Contributed by Megan Kent
My journey in the United States has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with remarkable experiences and invaluable lessons.
After concluding my stint with the England Cattle Company. Where there focus on breeding practical polled cattle, that perform not only in the show ring but in the paddock and produce high grading beef.
Seeing firsthand the success of England’s Brahman labelled beef, is having in the market place, reinforces the benefits of vertical integration and promotion of our great breed, which created a long-lasting impression on me.
I was fortunate enough to be invited by the England family on a trip to Louisiana to spend thanksgiving with Brookes’ family, Burton and Cindy Prather who ran TCB Ranch.
Thanksgiving holds a special place in American culture, and being included in this celebration made me feel as though I was a part of the family. I was warmly welcomed, and I really enjoyed the fried turkey, which was the centrepiece of the Thanksgiving dinner.
During my stay, I had the pleasure of meeting James and Sarah Prather. Their hospitality extended beyond just the holiday, as they invited me to visit the ranch that James managed.
It was a 23,000-acre Angus ranch with 6,000 heads of cattle. Although not entirely Brahman related, witnessing the scale of this operation was enlightening and something I’m very glad I took the time to do.
Spindletop Ranch situated 40 kilometers from Beaumont, Texas, with country similar to Louisiana’s low-lying country, relies extensively on horses because of this.
Over the course of five days, I witnessed the ranch’s daily operations, assisting in the mustering and processing of replacement heifers. This hands-on experience was an unexpected privilege, offering me insights into the workings of a large-scale American cattle ranch.
Sarah Prather, in addition to her duties on the ranch, also runs a western clothing company. Observing how she balances her small business and time on the ranch highlighted the importance of diversification in the agricultural industry.
After concluding my stay at Spindletop Ranch with James, I journeyed further east to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for the Eastern Brahman Breeders Association Christmas Classic Show.
This event marked my first encounter with the American winter I had been cautioned about, and it proved to be a bustling few days starting with the junior events.
At this show, I was very impressed by the junior program they had created in America. The opportunities it offered the youth, along with the skills they acquired, were truly commendable.
Each show included a junior competition, with scholarships awarded to the winners, aiding their future college education. This not only enables a stepping stone into the Brahman industry for young people but strengthens Brahman stud cattle market, with it being a major incentive for young people to invest into the Brahman breed and increasing the number, and quality of cattle in the show ring.
During the event, I was honoured to be an extra judge for two competitions.
The first was the Sales Talk, where competitors delivered sales pitches on an animal of there choosing. I was thoroughly impressed by their skills and the educational value of this activity.
The second event was called the Interview, which involved our panel asking the competitors a series of questions about the Brahman and cattle industry.
I also had the pleasure of reconnecting with several individuals I had met earlier during the Brahman Congress. Ashley Clement from Straight Flush Genetics asked me to lead one of their heifers in their class. I enjoyed this, and everyone seemed intrigued by the different style of leading and was a great way to finish up my time in Mississippi.
