Can you imagine one ranch under 6,000 miles of barbed wire fence? Now imagine this ranch in the late 1800s, early 1900s in the Texas Panhandle. Now imagine if you could hear the stories from the cowboys that were there pushing cattle in rain, wind, snow, and sun. Did you know you can still visit the area where these events took place?

I am so very fortunate to live in this area where a touch of the rugged west and the history of the XIT and other great ranches still survives today. Every time I take a drive through these parts of the Panhandle, I stop to think about all of the history that has taken place over  the past couple hundred years. All of this heritage came together a few weeks ago here in Dalhart at the XIT Reunion and Rodeo. It was so much better because I had read about the history of the ranch and the people who lived it.

I encourage you to read the book “6,000 Miles of Fence” for great stories straight from those cowboys, poor grammar and all its splendor. Do you have any recommended reads that tell the story of days gone by on the ranch? Pass on a note so we can read and enjoy the stories with you!

Published by Ryan Goodman

Ryan Goodman works in grassroots advocacy as a communications consultant with beef cattle farmers and ranchers across the United States. He is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University, with studies focusing on cattle reproduction and nutrition. Ryan's experience in the beef industry range from family farms and ranches in several states to large feedlots and non-profit policy organizations. Ryan is an avid trail and ultrarunner, proudly showing how beef can be an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Find Ryan on social media as @BeefRunner.