THE COWBOY CORNER EDITION 14 VOL.1

Howdy, fellow beef enthusiasts!

I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news with you: after six incredible years, TriTails has a brand new website! It's been a huge journey and the biggest task I've taken on since stepping into the world of marketing. Our new website offers a more streamlined experience, a fresh modern look, and exciting features like an opening video that gives you a virtual tour of our Texas ranch.

For me, the journey from a Colorado ski bum to a Texas ranch entrepreneur has been nothing short of extraordinary. The big question is, how did we create this amazing new website, and what makes TriTails stand out from other online beef businesses?

When I first set foot on the ranch, I was plunged into a whirlwind of new activities, tasks, and challenges—everything from learning to work cattle and drive farm equipment to riding horses and, of course, mastering the art of steak. It’s been an incredible adventure!

As I learned more about running the business, starting from the basics like fulfilling packages, I developed a vision for our retail future. I realized that I wanted to share the experience I had when I first started at the ranch with our customers. I wanted to give everyone a glimpse into the hidden world of our cattle ranch, nestled on the edge of America’s second-largest canyon. One of my favorite marketing lines has been, "We are more than just a beef distributor," and it couldn’t be more true.

To bring you into this incredible world of cowboys and wild western landscapes, I started writing newsletters in the spring of 2022. We now have over 30 newsletters filled with stories and exciting information, which you can read here.

After a while, it was clear that newsletters and social media photography alone weren't enough to capture the full essence of our ranching life. We needed more dynamic content to truly immerse our customers in our world. That’s when the idea of a new, improved website with a captivating intro video took shape.

My first task was to learn videography, a challenge far more complex than I anticipated. Having already transitioned our website from stock images to real product photos (unlike many beef websites, we use genuine images!), I thought I was prepared. But the video proved to be as challenging as a bull with horns!

To improve my videography skills, I decided to learn how to use a drone. With our previous drone pilot, Jacob, having left the company, it was up to me. Eager to get started, I quickly discovered that buying a drone wasn't enough; I needed a commercial drone license. Easy, right? Not quite! I delved into the intricacies of the licensing process, including learning to read sectional maps used by pilots.

After about two months of studying—nearly 20 hours of research and learning—I passed my Part 107 commercial drone test with a 92% score. Armed with my new skills, I set out to create exciting videos for TriTails, particularly for our new website.

With the new website live, you can now see some of the stunning drone footage on our homepage. Be sure to explore all the new features! In the future, you can also look forward to new videos on YouTube. This is the next step in TriTails' journey to give our customers an authentic taste of life on our ranch. Expect to see videos featuring ranching, hunting, dirt biking, horseback riding, and much more!

Thank you for being part of our adventure. We can't wait to share more of the TriTails experience with you!

 

Pastures Worth Fighting Over

In the Texas Panhandle, ranches must be resilient to withstand our intense summer heat, which is essential for keeping our herd strong and healthy. What's truly amazing is that we manage to maintain a herd that is more prime than those in regions with cooler temperatures. So, how do we achieve this? First, let's delve into the history of this remarkable land.

When settlers first arrived in the Texas Panhandle, they found what appeared to be a forsaken country—miles upon miles of open land dotted with only playa lakes, which are temporary and prone to drying up. This was a huge disappointment to early ranchers, despite the fact that this land boasted some of the best grass in the world. The grass was incredibly resilient, growing belly-high on horses during the wet season and remaining drought-resistant through the heat and dry spells of the summer. The problem of finding water was frustrating, indeed!

This frustration led to the infamous "Range Wars" or "Fence Cutting Wars." Ranchers and farmers with access to water faced opposition and land disputes with neighbors who lacked it. It wasn't until new laws were enacted in the 1880s that these conflicts began to subside. However, the fact remains that even with a scarcity of water, these pasturelands were so abundant with high-quality grass that people literally went to battle for it.

By the late 1800s, the Texas Panhandle transformed from forsaken country into pasture heaven. The introduction of windmills was pivotal for agriculture and ranching in the region, providing a reliable means of pumping groundwater for livestock and irrigation in this semi-arid landscape. This development also contributed to the end of the "Range Wars." It is worth noting that this resilient grass is what led to this life changing historical innovation.

Understanding this history shows just how prized this grass is and why it was worth fighting over. The climate and soil play significant roles for the grass being so sought after. The Texas Panhandle's semi-arid climate—with hot summers and cool winters—supports the growth of grasses like buffalo grass and blue grama, which are ideally suited for grazing. The region's fertile, nutrient-rich soils further support the growth of these hardy grasses. With proper management practices, the soil sustains a diverse range of native and introduced grasses.

Another factor that makes our grass so extraordinary is its adaptability. In a climate with fluctuating weather patterns, our grass has evolved to withstand both heat and drought. This resilience allows it to provide consistent forage for cattle and other livestock, ensuring that our herds thrive even under challenging conditions.

At TriTails, we harness the incredible resilience of the Panhandle’s natural bounty to raise premium cattle, demonstrating that with the right knowledge and care, we can turn the Texas summer heat into an ally rather than an adversary. Our commitment to the land and our herds ensures that we continue to provide you with the finest beef, raised on some of the best grass on earth.

Thank you for being part of our journey, and we look forward to sharing more stories of our ranching life with you!