From healthy beef to registered sales
MIAMI, OKLA. – Dale and Gina Francisco of DG Longhorn Ranch developed their registered Texas Longhorn operation after purchasing their first animals in 2012 near Miami, Okla., in Ottawa County. What began as a small effort to provide healthy beef for their family gradually evolved into a cow/calf enterprise focused on genetic quality, manageable temperaments and educating others about a breed often misunderstood in traditional beef production.
Beginning with only three to four head for personal meat production, Dale and Gina were quickly drawn to the unique characteristics and intelligence of Texas Longhorn cattle. Their interest stemmed from a desire to know exactly how their beef was raised and to provide a leaner protein source for their household. As they gained experience, they began to recognize the breed’s versatility and the opportunities available through showing and registered cattle sales.
As their interest grew, so did the size and direction of the herd. The operation expanded to include participation in open shows and futurities before gradually shifting toward an emphasis on registered cattle sales through private treaty, while continuing to produce beef for personal consumption. This transition allowed the Franciscos to concentrate more intentionally on herd improvement and long-term sustainability.
Today, DG Longhorn Ranch maintains approximately 35 head of registered Texas Longhorn cattle in a primarily cow/calf operation. Although the cattle are not miniature Longhorns, Dale said maintaining docile, manageable dispositions remains a key priority for the ranch.
“All of our cattle are fully registered and selected for their calm temperaments,” Dale said.
Disposition, along with strong genetics and maternal instinct, plays a central role in the Franciscos’ herd management decisions. Their breeding program emphasizes not only horn growth, but also structural soundness, reproductive efficiency and mothering ability to ensure cattle remain productive and practical to manage throughout their lifespan.
To meet these goals, Dale performs much of the ranch’s artificial insemination work, while Gina handles manual and ultrasound pregnancy checks. Dale also conducts blood draws for on-farm pregnancy testing. The couple shares responsibility for feeding, haying, vaccinations, branding and horn measurements, as well as working with calves after weaning to reinforce gentleness and ease of handling.
Calves are typically weaned as a group at 6 months of age. Following weaning, Dale and Gina spend several weeks working with them daily to reduce stress for both cattle and handlers during future management practices. Early interaction helps young cattle become accustomed to human contact, making future handling for breeding, health evaluations or transportation more efficient.
While many aspects of the operation follow routine livestock practices, the Franciscos describe their day-to-day management as relatively low maintenance compared to some breeds. Cattle are fed cubes every other day, with hay provided during winter months as needed. Vaccinations are administered twice annually, and select cows are bred through artificial insemination or natural service.
Raising Texas Longhorn cattle, however, presents unique challenges. Facilities must be designed to accommodate horn growth and the breed’s athletic ability. According to the Franciscos, Longhorns are capable of jumping 5-foot steel fencing if isolated or startled, requiring thoughtful facility design and careful handling to maintain safety and efficiency.
“They are highly intelligent,” Gina said. “They can unhook a gate chain or ground an electric fence on wire with their horns.”
Their intelligence extends to recognizing individual names and learning routine patterns associated with feeding or working. Because each animal exhibits its own personality, culling decisions can sometimes prove difficult when a favorite cow falls short in horn growth or reproductive performance.
Designing equipment to accommodate Longhorn cattle has also required adaptation. Chutes and corrals must allow additional horn width while maintaining safety for both cattle and handlers. The Franciscos said patience and consistency remain some of the most effective tools when working with the breed.
Maintaining profitability requires disciplined selection and clearly defined production goals centered on structural correctness, fertility and long-term consistency within the herd.
Among the ranch’s accomplishments, the Franciscos are particularly proud of earning the World Champion Mature Cow title through the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America in 2017. They also highlighted the success of one of their top-producing cows whose horns measure more than 90 inches tip to tip and who continues to serve as a strong genetic contributor within their program.
The couple primarily markets livestock regionally and plans to maintain a small herd of high-quality animals moving forward, while continuing to challenge misconceptions about Longhorn cattle in traditional beef markets. Educating consumers about the benefits of Longhorn beef and the practical value of the breed remains an important long-term goal.
“There is a stigma to raising cattle that aren’t considered traditional beef stock,” Dale said. “Educating your market outside the Longhorn community can be a challenge.”
For those considering entering the Longhorn industry, the Franciscos encourage prospective producers to visit established breeders and gain a thorough understanding of the breed’s advantages and limitations. Identifying specific goals – whether for youth show participation, profit-driven sales or personal beef production – can help guide initial investments in cattle and infrastructure.
Ultimately, the couple said their greatest enjoyment comes from watching cattle mature and interacting with animals they have raised from birth. Spending time in the pasture observing cattle behavior and development remains one of the most rewarding aspects of their operation.
“Once people are around these unique animals, they often catch the ‘bug’ and find a couple in their pastures,” Gina said.
