Barbara Mazurek from Tarpley, Texas is a real-deal RanchHer.  She grew up in a ranching family and the eldest daughter she took over the ranch and became a RanchHer.  At age 78, she works full-time on the two properties that make up the Mazurek Family Ranch.  At the ranch, Barbara raises Boer goats for meat, angora goats for mohair, as well as cattle. Barbara is the main RanchHer with occasional from her children, grandchildren and part-time hired help.

On the day I photographed at the ranch, four wool shearers had arrived to shear the large herd of angora goats while Barbara and her family were sorting and moving the livestock, grading the mohair and administering immunizations.  There were also new puppies on the ranch, born from one of the seven ranch dogs.  As we all know, Barbara’s job didn’t end in the shearing shed; not only does this 78-year-old woman take care of the ranch and it’s animals, she also ran the shearing day and cooked a fabulous Texas-style meal for the help. 

In the few hours I spent with Barbara it became clear why she is an icon to her family but also her community.  She is a strong, smart woman who had the strength to continue in agriculture after her husband died 21 years ago in a farming accident.  She’s not only a retired teacher and coach, but still is active in the community, serving as the President of the Bandera County Farm Bureau and volunteering her time for numerous ag-related programs and events.

Meeting and spending some time watching and photographing Barbara was the highlight of my winter trip to Texas.  Experiencing the beautiful work she does on her ranch and capturing that beauty through these photographs was an honor and I’m proud to feature such an amazing women as our FarmHer spotlight.   Barbara MazurekBarbara Mazurek on the ranch