Seven generations of the Morrow family from northeastern New Mexico have resided near Capulin Mountain. The volcanic soils, along with sufficient rainfall, result in excellent grazing land for the Morrow cattle and horses on the blue gramma pastures. Tim Morrow represents the fifth generation of Morrows who have continued the tradition of utilizing these ancestral grazing grounds.
Born on November 9, 1951, in Raton, New Mexico, Tim Morrow is the grandson of James and Helen Morrow as well as Sid and Maggie Dennis. He is the son of John L. Morrow and Linda Dennis Morrow. Growing up, Tim thrived in the expansive skies and fertile pastures. He shared this experience with older brothers Mike and Sid, younger brother Donald, and younger sister Sue Vincent, who is present tonight along with her husband Carr. Together, they formed the dedicated Morrow team that managed their operation.
From the tender age of four, Tim began riding his own horse. The Morrow crew moved, branded, and cared for the family’s animals, occasionally engaging in activities frowned upon by their father, such as riding young bulls. As Tim matured, he expanded his horsemanship skills by riding calves, steers, and bareback horses, even taking on bull riding. After college, he pursued bareback horse riding and then embraced team roping, a passion he still enjoys. Despite the long journey from Capulin to roping events or rodeos, Tim makes the effort to attend a few. Ranching remains his top priority, and the value of working amidst the picturesque landscape while riding his horses is immeasurable.
Tim’s path crossed with his future wife Jill during high school. She pursued education in Branson, Colorado, a town situated 24 miles north of Des Moines. Their love story began at a Christmas party in December 1967, and the rest is history. They welcomed two sons to their marriage: Chris K. Morrow, now an equine veterinarian in Amarillo, and Cody C. Morrow, who serves as a legislative policy liaison between the executive and legislative branches in Santa Fe. Cody is also associated with Texas Tech Veterinary School of Medicine as an advisor for special projects. Tim expresses gratitude for their involvement whenever their schedules permit. Chris and his wife Kristi have brought grandchildren Maci and Jonas into the family, while Cody and his wife Janice have a daughter named Gavin. The next generation to steward the Morrow Ranch is already in place.
Tim attended grade school in Capulin and Folsom, followed by junior high and high school in Des Moines, before graduating from Raton High School in 1969. He pursued higher education at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, earning an agricultural business degree in August 1973. Returning to the family ranch in Capulin, he remained there ever since. Tim believes that his true education commenced upon his return to the ranch. He expanded the ranch’s acreage and cattle numbers, though he emphasizes that ranching is a challenging endeavor, rewarding but rarely easy. Tim’s father’s wisdom echoes in his mind: “Sometimes you have a good year to put you back on your feet, to be able to go another year.”
Tim has contributed his expertise to various organizations, including the New Mexico Section of the Society of Range Management Excellence in Range Management, the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board, the First National Bank of Clayton NM Board, the Des Moines School Board, the Springer Electric Co-op, and the New Mexico Rural Electric DO-OP Assoc. Board, where he held the position of vice-president. He’s also a member of the BPOE Order of the Elks Lodge in Raton.
Tim holds an optimistic view of the future of ranching. Ranchers and farmers have historically shouldered the responsibility of feeding the nation and the world. The rancher’s role is to offer the world’s best beef, adhering to the highest standards and delivering a healthy, delectable product to consumers. Tim hopes that the passion for this business remains strong. Only time will reveal the outcome. He asserts that “in the ranching business, if you work hard, manage your finances, and are a bit lucky, ranching can offer a way of life unlike any other.” He adds, “There’s nothing better than riding a good horse and taking care of your own cattle on your own land.” He concludes, “The future of ranching depends on the next generations feeling that same sense of achievement, even in difficult times.”
