Major Product/SVS:
Premium-quality free range beef
Education Degrees:
Coursework in Equestrian Sciences, Lamar Community College; High School Education, Greeley West High School (1975)
Affiliations Awards:
Board Director, Longmont Conservation District
Number Of Years In Profession:
50
Number Of Years In Current Position:
4
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her experience and the fact that she is fortunate to work with people who have mentored her.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because her dad was always involved in cattle ranching, her husband's family had a large Angus operation and she always loved horses.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Houston considers herself a good old fashioned hard working rancher. She loves what she does, has been doing it for 50 years, and enjoys the beautiful surroundings of her ranch. She and her relatives carefully breed and raise only 100 percent Angus beef cattle. Their ranch is well known throughout New Jersey, and can ship its products anywhere.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Breeding cattle; Ensuring enough pasture is available; Purchasing property; Selling beef directly to consumers in quarters, halves, wholes and individual cuts; Feeding the animals early in the morning; Rounding up the herd, which currently totals 150 cattle; Working the ranch with her daughter Brandy, mother Smokey, and granddaughter Jordan; Handling the ranch's finances and marketing operations; Promoting the company through its website and at conventions; Providing medical treatment to the cattle if needed
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Houston would like to expand the business and strengthen her company's connection with local restaurants as the prices are tough on consumers at present.