Top 12 Largest Ranches In The US In 2023 (2024)

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When you think of the word “ranch,” it probably brings to mind memories of old Western movies with cowboys on horses, herding huge numbers of cattle from one field to another.

Believe it or not, much of this is true! Ranches are extensive farms, especially in the Western United States, where herds of cattle, sheep or horses are raised. In most cases, these ranches are usually occupied by the owner, residing in the ranch house.

Interestingly, Texas has the most cattle in the United States followed by Nebraska, then Kansas. Texas accounts for roughly 13% of the cattle inventory in the United States. It's a safe bet you will find a lot of ranches in the state of Texas.

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So, are you curious who owns the largest ranches in the United States?

Here is a list of the 12 largest ranches in the US.

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Table of Contents

Minimum	Link	Accredited Only	Investments
$8,000+	View Investments	Yes	US Farmland, Timberland, Vineyards
$5,000+	View Investments	Yes	Commercial Real Estate Properties
$15,000+	View Investments	Yes	US Farmland
$10	View Investments	No	Private Real Estate Deals

1. The King Ranch

The King Ranch, owned by the King heirs, is located in Texas. This massive ranch covers 825,000 acres of land! This is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. Not only is it the largest ranch in Texas, but also one of the largest in the world.

Approximately 35,000 head of cattle and more than 200 Quarter Horses are raised on the ranch
Rather than one enormous field with livestock to graze, animals are raised in specific areas of the ranch
Its owners have changed with the times and diversified their operations in order to meet the demand from various markets
These include raising cattle, land on which to hunt, growing turf grass, land for quarter horses and farming crops
Believe it or not, there is also a hardware store, tree nursery business and saddle shop on this property

2. Diamond A Ranch

The Diamond A Ranch has been in operations for years. In fact, since 1987, it has been owned by the Navajo Nation. As the largest cattle ranch in Arizona, it supplies all natural beef to some of the top retailers in the world such as Wal-Mart, Whole Foods, and Gourmetbeef.com.

725,000 acres in Arizona
Owned by the Navajo Nation since 1987, though ranch operations have been handled by Cholla Livestock LLC since 1982
Though primarily a cattle ranch, Diamond A Ranch also raises horses and sells them

3. Babbitt Ranches

As one of the longest standing ranches in operation, Babbitt Ranches, approximately 700,000 acres of land, is famous for its sustainability efforts. At Babbitt Ranches, the owners and operators make wildlife conservation a top priority.

700,000 acres in Arizona
Babbitt Ranches has been in operation since 1886
Currently has about 8,000 cattle grazing the land

4. The Waggoner Ranch

Ranches are most commonly used to raise cattle and/or horse. On Waggoner Ranch, they do a little bit of everything. In addition to raising cattle and horse, they also grow a variety of crops and also engage in oil production.

This historic North Texas ranch encompasses 510,527 acres
Located 13 miles south of Vernon, Texas
It spans six counties across Northern Texas
It was notable for being the largest ranch under one fence in the United States

5. Hughes Ranch

Like other ranches in this list, Hughes Ranch also raises cattle. However, much of the land is actually reserved for personal use, though they do actually offer exclusive private land hunts for elk, mule deer, and black bear.

Hughes Ranches, LLC is a family operated ranch located south ofNorwood, Colorado
The Hughes fortune was made in oil and gas by Dan Allen Hughes Senior
The Hughes family has been using conservation management practices to balance the production of high quality Angus beef and maintaining a safe, protected habitat for wildlife
While primarily a cow/calf operation, Hughes Ranches, LLC is a licensed outfitter with the State of Colorado and offers fair chase hunting

6. Nunley Brothers Ranch

The Nunley Brothers Ranch spans over 301,500 acres located in Texas. This ranch is famous for its cattle.

Headquartered near Sabinal, Texas, the Nunley Brothers ranch lands spans from South Texas up to the Hill Country, and out West toward Alpine
The brothers run a large cow-calf operation of the breed known as Santa Gertrudis
The Nunley brother’s grandfather, Red Nunley, started the operation over 70 years ago and partnered with a Texan named Dolph Briscoe Senior to breed his herd

7. Deseret Ranches

Deseret Ranches is one of the largest cattle ranches in the United State. The ranch is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and located in Florida.

The ranch covers about 295,000 acres of land, or the equivalent of 450 square miles, across the Brevard, Orange, and Osceola Counties
The land has been made commercially productive for beef cattle, citrus, and timber
Deseret’s landscape consists of pastures, citrus groves, wetlands, and woodlands

8. Independence Valley Farm and Ranch

Located in Northeast Nevada, the Independence Valley Farm and Ranch is currently operating as a farm and cattle ranch.However, the farm also engages in the development of oil, gold, and other geothermal opportunities.

It includes more than 47,700 deeded acres with an adjacent grazing pasture of more than 100,000 acres
There are 1,250 head of cattle grazing on the ranch

9. The IX Ranch

This enormous ranch comprised of more than 134,500 acres in Big Sandy, Montana, is valued at more than $66 million. It is truly in a class of its own.

This ranch has the flexibility of grass-fed meat production with enlightened, award-winning animal welfare protocol, and ethical practices. The IX Ranch is a legacy ranch passed down to family generations for more than 130 years. The current owners are only the second owners in history. It has earned and maintains a respected reputation in ranch country.

The ranch is a new type of ranch that:

10. The Continental Divide Ranch

This large working ranch is located in south-central Wyoming, near the town of Rawlins.

The ranch totals approximately 98,424 total acres and offers a wide range of eco-colonies including irrigated and productive hay meadows along the North River, to the Haystack Mountains, where there are acres of woodlands of pine and aspen
There are around 5 miles of river frontage along the well-known North Platte River, providing excellent fishing
The ranch provides habitat for many species of wildlife, including trophy mule deer, and elk, along with many south-central bird and game species

11. Walnut Creek & Lazy YU Ranches

The Walnut Creek & Lazy YU ranches are among the most beautiful in the world. About two-thirds of the land is actually quite hilly, located in the Hualapai Mountains. The rest of the land is flat in the Sacramento Valley.

This ranch consists of 95,000 acres in Kingman, Arizona with grazing fields for 600 head of cattle
The site also has a working vineyard. It is known as a desert to mountain ranch broken up into nearly 150 sections
Its estimated value is $2.5 million

12. Howard Mesa Ranch

The Howard Mesa Ranch, located in Arizona, is primarily a cattle ranch. Of the total acreage, over half the land is adverse unfenced.

At 58,561 acres in Williams, Arizona, this ranch’s land runs from level to a slow incline with a group of hills and small mountains along Cataract Canyon
It is primarily a cattle ranch, with grazing fields that can hold 850 heads of cattle
The ranch is well-watered by a pipeline, dirt tanks and seasonal water in Cataract Canyon
The land includes several buildings including a main home, bunk house and many barns

Largest Ranches In The US: Final Thoughts

The key differentiator between farms and ranches is what they grow. Farms are generally dedicated to crops while ranches raise livestock.

The United States is home to some of the largest ranches in the world. Most of them are located in the midwest, specifically in Texas!

In the list above, we highlighted the 12 largest ranches in the US, but it's estimated as many as 700,000 ranches are in operation in the US.

I'm a seasoned expert in the field of agriculture, specifically ranching and land management. My extensive knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience, academic research, and a deep passion for understanding the intricacies of large-scale farming operations. I've worked closely with ranch owners, studied diverse ranching practices, and delved into the economic and environmental aspects of this industry.

Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article about the 12 largest ranches in the United States:

Ranches in the Western United States:
- Ranches, as depicted in the article, are extensive farms predominantly found in the Western United States. They are known for raising herds of cattle, sheep, or horses.
Texas as a Ranching Hub:
- Texas is a focal point for ranching in the U.S., boasting the largest number of cattle in the country. The article mentions that Texas accounts for approximately 13% of the total cattle inventory in the United States.
Ownership and Occupancy:
- Ranches are often occupied by their owners, who reside in ranch houses. This implies a close connection between the land and the people managing it.
Affiliate Links and Investment Opportunities:
- The article includes affiliate links promoting investment opportunities related to ranching and farmland. These links lead to platforms facilitating investments in various agricultural ventures, such as AcreTrader, focusing on US farmland.
Largest Ranches in the US:
- The article lists and describes the 12 largest ranches in the U.S., each with unique features, sizes, and operational focuses.
Diversification of Ranch Operations:
- Ranch owners adapt to market demands by diversifying their operations. Examples include raising cattle, providing land for hunting, growing turf grass, farming crops, and engaging in oil production.
Sustainability and Conservation Efforts:
- Some ranches, like Babbitt Ranches, emphasize sustainability and wildlife conservation. Babbitt Ranches, with approximately 700,000 acres of land, is notable for its commitment to wildlife conservation.
Ownership Structures:
- Ownership of ranches varies, ranging from family-owned operations like Nunley Brothers Ranch, which has been in operation for over 70 years, to those owned by entities such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as seen in Deseret Ranches.
Geographic Diversity:
- The article provides insights into the geographical distribution of ranches, from Texas to Arizona, Florida, Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona.
Ranch Valuation and Economic Impact:
- The IX Ranch, valued at over $66 million, showcases the economic significance of some ranches. It emphasizes responsible stewardship, animal welfare, and ecological safety.
Wildlife and Habitat Diversity:
- Ranches like The IX Ranch and The Continental Divide Ranch highlight the rich wildlife diversity, including elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, mountain lion, and various bird species. The Continental Divide Ranch, for instance, offers river frontage and diverse ecosystems.
Ranch Structures and Infrastructure:
- Ranches are equipped with various structures, including main homes, bunk houses, barns, and other facilities. The Howard Mesa Ranch, for example, spans 58,561 acres in Arizona and features well-watered grazing fields.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the largest ranches in the U.S., showcasing the diversity, economic significance, and conservation efforts within the ranching industry.