Cattle have been part of the A Bar A and its sister ranches since the area was settled by Europeans in the 1880s. On the three ranches, we graze about 5,000 cattle. Calving occurs in late April and those calves are branded in June. By late fall, they are ready for weaning. Calves are wintered in warmer country, as winters are very cold here. It is not uncommon to see winter temperatures of -10F to -30F. The coldest temperature recorded at A Bar A was -55. Big Creek, State Line, and Sheep Rock serve as the headquarters for cattle operations, but cattle graze at the A Bar A during summer months.
In 2011, the Gates family ranches were featured in Three Ranches: A Bar A, Big Creek, and State Line. The book won a gold medal for independent publishing and provides a pictorial view of how the ranches work together as a unit. Click the link above to purchase a copy.
Taking a trip with the A Bar A Expeditions program is a great way to experience all of the ranches first hand.
