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Our ranch was started with the arrival of my father from cypress
hills in 1947. Dad purchased 4500 acres and with the help of a bunch of
black white faced cows, hereford angus cross began ranching and farming.. Since then, the business has expanded considerably, as has our land base.
Today the ranch is comprised of approximately 35% reseeded tame grass,
some pivot irrigation, and some dryland farming as well. A moderately sized
feeding operation compliments the other activities, producing about 600
fat cattle annually for local and foreign markets.
All range work is done on horseback, except checks, done with half ton
trucks. The ranch includes 8.5 miles of Bow River frontage, and since this
is very fragile country ecologically speaking, the cows access is controlled
and monitored.. We practice rotational grazing, and approach management
from a holistic point of view..
Visitors are welcome, and are shown around if we have time to do so, but access of hunters is strictly controlled for the safety of staff and stock. Fire is a real threat in the fall, and often in the summer.
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We see a moderate amount of oil exploration activity in this area...helps
pay down the loans..they are good neighbors..we help each other when there
is a blizzard, and someone ends up in the ditch.
Cows are grazed year round, and we supplemental feed hay and silage for
about 60 days per year.. We practice rotational grazing to take advantage
of different climate zones and plant populations on the Ranch.
Sources of water are a problem, and we are constantly developing new ones.. dugouts and wells.. wind power isnt used at all, but solar is being considered to get clean water from the dugouts for thirsty critters.
If anyone would like to stop by for a visit, we will saddle some
horses, and show you around in the best western tradition.
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Bow
River/Trout Fishing
Canadian Geographic
Western Horseman
Magazine
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