These two
people are probably the epitome of “weekend ranchers,” but after five years of dedicated
work in the business, they’re proving they have a passion
for all things Longhorn and are continuing to grow a top-quality
herd of “horns” deep in the heart of Texas. It’s
the same for a lot of breeders— this venture (or should we
say, adventure) started with Allen and Suzanne wanting to have
a couple of pretty Longhorn cows on the 185-acre family ranch in
the old community of Pearl, located about thirty minutes north
of Lampasas. Allen grew up there raising commercial cattle and
also did his share of raising sheep, goats, and chickens. He had
always recognized and enjoyed the historical value and classic
beauty of the long-horned cattle, but never had much of a chance
to work with them.
In April 2002, (after several years
of thought, some dedicated study, and a few shopping trips) they
purchased three young, registered Longhorn cows and brought those
to the ranch to keep the spring grass mowed down. These three
were soon joined by the addition of a young, but large and quite
memorable Longhorn bull, named CC Blue Warrior. They really couldn’t even refer to this
small band of Longhorns as a “herd” for the first year,
but in getting to know and understand that little group of cows
during that first summer and winter, the wheels were set in motion
for this venture to grow into something more lasting than a mere
hobby...and it would include more than just three cows and one “spoiled” bull.
The next April brought the first spring babies (all heifers of
various and pretty colors). Allen and Suzanne also got serious
about planning a true breeding program. After more dedicated study,
they realized the first three cows they had purchased had strong
bloodlines to well-known ancestors in the industry and were strong
producers. They made the most of good counsel from other established
and recognized breeders and started to add more cows to their foundation
herd. They also became more involved with TLBAA and STLA activities,
attending sales and ranch tours, visited with numerous other breeders,
and made some long-lasting friends and colleagues along the way.
“You can’t ever stop doing your homework about the
cattle,” remarks Suzanne, who spent the first three years
reading every shred of literature about Texas Longhorns she could
find. “Knowing the value and the impact of the early bloodlines
and overall breed characteristics is extremely important when you
start to build a foundation herd.” The Perry’s take
pride in having some outstanding females in their program that
fit the description of “total package” Longhorn cows.
Not all will have the longest horn measurements around, but each
of them can “measure up” in a big way when you look
at the traits needed for a strong brood cow that can produce a
top-notch, and very marketable, calf every year.
The breeding program at Pearl Longhorn
Ranch is still in its formative stages and Allen and Suzanne
feel they are continually adjusting to determine the most effective
pairings. They are currently utilizing the service of three strong
herd sires. The senior herd sire is Blue Warrior, who traces
back to Abraham, Texas Ranger JP, and Widespread 11/9, and is
known for producing large-sized calves with strong conformation
and flashy black & white coloring
or a variety of pretty brindled colors.
In late 2004, the Perry’s
partnered with Cedar Creek Cattle Company on a young Phenomenon
son, CC Peacekeeper. This young sire is growing into a look-a-like
of his famous sire and produces very correct, colorful, and big-bodied
offspring. Then in the summer of 2006, the ranch leased another
dynamic young herd sire from the Krazy K Longhorns to bring in
additonal bloodlines and color traits. The first calves of Southern
Justice KKL, a blue roan son of GF Southbrooke, are just beginning
to arrive this spring. The ranch has also utilized a small amount
of AI work on select cows, but has had some robust results in obtaining
two Phenomenon daughters and one Don Julio daughter born of some
top dams over the last few years. These highly-pedigreed heifers
will be enhancing the foundation herd as they become older and
more AI breedings are planned for the future.
Today, Pearl Longhorn Ranch includes
the original home place along with another 90 acres of adjoining
lease pasture. They run approximately 50 head of cattle. “Our
ranching enterprise has been a real team effort.” says
Allen. “We each have our strong
points and each tends to various duties needed to keep things running
smoothly. We always collaborate on which animals to purchase and
which bull and cow to pair for breeding. 'Long Horns, Deep Bodies,
and Proud Pedigrees' is not just a slogan we slap on our advertising
materials. We strive to breed high-quality stock that will carry
all of these attributes and that will exhibit the total package
of what a Texas Longhorn can be.”
Along with managing their ranching
operation, Allen and Suzanne are also heavily involved in the
Texas Longhorn network. They both serve on the STLA Board of
Directors, where Allen is in his second term and is the Membership
Chair. Suzanne chairs the Events Committee which is responsible
for the STLA Field Days and ranch tours held twice each year
and she has also served as the Editor of the STLA NEWS for the
past three years. On occasion, she shoots photos or writes short
articles for the Texas Longhorn Trails magazine. Earlier this
year, the Perry’s opened a new website venture, TheLonghornGallery.com,
which, when totally completed, will feature paintings, sculptures,
and other works by various Longhorn artists.
You can visit Allen and
Suzanne at the ranch in Pearl
or on their website at www.pearl-longhorn-ranch.com
Phone numbers are 512/263-5313 or 512/970-3793 |
