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The world’s largest ranches, often spanning thousands or even millions of acres, represent vast stretches of land dedicated to agriculture, livestock, and conservation efforts. These ranches, found in various countries across the globe, play a significant role in food production, environmental preservation, and rural economies.
One of the most notable examples is Anna Creek Station in Australia, which holds the title of the world’s largest working cattle station. With an area exceeding 6 million acres, it surpasses the size of some small countries. Similarly, in the United States, the King Ranch in Texas stands as one of the largest ranches in the world, covering over 825,000 acres. Known for its longhorn cattle operations and diverse wildlife habitat, the King Ranch has become an icon of American ranching heritage.
Below is a map of the biggest ranches in the world compared to Texas that was created by Reddit user convillious.
The largest ranches
Anna Creek Station is located in South Australia and is known for being one of the largest cattle stations in the world. Spanning over an area of approximately 23,000 square kilometers (about 9,000 square miles), it is even larger than some small countries. Operated by the pastoral company S. Kidman & Co., Anna Creek Station has played a significant role in the Australian beef industry for over a century.
The King Ranch, located in South Texas near the town of Kingsville, is one of the largest and most iconic ranches in the world. Spanning an immense area of approximately 3,340 square kilometers or 1,300 square miles, it is renowned for its rich history, diverse operations, and significant contributions to the ranching industry. Founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King, the ranch has been in continuous operation for over 150 years and remains family-owned to this day. The King Ranch is celebrated for its innovative cattle breeding programs, extensive wildlife management initiatives, and preservation of natural habitats.
Brewster Ranch, situated in West Texas, is a sprawling property known for its vast expanse of rugged terrain and breathtaking natural beauty. Covering an extensive area of approximately 3,237 square kilometers or 1,250 square miles, it ranks among the largest ranches in the state. Owned and operated by private individuals or corporations, Brewster Ranch offers diverse landscapes ranging from rolling hills to desert plains, making it an ideal location for outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, and hiking
The Briscoe Ranch, located in southern Texas, is a prominent and expansive property known for its rich history and vast landscapes. Covering an extensive area of approximately 3,000 square kilometers or 1,200 square miles, it is one of the largest ranches in the state. Established by the Briscoe family, the ranch has been in operation for generations and is renowned for its cattle ranching operations, hunting leases, and wildlife conservation efforts.
The Waggoner Ranch, located in northwest Texas near Vernon, is one of the largest and most storied ranches in the United States. Covering an expansive area of approximately 2,500 square kilometers or 1,000 square miles, it is renowned for its rich history, vast landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Established in 1849 by Daniel Waggoner, the ranch has been in continuous operation for over a century and a half. Originally focused on cattle ranching, the Waggoner Ranch has also diversified into oil and gas production, hunting leases, and recreational activities.
The O’Connor family is well-known for their ownership and stewardship of the O’Connor Ranches, a group of historic and prominent ranching properties in Texas. One of the most notable ranches within their portfolio is the O’Connor Ranch, which spans an impressive area of approximately 2,300 square kilometers or 900 square miles. Situated in various regions of Texas, the O’Connor Ranches have played a significant role in the state’s ranching industry for generations. With a focus on cattle ranching and land conservation, the O’Connor family has upheld a tradition of excellence in agriculture and land management.
Longfellow Ranch is an expansive property situated in Brewster County, Texas. Covering vast stretches of rugged terrain, the ranch spans over approximately 1,600 square kilometers or 600 square miles. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, including rolling hills and desert plains, Longfellow Ranch offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking
The 6666 Ranch, also known as the Four Sixes Ranch, is a historic and renowned cattle ranch located in Guthrie, Texas. It spans over 1113 square kilometers (430 square miles) and is celebrated for its long-standing tradition of breeding top-quality quarter horses and cattle. Founded in 1870 by Samuel Burk Burnett, the ranch has maintained a reputation for excellence in livestock management and horsemanship for generations. Today, the 6666 Ranch continues to be a leading producer of American Quarter Horses and plays a significant role in the ranching industry of Texas and beyond.
