The Box Z Ranch is owned and operated by Steven Zunker and Louis Christa. We both come from families that have raised purebred and crossbred cattle over the years. Today, Steven's dad, Alton, and Louis' son, Jason, assist with the ranch operations continuing the strong family
involvement.

Box Z Ranch originated raising crossbred commercial cattle. We had long admired Texas Longhorn cattle – having been intrigued by their beauty, gracefulness, and myriad of colors. The subject of raising Longhorns continued to arise during our ranch discussions. We started studying, researching, attending shows and sales, as well as visiting with other Longhorn breeders. In 2002, we introduced the first of the Registered Texas Longhorn cattle to the ranch which was then located near Stockdale in Wilson County, Texas. We started with just four foundation cows. As of December 2005, we had grown to a total of 89 head. Even though we have no desire to be the biggest or fanciest ranch around, there is so much about Texas Longhorns that keeps us going and keeps us growing.

During the last year, we actively pursued purchasing additional property in the immediate area of the ranch at Stockdale, but it was not meant to be. In November 2005, we rounded up the cattle, loaded up our wagons and decided to hang our hats at a new location. Our ranch is now located in southeast Caldwell County, between Luling and Lockhart, near the McNeil community. It is a dream come true for all of us! There are tons of things to be done; however, we have never been afraid of hard work. We have completed some projects and will begin concentrating on the hay fields. We should have coastal hay for sale beginning in the spring of 2006.

Currently, our breeding program involves four herd sires – all with outstanding pedigrees. We have built our foundation female herd by selecting some of the best cows from proven backgrounds. In addition, we pay close attention to each animal's disposition. Horn length is an
important factor as well; however, we have not limited ourselves to just one or two styles of horn shapes. We enjoy a wide variety of horns and we’re excited about our current and future calf prospects.

We invite you to visit our website at www.boxzranch.com. We have worked very hard researching the ancestry of our cattle. You will notice when looking at one of our Longhorn's pedigrees that you may continue to select animals in the background and retrieve information and extended pedigrees as far back as we have been able to acquire that information. We like to include as much data and as many photos as available. We invite you to submit information about any cattle that you have that are found in our Longhorns' backgrounds. We will gladly include a photo, your name, and any interesting facts you might send us.

Along with the enjoyment we get from owning, raising, and admiring these majestic animals, we are also thankful for the friendships we have built in this great industry. We were delighted to find the South Texas Longhorn Association (STLA) and its members. We believe this association truly stands in a class of its own. The enthusiasm and willingness of the group to promote the Texas Longhorn breed is always at the forefront and the people are some of the best you can ever expect to find.

Visitors are always welcome at the Box Z Ranch; just give us a call. If you enjoy great looking Texas Longhorns with a variety of colors and horn shapes, come check out our herd.

You can find Steven and Louis hard at work on their new place located at 1506 Harwood Road, Luling, Texas. 78648. The phone number is 210-827-3940