ABOUT
The mission and story behind the ranch.
Hi, I’m Bryan Curtis.
Welcome to Barbed C Ranch! My passion for Longhorn cattle began on our land just outside the city limits of Lufkin, Texas. I was 10 years old when I first started enjoying the ranching experience with my family and was introduced to cows. It was on that small farm that I got my first taste of working with cattle. I bailed hay, hauled hay, fixed fences, dewormed cows, and dug watering holes; at the time, I didn't even realize how hard the work was!
As I grew older and transitioned to college, I only worked on the farm during the summers. Despite the intense Texas heat, working with the cattle was always both fun and challenging. Those early experiences lit a spark in me that I never forgot. I decided that when I retired, I would buy a piece of property, raise my own grass-fed Texas Longhorn cattle, and pursue that passion.
But like a bolt of lightning, the thought crossed my mind: why wait until retirement? Go for it now. After several years of research and training, I decided to pursue my passion immediately. Since then, I have developed a special interest in Texas Longhorns and have built my own herd of this unique breed. With a lot of guidance and help from Matt McGuire and Charlene Semkin, I acquired a small herd that continues to grow.
There is nothing like a Texas Longhorn. Thank you for taking the time to browse through our website. I encourage you to share your experience with your family and friends. Feel free to contact me directly with any inquiries. I look forward to doing business with you!
OUR ROOTS
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Mentors
At Barbed C Ranch, we are deeply grateful to Charlene Simkin, who sold us our first eight cows, and to Matt McGuire, who later took over her operation. Their generous sharing of knowledge and passion for ranching has been invaluable in shaping our journey.
Charlene Simkin has been awarded 1998 TLJ Breeder of the Year (voted by her piers), the 2000 TLBAA President’s Award and 2001 Lifetime Achievement Award (the youngest and only female to receive this award), the highest award of recognition given. Charlene has been in the longhorn business for 40 years, and has done an excellent job producing industry leading blood lines.
Matt McGuire graduated with a degree in Ranch Operations at Oklahoma State University. Matt is a firm believer in raising calm cattle so he incorporates the use of horses to check and gather cattle as often as possible. Matt manages over 600 longhorn cattle. His love of cattle and his experience of over 25 years allow him to operate with confidence and be able to further the legacy that was started 40 years ago.