We can set our clock by David Heller of the Hallettsville (Texas) Livestock Commission. When this cattleman says he’ll arrive on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. to haul our livestock, count on it.
As David turns off the main road onto the uneven surface of our lane, the gates and safety chains inside his 32-foot cattle trailer rattle. The noise breaks the calm morning.
Our cows, lured into the holding pen earlier with the promise of range cubes, raise their heads. That dreaded noise is all-too-familiar.
They swing around as if to say, “Oh, it’s him again…”
I feel a surprising sense of reassurance at David’s routine arrival. All is well in our little corner of the world, COVID-19 or no-COVID-19.
No turning back now
The cows with calves anxiously check on the whereabouts of their offspring, but it’s too late. We’ve moved them into the corral leading to the loading chute. Then the cows seem to recognize that one of their own is penned with the calves, too.
Socks had limped in discomfort for months because of a hip problem, so it’s no surprise she is being sold. However, we all hate to see her go.
David swings wide to make the 180-degree turn into our driveway. In the 20 years he’s been coming here, not once has he run over my crepe myrtle bush or scraped the side of his trailer on the ornamental iron fence. Not every driver towing a trailer can say that, but David has been practicing for more than 30 years.
At 8:30 on the nose, he slowly drives up to the metal gate where I’m standing and briefly stops.
“Good morning, Mrs. Thomas,” he says with a Texas-sized grin.
“How are you doing today?”
Amused that he still addresses me as Mrs. Thomas after all these years, I grin back.
“I see even your cows are practicing social distancing!” he says.
David is referring to Patch, whose oversized hoof had been trimmed the night before. Since the procedure will affect how she walks for a while, she is content to be off by herself.
David doesn’t roll his eyes because our herd is so small that I name each cow. It also doesn’t seem to matter that we’re among the Hallettsville Livestock Commission’s smallest customers.
Some beef cattle operators sell hundreds of head at one time and many deliver their own livestock to the auction barn. But many others don’t.
On Mondays and Tuesday mornings before the 11 a.m. sale, David picks up cattle from farmers and ranchers north of Hallettsville, a town of 2,550. His younger brother, Rodney, hauls for cattlemen whose herds are south of town. When livestock numbers are larger than average, the brothers team up to get the cattle to market.
On an average week, they cover several hundred miles before the weekly sale kicks off.
Load ’em up, move ’em out
After David pulls through the yard and backs up to the headgate where Emil is standing, I close the gate and walk over to the corral to watch. We’ve repeated this process numerous times, but we are always relieved when it is completed safely.
An essential business in an essential industry
When the majority of businesses were forced to shut down in March to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Texas Governor Greg Abbott deemed livestock auctions as essential entities. With an estimated 13 million head of cattle or 13% of the entire U.S. total, the state’s cattle producers continued to feed the chain that put beef on grocery store shelves.
The Hallettsville Livestock Commission scrambled to add COVID-19 safety measures to its operating procedures. Stern new guidelines were issued to limit those inside the sale arena to the order buyers and the commission’s employees.
- Sellers were to remain in their vehicles while the commission’s staff tagged and unloaded their livestock. Then they were respectfully asked to go home. Checks would be mailed rather than picked up at the office.
- Order buyers who were purchasing livestock were asked not to have others accompany them to the sale arena.
- All those involved with the weekly sale were reminded to stay home if they had a fever, were feeling ill or exhibited other symptoms of an illness.
Hallettsville Livestock Commission president Mike Heller says many meatpacking facilities closed temporarily when the COVID-19 virus spread to plant workers in March. That constraint caused the cattle market to drop about $100 per head.
It has recovered about $75 per head, although it’s still down from earlier this year.
This is not the first time that producers have ridden a rollercoaster regarding cattle prices, however.
In 2014-2015, cattle numbers increased nationwide because of strong prices. That caused the market to drop substantially in 2016-2017. Since then, the numbers have been relatively flat. Mike hopes this is the bottom of the cycle and it will move up from here.
“Mother Nature always plays a role also!” he adds. Halletsville Livestock
“Besides,” Emil continued, “We aren’t dealing with just some guy who drives a truck pulling a cattle trailer. David Heller is part owner of the livestock commission in Hallettsville. His livelihood and personal integrity are tied to the auction barn’s ongoing success.”
Livestock sales a family tradition
Livestock auctions are in David’s blood. His great-grandfather, Oscar Heller Sr., and grandfather, Oscar Heller Jr., began operating cattle sale barns in Lexington and Brenham in the 1950s. Subsequent generations have carried on the tradition in several different locations.
David credits his father, Mike Heller, for blazing a trail of his own, although it is linked to their rich family heritage. After graduating from Weimar High School, Mike went to work for Beken Livestock, a Weimar-based wholesale company that purchased cattle to fill orders.
In fact, the day David was born his dad was hauling a load of cows from Sealy, Texas. Mike also served in the U.S. Army for two years, one of them in Vietnam.
once brought home eggs that hatched baby turtles in her utility sink. Another time, David used an incubator to hatch quail eggs successfully.
Mike and his wife, Jenny, and their sons moved to Yoakum in 1972 when he went to work for Doc Hagan who owned both Hagan Cattle Co. and the Hallettsville Livestock Commission. Through hard work, frugality and foresight, Mike was able to acquire Hagan Cattle Co. and buy into the Hallettsville Livestock Commission when Doc Hagan died in 1983.
David began riding with his dad when he was seven or eight years old.
“By the time I became a teenager, I had seen miles and miles of Texas from the passenger seat of Dad’s pickup. Later, I saw a lot more on horseback, helping to gather cattle from the brush country.
“We covered an area up to 150 miles south and 150 miles north of Hallettsville. About 10 or 12 of us sometimes worked seven days a week on those roundups.
“As time went on, helicopters did the gathering.”
When David graduated from Yoakum High School in 1988, his dad asked him what his plans were.
“I told him I’d like to work for him, but Dad said I needed to do something else for a year. I didn’t understand at the time, but I did later.”
David enrolled in a two-year course in Livestock and Ranch Management at what is now Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas. He also got a part-time job at a local grain company sacking and moving feed and sweeping the floors.
“Going to school wasn’t my thing and I found the grain business monotonous. I made it one year before I told Dad I had to go to work,” David recalls. “He finally agreed and here I am.”
What gives David satisfaction? First on his list is his: wife, Lynn; daughter, Rylee; and son, Cole, as well as his parents, brother and extended family. Next come friends, followed by his work.
“I love animals, especially cattle and horses. I prefer to spend my day outdoors. I also enjoy visiting with all our customers when I pick up their cattle,” David says.
“There’s something new in this job every day, which is very important to me. It’s still lots of fun. Because of the COVID-19 virus, this is a tough time for everyone, but we’ll get through it.
“The ride goes on!”
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Loved this! Brought back so many memories of my dad loading up cattle for the sale barns. Or the times I’d go with my Mom
when we took calves in, or just moving cattle from pastures to other locations. Also made me remember one of the cattle stepping on my foot one time and breaking my toe. LOL Thanks again Elaine for the memories!
Glynis, glad I was able to conjure up some good memories except a cow breaking your little toe by stomping on it. I bet there wasn’t much you could do to ease the pain. Hope it healed fast! Thank you so much for writing.
Loved your story. We can really relate to it since we have a farm with black angus cattle. The part of your story that really rings a bell is the loading up of the cattle to go to market. Sometimes there is a lot of mooing or crying when the trailer departs.
Thanks so much for your feedback, Doris and Glenn! Yes, the cows put up quite a fuss when their calves are hauled away. It is a little sad, but they get over it. Once and awhile, a cow doesn’t seem to mind the departure. Perhaps that’s because it was past time for her calf to be weaned.
Elaine, this is a great example of why we feel reassured just living in such a wonderful, special place. People in the area care for one another. Not that folks in other areas don’t, it’s just that there seem more per capita in this neck of the woods. The best example that comes to my mind occurred very soon after we moved back to Fayette County from living in the Metroplex. We were sitting down to dinner (supper, in this area), when our phone rang. a person whom we did not know personally was calling to let us know that the gate to our property had come open; the caller wanted us to know that information so that our our newly-acquired cattle might get out. He took the time and trouble to find our who had bought the old Meyer property and who could find ourselves endangering others and losing our cattle. How kind and neighborly of him!
On another note, I read about David Heller, the son of Mike Heller. There are Hellers in my father’s family and I am curious to see if these folk are related to my family in some way. Could you let me know how to contact David, if he is willing to share that information? Many thanks for your help and for another enjoyable article.
Elva, I’m glad your enjoyed the Heller story and felt reassured, like I do, that there are a lot of great people in the world. They go quietly and diligently about their lives. That makes highlighting their efforts all the more fun and important. Can’t wait to hear whether you have some kinship with the Heller family. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
I’ve known David since he was born. He and his brother were altar boys in my wedding. Your story is just the tip of the iceberg of this wonderful family. Jenny (David’s mom) is one of the best women you could meet-volunteering for many causes, and being a caring loving mother, neighbor and friend.
David’s wife Lynn is also a hardworking loyal person.
I am blessed to call this family my friends. Thank you for giving them a well deserved spotlight!
Sharon, thank you for sharing your comments about David and Lynn, and Jenny Heller. The example the Heller family sets is wonderful, one that our society needs to emulate.
Beautiful work as always. You are so talented. Awesome story on the Heller’s.
Thanks so much, Tami! I really appreciate your words.
Life is an adjustment process. We ‘tweak’ our paths daily and carry on. Covid19 has made the paths a bit more hazardous, but cannot halt the progress we must pursue. You can’t turn around – you must find a way forward and there always is a way to be found.
Life is a journey. We are in charge of this personal trip down uncharted pathways. Our moral code and mental outlook will help guide us.
Life, well lived, is our reward.
You’re absolutely right, Jeanie. “Life, well lived, is our reward” and we have to remember to enjoy the journey rather than think of it as a destination. Thank you for your input.
Great story about great people! I worked for David’s grandfather Oscar Heller Jr. for three years in High School.David’s dad and late uncle Mark were a pair for me to put up with,always arguing or fighting! Brings back great memories of a great family!
Hello Mr. Bartek and thanks for writing. I bet you have some stories you could tell about the old days in Weimar and all the people you knew. Perhaps one day you’ll sit down and share some of those memories with me. All the best!
When I read Elaine Thomas’s piece, on Mr. D. Heller, I felt very reassured. Far too often in today’s world, we hear of people who only look out for themselves, and not their family, friends, neighbors, or fellow man, for that matter. I am glad to know that there are still such honest, hardworking gentlemen like Mr. Heller in this world. I may never get the opportunity to meet David, but I would just like to say this: Thank you Mr. Heller for being such a man whom I can look up to. My hat is off to you sir. Stay safe during these unsettled times.
Thanks for your feedback, JP. Yes, as your pointed out, the world needs more people who are interested in the well being of those around them like David Heller is. Honesty and integrity seem to go hand in hand for people like David. Awesome traits!
Elaine, Another great story! I grew up just down the road from the Heller family, and David’s dad Mike graduated with me from Weimar High School. Sounds like David is a hard worker just like his dad.
Thanks, Catherine, for your kind words. So glad you enjoyed the story. Since you know the family well, I’m glad you found the story enjoyable.
Enjoyed reading this local story. Love your short-story telling. We also name our Punkin’s calves. Just sold Pablo. Our cows make our place a farm.
I’m with you, Rhonda. If the pastures were empty, I’d miss those cows. We should have some baby calves on the ground soon and I’m looking forward to welcoming them!
Great article, as usual! Thanks.
Thanks, Marie. I appreciate your feedback!
Loved! Loved! Loved! The Heller story. They have been helping me for a long time! Elaine, your place is beautiful and your cattle gorgeous! Would love to be at the sale barn when some of those pretty black heifers are in the ring! Just sent message to David’s mother…good, good people!
Peggy, so glad the Heller story made you smile. Yes, the Hellers are good, good people. It’s good to know that as much as things change in our world, some character traits are passed along and shared.
What a great story and a wonderful testimonial to the good in people. Love it!
Hi Bev, and thanks for your input. Yes, there are a lot of good people in the world and it’s nice to meet ones like David.
What an awesome story Elaine. We too name all of our cows and calves. We let the granddaughters choose most of the names for the calves. This year we have several tame calves that let us pet them and feed them range cubes. I’m dreading selling them this year because we’ve never had calves this calm before.
Thanks, Helen. I bet your granddaughters love those calves and vice versa! We won’t think about the future when the calves will have to go to market, but just enjoy the summer days with them!