Meet A Real Cowman: Neal and DeeDee Strauss

May 10, 2007 10:58 AM

We are Neal and DeeDee Strauss and we own and operate Premier Longhorns LLC in Stillwater, Oklahoma. We breed, raise and yes, train, our registered Texas Longhorns. We strive to focus on cutting edge genetics while developing our own specific niche in the cattle industry –that of seedstock production and performance trained Longhorns. Trying to keep our herd under 20 head is not easy especially when they are all so beautiful. Yet, it is our sincere intention to retain that luxury of being both small and select.

Though not born and bred in a rural community, we’ve always shared a love for the land. So, it was inevitable, after many years of successfully showing Quarter Horses in AQHA, that we decided to raise cattle. The innate desire to actually be a real American Cowman is something kindled in the heart of many children from an early age. Later in life, when circumstances permit, often this desire does eventually come to fruition. Since Neal had always liked Longhorns, we decided to purchase two heifers. We were very fortunate that both happened to be bred to a TLBAA Horn Showcase Champion and one, the daughter of a World Champion cow. That was our start.

However, except for knowledge of bloodstock and horse training, we really knew so very little about cattle and decided we had better learn fast. We enrolled in the OSU Master Cattleman program, went to A.I. School, and got lots of help from caring new friends. Now, six years later, we’re happily using leading sires in the Longhorn industry with wonderful results – retaining most heifers and progressively refining our breeding program.

Since old habits die hard, we halter break all our calves and are enjoying every minute of it. We also train our calves as riding steers, in trick training and harness driving, for use as unique large companion animals and in the entertainment field. We have found Texas Longhorns to be extremely intelligent and personable and a real joy. Since Neal is retired, he gets to pet the babies and their moms everyday. Originally from New York, we have been married since 1974, have two daughters and extend to all a warm welcome to come visit us at http//:www.premierlonghorns.com here in Oklahoma cow country!

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