Who We Are?
About us
Welcome to Emerald Mountain Ranch, stewards of the fifth-generation legacy of Stanko Ranch established 1907. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of the Yampa River Valley and Emerald Mountain, we share the challenges, commitment, and satisfaction of ranching in the Colorado mountains. Meet our beloved animals and learn about our Amazing Loyal Hardworking Livestock Guardian Dogs, including Turkish Boz Shepherds. Join us as we celebrate our way of life and the enduring spirit of ranching.
The Stanko Ranch sits nestled on the western slope of Emerald Mountain, also known as Quarry Mountain, in the picturesque surroundings of Steamboat Springs. Originating from a humble 160-acre claim staked by Patrick’s Great Grandfather in 1907, the ranch has flourished over the years, expanding to over 600 acres. Throughout its history, it has been a hub of agricultural activity, cultivating crops such as wheat and potatoes, and raising livestock including cattle, sheep, and hogs.
Today, the Stanko Ranch remains a labor of love for the family of Jim and Jo (Patrick’s Parents), Patrick, and Jan. Their commitment to preserving the legacy of the ranch extends to the careful selection of livestock guardian dogs. In response to the proximity of wolves in neighboring Wyoming, Jan embarked on a quest to find capable guardians for their livestock. After thorough research, the family settled on Turkish Boz Shepherds, renowned for their effectiveness in protecting livestock.
At the heart of their operation is a dedication to producing top-notch working Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs), meticulously trained and exposed to various aspects of ranch life, from protecting cattle and sheep to safeguarding poultry. The Stanko Ranch stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of family farming and the timeless bond between humans and animals.
Emerald Mtn. Ranch
(opens in a new tab)Emerald Mtn Ranch | 5th Generation Stanko Ranch Est. 1907 • 700-acre Yampa Valley working ranch. Purpose-bred Turkish Boz Shepherds, raised and proven under predator pressure.Advocates for LGDs, land & livestock. 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗠𝘁𝗻𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵.𝗰𝗼𝗺
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Continuing from our recent post bringing the herd in for pregnancy checking. We need to know who is bred, how far along they are, and approximately when they’ll calve so we can plan ahead.
The vet uses an ultrasound wand paired with specialized head-mounted glasses. This gear lets him see right inside to measure development and calculate a precise timeframe. If a cow isn't carrying, she's marked as "open."
Our results came back with quite a spread. Some cows checked in at 105 days along, which puts their expected calving date around March 31st. Others are sitting right at 35 days, meaning they won't calve until around June 10th. With a window that wide, it looks like we're in for a long upcoming calving season
Now that the bunks are full, it's time to bring the herd in. Hope you all have an awesome day ahead 😃
Calm before the storm! Getting the corrals set up today so tomorrow goes as smooth as possible. We’ll be bringing the cows and calves in to sort, preg check, vaccinate, and start the weaning process. Big day ahead, but the crew is ready!