Pure Paradise
A few years ago, Dean and Sandra Whitlock decided to trade their suburban home for remote country life west of Fort Worth, Texas. At first, they missed shopping centers, restaurants and other big-city conveniences. Not anymore.
“We’ve even decided we don’t need to travel,” Dean said. “Why bother? Our place is pure paradise to us.”
Longhorn Renaissance
As new landowners, the Whitlocks wanted to keep their property in agricultural use. When a family member suggested raising longhorn cattle, Dean liked the idea. Today, Whitlock Longhorns includes a herd of 60 longhorn cattle that boast world-class genetics.
A few years into their operation, the Whitlocks have already earned a reputation as outstanding breeders. In October 2020, they won the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association Grand Champion Female Award. In March 2021, they showed the highest-selling heifer at the Texas Longhorn Legacy Sale in Grapevine.
“Longhorns are seeing a huge renaissance in activity and prices,” Dean said. “It’s exciting to be a part of that. We also love the camaraderie in this business. People are so thoughtful and encouraging.”
Ag Lending Specialist
At first, the couple considered a traditional bank loan. Then they heard about a lender that specializes in ag-related financing.
“A commissioner here recommended AgTrust Farm Credit,” Dean said. “We closed on the land in March 2017. The next year, when we built our new modern ranch-style home, AgTrust was there for us.”
The Whitlocks once again partnered with the rural lending cooperative in August 2020 to purchase an additional 50 adjoining acres.
In June 2017, the Whitlocks bought six registered Texas longhorns from breeder Stacey Schumacher, who recently was elected to the AgTrust Farm Credit board of directors. Dean wanted to develop a top-notch herd. With that goal in focus, he researched the longhorn cattle business and hired a consultant.
“Everyone at AgTrust Farm Credit is so welcoming and enthusiastic,” he said. “They’re genuine folks who want to help people accomplish their dreams.”
This article was originally published by AgTrust Farm Credit
