Kenneth Eng is Doing It Closer to Home

by Bob Strong

Kenneth Eng is definitely an “up” personality speaking in front of groups, at meetings or on a one-to-one basis. Everything is ok with Ken.

With his extensive business and professional life, finding time to write poetry takes a special gift. Obviously Ken’s involvement, background and unique experiences shape his ability to do his writing, but still actually doing it calls for a creative imagination and taking the time, ‘The hard work’ of doing it.

Kenneth Eng received a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from Oklahoma State University. He joined the staff of Texas A&M University and designed and lectured the initial Masters Degree class in Feedlot Management. Thirty-five years ago he formed a research and consultation company (Eng Inc.) and has been active in beef cattle nutrition, management consultation, and research throughout the United States and overseas. He received the Advance Degree of Distinction Award from Oklahoma State University and first presentation of a Professional Excellence Award for his contributions to the Beef Cattle Industry from The Plains Nutrition Council of Texas. He serves on a number of research review boards and writes a monthly article for Feedstuffs entitled ‘Bottom Line.’

Currently he limits his consulting work, but is still active in research. He occasionally works with other nutritionists and goes on speaking and lecture tours.

Much of his and wife, Caroline’s time is spent managing their cow-calf and stocker operations in California, Texas and Oklahoma. The Engs reside at their home in San Antonio, Texas, or the ranch in San Luis Obispo County, California. As he says, he now has more time to write poetry and fairy tales for his friends and creditors thanks to his small, hard working staff, which includes Annie Powell (Office Manager and Accountant), Kristie Forrister, her assistant, Zeke Bricker manager of ranching operation in Texas, Oklahoma, and California, and Mark and Jody Leslie, Foreman of the California Ranch.

Writing and painting are both considered creative. Most observers think of both as pastimes, but in reality, even for the “naturally gifted” they are work. It is the desire to express oneself that drives the writer or artist.
The collection of poetry entitled Closer To Home is a pleasure to read. The illustrations by artist and longtime friend of Kenneth, Bud McCaulley is well known for both cowboy cartoons and serious art. He has murals in the Amarillo International Airport and a collection of 46 Texas Presidents and governors that hang in the State Capital Rotunda in Austin, Texas.

Kenneth Eng’s collection of poetry deserves a place on the coffee table and in the collections of those who are serious about the cattle business, yet see the light side of our industry.

For information on ordering Kenneth Eng’s book, you can either call 505-743-6331 fax 505-743-7506 or email eng@riolink.com. ©

Doing It Closer to Home, by K.S. Eng

Sonny was a man of passion
He’d been that way all his life
That was his style and his fashion
He wore out several girls and a wife

He loves those big country ranches
Didn’t want anything small like a farm
He always loved taking chances
He was reckless, that was his charm

When a market wreck wiped him out
You didn’t see him cry or moan
He said “I still know what I’m about
I’ll just do things closer to home”

Once in a fit of passion
He married a trophy wife
She liked the city and high fashion
Soon he longed for the country life

He pursued worldly pleasure and joys
Abe he coveted lots of space
Then he decided he had enough toys
And yearned for a smaller place

Bright lights and gold lost their shine
And he begin to slow his pace
Peace and love was his new bottom line
As he prepared for the final race

He was relaxed when I passed through
I said “I hear you no longer roam”
He said “I still do just what I want to
I’m just doing it closer to home”