RIVERSIDE, Texas – Red Hill Ranch is an impressive 800 acres located in Riverside, Texas, and owned by Ernest and Floretta Collins. At one point while providing a tour to CAHS Information, Impact, and Sustainability Center Director TeKedra Pierre, Ernest said, “As far as your eyes can see, you are still looking at RHR.” There were beautiful fields of Crimson Clover waiting to be a treat for the more than 200 head of cattle managed on the ranch. Both alumni of Prairie View A&M University, colleges of Business and Education respectively, the Collins are passionate about giving back to students and showing them what is possible through hard work and dedication. “We open our doors to students, Boy and Girl Scout troops, church organizations, and others interested in learning more about ranching,” Floretta said. 

The Collins’ are preparing their ranch for an upcoming field experience for College of Agriculture and Human Sciences students taking place on April 25, 2023. During Pierre’s, the couple provided their insight into cattle ranching, family, generational land ownership, and their love of giving back to the community.

Without giving too many details away, students who attend will be amazed by the views and limitless potential in the agriculture industry. They may not realize that the Ernest Boyd and Floretta Collins Auditorium located in the Agriculture and Business Multipurpose building at Prairie View A&M University was named after this amazing couple in 2017.  

As part of the upcoming field experience, students will tour the ranch while connecting with representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture and other organizations.  

Workshop and discussion topics will include pasture management, erosion control, forestry management, soil health, water quality, wildlife management and much more. Students will see potential careers in action while having the chance to network, ask questions, and explore. Spots are limited, so sign up with Dr. Alfred Parks (alparks@pvamu.edu) or our USDA Liaison Horace Hodge (horace.hodge@usda.gov).

TeKedra Pierre
Director, Information, Impact, and Sustainability
tepierre@pvamu.edu