With a legacy rooted deep within the traditions of ranching, Dane Elliott has devoted his life to tending to the land and livestock, embracing the challenges and rewards of this demanding life-style.
Dane owns Elliott Ranches, an operation with two major segments. The primary location is in Pawnee, a small city about 90 miles southwest of San Antonio. The ranch in Pawnee has been within the household for the reason that Thirties, and that is the spot Dan calls house. The second location is in D’Hanis, about 50 miles west of San Antonio, and a part of a land grant relationship again to 1876.
Elliot Ranches follows a cow/calf mannequin and roughly 120 “mama cows,” primarily Angus and a smaller Brahman herd, are run at any given time. His enterprise additionally consists of customized bale hay for native producers and looking leases.
Rising up immersed in agriculture and ranching, Dan honed a variety of sensible expertise which have served him nicely all through his profession in ranching
“I grew up in 4H and FFA, displaying cattle. A was deeply concerned in livestock judging and the Limousin Junior Affiliation, the place I served as state president and was a nationwide junior director,” Dane shares. Thus far, he has additionally served as county president of Reside Oak County Farm Bureau and because the District 13 Younger Farmer & Rancher consultant on the state Younger Farmer & Rancher Committee. He’s additionally vice chairman of the Beef Cattle Committee on the San Antonio Livestock Present and is a director on the Texas Beef Council board.
“It’s very rewarding to see cattle within the pasture once I stroll out of my home. However, essentially the most satisfying a part of my job is having the ability to elevate my children out within the nation and assist them perceive the significance of agriculture,” explains Dane, a father of three college age kids.
“My son, Kaleb (13), helps feed cows and runs the rakes in our hay operation. My oldest daughter, Paytin (9), is studying to be my chauffeur within the Polaris ATV as we verify water and cattle, whereas my youngest daughter, Kynlee (9), helps verify on the cattle and feed them,” mentioned Elliott.
“The women additionally elevate industrial heifers to indicate on the native county honest and we’re lucky to make use of our personal animals for his or her initiatives. My hope is for one or all of them to be concerned because the sixth technology in our cattle operation, however I additionally want for them to have profitable careers outdoors of agriculture too!”
Lengthy hours are a lifestyle for any rancher, with days that begin earlier than daybreak and sometimes stretch gone sundown. Dane is aware of this all too nicely. As a participant in “AgLead,” a management program hosted by the Texas Farm Bureau, he had the chance to tour agricultural operations throughout California, the Midwest, and Canada. By this expertise, he found that regardless of the place they’re, individuals in agriculture face related challenges, in numerous settings.
“For instance, we work as late as we’ve to each single day to make sure our animals are cared for,” says Dane. “Time administration might be the toughest side of my operation. Between cattle, hay, common and unplanned upkeep, and maintaining with the kiddos—it’s undoubtedly a full schedule.”
However, when there’s a uncommon alternative for some downtime, Dane enjoys listening to dwell music and dancing, taking part in golf every so often, and spectating soccer and baseball.
He additionally likes to grill and there’s by no means a scarcity of beef on the dinner desk for household and pals to take pleasure in.
“Nothing beats a great steak and grilled greens,” exclaims Dane. “My favourite steak is a Ribeye, however Brisket and Fajitas are different beef cuts I’m keen on. The children love all these meals too, and generally we do smashburgers that are all the time successful!
Talking of burgers, if you happen to’re ever within the space, Dane recommends each RJ’s Hamburgers in Kenedy, Texas or Sammy’s Burgers in Beeville, Texas.
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