We do what's right for the land and the life that depends on it.
Our ranching operations represent a unique convergence of innovation, science, history, and legacy, serving as a living laboratory for sustainable land stewardship in South Texas.
Ranching
Operation Overview
With over 217,000 acres of native rangeland, we have one of the largest ranch holdings in Texas. Our six ranches span parts of Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, and Willacy counties. We maintain our ranch headquarters on the historic San Antonio Viejo, situated across southern Jim Hogg and northern Starr counties.
01
San Antonio Viejo
San Antonio Viejo is 150,121 acres (comparable to the size of Chicago) and encompasses two ecological regions: the Coastal Sand Plain and Tamaulipan Thornscrub. Key features include 410 miles of fence, 140 wells, and 105 miles of road. The diverse wildlife population consists of 12 small mammal species, 130 bird species, and 35 reptile and amphibian species. Management practices involve moderate grazing, prescribed fire, and chemical and mechanical brush management.
02
El Sauz
El Sauz is 27,143 Acres and encompasses four ecoregions: Coastal Sand Plain, Laguna Madre Barrier Islands, Coastal Marshes, and Lower Rio Grande Valley. Its diverse landscape features rolling sand dunes, open water, marshes, tidal flats, and coastal grasslands. Notable wildlife includes white-tailed deer, javelinas, waterfowl, and shorebirds. The area has a particular emphasis on prescribed fire research conducted in partnership with universities.
03
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is 18,643 acres and is located at the junction of the South Texas Sand Sheet and Gulf Coastal Plains. Its diverse landscape features mesquite savannahs, dense brush, oak woodlands, sandy grasslands, and lagunas. Wildlife includes resident and migratory waterfowl, as well as nilgai antelope. Management practices focus on brush control, employing techniques such as prescribed fire and chemical applications.
04
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is 15,106 acres and is situated on the eastern edge of Jim Hogg County. Its landscape is characterized by deep sandy grassland, small active dunes, and mesquite savannahs. Notable wildlife includes cattle, white-tailed deer, and bobwhite quail. Management practices involve maintaining a conservative stocking rate and conducting a quail harvest study.
05
Ranchito
Ranchito is 5,218 acres and is located at the edge of the Coastal Sand Sheet. It supports a spring calving herd and, due to its geographical location, provides some of the best quail habitat. In terms of acres per quail, it ranks as one of the most productive areas for quail populations.
06
Gachupin
Gachupin is 639 acres and is strategically grazed as part of a larger cattle production system. It features a typical western sandsheet ecosystem, characterized by mixed brush and all native grasses. This composition results in a strong native habitat.
Ranch Management by Experiment
We strive to operate an efficient, sustainable production system where healthy rangelands support livestock production and wildlife populations, maximizing the long-term value of a South Texas ranch.
Our Culture and History
We combine science-based decision-making with a commitment to historic ranching practices. We continue to use the Diamond-Bar and Lazy Diamond brands, representing perseverance and dedication to the land. This balance between tradition and innovation allows us to preserve the ranching culture while addressing future challenges, recognizing that current management strategies have long-term impacts on the land and its resources.
Key Strategies
We operate as a working cattle ranch, aiming to maximize asset value through experimental management techniques. Our ranchlands are the primary laboratory, integrating scientific research with practical ranching operations to discover the most sustainable management practices.
History culture
Our Gallery
Step Behind the Gates of Our Working Cattle Ranch
We develop the next generation of conservation leaders through immersive learning experiences that connect students with hands-on land stewardship and conservation opportunities.
