“The Nunn sons became involved in the last of the “range wars” of the New Mexico Territory. There was virtually no law enforcement in the Territory in those days, so it was common for a gun to settle disputes. When the “good guys” won a battle, it was another step of bringing peace and security to an otherwise chaotic environment. The boys had constant friction with one particular gang of homesteaders who filled the Nunn’s well with rocks Read More …
“When I meet Matt, he shows me one of their new hay barns. The old one caught fire earlier this year. The school bus driver saw the fire and radioed for the fire department. But by the time Matt got there, he was only able to save a few pieces of equipment. The barn and hay were a total loss. Matt’s insurance for replacement of the way was at last year’s normal hay price. This year, however, a Read More …
“Together the Flournoys look to the future. They’re relentless in their well-organized, and hard-working farming and the cattle business, but they predict that some of the ranch’s future may be in its water. The Lazy F has springs and wells scattered across the property, and the corporation owns substantial water rights to the South Fork of the Pit River. At 4,000 feet in elevation, the growing season is only 100 days long, while down in Yolo County and Read More …
“Decades ago, James’ dad hired a German immigrant who knew everything about ranching, such as the vanishing art of flood irrigation. He worked for the ranch for 59 years and taught the current generation how to work. He had an old German saying: “Make it easy to do it right.” James and his children make it all look easy, although I know it’s not. On the Two Dot Ranch, they’re doing it just right. ” – Jim Keen, Read More …
“At breakfast, Kathy Froelich fills me in on the details. The early call to her husband, Rod, was from the fire chief at the Standing Rock Reservation. A lightning strike on the edge of the ranch sent grassfire blazing across the property. The key to containing a range fire is an instantaneous response. Every rancher in this area has a pickup with a pump and a large water tanker in his truck bed. This morning, the quick action Read More …
“Senator Warren’s son Fred brought Harvard-trained engineering experience to the ranch, moving it from its “Wild West” phase into an efficient ranching affair. Fred updated facilities and equipment until it became of the most modern operations in the West. Fred also worked with Dr. John Hill of the Wyoming School of Agriculture to develop the Warhill Sheep, a breed with a natural tendency to twin and well suited to a range environment.” – Jim Keen, Great Ranches of Read More …
“Dan Bell is widely recognized in Arizona for his expertise in renewable natural resources. He holds a degree in range management from the University of Arizona and cares passionately about preserving the environment of his family’s ranch. So he advised the biologist and bridge design teams that if his cattle were not allowed to eat down the willow shoots around the stream, willow trees would flourish and soak up the limited flow of water, resulting in no stream, Read More …
“The cows stuck in front of me now are a reminder of the hazards of crossing water. So many cattle drowned on the Opelousas Trail that the town of Beaumont, Texas, where the Neches River wanders along the county line, enacted the “Ordinance to Prevent Nuisances by Swimming Cattle” in August of 1840. The provision levied a $ fine per drowned cow and a $50 bond before crossing. Drowning wasn’t the only peril along this drive; there were Read More …