By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist<\/p>\n
Texas Farm Bureau\u2019s Farm From School program launched the Spring 2026 semester with a virtual field trip to W4 Ranch in Morgan.<\/p>\n
Students in grades 6\u201312 learned about beef production and the role genetics, technology and animal care play in raising cattle from Jeff Chaffin, who is the ranch manager of the family-owned operation.<\/p>\n
W4 Ranch is a multi-generation Hereford cattle operation that was founded in 1961. The family raises registered Hereford bulls and females for commercial producers across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe strive to produce bulls whose calves will produce high-quality beef, and heifers that can go back into cow herds and continue producing,\u201d Chaffin said. \u201cIn today\u2019s market, you need to get as much value from heifer calves as you do steers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ranch runs about 1,000 mother cows across roughly 16,000 acres, with more than 2,000 cattle.<\/p>\n
During the visit, students followed along as Chaffin introduced coming two-year-old Hereford bulls and explained how W4 Ranch develops cattle that can thrive in a wide range of environments.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur bulls go to Southeast Texas, Louisiana, down on the Gulf Coast, Southeast Alabama, Georgia, West Texas and Oklahoma, so they have to be able to handle a wide variety of terrain and climates and still go out and do their job,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Chaffin highlighted the role of genetics and data in herd improvement.<\/p>\n
Students learned how ranchers use Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) to predict how a bull\u2019s future calves may perform, including traits like birth weight, growth and overall performance. These measurements help ranchers make informed breeding decisions and continually improve their herds.<\/p>\n
Students also saw how DNA testing and tissue sampling are used to verify genetics and create genetically enhanced EPDs. By combining science and technology, ranchers can better understand an animal\u2019s potential and make more precise breeding decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many more data points being collected today, and it\u2019s much easier to get that data now,\u201d he said. \u201cBeing able to track weights and enhance EPDs with genetics gives us a leg up in knowing the cattle are doing what we expect them to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Technology plays an important role in day-to-day ranch management, as well.<\/p>\n
Electronic identification tags (EID) allow cattle to be tracked from birth, giving ranchers access to important data like weight gain and health records.<\/p>\n
Students also learned how proper nutrition, vaccination programs, daily monitoring and strong veterinarian relationships help keep cattle healthy and productive.<\/p>\n
The virtual field trip gave students a look at modern beef production and the care and science behind raising cattle. Farm From School continues to connect students with Texas farmers and ranchers, helping them better understand where their food comes from and the career opportunities in agriculture.<\/p>\n
Spring sessions
The remaining spring session for grades 6-12 will focus on forestry in May.<\/p>\n
Students in grades K-5 will learn about onions, peanut shelling, peaches and wheat milling.<\/p>\n
More information
Sign up for the fall 2026 program will open in June.<\/p>\n