The Magazine of the American Landowner is an essential guide for investors, landowners, and those interested in buying or selling land. The award-winning quarterly is known for its annual survey of America's largest landowners, The Land Report 100.
Issue link: https://landreport.epubxp.com/i/738657
Rogers convinces me that there are, in fact, three 2,500-head herds, including 5,500 mother cows as well as replacement heifers and stockers. The bull battery numbers 350 head, and 200 older cows are used for seed stock. Three years ago, a grass-fed program was established on almost 1,400 acres of irrigated cropland. That's optionality. The cattle are "predominantly a British breed influence with a taste of Beefmaster. Mostly Red Angus, Black Angus, and Here- ford," he says. The quality of the forage elicits an enthusi- astic response from the cowman. "We have a fabulous variety of grasses; each one is thick and juicy and healthier than the next," Rogers says. They include Needle-and-Thread, Great Basin wild rye, Russian wild rye, Indian rice, crested wheat, bluebunch wheat, Sandberg blue, and bottlebrush squirrel tail. It also helps that the Winecup Gamble has so many pastures to choose from. Some are as large as 67,000 acres, adds Bates' associate David Packer. Yet managing a land resource of such size and complexity requires more than just rotational grazing. "Grazing different pastures at different times of the year actually encourages the diversity of grasses. It also prevents cattle from forming bad habits," Rogers adds. "To me, it's all about recovery. Giving the land adequate time to get into reproductive status. If you can allow it to do that and don't come back till it has done that, it will thrive. That's what you'll see today," Rogers says. RANCH ON TOP www.kinglandwater.com This Far West Texas cattle operation includes 45,392 deeded acres and 1,280 leased acres set atop a high desert plateau of yucca grass- lands and steep canyonlands. LAKE CREEK PLANTATION www.hrcranch.com Set east of Waco and less than 90 minutes from Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth, these 1,833 acres feature a one-of-a-kind 550-acre private recreational lake. SOUTHERN CATTLE COMPANY www.jonkohler.com This mixed-use Florida powerhouse boasts exceptional genetics, outstanding water, a vibrant farming component, and top-notch improvements. FA L L 2 0 1 6 | The LandReport 63 LANDREPORT.COM DON WELLER