by
Shreene Johnson
| Feb 10, 2026
This article was written based on a podcast interview on From the Pasture with Hired Hand. You can listen to the full interview here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Tucked between Cushing and Ripley, Oklahoma, Big Creek Longhorns is more than a registered Texas Longhorn operation — it’s a living classroom of grit, humor, and hands-on ranch life. On From the Pasture with Hired Hand, Austin and Heather Cravens welcomed listeners into their world of energetic cattle, a six-year-old helper named Rowdy, and a breeding program built on patience, mentorship, and thoughtful selection.
From branding lessons to accidental online auction wins, the Cravens’ story proves that great cattle programs grow from community, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning.
Meet Austin & Heather Cravens
Austin and Heather have been together for over a decade and balance ranching alongside a mobile mechanic business that helps fund their growing herd. Their son, Rowdy — appropriately named by a late neighbor — already outworks most adults and proudly serves as the ranch “water boy.”
Their ranch name comes directly from the creek that runs through their property, symbolizing steady growth and clean design — a philosophy that also shaped their livestock brand image.
“Everything here is family. We work hard, but we laugh harder. The cows all have personalities — there’s always something happening.”
From Goats to Longhorns: Finding the Right Fit
Like many breeders, the Cravens didn’t start with Longhorns. Goats came first — until endless fence escapes convinced them it was time for a change. One crossbred cow led to their first true Longhorn, and the rest quickly multiplied.
Heather was drawn to the breed’s disposition, hardiness, and longevity. Longhorns, she explains, stay productive well into their later years and bring a temperament unmatched in other breeds.
Favorite Cattle & Standout Personalities
Every herd has characters, and Big Creek is no exception. Trisha, a halter-broke cow who demands scratches and attention, steals the show. Rugged Cross — affectionately called “Grandma” — recently hit the 90-inch horn milestone with twisty horns, perfect feet, and an exceptional udder.
Other favorites include Lion Catcher and Bello Yellow — both accidentally purchased online and now cornerstones of the herd.
Rugged Cross just hit 90 inches. She’s got perfect feet, a perfect udder, and twisty horns — she’s one of my favorite cows in the pasture.
Mentors Who Shaped the Program
The Cravens credit several respected breeders for helping guide their journey:
Mike Kendrick – Branding strategy, feed science, and long-term planning
Josh Dinwiddie – Cow selection and program direction
Dale Hunt – Hands-on evaluation and herd improvement
Scott Pace – Ongoing mentorship and ranch visits
Their advice is simple: don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask questions.
“If you’re new, call people. This breed is full of folks who want to help you succeed.”
Breeding Philosophy: Complete Package Cattle
While flashy horns catch attention, Heather prioritizes:
Big Creek favors bloodlines such as EOT, Debbie Bowman genetics, and Sniper lines, with their senior herd sire Dark Knight EOT contributing color, horn, and structural consistency.
Their goal is not shortcuts — it’s building cattle that perform for decades.
Feeding, Management & Old-School Know-How
Heather proudly keeps much of their herd data in a well-worn red notebook — but blends that with practical nutrition programs:
DDG cubes for cows
Custom house mix from Stillwater Milling
Wind & Rain mineral during fly season
Preventative management for foot rot and health
They avoid overfeeding to ensure buyers see cattle in working condition — not feed-pushed show shape.
Funny Ranch Moments & Rapid Fire Highlights
From heifers climbing onto hay trailers to accidental auction purchases, laughter fuels daily life. Some rapid-fire favorites:
Ranch playlist: 90s country (Shania Twain included)
Favorite task: Branding and horn measuring
Pocket essentials: Pen, phone, and treats
Dream upgrade: Fully enclosed working facilities
Hashtag: #FunnyFarm
Ideal herd size: 50–60 head
Favorite event: The TLBAA Horn Showcase
The Power of Community
Whether helping new breeders get started or encouraging first-time sale attendees, the Cravens see the Longhorn community as the backbone of the breed’s future.
“I haven’t met a bad person in this breed yet. The community keeps this industry moving forward.”
How Hired Hand Tools Support Their Growth
Before launching their website, the Cravens relied on phone photos and manual pedigree sharing. With their Hired Hand website, they now:
Instantly share pedigrees and progeny
Track horn growth and measurements
Study bloodlines across connected breeder websites
Compare animals across the ranching community
Present professional, organized cattle listings
Heather admits they wish they’d launched their breeder website sooner.
Ready to market your herd online? Visit Hired Hand Websites to explore breeder website examples and learn how we connect pedigrees, photos, and performance data with one click.
Looking Ahead: Building a Recognized Program
In the next few years, Big Creek aims to become known for elite, consistent cattle. Long-term goals include consigning to major sales nationwide while maintaining their hands-on family approach.
Their advice to new breeders: slow down, study pedigrees, invest in quality early, and lean into the community.
Learn More About Hired Hand Websites
Explore: hiredhandsoftware.com
View pricing: hiredhandsoftware.com/pricing
Listen to the Full Interview
🎧 Podcast: From the Pasture with Hired Hand
📺 Watch: Hired Hand’s YouTube Channel
📝 Prefer reading? You’re already here — this article pairs with the full transcript.
Instagram: @fromthepasturepodcast
TikTok: @fromthepasturepodcast
Facebook: @fromthepasturepodcast
Special thanks to Austin & Heather Cravens of Big Creek Longhorns for being not only a guest but a longtime Hired Hand-powered website customer