About Us
Tate Place History
In 1890, John W Tate moved his wife, Caroline, and family, from Mississippi to De Leon, Texas. Here he purchased 1060 acres. One of his daughters, Etta, married James Boliver Gray in 1903. They lived and worked the homestead until their deaths. Much of the land was sold off. The Grays kept 160 acres which stayed in family. It is this land we utilize today. Our house was built by my great uncle, Tommie Gray, in about 1938. My folks started fixing the place up in 2003. We have gradually worked on it over the years.
(Pictured: Tate Family at the original Tate home).
Etta Lee Tate and James Bollvar Gray on their Wedding Day in 1903 in Comanche County.
John W. and Caroline Tate
John W. and Caroline Tate were buried in De Leon Cemetery.
Tate Place Farm in 2023
Tate Place Farm in 2023
Living the Dream
I grew up on a farm in Dalhart, Texas. I was taught many things about crops, animals and hard work. I loved farm life. Valerie grew up in 18 different large cities. She didn't know much about farm life.
Valerie and I met in college (West Texas State) and married in 1979. Upon graduation we started our family. We had several careers and many moves. We were very blessed, but I always had a passion to "get back to the farm".
In 2021 we were finally able to wrap up our prior business and move to the farm full time. We are working harder than ever, but loving every minute of it.
Our Cattle
A little bit about South Poll Cattle: Teddy Gentry (of the famed group "Alabama") began developing the South Poll breed in 1989. The breed was developed using four breeds: Angus, Hereford, Senepol, and Barzona. South Polls are bred to be slick-haired, small-framed cows (weighing around 1000#) with emphasis placed on high fertility, longevity and calm disposition. South Polls are bred to excel on a grass based grazing system. This breed has excellent carcass traits and have very lean and tender meat. Ultrasound and actual carcass data on the South Poll tells us that they are as tender, or more tender than straight bred English cattle.
Our Sheep
A little bit about Dorper Sheep: Dorper sheep are a cross between Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian sheep. They were developed in South Africa in the 1930s for meat production. They produce a high-quality carcass with good meat and fat distribution. They are hardy, adaptable and have a long breeding season, making them suitable for harsh and diverse conditions across the world. They are called hair sheep, having short, loose and light-shedding coats. They are excellent mothers and heavy milkers. Their lambs are vigorous and have high survivability. They are also resistant to many diseases and parasites. They are one of the most economical and low maintenance meat sheep breeds, as they do not require shearing, crutching, mulesing or tail docking.
Our Pigs
A little bit about Idaho Pasture Pigs (IPP): Greg and Shelly Farris (from, you guessed it – Idaho) developed the IPP’s. They were developed from the three breeds of Kunekune, Berkshire, and Durok. The IPP’s were bred to excel on pasture where they get most of their diet. Other qualities exhibited by this breed is their excellent mothering instincts, and their friendliness. The best quality is the meat is delicious. It is a deeper red color, well marbled, and is laced with battery fat. The grass diet gives the pork a sweet flavor.