Grayson West
The largest ranches in America are like kingdoms, each with its own history and breakthroughs. These operations have shaped how food is grown, how animals are cared for, and even how we think about conservation. So, let’s look at the ten largest ranches in America that left a lasting mark on American farming. Swipe to find more.
King Ranch
King Ranch, founded in South Texas (1853), is one of the largest and most famous ranches in the United States, spanning over 825,000 acres. It is prominent for its significant contributions to agriculture and livestock, particularly cattle ranching and horse breeding. It also played a major role in developing the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed.
Waggoner Ranch
One of America’s oldest ranches, Waggoner Ranch (1849), is one of America’s oldest ranches, covering 510,572 acres in Northern Texas before its 2016 acquisition by Stan Kroenke. Historical records note nearly 1,000,000 acres in the late 19th century, though this was not its size at the time of sale.
Parker Ranch
Parker Ranch began in 1847, but its roots reach back even further to the arrival of a 19-year-old sailor, John Palmer Parker, in the early 19th century. Over generations, this ranch adapted to changing times, exploring forestry and dairy farming. It also survived economic downturns, lava flows, and shifts in land use.
Pitchfork Ranch
The Pitchfork Ranch covers over 165,000 acres and is a legendary operation that carved its place in history with Hereford cattle, Quarter Horses, and the Pitchfork brand. But it’s more than a working ranch; it’s a community where cowboy traditions thrive, with wide-open plains and a legacy rooted in innovation and environmental stewardship.
Matador Ranch
Originally part of the Scottish-owned Matador Land and Cattle Company, this ranch became synonymous with pioneering cattle operations and conservation practices. It is home to thriving herds of cattle and abundant wildlife. Plus, generations of cowboys have worked these lands, keeping the spirit of the Old West alive.
Great Western Ranch
This is a working ranch, primarily for cattle grazing, with a capacity to support thousands of livestock. The property’s layout is ideal for large-scale ranching, with water sources strategically located through wells and natural springs. Despite its remote feel, it has the infrastructure to support modern ranching operations while maintaining its wild charm.
Diamond A Ranch
Arizona’s 750,000-acre Diamond A Ranch features vast land perfect for grazing cattle. Locally known as The Big Boquillas, it’s a cornerstone of the state’s cattle industry. Ranch hands here still employ time-honored methods. It proves that tradition and success go hand in hand when shaping American farming.
Vermejo Park Ranch
Owned by Ted Turner, Vermejo Park Ranch covers 560,000 acres across New Mexico and Colorado. Known for conservation, it balances agriculture with eco-tourism. Rare wildlife thrives alongside cattle herds, making it a shining example of how ranching can support biodiversity while producing high-quality beef.
Deseret Ranches
Florida’s Deseret Ranches spans 300,000 acres, housing over 44,000 cattle. Looked after by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s a giant in the beef industry. Its efficient irrigation systems ensure optimal productivity which shows that even sprawling operations can prioritize resource management. You might call it farming done right.
Tejon Ranch
California’s Tejon Ranch, established in 1843, stretches over 270,000 acres. It’s not just about agriculture—it’s also a hub for renewable energy projects. With cattle grazing alongside solar and wind installations, Tejon Ranch cherishes the blend of tradition and forward-thinking shaping today’s farming industry.