Welcome to the Ranch!

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.