McAllen Ranch: History and Values
Salome Balli de McAllen circa 1880. Wife of John McAllen.
Some McAllen Ranch cowboys having a little fun.
Wise old cow. Some McAllen Ranch cows occupy large pastures and are seen only on occasion.
McAllen Ranch Cowboy.
A nursing colt taking a break from a halter breaking session.
McAllen Ranch Cowboys circa 1900.
Pablo Sanchez gathering heifers in the early morning.
"Rope Tricks" playing with a lasso in the early morning light.
History
McAllen Ranch has been a family-owned working cattle ranch in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas since 1791. Originally founded as a Spanish Land Grant, the ranch has been recognized for its historical significance by the state’s Land Heritage Program and the National Cattlemen’s Business Association. In 2007, McAllen Ranch was listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Horses
Horses have always been essential to cattle ranch operations. We’ve raised Quarter Horses for over 50 years, breeding for intelligence (cow sense) and stamina, as well as conformation. McAllen Quarter Horse pedigrees connect to many of the breed’s great foundation stallions and mares.
Conservation
In the 1940s Argyle McAllen, great grandson of the ranch founder, began the conservation program that provided the ranch with abundant wildlife including: whitetail deer, turkey, bob white quail, javelina, bobcats, coyotes and a wealth of resident and migratory birds. McAllen Ranch was awarded the 1997 National BBU Environmental Conservation Award for wildlife conservation and awareness, as well as several awards from The Valley Land Fund.
Respect
Respectful management, right to the end.
Managing the health and wellbeing of our cattle is a priority for two reasons: it produces better beef and it’s the right thing to do. This includes seeing them through slaughter, to ensure that they are handled humanely and killed swiftly and painlessly. We are proud that Dr. Temple Grandin, noted animal behavior consultant and advocate for humane livestock handling, was involved in designing the structure and practices of the processing facility we use.
"I think using animals for food is an ethical thing to do, but we've got to do it right. We've got to give those animals a decent life and we've got to give them a painless death. We owe the animal respect."
— Temple Grandin
Animals in Translation
