Working Ranch April/May 2025

April/May 2025 Vol 20 • No 3

FEATURES

{Contents}

28 THE BOON AND THE BANE OF BIGGER CATTLE Cow size is increasing, but does everyone benefit?

By Burt Rutherford

30 DESIGN IRRIGATION It will save you money and water.

By Loretta Sorenson

56 THE WINDY DEUCE FIRE

A resilient agricultural community rides the fire line to save a remnant.

By Natalie Bright {Plus}

68 RANCHER’S JOURNAL: WINTER ON THE VX RANCH

VX RANCH ARCHIVES STEPHANIE ESTES

56

Cheering on the Montana State Bobcats, plus lotsa giggles from Grandpa tickles and cowdog licks. By Tori Durham Pierson {And} 60

WR / STETSON PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD WINNER: JIM NICHOLS

96 3 A.M. Calving thoughts.

On The Cover: Thank you to Kirk Prescott for our cover shot of Colin McNiven horseback for Steinbach Ranches in Lathom, AB (Canada).

Story and photos by Crystal Kulhanek

4 I APRIL / MAY 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.