Counter Culture Farms
Nacogdoches, Texas. United States
Average 46” of annual rainfall
344’ above sea level
Average Jan min temp of 36 deg. F
Average July max temp of 93 deg. F
Average 245 growing days
History
Counter Culture Farms, owned and operated by Austin Dillon in deep East Texas, began with a foundation of commercial Brangus cattle raised by his grandfather. Initially, the farm followed conventional management practices that relied heavily on grain supplements and other inputs to maintain the herd. However, as Austin began to transition to a low-input system, it became clear that the existing Brangus genetics were not suited to his goals.
The Brangus cattle, characterized by their big-boned, long-legged frames, struggled to breed annually and could not maintain adequate body condition solely on grass. These limitations made it challenging to sustain a profitable operation. By eliminating the “crutches” of grain and other supplemental inputs, Austin identified the need for cattle that could thrive on forage-based systems without sacrificing fertility or productivity.
To address these challenges, Austin introduced shorter-framed, moderate bulls known for their ability to stay fat on grass. Over time, he transitioned the herd entirely away from Brangus genetics. Today, Counter Culture Farms features a highly adapted herd composed of Horned Herefords, Red Angus, and Mashona cattle. Each breed was carefully selected for its ability to thrive in the subtropical, humid climate of East Texas while maintaining productivity under a forage-only system. This intentional breeding and selection process has resulted in a herd that is both resilient and profitable, embodying the principles of sustainability and practicality.
Breeding Program
The breeding program at Counter Culture Farms prioritizes hardiness, low maintenance, and fertility in cattle that can perform under a grass-only, low-input management system.
Genetic Base
Horned Herefords: The Horned Hereford genetics at Counter Culture Farms originate from a historic line established in the early 1900s in the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico. These cattle were selected for their ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions with limited inputs. In the 1960s, the herd was closed to outside genetics, and selection focused solely on improving the herd internally. About 20 years ago, the top-performing heifers and bulls from this line were moved to Texas, where the herd continued to develop under similar selection criteria. Recently, Austin acquired the entire Texas herd from longtime friends, continuing their legacy of breeding hardy, grass-based Herefords. These cattle excel in both desert and subtropical climates, requiring only salt, low-quality forage, and hay during winter months.
Red Angus: The Red Angus herd follows a similar philosophy, emphasizing slick-haired, moderate-framed animals that can thrive in hot, humid environments. These cattle were selected for their adaptability, fertility, and efficiency under low-input conditions.
Mashona: In recent years, Austin has begun integrating top-tier Mashona genetics into the herd to create a composite breed tailored for the farm’s subtropical environment. The Mashona breed is renowned for its heat tolerance, parasite resistance, and ability to maintain body condition on limited resources, making it an ideal complement to the Hereford and Red Angus base.
Selection Criteria
Austin’s breeding program employs rigorous selection criteria to ensure only the most productive animals remain in the herd:
For Cows:
Annual Breeding: Cows must calve annually. Any cow that fails to breed or raise a quality calf is culled.
Body Condition: Cows must maintain body condition year-round without supplemental feeding.
Problem-Free: Cows with faults such as bad udders, hoof issues, pink eye, or difficulty calving are immediately culled.
Productivity: Cows that wean poor-quality calves or require any form of assistance are removed from the herd.
For Bulls:
Proven Cow Lineage: Bulls are only selected from proven cows that demonstrate long-term fertility and productivity. A cow must breed at one year old, calve as a two-year-old, and calve again as a three-year-old before her bull calves are considered for herd sire selection.
Long-Term Productivity: Preference is given to bulls from cows that have reached four to five years of age and have never missed a calf. This ensures the bull’s dam has proven longevity and consistent performance.
Parasite Resistance: Bulls requiring frequent deworming are culled to maintain parasite resistance in the herd.
Strict Culling: Only the top-performing bull calves from each crop are retained, while the rest are culled.
Feeding Program
Counter Culture Farms operates as a forage-based ranch, with cattle relying entirely on grass and hay for nutrition. The herd is grazed on stockpiled Bermuda and Bahia grasses during the growing season. In the winter, when stockpiled forage is depleted, the cattle are fed hay. No grain, protein supplements, or lick tubs are provided. The only supplementation offered is free-choice salt minerals. This feeding program ensures the cattle selected for breeding can perform under minimal-input systems.
Key Traits of the Herd
The herd at Counter Culture Farms is defined by its adaptability, efficiency, and ability to thrive in a hot, humid, low-input environment. These cattle represent a deliberate shift away from conventional, high-maintenance genetics, offering a sustainable alternative for farmers and ranchers seeking functional, profitable livestock.
Contact Counter Culture Farms
Physical Address: 15529 Texas 7, Center, Tx.
Austin Dillon
Cell: +1 (936) 645-4565
Email: counterculturefarms@gmaill.com
