About Us
History of Pearcy Angus Ranch
In 1962, Hollis and Verne Pearcy established Pearcy Ranch on 300 acres after retiring from Honolulu Oil in Sundown, Texas. Adding to their land, one of their 4 sons, Jan W. Pearcy and his wife Charlotte, purchased an additional 400 acres adjacent to Hollis and Verne's property. The Pearcy family joined forces in the mid-1970s, embarking on the venture of raising various breeds of beef cattle.
Following the passing of Hollis and Verne, their grandson Van, eldest son of Jan and Charlotte, along with his wife Donna, purchased and took over the ranch. Over the past 21 years, they have acquired additional acreage from neighboring properties, expanding their holdings to over 6-sections. Recent acquisitions in 2022, 2023 and 2024 have further contributed to the growth of the ranch.
Pearcy Angus Ranch (PAR) has transformed its land into developed grasses, utilizing WW-B. Dahl Bluestem grass, Klein grass, and other native central Texas grasses. The ranch features multiple 40+ acre paddocks used for winter and early spring grazing, where wheat, oats, barley, triticale mixes, and Chisholm Fescue flourish. Other farming options are under consideration with the PAR Team.
Preserving the family legacy in the cattle business has always been a paramount goal for the Pearcy family. In the past 15 years, PAR has strategically invested in valuable Angus genetics, carefully selecting eye-catching phenotypes and genetic traits from renowned registered Angus ranches in Texas and the United States. The ranch continues to refine its cattle working facilities, techniques, and intern programs, striving to establish itself as a prominent institution in education, development, breeding, and production of structurally correct registered Black Angus cattle that can succeed on grass. PAR aims to be recognized for its high-quality genetic traits and strong $-Values, solidifying its reputation in the Angus industry.
Ranch Staff Bios
PAR Owners
Van and Donna Pearcy, childhood sweethearts who began their journey together in Andrews, Texas, epitomize the spirit of dedication to family, land, and community through their work on their ranch. Their love story began in high school, where Donna was crowned track queen at the Mustang Relays, and they have been inseparable ever since. Married in 1986 while Van pursued his MBA at the University of Notre Dame, they have built a life together that reflects their shared values and commitment to each other, their family, their working family and the ranching lifestyle.
Van, a man deeply driven by his love for God, family, and country, has dedicated nearly 40 years to leading his team at the Raymond James Midland family office, helping oil, gas, and farming families achieve their life objectives. However, his other passion lies in the ranching and farming lifestyle, which has been a part of his life since childhood. Growing up in West Texas, Van spent summers working on his grandparents' ranches in between competing in high-level sporting events, where he learned invaluable lessons about faith, family, hard work, and stewardship of the land and cattle.
As the primary decision-maker for their ranch, Van oversees all aspects of operations, including cattle breeding, ranch management, beef sales, and seed harvesting. He collaborates closely with Kas Snodgrass, Garren Wetzel, Ward Kimmel, Parker Friedrich Marketing and the rest of the PAR team on day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity. With a registered herd of over 600 head of cattle, Van is committed to improving Angus genetics through innovative breeding protocols, reflecting his dedication to the Angus breed and the ranching industry.
Donna serves as the Vice President of PAR and plays an essential role in the ranch's human resources and payroll operations, as well as in their financial services business in Midland. After earning her bilingual education degree from Angelo State University, she initially taught school before becoming a partner in Van's Wealth Services Team in 2001. Her passion for the ranch lifestyle is rooted in her family’s farming background in Nebraska, and she brings that love and dedication to her work, ensuring that the ranch feels like home for all PAR team members and their families.
Together, Van and Donna have raised two wonderful children–Erin, a TCU graduate who works in the oil and gas industry in Austin and is married to Brian Hagler, with whom she has a daughter, Emma; and Vance, who worked alongside his parents until his untimely passing at age 31 in November 2021. The Pearcy family continues to honor Vance’s memory by establishing a TCU scholarship and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for their ranch team and their families.
Van and Donna are committed to the well-being of their employees and invest all profits generated by the ranch back into the PAR business, ensuring that their ranch team has the resources they need to thrive. This selfless approach reflects their belief in the importance of community and the hard work that sustains their way of life.
The Pearcy's legacy is one of love–love for each other, their family, the land, and the ranching lifestyle. They strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations to appreciate the values of faith, family, hard work, and stewardship.
PAR Cattle Manager
Kas Snodgrass plays a pivotal role in our registered Angus seedstock business, overseeing the critical day-to-day management of cattle health and breeding operations. His expertise ensures that our herd maintains the highest standards of quality and genetic integrity, which is essential for our success in the competitive livestock industry. Kas consults closely with Van, Parker & Sterling Friedrich and the PAR Team concerning PAR’s important breeding season. Growing up in Glen Rose, TX, Kas was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, and rodeo, cultivating a deep-rooted passion for agriculture from an early age. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University, where he laid the foundation for his career in the cattle industry. Kas's extensive experience spans multiple facets of the cattle business, including show cattle, feedlot operations, and order buying. This diverse background has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from pasture to plate. He furthered his education at Tarleton State University, obtaining a master’s degree in Agricultural and Consumer Resources, along with teacher certification, although he quickly realized that his true calling lay in cattle management rather than education. Kas began his professional journey working part-time at Pearcy Angus Ranch, later transitioning to a full-time role upon graduation. His experience across both commercial and registered operations has fueled his passion for the registered Angus industry, allowing him to contribute significantly to our breeding programs and overall cattle health management. Kas is married to Ellerie, and together they have a daughter, Sutten. Kas’s commitment to excellence in cattle management reflects not only in his work but also in his dedication to his family and the future of the ranching industry.
PAR Farming Manager
Garren Wetzel is at the helm of Pearcy Angus Ranch’s farming operations, playing a critical role in enhancing our Angus cattle program through sustainable and innovative agricultural practices. His leadership ensures that our farming initiatives align with the overarching goals set by Van and Donna, the owners of the ranch, contributing not only to the health and quality of our cattle but also establishing a new profit center for our operations. With a deep understanding of the symbiotic relationship between agriculture and livestock, Garren oversees daily activities that integrate farming with our cattle management strategies. By collaborating closely with Van and Kas Snodgrass, this approach ensures that our farming efforts directly support the growth and vitality of our Angus cattle. Garren's background is rooted in agricultural education and hands-on experience. Growing up as the son of a high school football coach, he lived in various Texas towns before graduating from James Madison High School in San Antonio, a recognized magnet school for agriculture. His early involvement in FFA and competitive judging teams laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Following a brief stint as a field mechanic for Del Monte Foods, Garren pursued a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University, where he gained invaluable experience working on the university's farm. After graduating, Garren served as the college farm foreman at Tarleton, managing livestock and farming operations while mentoring students in agricultural practices. Before joining Pearcy Angus Ranch, Garren was the ranch manager at Evans Farms, where he honed his skills in farming and beef cattle. His commitment to Van and Donna’s vision ensures that every aspect of our farming operations is geared toward achieving success for the entire ranch team.
PAR Resource Manager
Ward Kimmel is an integral part of the Pearcy Angus Ranch (PAR) team, serving as the Resource Manager. With a passion for the diverse array of projects that keep the ranch thriving, Ward collaborates closely with Van, Kas, and Garren to ensure that all essential resources are in place for the ranch's smooth operation. His extensive experience and dedication make him a key asset in maintaining the ranch's productivity. Born in Tucson, Arizona, and raised in Georgetown, Texas, Ward's roots in agriculture run deep. He attended Georgetown ISD, where he was an active member of FFA, as well as a participant in football and rodeo. After high school, he pursued his studies in Farm and Ranch Management at Central Texas College in Killeen, Texas. With over 18 years of experience in the commercial cattle industry–seven of which he served as a Ranch Manager–Ward brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to PAR. Ward's journey in ranching began at a ranch in Fort Davis, Texas, where he not only honed his skills but also met his wife, Elise. They married in 1992, and together they have built a life centered around their shared passion for ranching. Elise oversees PAR’s Equine operation, and Ward's collaborative efforts with her help ensure that both cattle and equine operations run seamlessly. In addition to his ranching career, Ward attended the Sul Ross State University Law Enforcement Academy, earning a degree that led him to work as a police officer for nine years. Ultimately, his heart remained in ranching, and he returned to the industry where he feels most at home. At Pearcy Angus Ranch, Ward oversees critical water resources, managing numerous wells and over 20 ponds across the expansive 3,600 acres. His commitment, expertise, and teamwork make him a cornerstone of the ranch's ongoing success, and his contributions continue to shape the future of PAR.
PAR Equine Manager
Elise Kimmel, a dedicated member of the Pearcy Angus Ranch (PAR) team, proudly oversees our Equine Operation, ensuring the highest standards of care for our ranch horses. Born in San Antonio and raised in Midland, Texas, Elise's passion for animals began at an early age. She rode her first pony at just three years old and received her first horse at sixteen, igniting a lifelong love for equine companionship. Elise’s educational journey began at Midland High School, where she graduated in 1986. She then pursued her passion for animal health at Sul Ross State University (SRSU), earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Animal Health Management in 1989, along with her Registered Veterinary Technology (RVT) certificate. In 1991, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in Biology. Elise's professional background includes extensive experience in veterinary clinics from 1984 to 1996, before transitioning to the banking sector, where she specialized in loan and credit departments until her retirement in 2012. In addition to her vital role in equine management, Elise collaborates with Ellerie Snodgrass to run our cattle sales office, expertly organizing and executing our annual cattle sale every September. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence contribute significantly to the success of this important event. Elise is married to Ward Kimmel, PAR’s Resource Manager, who assists her with the ranch horses whenever his expertise is needed. Together, they share a deep-rooted passion for ranch life and animal care that enriches the Pearcy Angus Ranch community. Elise believes that horses are magnificent creatures, and her dedication to their well-being shines through in her daily work. She finds joy in nurturing and caring for them, making her an invaluable member of the PAR team.
PAR Cattle Administration Manager
Ellerie Snodgrass plays a crucial role in the success of Pearcy Angus Ranch, overseeing cattle administration and registration with the American Angus Association. She also manages our Sales Office during our highly anticipated annual registered Angus female sale, ensuring a seamless experience for our buyers and showcasing the quality of our herd. Hailing from Pflugerville, Texas, Ellerie was actively involved in both 4-H and FFA at the state and national levels, where she developed a deep passion for agriculture. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, with a focus on Production and a minor in Business, from Tarleton State University. Ellerie furthered her education with a master’s degree in Agricultural and Consumer Resources. Following her academic journey, Ellerie worked with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, where she served in both the District Office and as a County Agent for Agricultural and Natural Resources. After her time at Agrilife Extension, she transitioned to a full-time teaching career, currently working with Emergent Bilingual students. Ellerie is married to Kas, and together they cherish their daughter, Sutten. Her diverse background and commitment to agriculture make her an invaluable asset to Pearcy Angus Ranch.
PAR Beef Sales & Ranch Hand
Cody Pearcy has quickly made a significant impact at Pearcy Angus Ranch as the manager of our registered Angus beef sales. As the oldest nephew of Van and Donna, Cody brings a family-oriented dedication to his work, ensuring that our ranch's legacy of quality and excellence continues to thrive. In addition to his beef role, Cody collaborates closely with Kas Snodgrass, who oversees the cattle operations, and Garren Wetzel, who manages our farming initiatives. His commitment to supporting the team has been invaluable, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that enhances our ranch's productivity and success. Cody's diverse background in construction and HVAC repair and installation has equipped him with a unique skill set that translates well to the demands of ranch operations. His hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities contribute to the efficient management of our ranch's resources. A former student of Texas A&M University, Cody was also a proud member of their track and field program, demonstrating his dedication and competitive spirit. He is passionate about his work at Pearcy Angus Ranch and cherishes the opportunity to contribute to the family business while pursuing his love for agriculture. With his hard work, determination, and enthusiasm, Cody Pearcy is poised to help lead Pearcy Angus Ranch into a bright and promising future.
PAR Intern, Tarleton University
Arrowhead P Ranch President & Mentor
Jan started working and operating the ranch in 1972 with his mother and father, Hollis & Verne Pearcy. Hollis and Verne first purchased land in Hamilton County in 1962. Jan's early years were filled with miracles that movies are made from. At a young age, Jan was hit by a speeding car, and the Dr.'s gave his family no hope that he would ever walk again. Jan not only walked again, but through extreme determination and dedication he became a record setting Texas high school and collegiate 880-yard runner. He attended East Texas State on a full track scholarship and graduated in the late 50’s and began teaching and coaching out in West Texas in 1960. Jan retired from coaching in the early '90's from Andrews, Texas, and permanently moved to the ranch. Jan and Charlotte have been fully operating the cattle ranch for over 30+ years.
Arrowhead P Ranch Books & Accounting
Charlotte came from a Registered Hereford ranching and wheat farming family In Burkburnett, Texas. She met Jan Pearcy while attending East Texas State University. Charlotte graduated from East Texas State with a teaching degree in the late ‘50’s. They married, and moved to West Texas to start their family. Charlotte retired from Andrews, Texas Independent School District in the early ‘90’s as a long time 1st grade teacher. She took over the books and billing of the ranch over 20 years ago. Jan and Charlotte have two sons, Van and Kirk. Kirk works in the oil and gas industry in College Station, Texas.