Breeder Spotlight: Rafter M Ranch

Our first breeder spotlight is Rick & Cori Garcia of Rafter M Ranch!

Founded in 1964 by Cori Garcia's dad, Rafter M Ranch, a 3rd generation ranch located in Hico, Texas where her parents along with Cori and Rick reside prides itself on producing Texas Longhorns that are not only eye catchers in the show ring but are structurally sound to go out on pasture and produce.

Though they didn’t always raise Texas Longhorn, in fact it wasn’t until the early 2000’s during the drought that they decided to bring in Longhorns since “Longhorns thrive on other vegetation and forage when grazing is scarce in drought conditions,” notes Cori, “Since the transition, our ranch has made a highly competitive production herd with world champion genetics.”

Through the years they’ve grown their herd to around 50-60 on average, producing calves including Rafter M Patriot Storm, Rafter M Hunk of Coal,

Rafter M Miss America and many other successful champion show calves.

The typical day at Rafter M Ranch consists of checking the herd and recording any new calves or breeding, rotating pastures for the herd or putting out hay depending on the season, putting out protein tubs, checking fence lines, cleaning the show barns and training the show calves, hauling feed, clearing pastures, prepping the hay field, cutting firewood, contacting clients about delivery of their cattle purchase, social media promotions, and so much more. Every day is different from the last as there is always a busted pipe to fix, an animal to doctor, a tractor to fix, and any other repair that might pop up.

When asked what is one thing you would have liked to have learned earlier in the industry? Whether it be showing, pasture management, or breeding decisions they replied “One thing we tell all new breeders is not to chase a fad whether it’s in the show ring or pastures. Raise the type of Longhorns with the traits you like. We strive for a “total package” animal with good dispositions, horn, correct conformation, size, and color”.

We want to thank Cori and Rick of Rafter M Ranch for taking the time to give their knowledge to all! Our next breeder spotlight will be on Dec 10, 2021 featuring Dylan Pfizenmaier of Pleasant Hill Longhorns.