How Many Acres Is Drummond Ranch? Uncovering The True Size

Have you ever wondered about the sheer scale of the Drummond Ranch, that iconic property featured on "The Pioneer Woman"? It's a question many folks ask, you know, when they think about vast stretches of land and the families who work them. The idea of such a huge place, well, it really captures the imagination, doesn't it?

For a lot of people, the name "Drummond Ranch" brings to mind images of sprawling pastures and, too, a way of life that feels deeply connected to the land. It's more than just a place; it's a legacy, a piece of American ranching history that, you know, has been passed down through generations.

So, if you're curious about just how much ground this famous ranch covers, you're in the right spot. We're going to explore the impressive size of the Drummond Ranch, and, in a way, give you a real sense of its vastness and its place in the world of large landholdings.

Table of Contents

• The Drummond Family Legacy: A Deep Connection to the Land
  • Frederick Drummond's Vision
  • Generations of Ranching
• Ree Drummond and The Pioneer Woman Connection
  • Bringing Ranch Life to the World
• Just How Big Is It? Drummond Ranch Acreage Revealed
  • The Main Spread
  • Comparing the Size
  • More Than Just Acres: Cattle and Operations
• The Drummond Family's Total Landholdings
  • Across Oklahoma
  • A National Perspective
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Drummond Family Legacy: A Deep Connection to the Land

The story of the Drummond Ranch, you know, is really the story of a family. It's a tale of hard work, dedication, and a deep, deep bond with the open country of Oklahoma. This ranch, in a way, represents generations of effort and commitment.

Frederick Drummond's Vision

The roots of this vast ranch go way back, actually, to the year 1886. That's when Frederick Drummond, a man who had moved to the United States from Scotland, first started this incredible venture. He had a vision, clearly, for what this land could become.

He began building what would become the Drummond Land & Cattle Co. This company, basically, laid the groundwork for the expansive ranching operation we know today. It was, in some respects, a very ambitious undertaking for its time.

Generations of Ranching

From Frederick's initial efforts, the ranch has been nurtured and expanded by his descendants. It's been a family affair, you know, for five generations now. Each generation has added to the legacy, making the ranch what it is today.

This long history, frankly, means the family has a profound understanding of the land and its rhythms. They've seen changes, they've adapted, and they've kept the ranching tradition alive and well for a very long time.

The company, too, has grown significantly over the years. It's not just about owning land; it's about managing it, caring for it, and making it productive for cattle and, you know, for the future.

Ree Drummond and The Pioneer Woman Connection

While the Drummond family has been ranching for a very long time, it was, in a way, Ree Drummond who brought the ranch and its unique lifestyle into the homes of millions. Her popular "Pioneer Woman" brand has made the ranch a household name, actually.

Ree's show, which is filmed on the ranch, offers a glimpse into the daily happenings of ranch life. It shows the hard work, the family moments, and, of course, the delicious food that comes from living in such a place. It's a pretty compelling look, in fact.

Bringing Ranch Life to the World

Through her books, her television show, and her online presence, Ree has made the town of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and the ranch itself, famous. She's, you know, given people a real connection to rural life.

Her stories and recipes have, arguably, created a bridge between the ranching world and a wider audience. It's a way for people to experience a little bit of that vast, open country, even if they're far away.

Just How Big Is It? Drummond Ranch Acreage Revealed

Now, let's get to the question everyone wants answered: just how many acres is the Drummond Ranch? It's a number that, frankly, tends to surprise people. The scale of it is pretty immense, actually.

The Main Spread

The ranch featured on Ree's show, which is located just west of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, is a truly expansive property. It covers, you know, a very large area, specifically about 433,000 acres. That's a huge piece of ground, in fact.

This substantial acreage makes it one of the largest ranching operations in the entire United States. It's a really significant holding, obviously, and a testament to the family's long history in the area.

To give you a little perspective, 433,000 acres is, in a way, more than half the size of the state of Rhode Island. So, you can imagine, that's a lot of land to manage and care for, every single day.

This particular ranch, the one that's often seen, is ranked as the 17th largest among the nation's top property owners, according to Modern Farmer. That's a pretty impressive standing, actually, among some truly massive landholders.

Comparing the Size

When you think about ranches, you know, sizes can vary wildly. Many of the Drummonds' neighbors have ranches that are anywhere from 5,000 to 100,000 acres. These are considered quite large, of course, in their own right.

However, the Drummond Ranch, at 433,000 acres, is in a completely different league. It's, you know, a scale that's not commonly seen in many parts of the country. West Texas, for example, has some ranches that can exceed 100,000 acres, but even there, the Drummonds' main spread is quite remarkable.

It's, in a way, a very considerable number of acres, making it stand out even among other large ranching operations. The sheer size allows for, you know, extensive cattle operations and wide-open spaces.

More Than Just Acres: Cattle and Operations

The land isn't just sitting there; it's actively used for ranching. Ladd Drummond's ranch, for instance, which is part of this larger acreage, covers approximately 40 square miles. That's a pretty vast area for livestock, in fact.

On this property, they manage a very large number of cattle. Ladd Drummond's ranch, specifically, is home to about 2,500 head of cattle. That's a significant herd, you know, requiring a lot of space and careful management.

The sheer number of animals, and the land needed to support them, really highlights the working nature of the ranch. It's not just a pretty picture; it's a very active and productive agricultural enterprise, actually.

The Drummond Family's Total Landholdings

While the 433,000-acre ranch is incredibly large, it's important to understand that the Drummond family's total land ownership extends even further. They have, you know, a truly immense amount of land.

Across Oklahoma

According to reports, the Drummond family, as a whole, owns an even larger amount of land across Oklahoma. They hold, you know, a staggering 510,527 acres in the state. That's a really impressive figure, in fact.

This makes them one of the biggest landowners in Oklahoma, by far. It's a testament to their long-standing presence and, you know, their continued investment in the region's agricultural landscape.

The family's land is spread across various properties, all contributing to their overall acreage. It's a complex network of land, actually, managed for different aspects of their ranching business.

A National Perspective

When you look at the entire United States, the Drummond family's landholdings place them among the largest private landowners in the country. Ladd Drummond's family, for instance, is ranked as the 23rd largest landowner in the United States. That's a pretty high ranking, you know, when you consider all the vast properties out there.

In a 2016 Land Report 100, the Drummond family of Pawhuska was ranked at number 79 among the country's top landowners. This report, you know, tracks the biggest private landholders, including figures like media mogul Ted Turner, who is often at the very top of the list.

So, basically, the Drummond family's land ownership is not just significant in Oklahoma; it's recognized on a national scale. Their commitment to ranching and, you know, to their land has made them a major player in the country's agricultural scene.

This vast amount of land, nearly half a million acres for the main ranch and even more for the family's total holdings, really highlights the scale of their operations. It's a very big part of their identity and, you know, their contribution to the ranching industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have more questions about the Drummond Ranch and its operations. Here are a few common ones, you know, that might be on your mind too.

How big is the Drummond Ranch in Oklahoma?

The Drummond Ranch, specifically the one featured on "The Pioneer Woman" and located near Pawhuska, Oklahoma, spans approximately 433,000 acres. This makes it one of the largest ranches in the United States, actually, and a very significant property in the region.

Who owns the Drummond Ranch in Oklahoma?

The Drummond Ranch is owned by the Drummond family. It's a family business that was founded way back in 1886 by Frederick Drummond. Ladd Drummond, Ree Drummond's husband, is a partner in the Drummond Land & Cattle Co., and the ranch has been in the family for five generations, you know, passing down through the years.

How many head of cattle does Ladd Drummond have?

Ladd Drummond's ranch, which is part of the larger Drummond family land, manages a substantial number of cattle. He has about 2,500 head of cattle on his ranch. This large herd, you know, requires a lot of space and careful attention, showing the active nature of their ranching operations.