This Shoot Is Proof You Should Raise Your Kids While You Raise Cattle

Raise your kids around cattle! They learn responsibility and dedication along the way. Take a look at what this mama says about having her kiddos raised the ranch way.

“This shoot was in Whitesboro in the beginning of August. The Stegall family has been so gracious to us the past few years (everything from allowing us pasture use to treating us to anniversary dinner) and we are so very grateful for their friendship! Just another reason we love the ag life and all the people we meet along the way!

“This is Shay’s first year showing Mini Hereford heifers. She’s too young for FFA or 4H, but she is a Tx Jr Livestock Association member and shows as a “pre-jr.”

“Mom and dad do a lot of the work (obviously, she’s 3) but Shay washes and drys and brushes her own heifers at least twice a week. She practices leading them and using her show stick to set their feet.

“They currently eat 8-10 lbs of feed per day, and Shay is in charge of making sure their supplements get mixed in each feeding. Her favorite thing to practice is “smiling at the judges.” Our next big show is a Texas major- the State Fair!

“We will likely breed these heifers when they are no longer eligible to show so that Shay can start a herd and the calves will pay her college fund. Little brother Grady has a few more years before he can compete, but by that time I’m sure Shay will have a few nice calves in her herd that she can share!

“Our photographer’s name is Shelby Stegall from Whitesboro, Texas. She doesn’t have a website but will potentially have a photography business in the future! She does a lot of photography work for Whitesboro High School band and some prom/senior/engagement/birthday/ newborn shoots for local friends!” -Nicole Smothermon