Shelby County vs. Wilbarger County
Poultry & Waggoners
Today’s match-up pairs the poultry powerhouse of East Texas with the ranching legacy of the Red River. Shelby County, on the Toledo Bend border, is a leader in broiler production and timber. Wilbarger County, northwest of Wichita Falls, is home to the legendary Waggoner Ranch headquarters. One is defined by pine forests and chicken farms; the other by wide prairies and cattle kings.
Shelby County (Population Approx. 24,000)
Shelby County is deep East Texas. Center, the county seat, anchors a region driven by the poultry industry and timber. The county borders the massive Toledo Bend Reservoir, offering great fishing. Historically, it was the site of the "Shelby County War," a feud that required Sam Houston's intervention. The vibe is independent, agricultural, and scenic.
Wilbarger County (Population Approx. 12,000)
Wilbarger County is cowboy country. Vernon serves as the hub for a region dominated by agriculture and oil. It is the headquarters of the Waggoner Ranch, one of the largest contiguous ranches in the U.S. The Red River Valley Museum preserves the area's rich history. Challenges include water conservation and economic diversification.
Why It Matters
Shelby County puts chicken on the table. Wilbarger County puts beef on the grill. Both counties are critical to the food supply chain and face the challenges of modernizing rural agriculture.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the poultry farmer in Center and the cowboy in Vernon both drive our prosperity.
In Shelby County, the agricultural workforce is diverse. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on rural infrastructure and economic stability, rather than partisan distraction. Ranked Choice Voting would help the community build consensus.
In Wilbarger County, the ranching legacy is strong. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize property rights and agricultural water needs. It ensures that the Red River valley continues to thrive.
Did You Know…
The Waggoner Ranch in Wilbarger County spans over 500,000 acres and is the largest ranch under one fence in the U.S.
Shelby County was the scene of the Regulator-Moderator War (1839-1844), a violent feud over land titles and lawlessness.
Center (Shelby) is named because it is located in the geographic center of the county (originally).
Why Texans Love Living Here
Shelby residents love the East Texas festivals, the lake life, and the strong agricultural economy. Wilbarger locals love the rodeo heritage, the Santa Rosa Roundup, and the pride of living in big ranch country.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
East Texas Poultry Festival (Center/Shelby): A celebration of the industry with a carnival and food.
Santa Rosa Roundup (Vernon/Wilbarger): One of the oldest rodeos in Texas.
What-A-Melon Festival (Center): Celebrating local watermelons.
Summer's Last Blast (Vernon): A classic car show and cruise night.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
