Customer Success Story - G&L Cattle Co
Just a mile off I-20 in Van, Texas, Gene and Lana Hightower run the 50 Texas Longhorn cows and two herd sires that make up G&L Cattle Co.
The past 13 years have brought great success to the Hightowers and their cattle.
"What started as 'finding something to eat the grass' has turned into a business that has consumed our lives," Lana said.
Hightower said they use a senior herd sire, G&L Showdown, and a junior bull, PCC Generader in their breeding program. She said they incorporate the use of AI to add outside genetics to keep their program competitive and moving forward.
"Our cattle program, for the first 10 years, was geared toward producing superior animals that could win in the show ring," Lana said, "The 'total package' Longhorn has always been our goal. In the past two years, we have changed our program and have added specific horn genetics for twist and length."
G&L Cattle Co. has used LonghornMax software for 4 ½ years. This was a significant upgrade from their former record keeping system.
"Our files consisted of manila folders for each individual cow with handwritten pedigree charts, loose pictures, handwritten health records and semen lists-none of which were printable at a moments notice," Lana said.
She said they purchased LonghornMax after seeing it demonstrated at the TLBAA World Show.
"There are so many features and tools that have helped organize our records," Lana said, "Being able to track genetics has helped immeasurably in the planning of the future herd. The sale information has helped with our marketing program. Being able to have pictures and pedigrees for an individual animal available for a potential buyer is invaluable."
Lana said the sale catalog feature has been particularly helpful in marketing their cattle because it enables them to print a single page with information and pictures they can use to advertise animals at any consignment sale.
She also said she enjoyed the horn measurement worksheet that can be printed and taken to the field when measuring cattle.
When G&L Cattle Co. sells an animal, Lana said they finalize the sale by printing pedigrees and pictures from LonghornMax for the new owner to place in their files on their new cattle.
"If you are serious about raising Texas Longhorns, LonghornMax is a tool that can organize and take your program to the next level," Lana said.
Gene and Lana are both qualified judges and have traveled across the country to judge affiliate shows. They also enjoy pursuing other interests such as fishing, hunting and traveling, but never too far from their Longhorn cattle.
"To say that we are 'Hooked on Longhorns' is an understatement," Lana said, "We are blessed to be able to be living our dream and sharing it with others."
To learn more about G&L Cattle Co. and their Texas Longhorns, call (903) 963-7442 or email glcattleco at aol .com
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