A year ago today, we woke up like any other normal day. Around lunch, we randomly got a text saying could we come to a meeting. In a few short hours, we would be faced with a decision that would change our life: the decision to start BRC.
A year ago, we thought that day was the end.
But, truly it was just the beginning.
If you ever think….I’m new in the cattle business, I can’t be successful… you’re wrong. You can be. There’s plenty of room for new people…for everyone. Come get involved in the ranching community. You’ll be welcomed with open arms.
If you ever think….I can’t build a cattle business because I didn’t inherit any land and cattle…. you’re wrong. You can. If you’re lucky enough to inherit this, thank the people who gave it to you as often as you can. Honor their legacy and the hard work they’ve done. You’re 100 steps ahead of those of us who didn’t. When we got married, we had 0 acres. Over the last ten years, we have grown to a full section of land and over 350 head of cattle little by little, loan by loan. (We are blessed with an amazing banker.) People come to our ranch and say – how’d you get all these cows? We bought them! Then we raised them! How’d you think we got them? Our first cattle loan was $60k in 2011. Then $280k. Then $500k. When an opportunity came along in the cattle business we took it, even if it meant risk. Even if it meant eating sandwiches for dinner for 6 months. When it meant buying clothes off eBay instead of the retail store. Little by little we paid off one loan, and then expanded more. And when I say little by little, we mean it. Sometimes our loan payment might be $34 because that’s all we had that week. So we give MAJOR props to the people who are working hard and risking a lot to build your dream. Keep building. Keep saving. Keep skimping in some areas so you can grow your main focus. Keep growing. Even if it’s just a few acres at a time or one head at a time.
If you ever think…the name or prefix is the most important thing in raising cattle….you’re wrong. I can’t tell you how many times this year people have told us “We want the NEW brand!” or “We are so excited for your new brand!” Quality is the most important thing. Quality in the CATTLE and in the PEOPLE standing behind them.
If you ever think….I can’t afford high dollar cattle, I’ll never make it…you’re wrong. Sure, proven, cattle have an added layer of consistency and confidence. We aren’t dissing that at all. But, I also point out that one of our strongest cow families derived from a $1750 cow. Another from a $5000 heifer. There are diamonds in the rough out there if you’re willing to invest the time to study, travel, and look. Study bloodlines that work, study how cattle are going to change and develop as they get older. Think about traits that impact your bottom line like fertility, efficiency, and longevity. Find mentors and colleagues, ask questions. Buy the best you can at YOUR budget at that time. And then always work to “add to the top” as you can afford to do so. Even if it’s little by little.
If you ever think….I’m not a “real rancher” because I have another job in town / my spouse works in town …you’re wrong. You’re a real rancher. You’re a double badass real rancher. Because you are willing to do whatever it takes to make your dreams happen. You’re willing to work double shifts while others are at home sleeping waiting for something to be handed to them. You spend weeks on a job site so your family back at home can gaze out the window and see beautiful Brahman cows. We have infinite respect for people who work hard to earn their own money to make their own dreams come true. We believe in hard work over entitlement every day of the week.
If you ever think… not everyone supports my dreams, I can’t do it…you’re wrong. YOU have the power to create your own destiny. People may try to tear you down. People may try to stop you. Keep focusing on doing good and God will put people in your path who WILL support you. He will make a way when you think there is none. He will open doors you never knew even existed…when the time is right. Focus on YOU doing everything possibly right that you can, and God will do the rest. We honestly can’t say thank you enough to the hundreds if not thousands of people who have helped us in this last year and in all the previous years. There are some truly amazing people out there. Without these people, we wouldn’t have been able to make it. We share this message because we believe there’s greatness in each and every person, if you unleash it.
If you ever doubt yourself, think again.
There’s a reason you’re doing what you’re doing.
There’s a reason you’re going where you’re going.
There’s a reason for everything.
We also share it because it helps you understand why we think the way we do. When you buy Brahmans from BRC, you’re not just getting an animal, you’re getting a team that’s going to be standing beside you…. wanting you to succeed because we too know what it’s like to lay everything on the line for a dream.
Believe it.
Do it.
Chase it.
Work for it.
Let your light shine!
We know that to some, 1 year is nothing. But to us, 1 year IS something. Because it’s been a heck of a year. We are proud to celebrate a truly remarkable anniversary of BRC and the start of many more happy years down the road.
God bless!! -Brandon, Rachel, Mollie, Annie, Owners & Co-General Managers, yes all 4 of us 
-Harley Wade, Show Cattle Manager
-Francisco Garcia, Cow Herd & Bull Development Manager
