Capital Farm Credit member plants the way for exotic wildlife on his award-winning Hondo ranch
When it comes to being friends to the animals, you could say Kevin Tauzin is the king of the forest. Through thoughtful cultivation of grasslands that he seeds with native vegetation and strategically managed water resources, Tauzin has created an environment that is ripe for all sorts of wildlife, including whitetail deer and exotic species that include zebra, axis, Nubian Ibex, gemsbok, Eland, nilgai, aoudad and majestic red stag deer. There are even kangaroos hopping around the ranch. This lawyer-turned conservationist has chosen to reconnect with the land and works tirelessly to prioritize conservation and wildlife habitat on his 971-acre ranch north of Hondo. He has been actively involved with conservation agencies like the Medina Valley Soil and Water Conservation Board and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. We are also proud to also know him as a long-time, valued Capital Farm Credit member.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) named him the 2024 Wildlife Conservationist Award Winner.
“By purposefully selecting species that complement each other's diets and ensuring available forage and water, Kevin is able to maintain balance within the ecosystem he has curated,” the TSSWCB stated in an article on their website.
“Water availability is a cornerstone of Kevin's conservation efforts,” the article continued. “He has placed over six miles of pipe for water. Animals on his land do not drink from troughs. They drink from wet spots on the ground lined with rocks that are fed from a drip system and monitored to maintain proper levels.”
Tauzin said without the long-standing support of CFC, his family’s goals of being stewards of the land, plants and animals would not have some to fruition.
“This is not the first loan I have had with Capital Farm Credit. I initially purchased a smaller ranch in 2008 with the help of Brett Riff,” he said. “CFC came through again to help us purchase this ranch in 2016, and Brandi Bendele was instrumental in helping fulfill my family’s dream.
“CFC has been there every step of the way,” he added. “In addition to loaning money for purchase of the land, CFC understood our long-term goals and funded critical infrastructure improvements, and ultimately helped realize our goal of having a new home on the property.”
At Capital Farm Credit, we value individuals like Tauzin and applaud him for his conservation accomplishments – and the wildlife in Hondo thank him too. To view the ranch and hear more about the award, view this video on You Tube. You can also see more pictures of his exotic animals on the Hondeaux Oaks Facebook page.
Congratulations on an outstanding achievement, Kevin!
Photo captions:
Top photo: Watusi are just a few of the many types of animals at Hondeaux Oaks.
Middle Photo: Kevin Tauzin on his ranch.
Next to Bottom: Kangaroo and baby enjoy some shade at the Hondeaux Oaks ranch.
Bottom: Zebra and deer experiencing a rare snow on the ranch.