Welcome to Ironwood Ranch!

We are Kirk and Renee Phillips, and our Texas Longhorn journey began much like many ranching stories—with a dream of slowing down and enjoying a simpler way of life.

Although I grew up in the Texas Panhandle surrounded by agriculture, I didn't come from a ranching family. Renee's roots run a little deeper in the livestock industry. Growing up in East Texas, her father worked in the feed, fertilizer, and cattle business, giving her an early appreciation for rural life and the people who make it possible.

We met in college, married, and built our lives together in North Texas. While Renee focused on raising our family, I pursued a career in equipment finance and leasing, helping businesses acquire the equipment they needed to grow and succeed. As our children grew up and our hometown expanded from a small community into a bustling suburb, we found ourselves longing for open spaces, quiet evenings, and a closer connection to the land.

That search led us to the beautiful Cross Timbers region of North Texas and eventually to Ironwood Ranch.

When it came time to choose livestock, the Texas Longhorn quickly captured our attention. Their rich history, unique appearance, intelligence, hardiness, and gentle nature made them unlike any other breed. In 2018, with the help and guidance of Bill and Suzanne Torkildson of Bull Creek Ranch, we purchased our first Longhorn cows and officially began our ranching adventure.

What started as six cows became seven the very next day when one of our original females gave birth to a calf. That calf became "Woody," our beloved ranch mascot. Today, Woody's horns stretch more than 126 inches tip-to-tip and he remains a favorite among visitors to the ranch.

Since then, Longhorns have become much more than a hobby. They have taught us patience, stewardship, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate life's simple blessings. We've experienced the excitement of spring calves, the anticipation of watching young cattle develop, and the beauty of countless Texas sunsets shared with our herd.

Perhaps the greatest blessing of all has been the people. Through futurities, sales, ranch visits, and friendships across the Longhorn community, we have met some of the finest people we know. The Texas Longhorn industry is filled with individuals who are passionate about preserving and improving this iconic breed, and we are grateful to be part of that community.

Today, Ironwood Ranch is more than a place—it is a reflection of our faith, our family, and our passion for these remarkable animals. We take great pride in caring for our herd and building relationships with fellow breeders and customers across the country.

Famed Texas writer J. Frank Dobie once said, "The Texas Longhorn made more history than any other breed of cattle the civilized world has known." We are honored to play a small role in preserving that history while helping shape its future.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. If you're ever in North Texas, we'd love the opportunity to visit with you, show you our cattle, and share our passion for the Texas Longhorn.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates, new calves, ranch news, and the latest happenings at Ironwood Ranch.

Click through our Gallery below for a preview of what you will experience at Ironwood Ranch!