Farm Bureau hosted a hamburger luncheon benefitting Good Samaritan Ministries on Thursday, February 19th, Texas Food Connections Day. The event featured local ranchers and agriculture experts who highlighted the beef industry in Brown County. Those who attended were able to visit one on one and ask rancher questions about the beef industry.
270 hamburgers were cooked at the event, raising $677 for Good Samaritan Ministries, a local food bank in Brownwood.Beef production is the largest agricultural industry in Brown County, accounting for $40 million in gross sales this past year, according to Brown County AgriLife Extension Agent Scott Anderson.
The local drought has been very hard on local ranchers and farmers, causing hay and feed prices to rise along with fertilizer prices for those who produce hay. Despite this financial challenge, beef prices have risen and Brown County ranchers are building their herd back.
“We feel like the average cow herd in the county has increased 10%. We’re starting to come back from the drought,” explained Anderson.
Longtime Brown County rancher Ted Simpson attended the event and stated that the drought has been the biggest challenge to local agriculture but that regulations also hurt the industry.
“Cattle prices are the best they have ever been, thank God. Cattle numbers are down and hopefully it’ll stay that way for a while as we rebuild our herds. We’re trying to make a living—that is the goal of everyone,” said Simpson. “Overall, we have had two good years, and feed prices are finally coming down this year. Diesel prices coming off are going to help us right now.”
Other than beef, Simpson stated he also raises feed for his cattle. “We are getting ready to plant our crops and fertilizers prices are still extremely high. They haven’t come down.”
Anderson explained how much bigger beef is in the county than other agricultural production.
“Milk production is the #2 industry in the county at $11 million,” said Anderson who stated there are only about two dairies left in Brown County. “#3 is hunting at $4.5 million. #4 and #5 are tied at $2.5 million each in hay production and nursery crops.”
He stated that there are approximately 23,000 breeder cows in Brown County and that the average herd size is 37 head. Anderson stated that the above numbers were based on a survey that he took in Brown County, as there really isn’t any other source available.
The total agricultural production of Brown County is $68 million, according to Anderson. He stated that it is expected to increase to $70 million if it continues to rain in Brown County this year.
Pictured above and below are photos of the event.
