Lessons Learned
This past year’s drought opened the eyes of people who thought droughts were only summer events. At our ranch, the drought started Aug. 26, 2024, when the last measurable amount of rainfall fell. It wasn’t until November when two tenths inch of rain was recorded. Our ranch did not get a full inch of rain until December. Fall grass recovery grazing did not occur and winter grass growth was delayed.
For the Record
The 86th Bockhorn-Rodenbeck Family Reunion will be held on Sunday, July 20 at the Chapel Hill Volunteer Fire Department Hall, 5295 Main Street, Chapel Hill, Texas. Members should have received an email from bockhornrodenbeckfamily@ gmail. com with information regarding reservations, meal prices and activities planned for the day including a raffle, bingo and children’s jump house and games. If family members need assistance they can send an email to the Reunion President, Bruce Bockhorn at bockhorn7402@hotmail.com.
Shelter Update
As of July 11, the total intake for 2025 at the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter is 967: 438 dogs and 529 cats in need. There are 149 animals in care: 64 dogs and 85 cats. This number includes animals in the facility, in foster care for medical, waiting on available space, or awaiting transport to a rescue partner.
Colorado County Livestock Producers Reminded to Report Losses By March
Colorado County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Dawn Hoffmann reminds livestock producers who suffered grazing losses that occurred throughout 2025 due to drought to report their losses timely and to enroll in the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) by March 1, 2026.
Review of St. James Concert by Miles Gillette-Bockhorn
We’ve all experienced a variety of standing ovations following musical performances. Two are hesitant. There’s the begrudging kind: Oh, looks like everyone’s slowly standing; guess I gotta too, but it wasn’t THAT good. And then there’s the eager-but-cautious type: Oh, that was swell, but no one is standing so I guess I won’t … wait, there’s one … now two; let’s do this.
