Texas Farmer Works with USDA NRCS to Improve Agricultural Operations and Water Quality

Aug 26, 2025

By Melissa Blair

If you ask Daniel Quates why it is important to protect the natural resources on his 7 Fat Cows Farm in Waller County and at his family homestead cattle ranch in Bee County, he will smile and say, “it’s our responsibility as guardians of God’s blessings in our lives and my children’s future.”

Quates, an engineer in Houston, moved his family out of the city to Hempstead where they started their own agricultural operation named 7 Fat Cows Farm, from Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41.

“This was my oldest boy's favorite biblical account, and we strive to be the seven fat cows that feed the nation,” said Quates.

Quates visited the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office in Waller County and learned about opportunities for technical and financial assistance to install conservation practices to improve natural resources on his agricultural operation.

Source : usda.gov

Video: Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

After weeks of rain delays and frustration, we finally have a reason to smile — it’s hay time again at Ewetopia Farms! In today’s episode, we head out to the fields where Arnie is baling hay, and I attempt my second drone flight to capture it all from the air. The drone still had some hiccups, but I managed to get some aerial footage of the baling process.

Back at the farm, the work doesn’t stop. Arnie brings the bales home, and the next critical step begins — wrapping and stacking the bales to make haylage. This process is essential for preserving feed for our sheep and ensures they have nutritious forage in the months ahead.

It’s a good day on the farm — the sun is out, the drone is flying (sort of!), and we’re making progress. Join us for a satisfying and productive day that brings a long-awaited sigh of relief to this year’s challenging hay season.

?? Let us know in the comments: Have you had to deal with weather delays this season?

?? Thanks for watching and supporting Ewetopia Farms — where every day is an adventure in sheep farming. Please like, comment, and subscribe to follow our daily journey with the flock!