Our Story & Our Values
We believe that simple is better.
No fancy jargon, no hidden additives - our ranching practices and beef are pure through and through.
Since Big Creek Ranch was founded in 1852, it’s been bought and sold by three families. We have done everything we can to learn from the ranchers who came before us, and to make those practices more sustainably sound now that we’re responsible for it. We’ve owned the ranch since 1973, and it’s been a lot of work to bring the land into a sustainable equilibrium with nature, but it has been worth it.
Round and round it goes.
We work every day, 7 days a week, on call 24/7, to continue giving back to our land and improving the lives for our animals. And we could not be happier to do it. If you’re interested in what we do day-to-day, click below to watch a short video of our ranch owner, Scott Murrison, explaining our approach to holistic management.
Click ‘play’ above.
A mutual respect with our animals.
Our cows are grass-fat and happy every day. They love back scratches, and will follow us around while we go about our business in their fields.
Our Leadership
Scott Murrison
Owner of Big Creek Ranch
Since his father bought the ranch in 1973, Scott has been working every day to bring the properties and greater Hayfork communities up to their full potential. Raised in Hayfork, he knows the value of deep community roots, and has always wanted to better his hometown. At the end of the day, his main focus is preserving the land and treating his cattle with respect.
“Treating our animals and land with respect is our first priority. Only then can we produce the best products and experiences for our community.”
Rhonda Rothwell
Owner of Saloon & Grocery Store
Born and raised in Hayfork, Rhonda can tell you a story or two (hundred). Riding horses and being the most accurate roper around won her the nickname ‘Ropin’ Rhonda,’ hence the saloon she named in that honor. She has led the local Lyons Club for over ten years; managing their community fundraisers and events. She also runs the local saloon and Hayfork Discount Grocery store that competitively price their goods and drinks to best serve the town.
“If you want to get things done, you have to take the wheel and drive the change yourself. I may be stubborn, but it get’s things moving.”
Colton Murrison
Ranch Foreman
Preserving the family name, Colton is the next generation of Big Creek Ranch. Learning from his uncle, Scott, he works every day to master the time honored traditions of holistic ranching to pass along to those after him. With the advantage of youth, Colton hopes to equip Big Creek Ranch with modern marketing strategies and new scientific studies so that the ranch can stay relevant and thrive in the future.
“If you still have your nose, then you’re not grinding hard enough.”
Some meaning behind the marketing brand.
Since we don’t believe in branding our cattle, we wanted to make sure that our new logo doesn’t look like a branding iron, but instead focuses on the bigger purpose of our ranch.
Treating our properties and animals with respect is our first priority. Only then can we produce the best products and experiences for you.
“The ranch’s name represents Highway 3 running through Hayfork, and the slash shows how Big Creek Ranch crosses it.”
— Scott Murrison
Merchandise coming soon!