Sheep and Goat Ranching Shaped Val Verde County

By 1900, Val Verde County had over 122,000 sheep. Angora goat ranching grew through the early 1900s. In 1915, sixty ranchers met at the Princess Theater in Del Rio. They formed the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers' Association. That group is still active today. By 1982, livestock made up 99 percent of the county's farm and ranch income.

The rugged land here — limestone canyons and open rangeland — has always favored livestock over crops. Ranching has been the main land use for more than a century. If you own or are buying ranch land here, an active sheep or goat operation can qualify for agricultural special appraisal. That lowers your property tax bill. If you are buying ranch land, check the ag valuation status. It affects both your taxes and how you manage the land.