6666 Ranch: A Legacy of Texas Ranching Excellence

The 6666 Ranch, also known as the Four Sixes Ranch, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Texas ranching. Spanning across multiple counties in the Lone Star State, this historic working ranch has been a symbol of agricultural innovation and Western heritage for over 150 years. In this article, we'll explore the rich history, operations, and cultural significance of the 6666 Ranch.

6666 Ranch: The Essentials

• Who: Founded by Samuel "Burk" Burnett in 1870, now owned by a group led by Taylor Sheridan.

• What: A 266,000-acre working cattle ranch and premier horse breeding operation.

• Where: Located across King, Carson, and Hutchinson counties in Texas, with main headquarters near Guthrie.

• When: Established in 1870 and continuously operated for over 150 years.

• Why: To maintain a legacy of excellence in cattle ranching and horse breeding while preserving Texas ranching heritage.

History and Legacy of 6666 Ranch

The story of the 6666 Ranch begins in 1870 when Samuel "Burk" Burnett purchased 100 head of cattle already branded with the "6666" mark. Contrary to local folklore, the ranch's name didn't originate from a poker game win. Instead, it came from the branding of the first herd Burnett raised on the ranch.

Key historical milestones

• 1900: Burnett purchases the land from the Louisville Land and Cattle Company.

• 1917: Construction of the ranch headquarters in Guthrie, Texas.

• 1921: Oil discovery on the Dixon Creek Ranch portion, enhancing profitability.

• 1922-1980: The ranch passes through generations of the Burnett family.

• 2021: Purchase by a group led by Taylor Sheridan, creator of the TV series "Yellowstone."

Throughout its history, the ranch has hosted notable figures such as President Theodore Roosevelt and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, cementing its place in Texas lore.

6666 Ranch Operations

The 6666 Ranch is renowned for its dual focus on cattle ranching and horse breeding:

Cattle Operations

• Maintains a herd of high-quality Angus cattle

• Employs progressive cattle management practices

• Focuses on traits like calving ease, early growth, and carcass merit

Horse Breeding Program

• Recognized for exceptional American Quarter Horses

• Received the AQHA Best Remuda Award

• Stands some of the industry's most respected stallions

The ranch also provides state-of-the-art veterinary and reproductive services, including:

• Artificial insemination with cooled and shipped semen

• Embryo transfer (fresh and vitrified)

• Stallion freezing as a Select Breeders Services affiliate lab

Land and Resource Management on 6666 Ranch

The 6666 Ranch employs sustainable practices to maintain its vast acreage:

• Moderate stocking rate of about 30 acres per cow/calf pair

• Extensive water infrastructure, including 18 solar wells and 29 windmills

• Ongoing brush control program

• Efforts to reclaim land for native grasses and restore natural water resources

Cultural Impact and Media Presence

In recent years, the 6666 Ranch has gained additional fame through its association with popular culture:

• Featured in advertisements for Marlboro cigarettes

• Setting for scenes in the movie "Mackintosh and T.J."

• Prominently featured in the TV series "Yellowstone" and its spin-offs

• Set to be the focus of an upcoming "Yellowstone" spin-off series

Events and Public Engagement

The ranch hosts several events that showcase its operations and heritage:

• Annual Return to the Remuda Sale: Featuring horses from several historic Texas ranches

• Horsemanship Clinics: Offering expert instruction in various aspects of horsemanship

• Stallion Open House: Previewing the ranch's stallions and offering special breeding rates

Current Ownership and Future Plans

In 2021, the 6666 Ranch was purchased by a group led by Taylor Sheridan for over $320 million. The new ownership has expressed commitment to:

• Preserving the ranch's historical operations and legacy

• Continuing renowned cattle and horse breeding programs

• Integrating the ranch into popular media while maintaining its working ranch status

• Potential expansion of tourism and public engagement opportunities

Daily Life on the 6666 Ranch

The 6666 Ranch isn't just a historical landmark; it's a bustling working ranch with a dedicated team of cowboys and staff. Here's a glimpse into the daily routine at this iconic Texas institution:

Cowboys and Their Duties

• The ranch employs 50 to 100 staff members, including nearly 20 full-time cowboys.

• Cowboys start their day before dawn, gathering for breakfast at the ranch headquarters.

• Each cowboy is assigned 8 to 10 horses, which only they ride.

Daily Tasks

• Checking and maintaining windmills and fences

• Monitoring pregnant heifers

• Roping calves in the branding pen

• Sorting cattle

• "Prowling" (checking) pastures, which average about 7,000 acres each

Seasonal Work

• Fall: Calving season for cows

• November-December: Six weeks of intensive branding around Thanksgiving and Christmas

• June: Weaning calves

• Winter: Breaking in younger colts

During branding and weaning seasons, cowboys may spend up to four weeks in the field, sleeping on bedrolls and eating at the chuck wagon, only returning on weekends for supplies.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The 6666 Ranch boasts impressive facilities to support its operations:

• Main Headquarters: Located near Guthrie, Texas, featuring:

  • Large main house

  • Employee housing

  • Horse sheds

  • Loft barn

  • Airplane hangar with a private landing strip

• Supply House: Serves as a store for ranch merchandise and cowboy gear

• Veterinary Facilities: State-of-the-art medical facilities for equine care

• Four Camps: Spread across the ranch to support operations in different areas

Breeding Programs: A Closer Look

Quarter Horse Program

The 6666 Ranch is renowned for its American Quarter Horses, with achievements including:

• AQHA Best Remuda Award

• Recognition as an AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Performance Horses and Race Money-Earners

• Focus on producing horses excelling in western performance and ranch work

• Breeding for traits such as soundness, endurance, stamina, and cow sense

Angus Cattle Program

The ranch's Angus cattle are known for their:

• High productivity and genetic superiority

• Adaptation to semi-arid, hard-grass country

• Excellent performance in feedyards

• Focus on traits like calving ease, early growth, maternal influence, and carcass merit

Environmental Stewardship

The 6666 Ranch takes its role as a steward of the land seriously:

• Wildlife-friendly practices

• Careful water resource management

• Land reclamation efforts for native grasses

• Sustainable grazing practices to ensure long-term viability

Cultural and Media Impact

Beyond its agricultural significance, the 6666 Ranch has left an indelible mark on popular culture:

• Featured in various films and TV shows

• Setting for parts of the "Yellowstone" TV series

• Upcoming spin-off series centered around the ranch

• Host to numerous events that attract visitors from across the country

The ranch's involvement in media productions has brought renewed interest to the ranching lifestyle and Texas heritage.

Looking to the Future of 6666 Ranch

Under its new ownership, the 6666 Ranch is poised for an exciting future:

• Continued focus on maintaining its legacy of excellence in ranching and breeding

• Potential for increased public engagement and tourism opportunities

• Ongoing integration with media projects, raising awareness of ranching culture

• Commitment to preserving the ranch's historical significance while adapting to modern agricultural practices

Conclusion

The 6666 Ranch is more than just a vast expanse of Texas land; it's a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. From its dedicated cowboys rising before dawn to tend to the land and animals, to its cutting-edge breeding programs and veterinary facilities, the ranch continues to set the standard for excellence in the ranching world.

As it moves forward under new ownership and into a new era of visibility through media exposure, the 6666 Ranch remains true to its roots. It stands as a bridge between the rich history of Texas ranching and the future of sustainable agriculture, ensuring that the legacy of the Four Sixes will continue for generations to come.

Whether you're a ranching enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone fascinated by the enduring allure of the American West, the 6666 Ranch offers a glimpse into a world where tradition and innovation coexist, where the past is honored, and the future is embraced with the same pioneering spirit that has defined this iconic ranch for over 150 years.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.