Kara and James Dudley – Horseshoe Bay, Texas

“The ability to continue a family legacy of ranching the land while providing a high value protein in beef that feeds people is what my husband and I find rewarding,” says Kara Dudley of Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

Kara and her husband, James, both come from a long line of ranching, dating back well over a century in Texas. Today, the couple run two family ranches, the F Barra Ranch in northern Llano County and the Yates Ranches in San Saba County, both initially founded in the early 1920s on Kara’s paternal side of the family. In 2009, Kara and James took over the reins of F Bara Ranch from her grandfather, Tommy Joe Yates, and in 2018 took on the responsibilities of Yates Ranches from her dad.

In addition to the ongoing work of running these cow-calf operations, James and Kara both have their plates full with other professions. James is an attorney and heads Independence Title Company in Horseshoe Bay and Kara is a CPA, whose work includes maintaining the financial books for their ranches.

In addition to growing up around ranching, Kara mentions they have learned so much through various training opportunities with Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) and by completing the the Master’s of Beef Advocacy program. The Master’s of Beef Advocacy is a free, self-guided online resource available to anyone looking to strengthen their beef advocacy skills, including topics such as environmental sustainability, beef nutrition, animal welfare and beef safety. The Dudleys give back to the industry by volunteering their time to serve in leadership roles. For example, James has served on various committees for TSCRA and Kara currently sits on the Board of Directors for Texas Beef Council.

“The hours we work from week to week can really vary,” explains Kara. “And, that can sometimes be stressful. And, dealing with the unpredictability of Mother Nature is always a worry.”

But the couple also stresses the immeasurable rewards, especially being able to further a family legacy, be a steward of the land, and provide a quality food for consumers.

“In 2012, we participated in a TSCRA program for young professionals,” Kara elaborates. “Here we visited a beef processing plant and walked through all stages of getting live cattle to the consumer for purchase. It really drove home the importance and intricacies of the industry and that the cattle we are raising on our ranches ultimately end up feeding people.”

In the Dudley home, when it’s time to put beef on the table, the couple really enjoys a good New York Strip Steak and often will grill them (or beef fajitas) over an open fire pit at their ranch in San Saba county.

“Louisa, our 11-year-old daughter, also really loves tacos made with Ground Beef,” Kara says. “And, I’ve found that the leftover taco meat is so convenient and tasty in other meals like bowls, salads, eggs, and more.”

The entire beef-loving family likes to stay active. They snow ski together and Louisa plays volleyball. James golfs as time permits and enjoys hunting and fly fishing while Kara loves to hike, trail run, practice yoga, and is a new member of the Texas Beef Team.