Broken Trace Acres Keeps the Lockes Busy in Retirement
QUAPAW, OKLA. – What began as a way to stay busy in retirement turned into a growing livestock operation for Darren and Vicke Locke of Broken Trace Acres in Ottawa County. The couple officially started the farm in 2021 after returning home and purchasing a small property near Quapaw. While the farm itself is relatively new, the Lockes’ background in livestock and agriculture stretches back many years.
Before starting Broken Trace Acres, the couple raised Quarter Horses and Appaloosa horses for performance events such as calf roping and team roping. After moving back home to Oklahoma and retiring, the Lockes decided to step away from the horse business but still wanted to remain active in agriculture.
“We bought a small farm so we could stay busy,” Vicke said. “We have always liked Herefords and Texas Longhorns, so we slowly started buying registered cattle and building our herd.”
Today, Broken Trace Acres focuses primarily on cattle while also raising pigs, chickens and Northern bobwhite quail. The cattle herd includes two registered Hereford bulls and 12 registered Hereford cow/calf pairs. Alongside the Herefords, the Lockes also maintain a small herd of registered Texas Longhorn cattle, including six Longhorn cows, two Longhorn calves and one Texas Longhorn steer. Darren said the steer mainly serves as “eye candy” for visitors to the farm.
In addition to cattle, Broken Trace Acres raises pigs on consignment for customers who want locally raised pork. When the pigs reach market weight, they are taken to the butcher for customers who have reserved them.
Chickens are another part of the farm operation. The Lockes keep an average of 25 to 30 chickens and raise several breeds including Leghorns, Buff Orpingtons and Giant Brahmas.
One of the fastest growing parts of Broken Trace Acres has been the Northern bobwhite quail operation. The Lockes began raising quail about a year ago with approximately 150 birds, and the number has since grown to around 350 birds.
Raising quail has presented new challenges compared to the other livestock on the farm. “They are so small when they hatch out,” Vicke said. “You have to watch the temperature in the brooder carefully to make sure it stays where it needs to be.” She said quail can also be unpredictable at times. “They can be healthy one moment and gone the next, and sometimes you never know why.”
Despite the challenges, the Lockes said the quail have been a rewarding addition to the farm and a learning experience for both of them.
A typical day at Broken Trace Acres varies depending on the season and the needs of the livestock. Daily chores often include feeding and watering animals, cleaning pens and checking waterers. Other tasks may include repairing fences, moving cattle between pastures or cutting and feeding Bermuda hay. The quail also require regular attention as they grow, with birds moved from brooders to growing pens and eventually into breeding pens once they mature.
When it comes to herd management, the Lockes focus on maintaining quality livestock and traditional farming practices. The couple selected their two Hereford bulls based on strong genetics and low birth weights. Their cattle are fed quality Bermuda hay along with a balanced feed ration, and the herd is worked twice each year to monitor health and maintain good management practices.
The Lockes said they prefer to follow a more traditional style of farming. “We try to do things the old-fashioned way,” Darren said. “We try not to use chemicals on our fields and only give our animals what they need to stay healthy.”
Their goal is to raise quality cattle that can be used for replacement heifers or for meat production while also providing locally raised pork, quail and eggs. Broken Trace Acres markets cattle, pigs and quail primarily within the four-state region surrounding northeast Oklahoma.
The farm also provides a lifestyle the couple enjoys, allowing them to stay active while also providing quality meat for their own family.
For now, Broken Trace Acres continues to grow at a steady pace as the couple works together caring for livestock and improving their small farm. For anyone interested in starting a small hobby farm of their own, the Lockes offer simple advice.
“Start small and buy good quality stock,” Darren said. “Buy from a reputable breeder and do your research.”
It is advice that has helped guide the Lockes as they continue building Broken Trace Acres one step at a time.
