In the vast, sun-drenched expanse of South Texas, there's a name that resonates through the canyons and cattle ranches like a familiar echo - Joe Hargrove, the livestock trading baron. For anyone acquainted with the world of ranching in this Texas region, entering the Southwest Livestock Exchange is akin to an initiation ceremony, where one's name in the bustling office registers signifies membership in the close-knit community of livestock aficionados.
Founded in 1976 by Joe Hargrove, this auction barn, steeped in classic Western motifs, has been a hub for cattle traders and ranchers for nearly half a century. Its W. R. Dallas furniture, evocative of a bygone era, has witnessed countless cowboys seeking solace after grueling days spent taming livestock in the arid heat of South Texas.
But the aura of Joe Hargrove transcends the confines of this barn. It imbues every corner, every transaction, and every employee. Hargrove's demeanor was a fusion of rugged stoicism and a warm, infectious grin - a dichotomy that served him well throughout his life, whether he was trading cattle or engaging in a friendly card game.
From a young age, Joe Hargrove learned the art of keeping a level head during negotiations. His first deal, as recounted by Victor John Niemeyer, involved a 14-year-old Joe confidently making a $2,000 purchase of cattle with a simple handshake. That transaction would set the tone for his life's work, as Joe believed in sealing deals with words and handshakes rather than lengthy contracts.
As the years unfolded, Joe's passion for livestock trading grew, and he dreamt of one day building his auction barn. From its inception, the Southwest Livestock Exchange conducted business on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come rain or shine. Goats and sheep graced the auction block on Tuesdays, while Thursdays were reserved for cattle. Joe, a constant presence, would sit prominently near the auction ring, where the rhythmic tapping of his pinky finger on the auctioneer's stand became a familiar sight.
Joe Hargrove's influence extended far beyond the auction ring. The walls of the building's foyer are adorned with photographs of Joe alongside Uvalde county teenagers, testament to his commitment to supporting local youth through the Uvalde County Livestock Show. He ensured that every child received a fair price for their hard work, a legacy that endures in the memories of those who knew him.
Hargrove's dedication to cattle trading was matched by his devotion to working cattle on horseback. His horse, which likely clocked over 100,000 miles in a trailer, was always at the ready. Even as he approached his final days, he couldn't resist saddling up and venturing out. Hargrove believed in doing things, not just talking about them, and he left an indelible mark on everyone he touched.
Joe Hargrove was a man of action, a believer in trust, and a proponent of the handshake deal. His legacy lives on in the stories told, the laughter shared, and the enduring memory of "the look." In his passing, South Texas lost an iconic trail boss, but his spirit, like the vast Texas pastures he once roamed, remains eternally present in the hearts and lives of those who were privileged to know him.
https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2021/07/12/south-texas-rancher-profile-joe-hargrove.html
