In 1952 or 1953, my father purchased 750 acres in Navarro County. The county agent informed my dad that Denton’s college (now UNT) had available three gunny sacks of coastal Bermuda grass, newly developed grass that had some promise as a staple for cattle, would help control soil erosion and could be baled. My dad sent me to Denton to pick up the grass, 100 miles from Barry. I set out in the 1950 Chevrolet pickup, used to move cattle.
I was impressed by the college driveway, set up like a large cul de sac, and walked into the administration office. Everyone turned to look at me to my surprise. From there, I was directed to the agriculture department. Walking back to the truck, it hit me that the truck smelled like cattle and so did I. The agriculture department had one building that seemed like it was a two-car garage at one time, but it was empty except for three gunny sacks.
At the farm, my dad had prepared a waterway for my five brothers and I to hand sprig. By the time of his death in 1983, about 550 acres were in coastal Bermuda grass. In 1969, returning to the farm, I acquired from my father 50 acres that were in coastal grass. The 50 acres have been productive, requiring just fertilizing and baling.
A little bit of good goes a long way. The good the county agent, the Denton college and my dad did has helped the family keep the farm and make a living all this time.
My oldest grandson, Ricky Ferrer, graduated from UNT in 2005 and now works in New York as a graphic designer.

Ricardo Ferrer
Barry