Sunday, August 3, 2008

Howdy, Y'all!

For those few of you who are continued loyal readers of Panhandle Poetry and Other Thoughts, I thought that I should let you know that I haven't fallen off the end of the earth, I've just been out of pocket for a few days. I've been to Houston and then to Bellville, Texas, and am now in College Station, Texas. For most of the time I haven't had Internet service.

Hopefully, I will have a chance to do some posting while I am here in College Station for the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short course. This afternoon I was able to get in and set up our Trade Show Booth. I will be manning in through the end of the Short course on Wednesday. If any of you happen to be in town, stop by the Gold Standard Labs booth at the Trade Show in G. Rollie White Coliseum. I'd certainly be interested in meeting you.

4 comments:

Barbara Martin said...

You have been missed!! It would be interesting (at least for me) to learn the breeds of cattle Texas uses for their beef production. My grandfather was a Shorthorn breeder in central Alberta in the early 1900s, as he liked their dual purpose.

Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poet said...

Barbara: About every breed imaginable is represented in the Texas cattle industry. One thing that is noticeable is the growing predominance of black-hided cattle. This is because the Angus influence is thought to provide a better quality product. Angus have a higher marbling score typically which closely correlates with tenderness. Evidence of this preference is the growing amount of Certified Angus Beef seen in restaurants and on grocer shelves.

In southern and southeastern parts of Texas, there is still a high percentage of Brahman influence in the cattle because of their better heat tolerance. Most have been crossed with English type cattle including Shorthorns, Herefords and Angus. There continues to be a strong amount of Continental breed influence throughout all regions of the state because of the larger frame sizes of breeds like Limousin, Charolais and Simmental. You name it though, and it's here somewhere. You can even find a sprinkling of Texas Longhorns.

Suzan said...

Mr. McClure, a mutual friend introduced me to you in this virtual world. I hail from Tulia, truth be known--Vigo Park-- a few too many years back. I have lived in Canyon, and if the story is true, have a grand-father immortalized in the museum there... so such as it is...the Panhandle, the heritage of farming and ranching hold a special place in my heart. Your stories and accounts forge a connection for this west texas girl... thank you!

Anonymous said...

Glad things are going well. I envy you your travels.

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