Tate feeding his cattle. Courtesy of Capital Farm Credit.
Ranching heritage runs deep in Texas, where families measure time not in years, but in seasons, calves and the lessons passed from one generation to the next. For the Markham family of Hemphill County, that heritage is thriving, and Capital Farm Credit has become a trusted partner in helping them build a future as strong as their past.
What began as a single AgStart loan for 13‑year‑old Tate Markham has grown into six family members securing financing through Capital Farm Credit. It’s a testament to the Markhams’ belief in starting young people early in agriculture and to the value of a lender who understands the rhythm of ranch life.
Tate, a sixth grader at Reydon School and active member of Roger Mills 4‑H, wasn’t looking for a typical youth loan. He wanted to build something real. With years of helping his dad and brother on the ranch, he was ready to start his own heifer breeding operation. Capital Farm Credit approved him for a general‑purpose operating loan, giving him the chance to purchase 30 open heifers from a neighboring ranch.
“I decided this year I wanted to have my own cattle and make my own money,” Tate said. “Buying heifers felt like the best way to get started.”
The process was smooth, supportive, and empowering, exactly what his father, Monty Markham, hoped for. Impressed by the experience, Monty soon secured his own loan for Markham Angus, the family’s registered Angus operation. Soon, Tate’s older brother, Kaden, followed suit, purchasing 30 heifers of his own with Capital Farm Credit’s help.
For Monty, raising his boys in ranching mirrors his own upbringing. Born and raised on the same land he works today, he grew up helping his grandfather with cattle and farming. After college, he built his own cow‑calf operation, focusing on registered Angus. Teaching his sons responsibility, work ethic and stewardship of the land has always been part of the plan.
The Markhams’ relationship with Capital Farm Credit is rooted in trust.
Tate and his father checking cattle. Courtesy of Capital Farm Credit.
“We chose Capital Farm Credit because of our relationship manager,” Monty said. “He’s honest, fair, and well respected. He’s always friendly, prompt and professional.”
And the partnership keeps growing. Monty’s brother, Bryan, a long‑time CFC customer, recently expanded his line of credit. His sons, Ky and Paden, are now stepping into the cattle business as well, each securing next‑generation loans to begin building their own herds.
At Capital Farm Credit, watching the Markhams invest in their children’s future is exactly what agricultural lending should be about.
Six loans. One family. And it all started with a single AgStart loan — a program designed to help young people begin their agricultural journey and build lifelong relationships with a lender who understands them.
For the Markhams, Capital Farm Credit isn’t just a lender. It’s part of the family legacy they’re building, one heifer, and one generation at a time.
For more information about Capital Farm Credit’s lending services and how we can help you and your operation, visit our website.
