What It's Like To Be... with Dan Heath A Cattle Rancher
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Mar 26, 2024 Chachi Hawkins, a cattle rancher in southwest Texas, discusses the challenges of raising cattle in the high desert, hauling calves to auction, and protecting the herd from mountain lions. She shares her transition from a corporate career to cattle ranching, the seasonal rhythms of ranching operations, and the emotional attachment to calves. The podcast explores the world of family-operated cattle ranching and sheds light on the multi-faceted role of a cattle rancher, including managing environmental challenges and the deep familial legacy of ranching.
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Land Determines Carrying Capacity
- High‑desert ranching mixes mountain terrain with grasses that grow in a short wet season.
- One cow often requires many acres here, so acreage—not density—defines viability.
Feeding By Familiar Sound
- Chachi drives a Kawasaki with a trip hopper to feed cattle and they learn the sound and follow her.
- That conditioning makes daily checks efficient across thousands of acres.
Keep Brands Simple And Registered
- Register a simple brand with your county and avoid complex designs that injure calves.
- Keep brand marks usable and humane to protect animal welfare and identification.