This fourth-generation family-owned ranch is considered one of the premiere Black Angus producers in the country. Bob McClaren (photo below) – the former president of the Houston Astros and a prominent sports agent – is the president and CEO of 44 Farms, and he has spent more than a decade bringing several smaller parcels of his family’s land together under a single 44 Farms umbrella. It was his great-grandfather S.W. McClaren, who emblazoned his cattle with “44” in 1909, and thus the 44 Farms brand was born.
Bob McClaren at 44 Farms in Cameron, Texas
In February, 44 Farms landed a $2 million deal on the CNBC show Billion Dollar Buyer with Tilman Fertitta, the owner of Landry’s Inc. Fertitta travels the country sampling hospitality products, and the deal with 44 Farms was the biggest in the show’s history.
What would you tell a young person who wants to become a rancher or farmer?
Production agriculture of any kind is hard work. It is usually seven days a week and 12-plus hours a day. So, you must love the work. It really is a calling. It’s not for everyone. Most successful ranchers and farmers understand that we depend on the land and its resources for our livelihood. From that dependency comes a unique connection with the land, the cattle and experiencing God’s creation up close everyday. It is a life of great responsibility, risk and challenge, but fulfillment beyond measure.
What do you wish the public knew about ranch families?
I think most people would be surprised by the pride and satisfaction that ranchers experience knowing they have provided a wholesome, healthy and delicious product for the public to enjoy. There is a strong emotional connection in the hearts and minds of ranchers with the consumer.
What ambitions do you still have?
One thing I hope I can do is provide people with opportunities to follow their dreams. Another is to continue to grow the 44 Farms brand and maybe expand our reach by providing new products and services. Third, is to help tell the great story of American agriculture and the men and women who work so hard to provide healthy and delicious food for America and the world. Finally, I always want to share what God has done for me through His amazing grace.
“Everyday I read …?
The Bible and a letter from my dad that I keep in my Bible. He sent me the letter two weeks after I started law school in 1981. He told how proud he was of me, he refreshed my memory to wake up early, he reminded me that work is a blessing, he encouraged me to never let others pull me down, he told me to never give up, and he said he loved me no matter what and that God has a plan for my life.
What keeps you awake at night?
Thinking of the men and women that have invested their lives and families in the hope and mission of 44 Farms. The weight of that keeps me awake, but it is so exciting.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The men and women of 44 Farms. I love them all. They have come here from around the U.S. with different backgrounds and experiences, yet it really works. There is great respect within the team, and we all share the desire to serve our customers.
What has been the best advice you’ve received from ranchers in your family?
It is funny that several family members and others have shared with me that this business would never work. They feel like the “cattle industry” is not one that lends itself to success and that agriculture is under attack. We just believe in our mission of helping ranchers be successful by producing a premium product through the use of our Angus genetics rather than just producing a commodity.
The feature Families That Ranch Together appeared in the Spring 2017 issue of My Table magazine, now on newsstands or available digitally.