Today, the Goodmans' Dalgood Longhorn operation in Waller County is a top breeder of Longhorns, specializing in the Butler line of genetics, with 150 cattle on the 205 acres. Malcolm said those first Longhorns were little more than pets.
"We were looking for something that would spice up our lives a bit," he said. "We wanted something to look at besides the trees and pretty views. After we bought the first Longhorns, we started to get addicted to these animals. They're the most fascinating cattle, and very gentle."
Malcolm, a retired engineer, zeroed in on the Butler line of genetics when he started buying more Longhorns. The Butler line is named for pioneering breeder Milby Butler. Of the "seven families of Texas Longhorns" the Butler is most often called the "true" Longhorn. Its lineage can be traced in an unbroken line back to the native big-horned cattle of East Texas and the Gulf Coast. They are also known for the size of their horns, which, along with color, is a big draw for many Longhorn buyers, Malcolm said.
Malcolm used his skills as an engineer to create a "Horn Predictor" to help breeders determine how long a young Longhorn's horns will be when it matures. He developed the predictor in 1999 based on statistical analysis of measured horn data for bulls and cows. The results, which were published in the Dec. 1999 issue of "Texas Longhorn Journal," use the animal's birth date and measurement date to make the prediction.
"It works pretty well," he said. "Nothing better has come along over the years."
Though he appreciates a Longhorn with an impressive set of horns as much as anybody, Malcolm said he is trying to move the industry back to a more balanced approach to the cattle where other characteristics are as important as the horn itself.
"Conformation is important, and udder production and calving are important," he said. "At the end of the day, the Longhorn is still a beef cow. It's used in the rodeo industry because its horns make it a good roping animal. The hides and horns are used in furniture making and for rugs. But, at the end of the day, they are still beef cattle and they have to have a beef value."
For Malcolm and Connie, the Longhorn is something more than that. Malcolm refers to the cattle as "living and reproducing art." Dalgood Longhorns are noted for their eye appeal because the Goodmans see themselves as art collectors as well as cattle breeders.
Among their prized pieces of art are five Longhorn steers that are beautiful from an aesthetic standpoint but might, Malcolm added, lack a little on the business side of the deal.
"They are fun and beautiful but they are costly," he said. "They don't produce anything and they eat a lot. They are pure art."
Dalgood Longhorns are present at the annual Butler Sale but Malcolm said he prefers to buy and sell his cattle by private treaty. "I prefer to know the person who's going to buy the Longhorn," he said.
Asked what advice he would give to someone who is considering starting a Longhorn herd, Malcolm said that establishing and sticking with a breeding program is one of the most important early considerations.
"Figure out what you like about them, and concentrate on breeding animals for that niche," he said. "Don't try to do too much. Sometimes it's hard to stick with a plan because you will be at a sale or you will run across a really pretty cow somewhere and you want to buy it. You have to know that you're better off sticking to your plan."
It's also important to involve your family in the operation, he said.
"I believe it's easier if you and your spouse are together in this," he said. "I know there are some breeders who struggle with this. My wife is into this as much as I am. Each one of us has veto power over the other on any decision relating to the cattle, whether it concerns buying or selling or raising them."
For more information on Dalgood Longhorns, including Goodman's formula for predicting horn length, go to dalgoodlonghorns.com.
