How I got started in agriculture

Our ranch was homesteaded in 1886 by my great grandfather. Then my grandfather took it over and ran it for many years. My father had asthma and hay fever so bad he couldn’t stay here, so he went to law school. Then my brother and my husband and I ran the ranch for quite a while. Now it’s me and my sons.

Our relationship with Farm Credit

We have been working with Farm Credit since 1972. We’ve had equipment loans, an operating line, a real estate loan and they’ve helped us finance cattle purchases. They understand our business and our loan officer is a really good advisor and friend. We never would have had the success we’ve had without Farm Credit.

Working with a cooperative

One of the nice things about working with a cooperative is the cash-back dividend check we’ve received every year. We are shareholders in Farm Credit and it’s pretty handy to be able to use those patronage funds for incidentals or pay down other things that pop up.

Success in our operation

Success is having a good set of animals that we are proud of. We have a really nice herd of cattle that my husband and I built through the years. Now the boys have taken over the cattle. We also have a nice set of horses. Our livestock is our product, and we feel like we have a pretty good product.

What I enjoy about ranching

What I really like about being on the ranch is number one -- the history -- but also the freedom that we can do what we want to do when we want to do it. Every once in a while the markets hinder that, but it’s a good way to have your family together.