History of the Silver Spur Ranch
With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, Silver Spur Ranches has built a legacy of excellence in ranching.
Blending tradition with innovation for future generations.
With a ranch as expansive as Silver Spur, there is an abundance of history, stories, and legends that have shaped our operations today. Each division and ranch that make up Silver Spur—whether it’s in Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico or Nebraska, —has its own unique legacy, built over generations. From the earliest days of ranching to the innovative practices we embrace today, the rich tapestry of experiences and traditions is something every part of Silver Spur takes pride in. These stories are not just part of our past, but the foundation of everything we do as we continue to grow and pass down our values to future generations.
Watch ol jim on Life lessons
Watch ol jim on cattle history
One of the larger-than-life legends we hold dear is James A. "Ol Jim" York, who joined the Silver Spur Ranch in 1960 when it was owned by Bill Sidley. Ol Jim's pioneering methods in cattle-handling and record keeping helped improve herd genetics and set new standards for quality, inspiring future generations to carry on his progressive practices. Throughout his time with the ranch, which continued until his passing in 2010, Ol Jim not only shaped Silver Spur’s approach to innovation but also influenced its philosophy on hiring cowboys. He valued hands who “go at it like they own it” and take pride in their work. Though Ol Jim is no longer physically with us, his spirit lives on in the ranch’s daily operations, as we continue to honor his wisdom, common sense, and timeless philosophies.
Whose pioneering work and philosophy continue to shape Silver Spur Ranch today.
Honoring the legacy of James "Ol Jim" York
