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Bill and Jane Travis named TSSA Supporter of the Year

published: August 27th 2004

Bill and Jane Travis, Pine Ridge Ranch, Athens, Texas exemplify every criteria set out for the prestigious TSSA Supporter of the Year Award. They share jointly in the decision making process in the ranching operation. Having been in the cattle business since the early ’70’s, they, like so many others tried Simmental bulls on their Brahman cross females in the late ’70’s. The increase in weaning weights was phenomenal - over 100 lbs. They appreciate the Brahman influence for their adaptability to the major portion of the cattle producing areas world-wide. The Simmental contribution adds growth, meat and milk. By 1984 they had observed Simbrah cattle at Rob Brown’s and NBI and liked what they saw. Short-ly they launched into a Simbrah breeding program with focus on productivity.

Bill has contributed to the beef industry at the national level by serving on committees for the NCBA and the ASA. He has also been involved at the state level as a past director of the TSSA,   where Bill and Jane are avid supporters. Productivity remains the key focus in their ongoing quest to improve their herd. By using data obtained from feedlot trials - using EPDs - genome identity and other technology, they are getting increasingly closer to achieving their lofty but attainable goal of producing a 1200# steer in 12 months that grades choice, yield grade 1 or 2, with tender beef!

SLS