-764-1495

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Tiffany Patterson, 903-388-7288

ATASCOSA

Atascosa Livestock Exchange

Where: Pleasanton Phone: 830-281-2516

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Marvin Bendele, 210-213-5890

AUSTIN

Four County Auction

Where: Industry Phone: 979-357-2545

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-3041

BAILEY

Muleshoe Livestock Auction

Where: Muleshoe

Phone: 806-272-4201

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Leo Aviles, 956-437-3899

BEE

Beeville Livestock Comm.

Where: Beeville

Phone: 361-358-1727

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Robert Bridge, 361-542-6693

BOSQUE

Clifton Livestock Comm. LLC

Where: Clifton

Phone: 254-675-7717

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Larry Brown, 254-265-1920

Meridian L/S Comm. Co.

Where: Meridian

Phone: 254-435-2988

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Larry Brown, 254-265-1920

BOWIE

J & J Livestock Auction

Where: Texarkana

Phone: 903-832-3576

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Cheri Beal, 903-280-4554

BRAZOS

Brazos Valley Livestock Comm.

Where: Bryan

Phone: 979-778-0904

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

BURLESON

Caldwell Livestock Comm.

Where: Caldwell Phone: 979-567-4119

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Mark Nygard, 512-281-6330

CALDWELL

Lockhart Auction

Where: Lockhart

Phone: 512-398-3476

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

CAMP

Bruce Overstreet Livestock

Where: Pittsburg

Phone: 903-856-3440

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Michelle Willeford, 903-767-0670

CHEROKEE

Tri County Livestock Market

Where: New Summerfield

Phone: 903-322-4940

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Jerry Boulware, 936-465-1597

COLEMAN

Coleman Livestock Auction

Where: Coleman Phone: 325-625-4191

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Dave Williams, 325-669-2030

COLORADO

Cattleman’s Columbus Livestock Auction

Where: Columbus

Phone: 979-732-2622

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-1228

COMANCHE

Comanche Livestock Exchange

Where: Comanche

Phone: 325-356-5231

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Michael Davis, 254-879-3121

COOKE

The New Gainesville Livestock Auction

Where: Gainesville

Phone: 940-665-4367

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Robin Gibbs, 903-227-0791

CORYELL

Coryell County Comm.

Where: Gatesville Phone: 254-865-9121

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

DALLAM

Cattleman’s Livestock Comm.

Where: Dalhart

Phone: 806-249-5505

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Clifton Miller, 806-570-7439

DEAF SMITH

Hereford Livestock Auction

Where: Hereford

Phone: 806-240-3082

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Joe Bob Via, 806-452-9280

DEWITT

Cuero Livestock Comm.

Where: Cuero Phone: 361-275-2329

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

EASTLAND

Texas Cattle Exchange

Where: Eastland Phone: 254-629-2288

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Ronnie Ober, 817-371-7071

ERATH

Dublin Livestock Auction

Where: Dublin Phone: 254-445-1734

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Ronnie Ober, 817-371-7071

Erath County Dairy Sale

Where: Dublin Phone: 254-968-7253

Sale Day: Friday Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

Stephenville Cattle Co.

Where: Stephenville Phone: 254-968-4844

Sale Day: Wednesday Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

FAYETTE

Flatonia Livestock Comm.

Where: Flatonia Phone: 361-865-3538

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Vance Weltner, 210-473-9099

Schulenburg Livestock Auction

Where: Schulenburg Phone: 979-743-6566

Sale Day: Saturday Contact: Vance Weltner, 210-473-9099

FLOYD

Floydada Livestock Sales

Where: Floydada Phone: 806-983-2153

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: JE Stone, 806-777-4396

FRIO

Pearsall Livestock Auction

Where: Pearsall

Phone: 830-334-3653

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

GILLESPIE

Gillespie Livestock Co.

Where: Fredericksburg Phone: 830-997-4394

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Larry Bowden, 210-846-0380

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

GONZALES

Gonzales Livestock Market

Where: Gonzales

Phone: 830-672-2845

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: JoGayle Stavena, 979-332-2186

Nixon Livestock Comm.

Where: Nixon

Phone: 830-582-1561

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Landyn Maguglin, 361-492-9484

GREGG

Longview Livestock

Where: Longview

Phone: 903-235-6385

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

GRIMES

Mid-Tex Livestock Auction

Where: Anderson

Phone: 936-825-3970

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

Navasota Livestock Auction

Where: Navasota

Phone: 936-825-6545

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

GUADALUPE

Seguin Cattle Co.

Where: Seguin

Phone: 830-379-9955

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Elizabeth Cortez, 830-857-1945

HAMILTON

Hamilton Livestock Comm.

Where: Hamilton

Phone: 254-386-3185

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Bob McBryde, 940-859-6217

HARDIN

Gore Family Auction Center

Where: Silsbee

Phone: 409-782-0612

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Christy McCoy, 409-782-0612

HENDERSON

Athens Comm. Co.

Where: Athens

Phone: 903-675-3333

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Brandy Baughman, 903-440-4382

HIDALGO

Edinburg Livestock Auction

Where: Edinburg

Phone: 956-383-5671

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Coney Alvarez Jr., 956-437-3899

HILL

Hubbard Livestock Market

Where: Hubbard

Phone: 254-576-2584

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Patrick Romine, 254-723-0950

HOPKINS

Sulphur Springs Livestock Comm.

Where: Sulphur Springs

Phone: 903-885-2455

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

HOUSTON

East Texas Livestock Auction

Where: Crockett

Phone: 936-544-2246

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Cheyenne London, 936-222-3689

HOWARD

Big Spring Livestock Auction

Where: Big Spring

Phone: 432-267-5881

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Bruce Brandenberger, 254-977-5763

JACKSON

Edna Livestock Auction

Where: Edna

Phone: 361-782-7666

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

JASPER

Kirbyville Auction Barn

Where: Kirbyville

Phone: 409-423-2612

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Erica Morgan, 409-509-1946

JIM WELLS

Gulf Coast Livestock Market

Where: Alice Phone: 361-664-4395

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Ramiro Garcia, 361-460-0008

JOHNSON

Johnson County Cattle Auction

Where: Cleburne

Phone: 817-556-9090

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Lee Snyder, 254-707-1682

KARNES

Karnes City Auction

Where: Karnes City Phone: 830-780-3382

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Elizabeth Cortez, 830-857-1945

Karnes County Livestock Exchange

Where: Kenedy

Phone: 830-583-2574

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Elizabeth Cortez, 830-857-1945

LAMAR

Cattlemen’s Livestock Comm.

Where: Paris

Phone: 903-784-2238

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Lana Caldwell, 903-908-0530

Paris Livestock Auction

Where: Paris

Phone: 903-739-2575

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Robin Gibbs, 903-227-0791

LAVACA

Hallettsville Livestock Comm.

Where: Hallettsville Phone: 361-798-4336

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Kaylee Malatek, 979-942-0323

LEE

Giddings Livestock Comm.

Where: Giddings Phone: 979-542-2274

Sale Day: Monday Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

Lexington Livestock Comm.

Where: Lexington Phone: 979-773-2922

Sale Day: Saturday Contact: Nina Nygard, 512-281-6753

LEON

Buffalo Livestock Comm.

Where: Buffalo Phone: 903-322-4940

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Cheyenne London, 936-222-3689

LIBERTY

Raywood Livestock Market

Where: Raywood Phone: 936-587-4941

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Harvey Williamson, 963-334-5325

LIMESTONE

Groesbeck Auction & Livestock

Where: Groesbeck

Phone: 254-729-3277

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Mallory Steen, 903-390-0594

LIVE OAK

Live Oak Livestock Auction

Where: Three Rivers

Phone: 361-786-2553

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Marvin Bendele, 210-213-5890

MASON

Jordan Cattle Auction

Where: Mason Phone: 325-347-6361

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Warren Ottmers, 830-669-2262

Auction Markets & Market Inspectors

MCLENNAN

West Auction

Where: West

Phone: 254-826-3725

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

MEDINA

Union Comm.

Where: Hondo

Phone: 830-741-8061

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

MILAM

Milam County Livestock Auction

Where: Cameron Phone: 254-697-6697

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Rick Faught, 936-442-1039

NACOGDOCHES

Nacogdoches Livestock Exchange

Where: Nacogdoches Phone: 936-564-8661

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Michael Witcher, 936-556-0992

NAVARRO

Corsicana Livestock Market

Where: Corsicana

Phone: 903-872-1631

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Katy Webb, 903-388-4390

PANOLA

Carthage Livestock Auction LLC

Where: Carthage

Phone: 903-693-6361

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Lori Blankenship, 936-234-3441

POLK

Livingston Livestock Exchange

Where: Livingston Phone: 936-327-4917

Sale Day: Saturday

Contact: Harvey Williamson, 963-334-5325

POTTER

Lonestar Stockyards

Where: Amarillo

Phone: 806-677-0777

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Gary McClellan, 806-334-0517

RAINS

Emory Livestock Auction

Where: Emory

Phone: 903-473-2512

Sale Days: Tuesday & Saturday

Contact: Brandy Baughman, 903-440-4382

ROBERTSON

Calvert Livestock Co.

Where: Calvert

Phone: 979-364-2829

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Ray Davis, 254-718-5512

RUSK

Hunt Livestock Exchange

Where: Henderson

Phone: 903-657-2690

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Samuel Steadman, 318-617-1141

SAN SABA

Jordan Cattle Auction

Where: San Saba

Phone: 325-372-5159

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: David Munden, 325-456-7253

SHELBY

Center Auction Co.

Where: Center

Phone: 936-598-4395

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Michael Witcher, 936-556-0992

STARR

Triple G Livestock Auction LLC

Where: Rio Grande City

Phone: 956-437-1988

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Coney Alvarez Jr., 956-437-3899

SWISHER

Tulia Livestock Auction

Where: Tulia Phone: 806-995-4184

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Tommy Thompson, 806-690-4080

TAYLOR

Abilene Auction

Where: Abilene Phone: 325-673-7865

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Dave Williams, 325-669-2030

TITUS

Stone Livestock Comm.

Where: Mt. Pleasant

Phone: 903-575-9099

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

TOM GREEN

Producers Livestock Auction

Where: San Angelo

Phone: 325-653-3371

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Bruce Halfmann, 325-315-5972

UVALDE

Southwest Livestock Exchange

Where: Uvalde

Phone: 830-278-5621

Sale Day: Thursday

Contact: Clarence Stevens, 210-415-0441

VAN ZANDT

Mort Livestock Exchange

Where: Canton Phone: 903-287-6386

Sale Day: Special Sales Only

Contact: Paul Pruitt, 903-725-6200

WASHINGTON

Brenham Livestock Auction

Where: Brenham

Phone: 979-836-3621

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Lisa Sebastian, 979-270-3041

WHARTON

El Campo Livestock Exchange LLC

Where: El Campo

Phone: 979-543-2703

Sale Day: Tuesday

Contact: Galynn Mazoch, 979-578-1823

Wharton Livestock Auction

Where: Wharton

Phone: 979-532-3660

Sale Day: Wednesday

Contact: Megan Stavena, 979-320-4228

WICHITA

Wichita Livestock Sales

Where: Wichita Falls Phone: 940-541-2222

Sale Day: Wednesday Contact: R.C. Langford, 832-330-7279

WISE

Decatur Livestock Market

Where: Decatur Phone: 940-627-5599

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Rebecca Benson, 940-389-6382

WOOD

Winnsboro Livestock Auction

Where: Winnsboro Phone: 903-365-2201

Sale Day: Friday

Contact: Alan Pruitt, 903-725-6200

YOUNG

Graham Livestock Comm. LLC

Where: Graham Phone: 940-549-0078

Sale Day: Monday

Contact: Kyla Rater, 940-284-9968

BLACK HEREFORD

Mike & Carla Bacica 11707 FM 2868 Flint, TX 75762 Mike: 903-520-0390 mbpga@aol.com Carla: 903-530-8551 wtnca@aol.com

BRAHMAN

BEEFMASTER

Partin: 903-922-3689

Address: P.O. Box 2947 Laredo, Texas 78044 Phone: 361/586-5067 Cullin Smith (409)779-9872

Nipp 580 513.3555

One or a truckload - Give us a call SW&S Cattle Company Don and Kathy Schill 903-388-1342 • Donie, Texas

T HOMAS CHAR O LAIS, INC . P.O. Box 595 • Raymondville, Texas 78580

Mitch Thomas: 956-535-0936

Tonnyre Thomas Joe: 956-535-0942 thomasra@gte.net www.thomascharolais.com

EQUIPMENT

1938” Email: john@dudleybros.com

Freeway

Theuret Herefords Horned Bulls and Females 2348 CR 165, Kenedy, TX 78119 theuret@sbcglobal.net 210-315-0103

NEEL POLLED HEREFORDS

Registered Polled Herefords & Black Baldies FOR

923 Hillside Ave. Canadian, TX 79014 806-323-2906 lee@indianmoundranch.com www.indianmoundranch.com Lee & Jacqui Haygood J .T . E chols DVM P.O. Box 709 Breckenridge, TX 76424 Of: (254) 559-9739 • Cell: (254) 559-0156 muleshoeranch@gmail.com Contact: Nina Neel Sanders 214-454-8587 • Brady, TX

NOACK HEREF OR DS

“Quality Registered Herefords” Est.1921 – Bulls for sale at all times out of good milking cows Office: 512-446-6200 Cell: 979-218-0065

Harris Riverbend Farms

P.O.Box 691 Cleburne, TX 76031

Santa Gertrudis BRIGGS RANCHES

Glen Rose, TX David Harris Home (817) 641-4159 Office (817) 641-4771

P.O. Box 1417 Victoria, Texas 77902 361/573-7141

Traylor Division San Roque DivisionSan Carlos Division Bloomington, TX Catarina, TXRio Grande City, TX Joe Jones-Manager • 361/897-1337

SIMMENTAL/ SIMBRAH

Black or Red Simbrah • SimAngus HT • SimAngus

FILEGONIA

C ATTLE C OMPAN Y Joe & Beth Mercer 327 CR 459, Lott, TX 76656 • 956-802-6995 bethmercer1974@gmail.com • www.filegoniacattle.com

Foster Bros. Farms Lockney, Texas

(806) 983-7225 mbl. / fosterbros@att.net

www.fosterbrosfarms.com

David & DarLee Foster (806) 652-3824 (806) 983-7221 mbl.

Jody & Shawnda Foster (806) 652-2383 (806) 983-7225 mbl.

a l l e t t SIMMENTALS 22nd Annual Bull Sale March 5, 2026 Private Treaty Sales Our cattle are

Simmental & SimAngus BULL SALE March 8, 2012 San Saba, Texas Mike Mallett 10602 North Hwy 281 • Lampasas, TX 76550 Home: 512-556-8548 • Cell: 512-556-1021 www.mallettsimmentals.com

Upcoming Events MARK YOUR CALENDAR

APRIL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

Bexar County BQA Training Where: Live Oak

FRIDAY, APRIL 4SUNDAY, APRIL 20

San Angelo Rodeo

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

Gardiner Angus Ranch: 46th Annual Spring Production Sale Where: Ashland, Kansas

Spring “Best of the Best” Replacement Female Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

Special Bull Offering: Hickory Sand Brangus & STS Ranger Registered Angus Bulls Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

Ranching for Profit Workshop Where: Fort Worth When: 12 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10FRIDAY, APRIL 11

32nd Annual Outlook for Texas Land Markets Where: San Antonio

FRIDAY, APRIL 11SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo Where: Fort Worth

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

Ranching 101: Mastering Cattle Genetics Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

Willacy County BQA Training

MONDAY, APRIL 21

Jorgensen Land & Cattle: Top Cut Bull Sale Where: Ideal, South Dakota When: 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Special Bull Offering:

Shady Oak Farm Charolais and SimAngus & Grothause Hereford Bulls

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

Texas A&M AgriLife Hemphill County Beef Conference Where: Canadian

MAY

SATURDAY, MAY 3

Replacement Female Sale

Where: Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba When: 10 a.m.

MONDAY, MAY 5

Gardiner Angus Ranch: 10th Annual Meating Demand Sale Where: Ashland, Kansas

TUESDAY, MAY 6WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

Oklahoma FFA Convention Where: Tulsa, Oklahoma

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Wichita Falls Luncheon Where: McBride’s Steakhouse, Wichita Falls When: 11:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 8SUNDAY, MAY 11

Western Heritage Classic Where: Abilene

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Lone Star Historic Howell Ranch: Registered Female Sale Where: Gainesville

TUESDAY, MAY 20

Ranching 101: Heifer Retention - Keep vs. Cull Where: Online When: 1 p.m.

Spur on Control

APRIL 1925

During the 49th annual meeting of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, held a century ago, Attorney Dayton Moses recounted the organization’s rich history and current-day benefits. In a passionate address, he spoke to the association’s role in curtailing cattle theft, protecting ranchers and their property, and addressing animal health challenges like fever tick eradication.

“It is a long, long call from the meeting held under that live oak tree at Graham in 1877 to the meeting held today. The whole government has changed throughout this nation and the world since that time,” Moses said.

“The Cattle Raisers Association has a romantic history not surpassed by that of any organization in this whole United States. It has a record of achievement that is not equaled by that of any voluntary organization anywhere in this world.” T C

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