AROUND THE RANCH - FALL IN EAST TEXAS
We have finished a good hay season,the storage pens are full and equipment is put up.... As seedstock producers, we have to maintain our herd genetics and manage our costs more than ever. Input costs are moderating but still a challenge to a cattleman's bottom line. Unlike the commercial breeders who can dump the herd and buy back later, we cull and trim but ultimately spend the money to produce a product that supports our commercial buyers when it's time to build the herd back up...I am always amazed at the price we receive for our product today compared to ten years ago and the costs of production have gone up drastically. When we first started, a oldtimer made this statement, "You raise cattle for two reasons, partly to make a profit and partly cause you love it." It's the "love it part" that keeps us going....Our commercial operation has provided a visual confirmation of what Hereford genetics can do on a black cow herd. We started this program to help market our bulls and what we have done is create a strong market for our baldies. It is tough for us to keep replacement heifers around to sustain our commercial herd. Sometimes the best program is the time tested program of developing black baldies....We are enjoying the deer and Canadian geese calling the ranch home and each morning over a cup of coffe anticipate another blessing will be here soon. As much as we enjoy the cattle, it is the rural way of life that makes each day a blessing. We can wake up to cattle grazing and a beautiful view of the ranch...What more can we ask?Thank you for visiting our site and have a wonderful today and a better tomorrow...
The Hesters
