Running Strong at Running Creek Ranch
A feature article on the 2018 International Limousin Congress host ranches.
By Mallory Blunier, NALF assistant communications director
When I arrived at 9:00 a.m., chores had already
started at 7:30 a.m., and cattle were being
worked for the day. The day was a clear,
beautiful day in Elizabeth, Colorado and the
people at Running Creek were just as nice.
“Here is our running creek, more like dry creek
this time of year,” Casey stated with a chuckle.
I spent most of the day talking and touring
the ranch with Casey Kelley, the genetics and
marketing staff member that does, “whatever
needs to be done.” He has been with Running
Creek since 2000 and has had the privilege of
12 | NOVEMBER 2017
working with his brother all these years. Casey is just
one of four full time staff members on the ranch.
What is unique about Running Creek Ranch? They
still operate pretty much the same as when they
started in 1971. While this ranch may be unique
because they work all their cattle by horseback,
what makes them truly unique is that they feed
their cattle herd with Belgian draft horses instead
of motorized vehicles. When I was getting the
tour, I did not see any four-wheelers working
the cattle or big machinery by the barns.
How can a ranch, with over 1,200 head and no ATVs
to work the cattle, operate to its full potential? Bob,