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
Emerald Mtn Ranch | 5th Generation Stanko Ranch Est. 1907 • 700-acre Yampa Valley working ranch. Purpose-bred Turkish Boz Shepherds, raised and proven under real mountain conditions and predator pressure.
Advocates for LGDs, land & livestock
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Meet the newest addition to Emerald Mtn Ranch: Batur
In Turkish, his name means "brave warrior."
He’s already 28 lbs at 8 weeks 🐾 Huge thanks to Tar Heel Shepherds
#TurkishShepherd #GiantBreed #LGD #EmeraldMtnRanch #BigDog
𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
(𝐎𝐮𝐫 "𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩" 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐬) 🚢🐂
We had a tough choice recently: Tropical cruise or a new Hereford bull.
Perspective is currently getting settled in by our two Angus bulls. We’ll be branding him soon and letting the "boys" hang out together until their services are officially needed in June.
Why the Hereford/Angus Mix?
We’re putting Perspective on our mature Angus cows to produce those "black baldy" calves. It’s all about Hybrid Vigor, combining the growth and feed efficiency of the Hereford with the maternal instincts and marbling of the Angus.
For our first-time heifers, we stick with our low-birth-weight Angus bull.
In the world of EPDs (the genetic "report card" for bulls), that Angus calving ease is the best way to help our new mommas have an easier delivery (Usually 🤔 )
Mountain Life & The PAP Test
Living at high elevation adds a layer of complexity. We have to be vigilant about Brisket Disease, which is a real threat to cattle in thin air.
While our Angus bulls require a PAP (Pulmonary Arterial Pressure) testing because the breed is more susceptible to altitude-related heart issues, Herefords like Perspective are naturally more mountain-hardy. Having that "high-altitude lung" built into the genetics is a huge win for the health of the future herd.
So, while we won’t be getting a tan on a deck chair this year, we’re pretty excited about the genetic progress walking around our pastures.
#RanchLife #HerefordBull #BlackBaldy #HighAltitudeCattle #EPDs #EmeraldMtnRanch
Trying to film the dog… the calves had other ideas 🤣
#workingdogs #TurkishShepherd #ranchlife #photobomb #calves