A Family Affair
by Megan Silveira
Allison , Texas , has been labeled “ home ” by the Begert family
since 1911 , but Bret Begert believes the best years for his kin started in 1974 when his father Hiram first brought Limousin cattle onto the Begert ranch .
Since a trip to the Oklahoma State Fair where Hiram first saw fullblood Limousin cattle , the Begert family has been hooked .
Hiram said , “ I saw what I liked . The people we met we liked , and the cattle we had we liked .”
Hiram invested in a few fullblood Limousin bulls and never looked back . After those animals hit the ground in Allison , Texas , Hiram says he knew there was no other type of cattle he wanted to raise . He said the cattle have the type of look he appreciates while also bringing a lot of natural thickness and muscle to the table .
Today , the father-son duo runs close to 450 purebred , black , polled Limousin females on 10,000 acres . Bret describes the cattle business
“ We ’ re team players and want the best for all of our Limousin family .”
as the pair ’ s number one source of income , their livelihood and most importantly their biggest passion .
Calves from the family-run operation are sold primarily to a commercial customer base , all through private treaty . Bret said this marketing practice allows him and his father to truly know their customers and provide a guarantee on each animal that leaves their property .
“ We ’ re still in an industry where a handshake is all you need ,” he said in regard to the pride he and Hiram take in selling high-quality cattle . “ If we look you in the eye and say that ’ s the way it is , then that ’ s the way it is . It ’ s a great way to do business and a great place to raise a family .”
Despite having a primarily commercial customer base , the family is no stranger to the show side of the cattle industry . The Begert ’ s career in the seedstock industry truly kicked off when Bret turned nine years
Allison , Texas , has been home to the Begert family since 1911 and home to registered Limousin cattle since 1974 .
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• OCTOBER 2020