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The Treadwell’s operate a classic family business
which has a focus on sustainability and is rooted in choosing
a life-style of values and heritage to pass to their 6th generation
of Menard Co ranchers. John A., who grew up a part of a large
century-plus Ft. McKavett, TX family Ranch, left the ranch for
UT and ROTC in the 60’s, and came full circle, returning
to ranching with the 1999 purchase of the Brady Ranch in NE Menard
and SW McCulloch Counties.
Read
what the local press says about Brian Treadwell.
“We had an opportunity to form a real family
business, my son (Brian) had great success building Rocket T Outfitters,
a large family hunting business, and we knew what we could do
for ranching income, the only unknown seemed to be how to manage
the brush”, says John in regards to the decision for returning
to ranching.
Brian, John’s youngest son, says, “We always
went to the Ft. McKavett Ranch on our vacations, I mean, I don’t
think I have ever been to a summer camp… Rocket T gave us
the avenue to fill-in some of the income gaps that mark the ranching
industry.” Brian, who claims to be the only graduate of SMU
who breaks into a hard sweat daily, helps operate the ranch, tend
to the hunters, and is a licensed ranch broker.
John A. and wife Jann live in Dallas, and John Commutes
to the ranch. Brian and wife Ginger, have two children under four,
and live on the ranch in Menard and McCulloch counties.
The following is the biographic dedication as written
on the Treadwell’s award plaque:
Treadwell Brady Ranch
John A. Treadwell, owner-Brian Treadwell, operator
8,000 acres, Menard & McCulloch counties
The Treadwell Brady Ranch is a true working ranch.
Historically, this property had been abused for generations as
a sheep ranch. When the Treadwells purchased the property in fall/winter
of 1998-1999, the property was characterized by bare ground, overrun
with brush and prickly pear, devoid of
an operational water system. When the Treadwells began their management
program on the Ranch, their overall goal was to reverse decades
of abuse and neglect. The Treadwell family strives to operate
the ranch at a sustainable level, while improving the available
natural resources.
The Treadwell’s wildlife-resource-management
goals for game species have been to improve quality of mature
animals each year while maximizing profit potential. By keeping
habitat front and center, the Treadwells expect all native populations
to benefit.
A working cattle ranch, cattle are run in one herd
and rotated through 27 grazing units with a complete rotation
of about six months.
Approximately 600 acres are deferred each year for
prescribed burning. Along with the deferred pasture being burned,
the Treadwells practice a follow-behind burn program for spot
burning large areas.
Over the past five years an estimated 800+ acres
of cedar has been cut. As a result, spring flow in one large canyon
historically dominated by juniper trees has been stimulated.
The Treadwells have participated in a LIP conservations
partnership with TPWD to improve habitat for black-capped vireos
and horned lizards. Currently, the Treadwells are in an EQIP partnership
with the NRCS to control mesquite and cedar.
Browse utilization surveys are conducted annually
to evaluate vegetation responses to applied management techniques,
and to determine the impact of browsing animals.
The increased frequency of prescribed burns, rotational
grazing and removal of noxious brush has enabled the Treadwells
to eliminate supplemental feeding of both livestock and deer.
The Treadwells put an emphasis on habitat management and selective
harvest for producing the best quality deer their range conditions
can afford.
To restore water on the Brady Ranch, the Treadwells
have implemented an extensive watering system consisting of fast
line, water troughs, wells and reservoirs.
The ranch assisted with the formation of the Menard
County Wildlife Management Association, and was instrumental in
the formation of the Calf Creek Prescribed Burning Co-op, which
later became the McCulloch County Chapter of the Edwards Plateau
Prescribed Burn Association.
We offer a hands on approach with lots of in the field experience to help you develop your long term ranch and wildlife goals. As well as giving a peak into our interpretation of the connectivity of nature and how each decision may impact many others. Hiring a consultant who not only understands your situations, but has previously won statewide awards for solutions that work, is a long term step in the right direction.
To arrange for a range tour and problem solving session for your property, please contact bet@wcc.net |
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