SG_USA_March_2019

SGBI AFFILIATE PROFILE

By Macey Mueller, Freelance Writer

South Texas Affiliate Builds on Area’s Strong Heritage

K athryn Hefte Petty and her brother, K.T. Hefte, are no strangers to the Santa Gertrudis breed. The siblings grew up on a purebred operation near Robstown, Texas, about an hour from the King Ranch, where the breed was developed. Their great uncle, Dunlap Harper, was a charter member of Santa Gertrudis Breeders Internation- al, and the two have since taken over his Santa Gertrudis herd No. 37. Petty and Hefte also serve as offi- cers in the South Texas Santa Gertru- dis Association (STSGA), which was resurrected in 2014 after the original South Texas Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association – established in 1954 – dis- banded in the 1990s. “It was important to rebuild our affili- ate because Santa Gertrudis cattle have a lot of performance benefits to offer producers in South Texas,” Petty says. “We are fortunate to have several qual- ity breeders in the area who believe in the future of these cattle, and we have been going strong the last five years.” In addition to promoting, protecting and improving the breed, the affiliate organizes several events throughout the year to highlight the progressive Santa Gertrudis genetics available in South Texas. The weekend before Thanksgiving is especially busy for members as they host the South Texas Heritage Sale, offering donor-quality heifers bred to some of the breed’s best performance sires, powerful pairs and 3N1’s, open heifers with some of the most progres- sive Santa Gertrudis genetics and STAR 5 heifers with superior hybrid vigor. The sale includes 25-30 con- signors from several states and attracts buyers from all over the country. “Our sale is

and it’s not without the hard work of some excellent cattlemen here in South Texas.” The affiliate doesn’t require annual dues, instead “members” are encour- aged to participate in a silent auction during the Heritage Sale. Proceeds from the Heritage Sale and silent auction are used to fund field days, youth events, an annual meeting and the next year’s sale. The organization also awards belt buckles to Santa Gertrudis class winners at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition (SALE). Although the affiliate does not col- lect dues, Petty says at least 30 active members help promote the breed and host annual events. “Being part of the South Texas affili- ate gives local producers a chance to get involved and to bond with each other,” Petty says. “It’s one of the best ways for new breeders to get their cattle out in front of other producers.” The organization hosts an annual field day to visit a fellow breeder’s ranch and hear from beef industry experts. “Field days help to raise the profile of the Santa Gertrudis breed in this area,” Petty says. “Producers new to the breed can hear several educational presenta- tions and learn about the exceptional

goal is to continue improving the qual- ity and the value of the cattle in our sale year after year.” Petty says the sale has come full circle as offspring from previously consigned females were consigned to the 2018 sale. “We are able to offer a great selection of heritage genetics that progressive producers will be proud to have in their herds,” she says. The South Texas affiliate also has an active junior organization that hosts the Red Hot Gert Show in conjunction with the Heritage Sale each year. An open show follows the sale on Saturday, and juniors show on Sunday. Approximately 30 youth from across the state partici- pate in the annual event. “Our affiliate enjoys this opportunity to share the weekend’s festivities with the juniors, as they are the future stew- ards of the breed,” Petty says. While involving the next generation is important to the breed’s continued success, the affiliate is also proud to recognize the efforts of long-standing breeders who have contributed to the growth and improvement of Santa Gertrudis cattle. Each year, the STSGA presents the Heritage Breeder Award to honor the many STSGA charter mem- bers and longtime SGBI members in the area. Past winners include John Martin of John Martin Ranches, Tom Martin

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of La Campana Ranch and Ben Olivarez of Oliva- rez Ranches. “These are our top-notch breed- ers,” Hefte says. “Our breed has come a long way,

starting to gain some attention from producers outside of our area, and we’re excited to see the interest build,” Hefte says. “Our

Above: STSGA junior members celebrate a successful weekend after the 2018 Red Hot Gert Show in Robstown, Texas. Left: South Texas Santa Gertrudis Association officers K.T. Hefte, Felix Serna and Kathryn Hefte Petty.

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA