Janaks succeed at Texas-flared businesses

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Mark and Karen Janak of Lavaca County are 'outstanding' with one of their Angus herd bulls. The Janaks have developed a good Angus herd, plus they utilize their Angus cows to produce Golden Certified F1 heifers. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

July 20, 2004 -- After talking with Karen, Mark and Leroy Janak, it's not hard to imagine why the J Bar Angus Ranch and the Janak's Country Market near Halletsville have been successful. It's apparent that each loves what they do, and they are working to pass the family businesses on to the next generation of Janaks.

Angus cattle business thrives with couple's dedication

Karen and Mark were high school sweethearts, and although Karen was a member of 4-H, Mark, laughingly, said that, as an only child, he didn't have time to be a part of any club, since he was expected home to help with the animals. Apparently, it was a good thing. Now, both he and Karen enjoy working with the Angus cattle and are very knowledgeable about the breed.

In 1991, as newlyweds, they were introduced to the Angus breed by Dr. Harvey Renger Jr., of Mule Spring Angus Farm. He sold a portion of his registered herd to the couple from his farm that dated back to 1947.

After purchasing these cattle from Renger, the Janaks decided to purchase two herd bulls from Baldridge Angus in Nebraska, and ... as they say ... "the rest is history!"

They credit their early success in the cattle business to those two bulls, along with artificial insemination (AI), and currently have over 300 breeding age Angus females. The Janaks said the use of AI, along with embryo transfers, has allowed them to improve the genetics of their cattle.

All the cattle are carefully tracked, and records on their EPDs, carcass data, and guarantees are kept.

Along with their base Angus herd, Karen said they have about 40 registered Angus cows that are bred to registered Gray Brahman bulls. This produces the Golden Certified Replacement F1 Brangus heifers.

Calving at J Bar Angus Ranch occurs between September and October, with weaning in May of each year.

While they try to retain most of their heifers, Karen said their sales are either through private treaty, or the animals are offered in the annual Lone Star Angus Alliance's (LSAA) sales (heifers in April, and bulls in December).

In October, producers come to the ranch to view the Janaks' bulls, and can leave a deposit in order to pick up their selected bull in November. Mark, who is presently serving as LSAA vice president, pointed out that with the market so great for Angus beef, there are usually more buyers than cattle available.

Country market utilizes farm-grown beef, pecans

As if the cattle business and sons Trent, 9, Jordan, 5, and Derrick, 3, aren't enough to keep the couple busy, the younger Janaks work with Mark's dad Leroy, and mother Alice, in harvesting the native Prillop. Last year the harvest was about 200,000 pounds of the soft shelled pecans that were introduced to the operation by Alice's family.

The pecans are used for fresh pecan pies that are a feature at the Janak's Country Market, which is located just down the road from the J Bar Angus Ranch.

The country market store was originated in 1938 by Leroy's dad. At that time, they sold "everything the farmers needed," said Leroy. That included hay, feed for chickens, seeds for planting, as well as a meat market.

Today the newly, "refreshed" country market is operated by Leroy and Alice; and besides the pecan pies and homemade cookies, and the Janaks' sausages are sold.

Until about a year ago, the Janaks used their own beef in the sausage and plans are to begin using their beef again soon. The sausage is processed right next door to the country market. The sign out front proclaims: "If it ain't Janak's, it ain't sausage!"

To share their foods, the Janaks' products are also sold at HEB, Wal-Mart and Albertsons stores in about a 100-mile radius.

Family life on the farm

There's never a dull moment at the ranch and country market, but the Janaks enjoy their rural lifestyle.

Leroy also raises the Black Angus cattle, yet he has a "special" love of the Brahman and Brangus cattle, which he also raises. Plus, he and Alice manage to get away and dance almost every weekend at a local establishment, he shared.

While Karen and Mark cited the best part of working with the cattle and pecan harvests (not to mention the hay crops), is the fact that they "are not tied to an 8-to-5 job," and they are producing good seedstock cattle that will benefit other producers and beef consumers.

Leroy stated that the best part of it all, to him, was sharing it with his wife Alice.

When asked about "the hardest part" of the farm family life, the younger Janaks cited the intensive labor and time required to work the cattle and the land; but Leroy was stumped by the question.

"There's not really a hard part," he noted. The way he figures it, you just take what comes your way and work your hardest to make a success of what you have. It seems to be working for the Janaks.

(To contact the J Bar Angus Ranch: www.jbarangus.com. Janak's Country Market: www.janakpacking.com. Both located right off Texas 90A, about three miles west of Hallettsville.)