TDCJ's cattle operation: herd management, embryo program and revenue for agency services
June 19, 2026 | Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Departments and Agencies, Executive, Texas
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Bill Lewis, director for the land and logistics/agriculture business, presented the board with a detailed overview of the agency's livestock enterprises, focusing on beef cattle as the sole enterprise used solely for revenue generation.
Lewis said TDCJ's herd numbers include about 7,500 cattle maintained in production across 65,000 acres of pasture and a broader 133,000-acre agricultural footprint. He described two breeding seasons (spring and fall), a permanent production herd, and a bull program of about 320 service bulls stationed at Ferguson unit to support breeding across locations.
The board heard that TDCJ produces roughly 6,500 6,600 feeder calves each year, with calves pulled at six to seven months and sold without long-term backgrounding in most cases. Lewis described an embryo-transfer program that began about three years ago, growing from 300 head to about 1,150 head; the program lets TDCJ control genetics and develop higher-value replacement females and bulls for internal use or sale.
Lewis emphasized that the cattle program is integrated with feed mills, field crops and equipment shops and that Texas A&M veterinary staff provide veterinary services and placements for fifth-year veterinary students. He noted the inmate work and training role: approximately 65 inmates work with livestock specialists statewide under the program, and the agency views the operation as both revenue-producing and vocational training for people in custody.
On revenue, Lewis told the board FY26 cattle sales were running strongly and projected to exceed $15 million and, with remaining animals for sale, to approach $18 million. That revenue, he said, supports agency operations. The board thanked Lewis for the presentation and discussed inmate training and post-release employment opportunities.
What happens next: the board received the presentation and acknowledged the program as a revenue and training enterprise; staff indicated continued coordination with Texas A&M and planned livestock sales and horse auctions tied to program scheduling.
Lewis said TDCJ's herd numbers include about 7,500 cattle maintained in production across 65,000 acres of pasture and a broader 133,000-acre agricultural footprint. He described two breeding seasons (spring and fall), a permanent production herd, and a bull program of about 320 service bulls stationed at Ferguson unit to support breeding across locations.
The board heard that TDCJ produces roughly 6,500 6,600 feeder calves each year, with calves pulled at six to seven months and sold without long-term backgrounding in most cases. Lewis described an embryo-transfer program that began about three years ago, growing from 300 head to about 1,150 head; the program lets TDCJ control genetics and develop higher-value replacement females and bulls for internal use or sale.
Lewis emphasized that the cattle program is integrated with feed mills, field crops and equipment shops and that Texas A&M veterinary staff provide veterinary services and placements for fifth-year veterinary students. He noted the inmate work and training role: approximately 65 inmates work with livestock specialists statewide under the program, and the agency views the operation as both revenue-producing and vocational training for people in custody.
On revenue, Lewis told the board FY26 cattle sales were running strongly and projected to exceed $15 million and, with remaining animals for sale, to approach $18 million. That revenue, he said, supports agency operations. The board thanked Lewis for the presentation and discussed inmate training and post-release employment opportunities.
What happens next: the board received the presentation and acknowledged the program as a revenue and training enterprise; staff indicated continued coordination with Texas A&M and planned livestock sales and horse auctions tied to program scheduling.
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