Welcome to Aussie Acres Ranch

Situated in beautiful South Georgia, this 45 acre ranch is the home to a well bred Registered Texas Longhorn herd. In 2017, Barry and Susan Baskin purchased their first breeding stock based on their passion for the majestic Texas Longhorn, an icon of Texas and Southwest culture. Barry, a native Texan, remembered longhorns from his youth and for Susan, it finally brings her an opportunity to realize her childhood dream of taking care of a variety of animals. As lovers of American history, they decided to invest in a breed that epitomizes the American West and has a history even longer than our country. When you think of cowboys and the wild west, you think of the Texas Longhorn.


Since their beginnings in 2017, and two locations later, their herd continues to grow.  They have invested in cows with stronger bloodlines as they build their foundation herd and will be taking the finest progeny to futurities.  In addition, they sell heifers and cows in the Sale Pen to others looking to add longhorns to the world. They have such joy bringing new longhorns to others!

Aussie Acres Ranch welcomes visitors, see Agritourism, where you can learn more about their AirBnB Longhorn Lodge, or come for a visit with their Meet and Greet Experience.  When you visit you can meet the animals, and maybe even see a demonstration of their herding dog, Kodak. The ranch name was inspired by their loved Australian Shepherd Sadie Mae. Today, they have two Aussie’s, Piper and Bandit. Whether you are coming for visit and tour or the spending a few nights, Aussie Acres Ranch is the perfect escape or place to celebrate :)  They hope to see you and your family or friends soon to share this little piece of heaven!

 

Longhorn History

For some background on our passion, the Texas Longhorn became the foundation of the American cattle industry by claiming first rights in the untamed, newly discovered Americas more than 500 years ago.  The Texas Longhorn's ancestors were brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors starting with Christopher Columbus's second voyage in 1493.These cattle, initially of Andalusian, Barrenda, and Retinto breeds, were well-suited to the arid and rugged landscapes of the Southwest. These cattle, primarily from the Iberian Peninsula, were the ancestors of the Texas Longhorn breed. For centuries, they roamed freely, developing resilience to heat, drought, and disease, becoming a hardy and adaptable breed. In 1690, the first herd of cattle was driven north from Mexico to land that would eventually become Texas.

After the Civil War, with the decimation of the buffalo and the need for beef, Texas Longhorns became the foundation of the cattle industry. Millions of Longhorns were driven north along trails like the Chisholm Trail to railheads for shipment to eastern markets, playing a vital role in the economic recovery of the Southwest. The Longhorn became a powerful symbol of the American West, representing ruggedness, freedom, and the spirit of the frontier. 

The introduction of barbed wire fencing and the preference for other breeds with higher beef yields led to a decline in the Longhorn population.  By the 20th century, Texas Longhorns were nearly extinct due to crossbreeding with other cattle, but efforts to preserve the breed led to their resurgence according to the Texas State Historical Association. Recognizing their historical significance, conservation efforts were initiated, including the establishment of a protected herd at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in 1927. 

Today, Texas Longhorns are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, valued for their lean beef, hardiness, and unique appearance. They remain a cultural icon of Texas and the American West, celebrated for their history and distinctive characteristics. The breed's genetic traits are also being used to improve other cattle breeds and enhance their adaptability to changing climates and environments.