Bains committed to land conservation, improving purebred Beefmaster herd

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Lura and Melvin Bain set their sights on retiring to the country, and specifically, to the land Lura's grandfather once owned. The couple is actively involved in their ranch's cattle production, as well as several organizations and committees. -- Staff photo by Taylor

July 8, 2004 -- A third generation rancher, Lura Bain, along with her husband, Melvin, made the decision to move back to property once owned by her grandfather, when Melvin retired from DuPont in Victoria in 1985. Lura had worked as a traffic manager at the Foster Air Force Base, at one point in her career, and as a financial secretary, later.

Although they had lived "in town" for many years, Lura said that as a child, she was reared on the ranch and was "her dad's shadow," while growing up, and never lost her love for the ranch and animals.

To assure they would eventually move to the country, the Bains purchased their first Beefmaster cattle in 1984, so they were established as cattle producers by the time they moved to the ranch near Luling, in Caldwell County. And, for a "young" couple retiring to the country, the Bains bit off a big hunk, since the land they ranch on had to be cleared of the overgrown brush, fenced, and have ponds dug.

"We were/are very interested in conservation and restoring the land," noted Lura.

On their land, the Bains decided on Beefmaster cattle because they were "gentle, easy to work with, and great mothers."

Lura said they only wanted "gentle" animals on their property, and if any animal showed aggression, they were removed from the ranch.

According to information from Oklahoma State University, the "Beefmaster" breed was originally started on the Texas Lasater Ranch, when in 1908, Ed Laster purchased Brahman bulls to use on his commercial herd of Hereford and Shorthorn cattle.

Upon Laster's death, his son, Tom, began to breed the Brahman and Hereford with registered Shorthorn bulls. It was his combination of Brahman-Hereford and Brahman-Shorthorn that resulted in his cattle he named "Beefmaster," as he felt they were a "superior" animals.

The Bains' herd of purebreds is marketed through registered sales, and the Bains belong to the Live Oak Beefmaster Association and the South Texas Beefmaster Breeder Association, among others. They have the distinction of being "merit breeders," with every animal on the ranch bred using expected progeny differences (EPDs).

The Bains believe in using EPD information and keeping records on each animal that has ever been on their ranch. Their herd is a "TB-certified free" herd, and they are eager for Texas to become a certified state, once again. Lura said having a "safe" herd is a "very good management tool."

After starting out with over 100 acres, 20 years ago, the Bains have continued to add on to their property, including 17 acres used for hay production. She said the soil conservation program has been very helpful in saving farmland and agriculture. Melvin has served as the district director and vice president of the Caldwell/Travis Soil and Water Conservation District, and he served on the Plum Creek Soil and Water Conservation District Board, which put in 34 dams for flood control in the area.

Lura is also involved with groups that focus on beef production and marketing. Lura, laughingly, mentioned she is on the local beef program committee for livestock, established by the county Extension agent. While the cattle business is a serious matter for her, she said some of the "other" members are always surprised there is a woman on the committee ... until they listen to her comments and knowledge of livestock. Also, she and Melvin are members of the new Centex Beef Alliance.

The Bains run around 65 head of cattle on their ranch, and use controlled grazing, which Lura "really recommends." Two times a year, they hire "professional cowboys" to come in and assist them in branding and other ranching needs. Otherwise, it is usually just the two, "retired" Bains!

Riding over the ranch and seeing several of the 10 ponds, the pride and love for the ranch seems to radiate from Lura, as she explains the origin of each. Several of their ponds ... near the ranch house they designed and had built from logs and Austin Stone ... are stocked with bass and catfish.

Driving up in front of the house, we are greeted by a pair of geese, a couple of dogs and cats who live in harmony. The Bains enjoy watching the geese play with a tire swing in the front yard, and laugh when something gets the goose's attention and he forgets to watch for the swinging tire!

It seems the Bains have retired to a life they knew they would love, and as Lura puts it, "... we want to stay here as long as we can. We just hope our health continues to allow it."

And, they are hoping that at least one of their two sons or granddaughter will keep the ranch in the next two generations of Bains.