History of the Ranch
The Blackstock Ranch has been a proud family-run operation in southwest Idaho since 1901. For more than a century, five generations have worked the land and carried forward a legacy of hard work, stewardship, and dedication to the ranching way of life. What began as a small operation has grown into a respected cattle ranch rooted in both tradition and innovation.
Located on 1,700 acres in Owyhee County near Givens Hot Springs, the home ranch has long served as the foundation for livestock operations. From the earliest days, the focus has been on raising strong, healthy herds while preserving the values of western ranching and family heritage. Over the decades, the ranch has adapted to changing times while holding firm to practices that sustain the land and livestock.
Today, the ranch specializes in breeding and raising Black Angus cow-calf pairs and feeding out heifers and steers. By utilizing a combination of private and public grazing lands, the operation balances time-tested traditions with modern range management practices. This thoughtful approach ensures the long-term health of the land while producing high-quality cattle.
Each year, the cycle of the ranch follows the seasons. The cattle winter on the home ranch before moving in the summer to the Owyhee range and the high mountain grasslands near Donnelly, Idaho, at elevations of nearly 5,000 feet. Some of this movement still takes place on horseback, keeping alive the tradition of cattle drives, while modern trucking is also used to support efficiency and herd health.
Through more than a hundred years of operation, the Blackstock Ranch continues to thrive as a multi-generational family enterprise. Its history is one of perseverance, stewardship, and respect for the land—values that guide the ranch today and will continue to shape its future.