Welcome to the Ranch!

Just recently Food Safety News came out with a disturbing report about honey. To read more, you can go to another article I wrote called, “Fake Honey?” to get the details of this news. The gist of the report is that most honey offered at grocery and other retail stores is not what bees make. Instead it is ultra-filtered sometimes diluted with water, which the FDA does not even recognize as honey.

The study also found that all the honey sold at farmer’s markets and health food stores was indeed honey. Therefore, all the honey enthusiasts out there need to track down good and trustworthy sources of honey from local beekeepers.

The honey scandal is just one more reason to support your local food producers. Looking for food produced by local farmers and ranchers not only insures that you receive the freshest products, but also supports them so that they can continue to provide food for your family. It is a mutually beneficial system for all involved.

At Cross Creek Cattle Company, we take pride in our grass fed beef. It is a pleasure to be able to produce lean, healthy beef for other families. The beef is raised in a natural way without man-made interference. It has no antibiotics, no grain, no hormones. The cattle live as nature intended on fresh water and a diet of grasses. It is the real deal, just like the honey I want in my morning coffee.

It is more challenging to find reliable sources of food, but a good place to start is at your local farmer’s market. The internet is second best, which is where most of our customers find us. Buying naturally raised food by local farmers requires some time and traveling. This is no one-stop shopping, but the rewards are priceless.

For one, you can rest assured that you are actually eating what you think you are eating. After reading the results of the honey study, this peace of mind is worth ever penny that I spend. It does not take a degree in nutrition to instinctively know that eating organically-grown, fresh vegetables, meat, and other food is better for the health of your family.

If you are looking for a source of grass fed beef, consider Cross Creek Cattle Company. We plan to harvest our first batch of grass fed beef in early spring. Right now, everything is already sold. Therefore, you have plenty of time to plan and find freezer space. Regardless whether you order beef from us, support your local farmers and ranchers when you can.

Cross Creek Cattle Company had to raise our price per pound from $3.50 to $4.00 a pound based on hanging carcass weight. In order to stay in the grass fed business, we had to increase our price in order to make some profit on the sale of our beef. It was a decision that we did not take lightly, and it is one that we stand by. For more information on the particular reasons, please read “Necessary Price Increase.”

One factor that we have not shared with you that played a role in our decision-making process is the cattle population in the United States. As our human population continues to increase, our cattle population has fallen to the levels of the 1950s. If you do not believe me, please read this report out by AllGov. This is not good news for anyone who likes red meat, grass-fed or not. Based on the rules of supply and demand, the price for beef of any kind is going to rise.

Now I just read in the Drover’s Cattle Network about the prices of retail beef based on a study done for 2011. For the last four months of 2011, the price for choice beef set a new high. The month of December saw a record high of $5.02 a pound. There is no way to imagine how high the price for grocery store beef is going to climb this year.

I don’t want to make an argument for choosing grass fed beef over retail beef. I have shown in countless articles, videos, etc. the differences between the two choices. However, I do want to make the case that investing in a deep freezer and ordering a whole, half, or split quarter is a smart move for any family who loves beef.

A half from us requires approximately 9 cu ft of freezer space. A whole would be double the amount. A quarter if packed neatly could fill a refrigerator freezer with 4 to 4.5 cu ft of space. These are of course estimates and not exacts. Each animal is slightly different, but we have enough experience to be able to confidently publish these amounts.

We will begin harvesting beef, both grass-finished and grass-fed, in the early spring. We have several customers who have already secured their orders. If you are interested in our grass fed beef, please contact me. I will answer your questions to the best of my ability. We only require a $100.00 non-refundable deposit to secure your order; therefore, you will have plenty of time to find room in your freezer.

Not only does this video by Bryan Marcel accurately show the conditions on a committed grass fed ranch operation, but he is a big proponent on eating healthier as a lifestyle.  Beyond his catchy motto, “Look Better Naked,” he has a healthy diet plan that includes grass fed beef.  For more information, check out The Bryan Marcel Healthy Diet and/or read his article, “Unhealthy Americans.”

For most of our customers, they seek out grass fed beef because of a desire to eat healthier.  They instinctively know that the more naturally an animal lives the better.  They believe the adage, “You are what you eat.”  If you eat meat filled with antibiotics and growth hormones, then it stands to reason that the meat will eventually have an adverse effect on your health.

On Cross Creek Cattle Company, we raise our beef in a natural setting in Grimes County.  The herds graze natural grasses, and they are currently enjoying planted rye grass.  They have access to fresh water and loose minerals. There is no feed-lot setting on our ranch.

To see for yourself, we invite you to tour Cross Creek Cattle Company.  Contact me for an appointment so that I can make myself available to you and your family.

A storm came early Monday morning.  It woke us up in the middle of the night with swirling winds, lightning flashes, and rumbling thunder.  Our youngest boy, Andrew, knocked on our bedroom door as he sought our parental comfort.  Our puppy was whining.  Typically this scenario would not be welcome.  I mean, I treasure my sleep.  However after the year we have had, it was a sheer joy to wake up to the sound of the downpour on our metal roof.  I did not mind the inconvenience of a whining dog and scared child.

The storm was not short lived.  It lasted most of the day, but by noon the really hard rain had left.  Instead, a soaking rain set in for a few more hours.  We watched as puddles spilled into larger ones, which then eventually led to some minor flooding as the once dry creek beds filled and spilled over.

This was not our first rain during this drought.  We have been blessed this fall and winter with occasional showers.  They have had an incredible effect on our winter grass.  These rains have provided a steady soaking of the ground.  In spite of these showers, our ponds and lakes have been lower than we have ever witnessed.  Run-off had not really begun to refill them.

We cannot say that anymore.  Just look at the before and after photos of the same lake on our ranch.  If you will recall, we built the pier this summer in the hopes that we would once again have a full lake.

Taken in late August. The lake dropped another four feet, but I failed to take a picture of it.

Water level as on January 9th.

In literature, a rain like we experienced Monday symbolizes a rebirth or fresh start.  This is exactly how we feel.  It is like we have turned a corner.  Our land is on the mend from the devastating effects of such a severe drought.  To receive 6.6 inches in one day is truly a blessing.  Cross Creek Cattle Company is looking forward to watching as God heals our land and restores it.  What a wonderful way to start this new year!

This steer took time to pose while feasting on rye grass.

Our calves are in rye grass heaven.  With all the rain that we have been getting lately, our winter grass has grown well.  After our past summer, it is a wonderful sight to see fields of deep green.

Most people at the turn of the year reflect on the past year.  News shows are notorious for this.  They run specials and many segments on “The Year in Review.”  I don’t feel compelled to look back.  Last year was a hard one for ranchers and people in general.  Instead as we stand in the threshold of 2012, Cross Creek Cattle Company chooses to focus on the future.  We are excited about 2012.

We have many things going for us this year.  We have spent a good part of this year already meeting new grass fed beef customers and seeing some repeat customers again.  It is one of my favorite duties that my job requires.  I love hearing how you became interested in grass fed beef.  The reasons range for one extreme to another.  For some, there are health reasons.  For others, you watched the video, Food Inc. And for others, you are interested in eating as healthy as possible.  There are as many reasons as there are customers.

We are looking forward to continuing to offer grass fed beef to the public.  As our business grows, our customer base does in proportion.  Most of our customers come from the Woodlands and Spring area.  Some come south of Houston.  Many come from the Bryan/College Station area.  We have a great customer as far as Georgetown and quite a few from the Dallas/Ft.Worth area.  We are so thankful for the growth of our customer base.

If you have been telling others about us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  If you are one of our customers, we cannot express how appreciative we are.  I can say this with all honesty, we would not be in the grass fed business if it weren’t for you.  So as we look forward, we want to thank our customers, first and foremost.

Then we want to tell you what is happening at Cross Creek Cattle Company.  Our family’s ranch has expanded.  We have acquired more land on which to raise our herd.  More pastures means more grass.  More grass means more beef we will be able to offer.

We now have a water well on the ranch.  We will no longer be completely dependent on our natural waterways and man-made ponds to supply our herds with water.  The well will keep fresh water available for our cows come what may.

Exciting things are happening and I hope that exciting things will keep coming our way.  2012 may be the predicted end of the world, but we are working to make every day count with a vision to keep working for decades longer.

Finishing Out on Rye Grass

At Cross Creek Cattle Company, we have always wanted to keep our grass fed beef affordable for the average American family.  For years, we have raised grass fed beef for our own family.  Even though we never gave hormones or unnecessary antibiotics to our herd, it only made sense that would reserve the healthiest beef for our table.  Therefore, the calves reserved for our consumption ate grass and hay.

Our grass fed business came into existence with the realization that there was a demand for this healthy beef.  Allow me to paraphrase what I said in my Think Natural interview with Dr. Ward Bond, “We realized that not everyone had acreage on which to raise their own beef and Cross Creek Cattle Company could provide grass fed beef, the kind we raised for our own consumption, to the public.”

The rest is history.  Every year we sell more and more beef.  Our customer base is growing and spreading all over the state of Texas.  Our ranch’s name is getting out to the public by word of mouth, by this blog, and by our interviews in magazines, newspapers, and a television show.

Throughout our years in this business, we have struggled to stay affordable to the typical family.  We have kept our prices at $3.50 per pound based on hanging carcass weight.  Even through the worst drought in recorded history, we stuck to our price despite the fact that everything was costing us more money.  For example, the price of hay went through the roof.

We never expected to make millions on grass fed beef sales, but we did expect to make some profit.  Unfortunately, we are not even breaking even.  Therefore, we are being forced to raise our price per pound effective January 1, 2012.  We hope that our customers will not begrudge us this change; it is necessary if we are going to continue to offer grass fed beef to the public.

As of January 1, 2012, we will be offering our grass fed beef for $4.00 a pound based on hanging carcass weight.  It will be the same great grass fed beef sold in the same manner as before.  We still offer a split quarter, half, or whole options.  The former receive standard cuts.  The cuts for a half and whole orders can be fully customized based on the customer’s needs and desires.  We will still be using K&C Processing in Navasota, Texas.  The only that has changed is a necessary price increase.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the ranch
Not a thing was stirrin’ not even a tree branch.
The boots were sittin’ by the fire with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The calves were nestled all snug near their mas,
While they awaited the arrival o’ Santa Claus.
And the horses in their stalls with plenty of hay
Were resting peacefully from their very full day.

When over the treetops there arose such a loud noise,
the animals all shuddered in place even the boys.
Away o’er the pasture the sleigh skidded past,
It tore up the dirt road; it was going so fast.

The moon on the lake and the growing rye grass
Showed the dewdrops had fallen like shiny, clean glass.
When what to our great surprise fell from the sky,
But a light dusting of snowflakes from way up high.

A White Christmas in Texas was too good to hear
I let out a “Yahoo!” and began to cheer.
More rapid than lightning the reindeer did run
They had to deliver  the gifts ’til there was none.

On, Dasher! On, Dancer! On, Prancer and Vixen!
Now, Comet! Now, Cupid! Now, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the hill!  While it is still nightfall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

The mud flew covering the bottom of the sleigh
While the hooves slipped and slid and Santa yelled, “Hey!”
“What is this?  Precipitation has arrived?”
And I thought that this trip would be an easy drive.

Santa pulled back on the reins and shouted, “Whoa!”
Even if the reindeer wanted they couldn’t go.
It would be a short hike to the very next stop,
Just a mile walk, then a jump, skip, and a hop.

He was dressed all in red from his head to his boot
In a very large and fur-trimmed Cowboy-type suit.
A bundle of gifts he had flung on his back,
And it looked as though they would burst out of the sack.

His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like apples, his nose a dewberry!
His cherry red lips were stained with tobacco,
And his once pure white beard looked a might yellow.

He trudged up the hill and then over the road,
Struggling to carry the weight of his burdensome load.
When through the darkness, he saw a twinkling, bright light
A candle in the window was a wonderful sight.

He plodded up the walk to the Holliday’s cabin
He rang the doorbell with his hands still holdin’ and grabbin’
Onto his big bag of special presents and toys,
For all the good little cowgirls and cowboys.

He spoke not a word, when the door was flung wide,
But went straight to work while PawPaw moved to his side.
He whispered a secret into the old man’s ear,
And Santa smiled and said, “It was good to be here.”

PawPaw saw how our stockings had been filled with such care.
With his tractor, he pulled the sleigh from its muddy snare
The reindeer had enough time to lift up in flight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Cross Creek Cattle Company wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This poem was obviously inspired and is based on the classic Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore.

We don’t work cows often, but when we do it is a hard day’s work.  We work steadily and methodically, but are in no rush.  If you are trying to speed things up, you are more apt to make a mistake.  At Cross Creek Cattle Company a good day of working cows is when nobody gets injured.

We had a very successful day of working cows last Monday.  It was a sheer pleasure to watch my middle son, Jake, who is ten years old work like a man.  He has had many years of experience working cows.  My father, brother, and husband have patiently taught him to perform Cowboy duties.

This time was different.  Jake  was everywhere he needed to be doing exactly what needed to be done.  I was impressed with his work ethic and his knowledge of the work.  It really was a joy to watch him and his father work side by side.  I can tell you that Jake is not afraid of getting dirty.

We have an excellent family tradition.  The ranch takes everyone who works cattle out for dinner.  In the past, we all voted to go to La Casita in Navasota.  It is a delicious Tex-Mex Restaurant.  However, this year my family is on a very strict diet in order to heal our guts for various health reasons.  Going out to eat is very difficult, but we have not stopped our ranch tradition.  We just slightly modified it, and it is equally delicious!

Now the ranch purchases the ingredients for a special meal.  We plan a menu.  Then as a family, we sit around the table filled with great food and enjoy a treat for our labor.  It is a family ranching tradition that will not go out of style.  It is one of our favorite things, even the youngest family members look forward to cattle working day.

Feeding the cowboys after a day of hard work has been a long-standing tradition in the past.  Usually someone prepared the food on site.  It could have been beans and biscuits.  It could have been fresh beef.  I have even heard of them cooking up the testicles of freshly castrated bulls.  Regardless of the type of food, Cross Creek Cattle Company is pleased to continue this fine tradition with our family-owned and operated ranch.

If you are a rancher, we would love to hear any of your traditions.  Leave a comment below to share them with us.

It is Christmastime, which means its time to buy something for everyone on your shopping list.  Some people are more challenging to buy for than others.  If you have a cowboy on your list, here are some ideas.  I did not just sit here and brainstorm.  These are tried and true gifts that many cowboys on my Christmas list have asked for either this year or years past.

A Cowboy Christmas Wish List

Wrangler jeans-  My cowboys prefer cowboy cut, but there are many different styles available today.
Pearl-snapped Shirt-  Every cowboy likes to have a nice dress shirt.  A long or short-sleeved pearl-snapped button shirt is the way to go.
Boots-  My cowboys are very hard on their footwear.  The heels get worn down from their daily use.  There are so many different styles of boots that you need to consider your cowboy’s specific needs.
Cover-All Jumpsuit-  My husband’s favorite attire in the winter is his jumpsuit.  It keeps him warm as it adds another layer of clothing.  It is a gift that your cowboy will love more as the temperature plummets.
Pocket Knife-  You cannot have enough knives.  There is always a need for one whether you are cutting hay string or poking a hole in piece of leather horse tack.
Roll of Barbed Wire-  Fences always need to be repaired on a ranch.  My father asked for this very gift year after year and was very pleased when someone took the time to put it under the tree.
Bandanas or Wild Rags- Wearing a bandana around your neck not only makes you look like the real thing, but it can help protect your neck from the sun.  Dipped in water, a bandana can help keep you cool in the summer.  Large Cowboy Scarves, also called Wild Rags, made from silk are an excellent gift for the special cowboy on your list.
Leather Work Gloves- Cowboys use their hands daily.  To protect them from the barbs on wire or rope burn, among other things, a cowboy needs to wear good gloves.  He/She cannot have too many pairs because they do wear out after extensive use.
Chiropractic Visit- Whether they are wrestling with a calf or have been thrown off of a horse, a cowboy can suffer silently with pain.  The saying, “Got a hitch in my get-along,” was inspired by cowboys.  They might not call and make an appointment for themselves, but mine will go if I make the appointment for them.  An adjustment from a good chiropractor might just be the thing to get them feeling like new.

If the cowboy on your list has you stumped, I hope that you have found this list useful.  These are common items found under our trees at Cross Creek Cattle Company.  Don’t be surprised to hear a “Yee Haw!” on Christmas morning.

The Most Beautiful Sight

I know that the Thanksgiving holiday has already passed.  However, we still have blessings to count here at Cross Creek Cattle Company.

You might get tired of me writing about the drought, but I cannot reiterate enough how difficult this past year has been on ranchers and farmers.  Any occupation that is dependent on good weather has suffered this 2011.  It has been extremely hot and dry here in Texas while other parts of the United States have had too much rain.  Weather patterns are beyond our control, which is why I feel that people in these businesses tend to be dependent on God and His provision.

We planted winter grass seed in faith.  Even though it did not rain seemingly all spring and summer, we took a chance and invested in seed.  Since then, God has blessed us abundantly with rain showers.  We have received close to eight inches of rain this fall.  We are still far behind in our annual rainfall, but you have to start somewhere.

More rain is expected even this week.  Sunday and Monday have high chances of rain as more fronts sweep through the area.  We could not be more happy.  Our rye grass is growing.  Its rich green color is such a beautiful sight in the midst of the gray and browns of the surrounding area.

After this next rain, we are going to put our calves that are being finished for beef on this pasture.  They will think we let them into a candy store.  With proper rotation and management, we will hopefully be able to resume our usual pasture rotation program.  We are very excited about that prospect.

Things are looking up this winter.  As we continue to count our blessings, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the recent rain and the protection we enjoyed throughout this year.  We know from whom all are blessings come and we thank God for them.