Mountain States Texas Longhorn Assoc.

Longhorn Sale to Serve Northern Plains States

2012-01-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

The first High Plains Texas Longhorn Sale, to be held Saturday May 19 at Fort Collins, Colorado, is designed to facilitate buying and selling quality cattle at minimal expense. The sale will be held at Centennial Livestock Auction, conveniently located at Interstate 25 and Highway 14. A complimentary lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m. with sale starting at 12:30 p.m.

Sale chairman John Nelson comments that "We all enjoy the blue ribbon sales events when we have the opportunity to attend." However, he is persuaded that "There is a need for an affordable auction venue within a reasonable distance of folks in Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, Utah and Colorado." The High Plains Sale will put a good selection of cows, pairs and a few herdsire prospects within easy driving distance of a great many Longhorn owners for whom sales in distant states are not practical.

The sale will offer 80 lots of pre-screened registered Longhorns, "providing the opportunity for breeders to add replacements to their herds at the perfect time of year," according to Randy Witte, one of the event organizers. "Consignments include fancy, big horned cows as well as high quality replacement heifers," he adds, "so we expect to have buyers from several states."

The consignment fee is $95, with a yardage fee of $25 that covers straw bedding and hay. A sales commission of 8 percent will be discounted to 5 percent for participating buyers. Information and consignment forms can be obtained at HighPlainsLonghornSale.com, by e-mail at HighPlainsSale@gmail.com or by contacting John Nelson at 970-897-2444 or Randy Witte at 719-749-9071.

Photo Caption:

Wiregrass Courtly is one of the 80 registered Longhorns that will sell at the High Plains Texas Longhorn Sale on May 19 at Fort Collins, Colorado.

High Plains Texas Longhorn Sale Announced

2012-01-04T17:07:00.002-07:00

Randy Witte

MSTLA to SpearheadRegional Sale; Elects Board

Meeting at Palmer Lake, Colo. in December, the members of the Mountain Statesaffiliate agreed to host the High Plains Texas Longhorn Sale, to be held May19, 2012 at Centennial Livestock Auction near Fort Collins, Colo. Adetermining factor in choosing the location was to make it convenient andaffordable for Longhorn producers in Wyoming, Nebraska, Utah and Kansas, aswell as those in Colorado. According to organizer John Nelson, "the HighPlains Sale will be the only Longhorn auction in a wide region to offerconsignment fees of approximately $100," He noted that severalmembers of both registries have already committed to consign. Consignmentdetails are available from John Nelson (970) 222-6054 or JNelson@enganalytics.com.

Election of officers and directors was held at the annual membership meeting,President Randy Witte of Peyton, Colo. was re-elected by acclamation. BarbaraFillmore of Elbert, Colo. was re-elected Vice President, as wasSecretary Joe Brundage of Black Forest, Colo. Treasurer Darlene Nelson ofWellington, Colo. was given another term--along with an expression of extremegratitude for her faithful and highly professional performance.

Barb Fillmore

Joe Brundage

Newly elected to the Board of Directors was Clyde Peek of Franktown,Colo. Holdover Directors and those re-elected are Gary Cole, Penrose,Colo.; Greg Evans, Kiowa, Colo.; John Nelson, Wellington, Colo., and StanSearle of Monument, Colo. New member, Justin Johnson of Ellicott, Colo.was welcomed but needed no introduction, as he has worked on and exhibitedcattle at the Heart of the Rockies Texas Longhorn show for several years.
The Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association has 31 members located inWyoming, Nebraska, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. Membership dues are $20for Associate; $35 for Active voting membership, and $275 for Lifetime. To join contact: Darlene Nelson c/o Cloverbloom Ranch, 51361 WCR 17 Wellington,CO 80549. Email: clovrblm@ezlink.com - (970) 897-2444.

Darlene Nelson (rt)

Searle Ranch hosts Ranch Field Day

2011-08-06T13:47:00.000-06:00

Ranch Field Day in Colorado

Cattle handling on horseback, cattle judging and socializing were the order of the day when Searle Ranch hosted the Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association on a recent Saturday. At just over 7,000 ft. above sea level, the temperature was perfect for these outdoor events. However, the barbecued beef lunch was served indoors, offering welcome protection from an afternoon shower that is typical in the front range of the Colorado Rockies.

Showing how it's done, Travis Casey explained the "hows and whys" of working cattle on horseback. Riding a green-broke mustang, he demonstrated the cowboy technique--emphasizing the importance of moving deliberately. Then the onlookers had the opportunity to step onto a quiet old gelding and practice what they had been learning about.

Following lunch, ranch manager Gary Lake went into considerable detail in discussing the pen of heifers to be judged. After they had marked their score cards, he put participants on the spot, asking for explanations of why they placed the cattle where they did.

By all accounts it was a valuable exercise, made more interesting by the competitive aspect. Winner of the judging contest was Nik Nikodym (pictured at right) who raises Longhorns in Oklahoma while commuting to Colorado Springs for his responsibilities as a Commander in the US Navy.

Field day host Stan Searle noted that the 40 or so members and guests seemed to appreciate "getting among the Longhorn cattle, actually doing something hands-on, rather than sitting around talking about cattle." And, he pointed out, getting tips from Gary Lake and Travis Casey provided a unique opportunity to learn from men with decades of experience working livestock.

Carol Kotzer cuts out a pair.

Marty Slebodnik sorts cattle

The MSTLA has more than 30 members representing five states. Cattle and people representing all Longhorn registries and organizations are welcome at events and meetings of the group. Information on events and membership is available at http://MSTLA.org .

Searle Ranch Field Day, July 2011

Heifer judging was taken seriously

Heart of the Rockies Results

2011-08-06T13:34:00.000-06:00

The Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association enjoyed another tremendous show this year, in Elbert, Colorado, just northeast of Colorado Springs. So many beautiful Texas Longhorn cattle, and the day could not have been more perfect for it.

Stan Jernigan of Cross Plains, Texas was the ITLA qualified judge for Open Show , while Paige Evans of Kiowa, Colorado judged both the Futurity classes and the Trailblazer (New Breeders) Divisions.

Click here for the unofficial results
Buckles, chairs and customized duffel bags were earned for the top cattle, while everyone received a ribbon, enjoyed a great meal, branding a bench for the charity auction and overall, just a great day. Here's just a few of the pictures from that great day.

CLICK HERE to see just a few pictures of some of the winners from the day.

Or, you may want to look through some of the candids snapped during the day...below.

2001 HOTR Texas Longhorn Show

Heart of the Rockies Show - Saturday, June 18th

2011-05-23T13:19:00.000-06:00

Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association presents, the

16th Annual “Heart of the Rockies” Texas Longhorn Show
LATIGO TRAILS EQUESTRIAN CENTER, ELBERT, CO 80106
ALL ITLA AND TLBAA CATTLE WELCOME!

ENTRIES DUE: MAY 31st, 2011

Stan Jernigan Open Show ITLA Certified Judge

Judges: Stan Jernigan CROSS PLAINS, TX, Open Show ITLA Judge
Paige Evans KIOWA, CO; Heifer Futurity and Trailblazer (New Breeders) Judge

Show Committee: Kevin Trigueiro Kevin@719kastles.com
Randy & Marsha Witte (719) 749-9071

CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD your REGISTRATION form

CLICK HERE for a FLIER

DEADLINE: MAY 31st, 2011

SEND PAYMENT and CAMERA READY copy for ADS to:
   John & Darlene Nelson , MSTLA Show Secretaries
   Cloverbloom Ranch 51361 Weld County Rd 17 Wellington, CO 80549
   (970) 897-2444 Phone
   (970) 897-2446 Fax
   CLOVRBLM@EZLINK.COM

Randy Witte Elected President

2011-01-18T09:41:00.001-07:00

2011 MSTLA President Randy Witte (L),
pictured with his lovely wife Marsha (R)

The Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association (MSTLA) has elected Randy Witte president for 2011. A longtime Longhorn producer, Witte is also a director of ITLA. He and his wife Marsha are also recipients of the prestigious ITLA Unsung Heroes Award for 2010--in recognition of their years of tireless service to the members of MSTLA and the Longhorn industry. Their volunteer efforts have included chairing the Heart of the Rockies Texas Longhorn show each summer in Colorado and hosting the highly popular pre-show party at their Red Ink Ranch near Peyton, Colorado.
Before his retirement a few years ago, Randy was publisher of Western Horseman magazine, where he had spent 29 years. Before that he headed the Rodeo News Bureau and served as editor of Rodeo Sports News at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. His considerable creative skills have been utilized in behalf of not only the Texas Longhorn industry but also the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, the country's largest stock show.

Congratulations to Randy Witte!

'Twas the Night before Christmas...

2010-12-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

A poem for the season, shared by former MSTLA President, Kevin Trigueiro and family.

CLICK HERE:

Or, copy and paste this full link in your browser:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_IebhguGT4vNjI0MWJlZmEtNGU4ZS00NDJiLWJmYjEtMTU5YmY4MjQ3MjYx&hl=en

Randy Witte to head Mountain States Association

2010-12-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association has elected Randy Witte president for 2011. A longtime Longhorn producer, Witte is also a director of ITLA. He and his wife Marsha are also recipients of the prestigious ITLA Unsung Heroes Award for 2010--in recognition of their years of tireless service to the members of MSTLA and the Longhorn industry. Their volunteer efforts have included chairing the Heart of the Rockies Texas Longhorn show each summer in Colorado and hosting the highly popular pre-show party at their Red Ink Ranch near Peyton, Colo.

Before his retirement a few years ago, Randy was publisher of Western Horseman magazine, where he had spent 29 years. Before that he headed the Rodeo News Bureau and served as editor of Rodeo Sports News at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. His considerable creative skills have been utilized in behalf of not only the Texas Longhorn industry but also the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, the country's largest stock show.

The 2011 MSTLA officers and directors shown above are (l to r): Randy Witte; past president and director Kevin Trigueiro; Gary Cole; vice president Barbara Fillmore; John Nelson; Stan Searle; treasurer Darlene Nelson, and secretary Joe Brundage. Not pictured is director Greg Evans.

The 2011 schedule of events for the Mountain States affiliate includes the annual show, to be held in June. A field day and a variety of presentations and programs throughout the year will help members market live cattle and beef, develop cattle photography skills, evaluate cattle, and learn more about the history of the Longhorn breed. For membership or event information, contact Darlene Nelson at clovrblm@ezlink.com.

Longhorns, Yodeling and Snakes, oh my!

2010-12-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well, we had another great gathering of the Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association this past weekend. We enjoyed stories around the table from the past year, even some incredible ones including huge rattlesnakes :). time did not allow for yodelling, although we thanked John Nelson for the offer. And be sure to ask him about diamonds another time. Here's just a few unposed candids from around the table. Hope to see you at the next meeting!

2010_Witte_Red Ink Ranch Branding

2010-11-27T17:02:00.004-07:00

MSTLA members Randy and Marsha Witte, of the Red Ink Ranch (Peyton, CO) recently branded some of their new calf crop. It was a crisp afternoon, but good times around the fire brands and shared conversations and freidnship. Be sure to ask the Witte's about available Colorado Natural Longhorn Beef. They are members of the natural beef cooperative in Colorado. Find them and others at http://www.coloradonaturallonghronbeef.com/ .

Enjoy a few candids of the afternoon. Click on picture below and Select Slideshow.

2010_Witte_Red Ink Ranch Branding

Searle Ranch Branding and September MSTLA Meeting

2010-09-27T12:59:00.001-06:00

It was another great day at Searle Ranch (Searle Ranch Web Site), followed by the periodic meeting of the Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association. Enjoy some of the pictures from the day's activities, branding around 40 Texas Longhorn calves. Our thanks to everyone who came and made the day one to remember!

Enjoy some of the pictures from the day! (Click on pictures to view larger, Select Slideshow)

Loss of MSTLA Member Durrell Farnsworth

2010-09-27T12:18:00.001-06:00

We are very saddened to have learned of the loss of two of our Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association; Kurt Youngstrand and Durrell Farnsworth. Our deepest sympathies are extended to their families at this time. Durrell's Obituary

Durell Farnsworth

We will miss Durrell Farnsworth

July 26, 1935 ~ September 23, 2010
Hometown: Mountain Home, UT

Durell Farnsworth, age 75, of Mountain Home, passed away September 23, 2010, at the Uintah Basin Medical Center from complications of Silicosis, a lung disease.

He was born July 26, 1935, in Mountain Home, to Philo T and Hazel Thayne Farnsworth. He married Linda Ann Butler on January 18, 1963 in Spanish Fork and they were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in March of 1964.

Durell’s first love was his family – especially his grandkids– and his second were his Texas Longhorn Cows. He was always happy to give you the “Free $10.00 Ranch Tour”. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the International Texas Longhorn Association and would travel the country judging longhorn shows.

He enjoyed life to the fullest, loved people, and was a happy-go-lucky smart a@#. He was a member of the LDS Church.

He was well liked, much loved, and left a good impact on his world.

Durell is survived by his wife, Linda, Mountain Home; children, Sherry (James) Arthur, Roosevelt; Chip (Kristie) Farnsworth, Fairview; Tonya (Russell) Ruckman, Eagle Mountain; TJ (Tammy) Farnsworth, Mountain Home; 13 grandchildren with one on the way; 2 great grandchildren; brother and sisters, Grace Wilkins, Vernal; Leah (Jerry) Bassett, Murray; Veloy Bird, Kearns; Dee (Eileen) Farnsworth, Grace, Idaho; sisters-in-law, Adele Farnsworth, California; Beth Farnsworth, Talmage; Jane Farnsworth, Bridgeland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clair, Rex, Leo, and Lon; and sisters, Afton Mackie and Laura Cummings.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at the Moon Lake LDS Chapel in Mountain Home where a visitation will be held on Monday from 6-8 p.m.

Burial will be in the Mountain Home- Boneta Cemetery under direction of the Hullinger Mortuary.

Condolences may be viewed and sent to http://www.hullingermortuary.com/

Loss of MSTLA Member Kurt Youngstrand

2010-09-27T12:11:00.001-06:00

We will miss Kurt Youngstrand

Kurt T. Youngstrand, 66, of Fort Collins, Colo.; formerly of Cloquet, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sept. 9, 2010.

After growing up in Cloquet, Kurt moved to Fort Collins. He spent most of his life there before recently moving back to Minnesota to be with family and deal with his illness.

He was a proud member of Timberline Church in Fort Collins, the Rocky Mountain Steel Guitar Association, and the Wold County Sheriff’s Posse.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jason; and parents Elmer and Helen.

He is survived by daughters Melissa (Mike) Grover and Jennifer (Wade) McDonald; five grandchildren; brothers Fred (Lisa) and Mark (Valery); and other family and many friends.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Our Lady of Good Counsel Home for their wonderful, compassionate care.

VISITATION: 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Friday, Sept. 17, in Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Lino Lakes, 7050 Lake Drive. Interment at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet at a later date.

2010SHOW_Candids

2010-08-05T12:08:00.000-06:00

Longhorn Shindig Hosted by Red Ink Ranch

2010-07-29T15:30:00.010-06:00

Randy and Marsha Witte of the Red Ink Ranch hosted the annual pre-show picnic dinnner at their ranch. They generously provided the meal to participants and guests the evening before the 15th Annual Heart of the Rockies Texas Longhorn show.

Riding Steers of Legendary Longhorns

2010-07-29T14:08:00.012-06:00

Gary Cole (Legendary Longhorns, LLC) getting his steer ready to ride into the arena.

Erika Gasper, getting ready to sing the national anthem, off the back of a Texas Longhorn!

Erika Gasper, singing the National Anthem to start the show.

Longhorns are very docile animals. So much so, that they can be halter broken to ride them. Pretty cool, eh?!! (L-R) Erika Gasper, Gary Cole and Kay Cole

Kay Cole, honoring the Colorado Flag in the opening ceremony

The Show on Saturday

2010-07-29T13:49:00.025-06:00

Unsung heroes, Cody and Alexander, herding the Longhorns into the arena.

Gary Cole handled judging responsibilities for the TrailBlazer and Futurity. Pictured here with the show's Ring Steward, Gary Lake.

Lizz Huntsberry did an outstanding job judging the open show. Here she makes the tough decision for top show steer. Lizz is out of Hagerstown, MD

The emcees and oferrors of color commentary were John Nelson (Cloverbloom Ranch) and Jim Civis (Civis Ranch).

Keeping track of all the awards were MSTLA Secretary, Sue Kelly (Celtic Cross Ranch) and Treasurer, Darlene Nelson (CloverBloom Ranch).

Thanks again to the ranch hands from Cloverbloom Ranch and Searle Ranches.

Marsha Witte (Red Ink Ranch) had to be the hardest working woman in the MSTLA show! Just one of her endless duties was handling the heat in the back pens and making sure all the Longhorns entered the show in correct order.

The Awards Dinner

2010-07-29T12:12:00.005-06:00

The steak at Latigo Grill is phenomenal! Kenny Backstrand delivers a great steak meal each and every year! Really incredible!

At the after supper auction, they auctioned off a cowboy bib. Cody was goofing around and had no idea we'd get a picture taken of him wearing a bib!

The Branding Bench

2010-07-29T11:13:00.021-06:00

One of the items that was auctioned off at the after dinner awards auction was a bench. Each of the member attendees applied their brand onto the oak heritage bench.

How many Cowboys does it take to put on a brand? :)

John Nelson, of Cloverbloom Ranch

Stan Searle, of Searle Ranches

Gary Cole, of Legendary Longhorns

Chuck Hughes, of Cwm Ceffyl

Norm Fillmore, of Red Tail Ranch

The final bench was auctioned as a fundraiser after the show and awards dinner. It was generously purchased by John and Darlene Nelson, Cloverbloom Ranch, out of Welllington, CO.

2010 Heart of the Rockies Show Trailblazer and Futurity Judge Announced

2010-05-24T12:36:00.002-06:00

At a recent meeting of the Mountain States Texas longhorn Association, the members unanimously voted and approved this years judge for the Futurity and Trailblazer Divisions: Gary Cole, Legendary Longhorns, LLC, of Penrose Colorado.

We are thrilled to have Gary's talents as he judges the predicted outcomes of the cattle, and how they might develop into future champions (Futurity). He will also be hleping the new Longhorn breeders by judging the Trailblazer Division. The Trailblazer Division is specifically for breeders who have been in the Longhorn business fewer than six years. It is an invlauble help to new breeders to have their cattle judges with the eye of a veteran judge as they paln the future of their herd.

Thanks Gary, we'll see you at the Heart of the Rockies Show, July 17, 2010; at Latigo Trails, Elbert, CO.

Members May Bid on Supplying Longhorn to Local School Meal Program

2010-05-11T19:26:00.006-06:00

At the recent meeting of the Mountain States Texas Longhorn Association (MSTLA.org), member Barbara Fillmore brought up the prospect of bidding on supplying nutrient rich Texas Longhorn beef to a local school lunch program. The Texas Longhorn breed of cattle is unique in its design and when combined with the natural benefits of a grass fed diet it offers high omega III's, and is lower in cholesterol than skinless chicken...read more.