Tidy rows of pine trees grow where cattle once grazed through the rolling hills of East Texas.
Housing developments and lignite mines have swallowed prime pasture land.
Around Longview, cows and calves are dotting fewer landscapes, and local ranchers blame rising costs, fluctuating markets and changing lifestyles for pushing people from cattle production, a rural business with long ties to East Texas.
“The older generation is passing on, and the younger ones don’t pick it up,” said Byron Ford, a Hallsville rancher who runs the Longview Livestock Commission sale barn. “There’s not a lot of money in it, and it’s hard work.”
The number of cattle in the area has fallen by nearly half in the past three decades, but it’s hard to tell that on a Thursday in Longview. That’s when the livestock commission holds its weekly auction, where men in denim shirts and wide-brimmed hats still gather around the cafe at the sale barn just as they always have.
They chew on chicken-fried steak and shoot the breeze. Later, they’ll wander the catwalk high above the holding pens, inspecting the week’s offering. There will be breeding bulls, horses and goats, as well as heifers destined for somebody’s pasture and yearlings and worn-out mama cows destined for the feed lots and slaughter houses out west.
Among the onlookers will be only a handful of serious buyers. Though several East Texans still run large operations, many say they hold onto a few head of cattle as a hobby or for nostalgia. They’re just happy to break even on the endeavor.
“Most of our clients will be people with smaller herds. They’ve been in it forever and were raised in it,” Ford said. “It gets in you. People do it because they’ve always done it.”
Longview’s sale barn was built in the 1960s. There are other sale barns operating around East Texas, including ones in Carthage and Henderson. Ford expects that sales have slowed at all of the East Texas auction houses, and he said he wouldn’t be surprised if some begin to close in the years to come.
“If our numbers don’t pick up, everybody can’t stay in it,” he said.
A small-timer’s habit
These days, most small-time ranchers hold other jobs to pay the bills.
Among them is Danny Jordan, who retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture after 36 years and now runs a small herd and hauls cattle for a rural sale barn on the weekends.
“Back when I was a kid, back in the ’50s, that was when East Texas was fencing up, and my granddad had a few old cows. It wasn’t nothing because everybody had a few head of cattle,” he said. “Now it has evolved over the years that we have either got some big operators or we’ve got a lot of small operators like me that have a town job to support their habit.”
In the early part of the 20th century, Jordan said, many rural East Texans grew crops for their livelihood. Following World War II, they converted to cattle production. They didn’t have massive spreads like those found in cattle-producing areas of South and West Texas.
“The problem over here in East Texas is everybody’s got 80 acres of land,” he said. “We don’t have any real big landowners. As the cattle industry evolved over the years to better types of cattle, better breeding and better feeding, we had to expand or go out, and there was just so many people here, and I’m exactly what they are.
“Everybody had 75 to 100 acres, and it wasn’t enough to run cattle full time,” he said. “There wasn’t enough money there so they had to go to town and get a job.”
Jordan runs around 60 head of cattle on 92 acres in Laneville.
“I’m so small-time it’s ridiculous, but that’s what I want to do,” he said. “I don’t want to go fishing.”
Fewer cattle, more people?
The USDA figures that show a declining cattle population in East Texas might not tell the complete story, according to Greg Clary, an economist at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton.
“There may be less cattle, but that doesn’t mean there are less people involved,” he said. “We have so many small herds in East Texas and across the South, there’s just a lot of people that have some cows.”
Clary is among several Texas A&M experts who are leading a “grazing school” this week at the Overton facility, in which greenhorns learn about forage management, genetics and other basics of livestock production. Clary, who is also chairman of the Texas Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, said some small producers still make money from their cattle.
“The possibility is there,” he said. “There are more people that are not making money than are, but there are some that do make money. But you have to really pay attention to all the management aspects of it and keep track of what’s going on from a production standpoint and a cost standpoint.”
Back at the sale barn
Before Thursday’s auction began in Longview, a long line of trucks waited to unload their livestock for the noon sale. Around 600 head of cattle were expected to pass through the auction gates that day, and Art Dudley was next in line to drop off a dozen head.
Dudley, a full-time cattle producer in the Henderson area, said he was just doing what he has always done.
“It’s what I like,” he said. “I don’t want to work for anybody else.”
5,814 responses to “Cattle ranchers dwindling in East Texas”
Fantastic items from you, man. I’ve be aware your stuff prior to and you’re just too fantastic. I actually like what you have bought here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which in which you say it. You’re making it entertaining and you continue to care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you. That is actually a tremendous web site.
I am not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
Valuable information. Fortunate me I discovered your site by chance, and I’m shocked why this accident did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
Howdy! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
okmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I?ll learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
This info is invaluable. Where can I find out more?|
Amazing! Its in fact awesome post, I have got much clear idea concerning from this paragraph.|
This is a very well thought out post. Very informative and a great read.
Hi there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!?
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are simply too magnificent. I actually like what you have acquired right here, really like what you’re stating and the best way during which you say it. You’re making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful site.
Admiring the time and energy you put into your website and in depth information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
I got to admit, this post is really good. Actually, it’s one of the best I’ve come across in a long time.
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, as well as the content!
I just could not depart your web site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to check up on new posts
You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
I have mastered some considerations through your website post. One other point I would like to say is that there are plenty of games available on the market designed particularly for preschool age little ones. They involve pattern acknowledgement, colors, family pets, and designs. These often focus on familiarization as opposed to memorization. This will keep little children occupied without experiencing like they are studying. Thanks
asl? tarcan global
medhair
murad çeltik
drm
dnz
dnz
dr hakan
salih onr
One more issue is really that video gaming has become one of the all-time most significant forms of recreation for people of every age group. Kids enjoy video games, and adults do, too. Your XBox 360 is amongst the favorite gaming systems for people who love to have a lot of activities available to them, as well as who like to learn live with people all over the world. Thank you for sharing your opinions.
Good post here. One thing I would like to say is the fact that most professional areas consider the Bachelor Degree as the entry level standard for an online certification. Though Associate Certifications are a great way to get started on, completing your current Bachelors reveals many doors to various careers, there are numerous internet Bachelor Diploma Programs available through institutions like The University of Phoenix, Intercontinental University Online and Kaplan. Another thing is that many brick and mortar institutions make available Online editions of their degree programs but typically for a considerably higher charge than the providers that specialize in online college degree programs.
whoah this weblog is great i like studying your posts. Stay up the great paintings! You understand, a lot of individuals are hunting around for this info, you could help them greatly.
Someone necessarily assist to make significantly posts I’d state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and so far? I surprised with the research you made to make this actual submit amazing. Great job!
Wonderful paintings! That is the type of info that are meant to be shared around the web. Disgrace on Google for no longer positioning this put up higher! Come on over and discuss with my web site . Thanks =)
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100 positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
It?s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for another great post. Where else may just anybody get that type of information in such an ideal means of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for such information.
smile
esteworld
I am very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
Hi! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!
Thank you, I have recently been hunting for information about this subject matter for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far.
At this time it looks like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!
One thing I would like to say is that before getting more pc memory, take a look at the machine directly into which it is installed. In the event the machine is usually running Windows XP, for instance, a memory ceiling is 3.25GB. The installation of over this would easily constitute any waste. Make sure one’s mother board can handle the actual upgrade volume, as well. Great blog post.
Good write-up, I am regular visitor of one?s website, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
güncel öztürk
I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was taking a look for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
base
It is my belief that mesothelioma is usually the most lethal cancer. It’s got unusual properties. The more I really look at it a lot more I am assured it does not behave like a true solid tissues cancer. When mesothelioma is really a rogue viral infection, then there is the chance of developing a vaccine as well as offering vaccination to asbestos uncovered people who are open to high risk involving developing potential asbestos related malignancies. Thanks for discussing your ideas for this important health issue.
I just could not depart your website before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to check up on new posts
An interesting dialogue is value comment. I think that it is best to write more on this subject, it won’t be a taboo subject but usually individuals are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
After study a couple of of the weblog posts on your website now, and I really like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site record and will probably be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my web site as well and let me know what you think.