I have been in the longhorn business for over 25 years. Originally my breeding program was based on performance issues. As is typical for me, studying genetics and other breeder’s programs helped to win first and second place in the South Texas Bull Test the very first year and repeated this first place win in the second year. In the early days, I went on to successfully have winners in the World Show in addition to earning Grand and Reserve honors on several occasions in local and regional shows. While my success during this era was strictly performance based rather than the present day emphasis on horn, nevertheless…I proved to be successful in breeding for my desired characteristics.
I immediately became consumed, perhaps even obsessed, with raising the best longhorns possible. In order to do that, I devoted all of my time, outside running the family tire business, to the quest for the best. Constantly researching pedigrees and breeding programs, talking nonstop, on the telephone to breeders across the country on a daily basis about their current breeding strategies. Terry King and Nancy Dunn have traveled with me on countless trips to longhorn ranches from New York to Utah and everywhere in-between. Every holiday from my job is spent traveling across the United States to visit longhorn breeding programs. The count is up to around 20 states that have been visited so far. I’m always seeking information and studying breeding programs of others in order to learn more. My primary focus is to improve my breeding program based on: probabilities rather than possibilities. I have enjoyed helping several new breeders get started, and take great pride in sharing in the success of others.
Our operation is small in comparison to that of some other breeders. But the size of my herd, generally only around 30 head, lends even more significance to the success I have had. We have raised at least 20 cattle with over 70” TTT and have won at least 18 bronzes at the Horn Showcases. I recently had the distinction of breeding Horseshoe J Example, who by age 5, reached 80” TTT at the youngest age in the history of the longhorn breed.
Because our cattle must pay their own way, sometimes we’ve been forced to sell outstanding cattle to other breeders, who later resold those cattle for tremendous prices. Keeping the foresight to incorporate many great cattle into my breeding program which have greatly impacted the entire industry as a whole. Royal Reputation is just one example of a cow who has become famous by reaching 80” TTT and setting a record breaking sales price. After studying her genetics closely, I purchased her as a calf and bred her for several years before selling her to Bill Hudson. As history would have it, she later sold for $150,000. I take great pride in having had those high quality cattle in my program, even though it hasn’t always profited materially. My passions for progress and sheer love of the cattle have been the true reward.
One of the great breeding strategies I have initiated is the Bullseye Alliance, which is an innovative approach to improving bull power. The Bullseye Alliance is able to purchase outstanding bull genetics by pooling our resources and sharing the ownership of the bulls. I have hosted the Alabama Farmer’s Cooperative television program at my ranch and gained very positive exposure for the longhorn breed. I also have had a Texas Longhorn on the cover of the Alabama Cattlemen’s magazine which is quite a feat for that historically commercial beef organization.
This is a quick history of Horseshoe J Longhorns and hope that you enjoy your time on our site.
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