McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family: The Faske Family

Region VII Faske Family

Congratulations to the Faske Family, Region 7's McCoy's Farm and Ranch Family. Jay and Suzanne Faske, of Burton, Texas, have built a unique and beautifully diverse family with 28 adopted children from seven countries and three ‘homemade’ children.

Jay and Suzanne, fueled by their strong faith and desire to make a difference, have welcomed children from India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Colombia, and the United States. Some of their children face special medical needs, and over the years, the Faskes have provided them with life-saving medical care and surgeries. 

The Faskes’ home is Vida Nueva Ranch, meaning “New Life Ranch,” in Burton, Texas, a place dedicated to giving their children a new beginning. They raise Texas Longhorn cattle, Brangus cattle, Quarter Horses, and Nigerian Dwarf goats. Jay, a fourth-generation jeweler, has continued the family legacy with the jewelry business with JH Faske Jewelers in Brenham, Texas. Suzanne and their children help run the ranch. The ranch is a labor of love where everyone pitches in to care for the land and livestock.

Jay, Joshua, Sarah, and Rachel, along with Gabriella part-time, work at JH Faske Jewelers. Jay and Joshua create custom pieces, Sarah is a gemologist and assistant manager, and Rachel handles marketing for both the jewelry store and the ranch. On the ranch, everyone has daily responsibilities, from feeding animals and building fences to managing medical needs and handling farrier work. Jonathan and Joshua even trim and shoe the horses, and each of the kids maintains the stalls, waterers, and pastures.

Though most of the Faske children are now grown, they still have nine kids at home, six of whom are active in junior high and high school rodeo. The oldest, Jonathan, is a senior specializing in tie-down and team roping, while his younger sister Bethany, a junior, excels in breakaway roping, team roping, and goat tying. Freshman Gabriella is a versatile competitor in barrels, poles, breakaway roping, and goat tying, showcasing her skills across multiple events. Eighth-grade twins Cherish and Sophia each have unique strengths, with Cherish focused on breakaway roping, goat tying, and team roping, while Sophia balances a lineup of barrels, poles, breakaway roping, ribbon roping, goat tying, and team roping. The youngest, Caleb, in seventh grade, is already making a name for himself in chute dogging, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping, ribbon roping, and boys’ goat tying. This level of commitment to rodeo sports is a testament to the Faske family’s deep-rooted passion and work ethic, with each child contributing to their collective rodeo legacy..

For the Faskes, ranching is more than a livelihood; it’s a way to pass down values of faith, work ethic, and stewardship. They teach their children to honor God, care for family, and look after the land and animals with diligence and compassion. Every member of the family learns essential skills in ranching and business, equipping them for adulthood and encouraging them to give back.

This year, the family joined the Texas High School Rodeo Association (THSRA) for the first time, a decision they almost delayed due to concerns over readiness and cost. Yet, their experience has been transformative. Caleb, currently leading the Junior High Boys’ All-Around, and Sophia, ranked second in the Junior High Girls’ All-Around, have achieved unexpected success and built lasting friendships. The THSRA community has embraced the Faskes, turning competitors into supporters and mentors.

Jonathan’s story is especially inspiring. Diagnosed with Severe Hemophilia A, a condition where his blood doesn’t clot normally, Jonathan spent much of his childhood in a wheelchair due to joint bleeds. In 2018, a new medication gave him the freedom to live a more active life. He now competes in rodeo events like tie-down roping, an incredible achievement for someone once unable to walk unaided.

The Faskes’ journey reflects an unwavering commitment to family and faith, one that has grown far beyond what Jay and Suzanne initially envisioned. Their story of adopting 28 children, building a life together on a ranch, and helping their children find healing and purpose is a testament to resilience and love. Being Chosen as Region 7's McCoy's Farm and Ranch Family is an honor for the Fakes Family.