Focused on efficiency and profit, Coy and Charlotte England raise Brangus/Angus cross cattle on their 250-acre farm making up the England Cattle Company. They currently have 50 cow/calf pairs and three registered Angus bulls, and have 40 acres of their land for hay cutting. Their goal is to promote beef animals that will meet market demands. The Brangus was developed by crossing Brahman and Angus cattle.
“Brangus/Angus cross have good foraging traits,” Coy said, “and they thrive in rough country pastures, finding grass where other breeds won’t go. They’ll make it when nothing else does.”
He stated that he’s learned from years of experience; a cross of these two breeds gives him the combined traits of two highly successful parent breeds, and produces an excellent mix of characteristics. Angus gives him premier beef qualities, and the Brangus cow combines all the outstanding maternal traits of both parent breeds. The Angus cow is highly fertile and is known for her milking ability, making good mothers. The Brangus’ disease resistance and overall hardiness are unmatched by any breed. They calve easily unassisted, and high milk production assures top weaning weights.
Coy and Charlotte have two children, Charles England and Annie Kennedy. Both of the children helped with the cattle operation when they were living at home.
Coy is the current President of the Flintrock Saddle Club. He has always owned horses and mules. For 29 years he and Charlotte made the wagon trail ride form Harrison to Springdale. They still participate in team-penning competition.
“Most of my life I’ve raised cattle, and horses and mules,” he said. “And in recent years I’ve been involved with some activities of the 4-H and FFA members. We have an annual rodeo, and also for the past two years (we’ve hosted) an annual Great American Bull Buck-Out. Several of the 4-H and FFA students participate in that event, in the junior rodeo category, 18 years and younger. June 5 of this year will make three years and we expect a bigger turnout. We also have the big boys’ event, sanctioned by the ACA.”
On Thursday nights during the summer when school is out, the rodeo arena and grounds are opened for “Kids Night”. Coy gives credit to Phil Reid and Julie Netland for doing most of the work with the young people. The Western Horse Heritage Association sponsors the Searcy County Youth Riding Program, and is committed to providing an education in western horse skills to youth who are interested. The program is conducted by the Flintrock Saddle Club and the club provides the facilities for teaching youth about horse care, riding, and showmanship. Even if the boy or girl does not have a horse of their own, one will be provided and the activities are open to any kid who is interested in learning more about their western heritage.
Between the horses and the cattle, the Englands stay busy. But while their entertainment comes from the horses and mules, the bulk of their farm paychecks come from the beef cows. England Cattle Company sells most of their beef animals by private treaty. “I sell them in lots, and keep 25 young pair for sale at all times.”
Coy stated that he enjoys his heritage of farming that began with his grandfather, a self-taught veterinarian. “It’s time consuming,” he said, “if you really work at it. This year with all the snow, I stayed busy busting ice and feeding hay. If I had to make the choice all over again to be a cattleman, I would. It’s more about the enjoyment than the money.”
