How Owen Sanders ’27 Combines Livestock Expertise with Agribusiness Innovation
Owen Sanders '27
AGEC 425 Student
Agricultural Background
Owen grew up in Vista Ridge near Cedar Park, a suburban area outside Houston. Despite the location, he stayed involved in agriculture from an early age. His father, a livestock lawyer in Houston and nearby areas, introduced him to the industry. Owen also participated in 4-H and FFA. He spent his high school years showing pigs and sheep.
His commitment to FFA earned him the American Degree. This award is a national recognition that ranks above the Lone Star Degree in Texas.
At his local livestock show and auction, Owen noticed a trend. Many of the top bidders were entrepreneurs who had built their own businesses. Their stories sparked his interest in combining agriculture with entrepreneurship. A college visit to Texas A&M introduced him to Dr. Ed Rister and the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. This meeting showed him that he could turn his interests into a real business.
Sanders Custom Calf Raising
Owen’s involvement in the program grew quickly. Through AGEC 223 and 423, he met Rachel Cutrer, owner of BRC Cattle and a regular Prof-for-a-Day guest speaker. This connection led to a summer internship at BRC. During this time, he gained experience in the seedstock cattle industry. The internship also helped shape his idea for AGEC 425: Sanders Custom Calf Raising.
This business serves purebred cattle breeders who want to use embryo transfer but do not have the needed resources. Owen would own a herd of surrogate cows that carry client embryos. Once weaned, the calves return to the breeders. This model allows breeders to expand their herds without adding infrastructure.
Pros of the Business Model:
- Avoids some of the volatility of the cattle market.
- Offers an innovative and unique service that is not widely available.
- Provides value to purebred breeders by increasing efficiency in embryo transfer programs.
Challenges and Cons:
- Low success rates of embryo transfers present financial and operational risks.
- Managing unproductive surrogate cows for a full year requires strategic planning.
- Sales projections and future productivity measurements remain a challenge.
While the profitability of the venture is still being evaluated, Owen has refined his business plan with the help of Dr. Rister and the AGEC 425 instructional team. His work has transformed what started as an idea into a structured, feasible business plan. At a point where Owen was feeling discouraged, he recalls attending a Prof-for-a-Day presentation by Colton Bubela. He admired Mr. Bubela’s drive to build a career out of what he loves, reinforcing Owen’s belief in the power of entrepreneurship.
Recognition at the Entrepreneurial Dreams Symposium
At the 2025 Entrepreneurial Dreams Symposium, Owen was selected as a finalist in the AGEC 425 Business Pitch Competition. He earned Honorable Mention, just missing the top three.
Beyond the Classroom
Outside of the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, Owen is actively involved in the Saddle and Sirloin Club, where he supports the Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team. He values the extensive resources available at Texas A&M, noting, “There are people all over the country who use the cattle research done at Texas A&M, and we have direct access to that information.” His engagement with professors and industry professionals has even led to an exciting new opportunity, an upcoming internship at a cattle farm in Australia this summer.
Owen is not just learning about entrepreneurship, he is actively practicing it. He owns and operates Sanders Custom Leatherworks, a small business that reflects his passion for craftsmanship and business development.
As he wraps up his sophomore year at Texas A&M, Owen continues to stay grounded in agriculture while building the skills and experience he will need to one day run his own cattle business.
