Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Conservation Outreach
Our only source of income comes from membership dues and donations. We plan to seek financial support from Foundations for specific projects.
DNA Project
On going funding of research to genetically define heritage Texas Longhorn cattle.
Texas History & Social Science Studies
Curriculae were developed for 4th and 7th Grade Texas History and Social Science lessons and High School Biology lessons.
Documentary
PBS quality docu-series that identifies distinctive characteristics of original Texas Longhorn cattle and educates on the value of preserving those traits. The films will archive stories and memories of long-time Texas ranchers juxtaposed with modern-day science and conservation breeders.
Ark of Taste
In cooperation with Slow Foods USA, heritage Texas Longhorn beef was added to the Ark of Taste, an effort to recognize endangered heritage foodstuffs.
Livestock Conservancy Critically Endangered List
The Livestock Conservancy declared heritage (CTLR) Texas Longhorn cattle to be critically endangered. A population of fewer than 3000 exist in the world.
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
Slow Foods USA 2015
External reviews

Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
1. We seek to genetically define the old-time Texas Longhorn, to assure conservation of those genetic markers.
2. We educate the public on the value of these heritage genetics and why conservation is critical.
3. We provide an on-line library of criollo breeds research publications.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
1. We worked with the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California, Davis to build a conservation genetics control database from which to compare animals for qualification. This data in combination with the 500+ SNP genotypes we have assembled using the Illumina 50K bead chip at GeneSeek is being used to build a comprehensive analysis capable of detecting indicine and other taurine breed introgression. We are partnering with Invictus Informatics, LLC in a research project to define the genetic signature of this breed.
2. We use our website to make available to educators curricula for all three levels of public schools and link research documents for students of higher education. Our website and YouTube channel provide historical materials of interest to all ages.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Our board consists of members with a diverse knowledge base and networks reaching many sectors. We all share the love of this living legend and desire to preserve this dynamic piece of history for generations to come.
We work with leading geneticists in the field and are assembling a collection of conservation semen to ensure the future availability of valuable genetics.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Animals our organization identified as historically correct were discovered by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California, Davis to possess a new Y-haplotype never before seen by researchers in criollo genetics in all counties. The haplotype is appropriate for Texas Longhorns and may indicate evidence of traits unique to the breed derived by natural selection. We continue to seek the right person or organization to develop an algorithm for us that uses the genetic markers assembled from mitochondrial profiles and the indicine percentages from our current SNP analysis to map individual animals’ origin percentages as have been developed for humans and dogs.
In preparation for creating a documentary about the Texas longhorn and the people who raise them, we filmed interviews of four long-time breeders that record their memories of growing up on Texas ranches. Excerpts of these interviews were made into a 15-minute educational video.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Cattlemen's Texas Longhorn Conservancy
Board of directorsas of 3/24/2022
Debbie Davis
Jim Rohl
Frank C. Sharp, Ph.D.
Ted Lusher
D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Ph.D.
John Balistreri
Deborah P. Davis
Tim Aycock
Tom Carter
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as: