ROCKING M CATTLE COMPANY

The history of the Texas Longhorn is a long and unique one to say the least.  Most historians believe that the first "Longhorns" developed from cattle brought over from Spain during the first part of the 16th Century.  These cattle interbred and developed naturally in wild in the southwest, particularly after the decreased Spanish presence in the region after the early 1600's.  Escaped, and wild cattle established large herds and eventually grew substantial horn as a natural defense against predators.

The Texas Longhorn was the early centerpiece for the cattle drives of the 1800's.  Hundreds of thousands of Longhorns were driven to slaughteryards and turned huge profits for cattle barons due to their survivability and natural hardiness.  However, after the introduction of larger-boned and fatter European breeds of cattle, the Longhorn started to take a back seat, so much to the point that the Texas Longhorn nearly went extinct in the early 1900's.  Beef producers could turn much larger profits on the larger, faster-growing European breeds, but they also lost some valuable Longhorn traits in their herds as well, including exceptional calving ease, hardiness, foragability, maternal instinct and protection, and leaner beef.  However, these traits have all helped the Texas Longhorn make a comeback over the past 75 or so years.  Breeders, beef producers, stockmen, roping enthusiasts, and even individuals with Southwest-themed homes and decor have helped the Longhorn make its amazing comeback.  There are now well over 100,000 registered Texas Longhorns in the U.S., and with the modern emphasis on healthy eating, the longhorn is here to stay!

Quick Facts:

Texas Longhorns were the first breed of cattle developed in the Americas.

Texas Longhorns have developed in North America over 500 years through natural selection and adaptation.

On average, only 1 in every 1300 Longhorn births requires assistance.

Longhorns graze more and different grasses than other breeds of cattle, making them very efficient.

Longhorns are not mean or aggressive, in fact many are extremely tame and are even ridden, fed by hand, and shown like other cattle.

Longhorn mothers are very protective of their calves, but normally they will allow familiar humans to be around their calves.

Texas Longhorn steers actually grow the largest horns, some over 100" Tip to Tip.