Riding the Trails of History: The Legacy of Texas Cattle Ranching

Join us for a riveting journey through Texas' cattle history, where the modern beef industry took root. Discover how Spanish settlers introduced the resilient Longhorn cattle to Texas, igniting a booming industry that shaped the state's economy and culture. From the perilous cattle drives along the Chisholm and Goodnight-Loving Trails to the transformative impact of railroads, this session unveils the adventurous spirit and enduring entrepreneurial legacy of Texas ranchers.

Speaker:

Dr. Ron Gill

Dr. Ron Gill is professor and Extension livestock specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and from 2009 until 2023 also served as Associate Department Head and Program Leader for Extension within the Animal Science Department at Texas A&M University.

He attended Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX where he earned his bachelor's in Animal Science/Business and his Master's degree in 1981 in range nutrition. In 1984 he received his doctorate from Texas A&M University.  He has worked for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for 40 years as a livestock specialist, providing technical expertise and presenting educational seminars in support of Extension programming efforts across Texas.

He is the 5th generation of his family to ranch in Texas. His Great Grandfathers ranched in far West Texas and the Texas Panhandle beginning in the 1860’s. Since 1988 Ron and his wife Debbie have also been the owners and managers of Gill Cattle Company a commercial cow-calf and stocker operation in Wise and Parker counties.