Texas Department of Agriculture

09/15/2026

Introducing Spring Gap Ranch from Callahan County.

The history of the Spring Gap Ranch is the history of names. Clifton Mott “C.M.” Caldwell purchased about 20 percent of the Cross Bar Ranch in Callahan County, filing the deed of sale on April 14, 1926. He called it the Cordwent Ranch when discussing cattle deals, tank cleanings, fence building, and cedar chopping. It was a nod to the original owner, Richard Cordwent.

C.M. transferred ownership to his children, Guy, Mildred, and Agnes. They in turn swapped other lands until Agnes and her son, Bob Beckham were the sole owners. Agnes then gave her portion to Bob Beckham who continued managing it as a cow/calf operation that still runs today. For many years it was called the Beckham Ranch.

Following the family model, long before he passed away, Bob transferred the ranch to his children: John Beckham, Nancy Beckham Capra, Lynn Beckham, and Rob Beckham.

Today we have a Black Angus herd with over 75 years of selective breeding. The name shifted from the Beckham Ranch to the Spring Gap Ranch reflecting its unique geography: the Spring Gap. It is located between the two tallest peaks in the Callahan Divide: Spring Mesa and Bald Eagle Hill.

09/14/2026

Looking for the latest market news?
Join Commissioner Miller for the Daily Market Round Up!

09/14/2026

"We need dependable legal labor, and that’s what we get from the H-2A program.” - Commissioner Sid Miller

Lawmakers have tried to balance immigration enforcement with opportunities for foreign workers.

09/14/2026

Celebrating over 10 years of service with National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)! Commissioner Sid Miller is proud to reflect on a decade-plus of advocating for our producers, strengthening ag policy, and championing Texas agriculture alongside incredible leaders across the nation.

09/14/2026

Commissioner Sid Miller is on-site at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) conference connecting with leaders from across the region for the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA) meeting. TDA is proud to join fellow state agriculture representatives to discuss critical policies, strengthen regional partnerships, and advocate for Texas agriculture on the national stage.

09/14/2026

From unruly weather to cyberattacks, agricultural growers face a wide range of threats.

On this episode of "Shoot the Bull," Commissioner Sid Miller responds to a survey revealing most farmers are unprepared for operational disruptions and encourages producers to develop a risk management plan should troubles arise.

Today's episode originally aired in July of this year.

09/13/2026

The new edition of GO TEXAN Magazine is here! From inspiring stories of Texas farmers and ranchers to local businesses and the products that make our state unique, the latest issue celebrates the people, places and industries that define Texas.

Discover the producers behind your food, explore communities across the Lone Star State and see why supporting Texas-grown and Texas-made matters now more than ever.

Read the newest edition and experience the best of Texas agriculture, food, culture and tradition https://farmflavor.com/texas/texas-magazine/go-texan-2026-27/

09/13/2026

As watermelon season winds down, we're revisiting a past "Shoot the Bull" segment in which Commissioner Sid Miller says watermelon growers are "getting squeezed from every direction" as heavy rains and other factors have taken a toll on this year's crop.

Today's episode originally aired in July of this year.

09/13/2026

We are counting down the days until the GO TEXAN Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas opens its doors! Later this month, we'll be welcoming fairgoers to shop, taste, and discover some of the best Texas-made products from our GO TEXAN Partners across the Lone Star State.

Commissioner Sid Miller and the GO TEXAN team can't wait to see y'all at the fair!

09/13/2026

Introducing K3 Ranch from Parker County.

After serving in the Civil War, R. D. Biles traveled by wagon from Mississippi to Garner, Texas where he established the family ranch on a 249-acre land grant.

In 1889, he conveyed the land to his daughter Mary and her husband, Oscar Lafayette King, who raised livestock and cotton. Their son Richard McDuffie King and his wife, Ora, acquired the farm in 1912 and added watermelon crops.

Their son Delmar and his wife, Martha Jane, inherited the farm in 1968, raising livestock, melons, and grain. Delmar also served two terms in the Texas Legislature during the 1930s, worked as a security intelligence officer during World War II and served as interim Parker County judge. In 2009, the ranch passed to their sons, Larry and Kenneth.

Today, Kenneth and his wife, Bonnie, live on K3 Ranch with their daughter Tonya, her husband, Nathan Arms, and their daughter, Leddee Rae, the seventh generation to live on the ranch. The family raises Black Angus cattle and produces coastal hay and wheat.

A retired XTO Energy landman, Kenneth continues the family tradition of civic involvement. He serves on a Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association committee and the Brazos River Watermaster Advisory Committee.