Airport Fast Park (AFP), an off-site airport parking company, is looking after more than just automobiles these days. The company is using 74 acres of its land as agricultural pastures to educate local Del Valle High School (DVHS) Future Farmers of America (FFA) how to raise and breed Texas longhorn cattle.

AFP’s undeveloped land is located adjacent to the 3,100-space parking facility at Austin Bergstrom International Airport. The two pastures are home to eight Longhorns including: Simply Devine, a twenty-one-year-old cow; Spangles, an eighteen-year-old steer; Patches, an eighteen-year-old heifer; and Tizzy, a sixteen-old heifer.

“As an alumnus of the University of Texas, I know how meaningful the Texas longhorn is to our community,” said Michael H. Anderson, a principal with AFP and manager of the Chavez Cattle Company, LLC. “The longhorn represents the pride and tradition of the university as well as the state of Texas. This is truly an amazing experience for residents and visitors to our parking facility and the Austin-Bergstrom Airport.”

Anderson oversees AFP’s longhorn project and works closely with the Del Valle High School FFA. “What makes this project special and incredibly rewarding are the young men and women of DVHS FFA who will not only have an enormous amount of fun, but will be learning the responsibilities and intricacies of raising longhorns,” he said.

Under the supervision of Kelly White, Del Valle High School Agricultural Instructor and Dr. William (Bill) Selman, veterinarian, the FFA students will be responsible for raising the longhorns which could include assisting with births and tracking vaccinations as well as making sure the animals are fed and well cared for.

“Most FFA programs are about showing cattle at livestock shows,” said Kelly White, Del Valle High School Agricultural teacher. “Airport Fast Park is giving Austin students the opportunity to develop the working knowledge they will need to raise and breed cattle in a ranch-type setting. Not only does that give them a real sense of responsibility and an understanding of what it takes to be a rancher, but it’s a great opportunity for the parents of these young men and women to take an active role in the learning process.”

The AFP facility is located at 2300 Spirit of Texas Drive. West of the facility is a 31-acre agricultural pasture and east of the facility is 43 acres of agricultural pasture. Both will be used to raise the Texas longhorns.

Airport Fast Park offers covered parking for travelers using Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. AFP provides secure parking for travelers with a convenient shuttle service that picks up travelers at their car door. Airport Fast Park customers also enjoy free luggage assistance, a complimentary newspaper and bottled water. For travelers needing mechanical help, AFP provides jump starts, and help with lock-outs.