The Holding family first started ranching in Wyoming in 1983, when Earl and Carol Holding purchased the Bugas Ranch in Park County and the Twin Creek Ranch in Sheridan County.  A few years later, they added the Little Horn Ranch along the East Face of the Bighorn Mountains.

Earl Holding personally directed nearly every detail at Sunlight Ranch until November 2007, when he entrusted the management of the ranch to Justin Hossfeld. As General Manager, Justin has worked with Kathleen Holding to steadfastly continue her father’s passion for maintaining wide-open spaces as well as being responsible stewards of the land.  The farming and grazing practices implemented by the personnel at the ranch, maximize the potential for livestock production while minimizing impact to the landscape.  Even during dry years, it is difficult to determine which pastures were used by livestock and which were not.

Having exceptional wildlife habitat means some conservation measures must take place in order to manage wildlife numbers.  Several years ago, the Ranch initiated a youth hunting program which allows young and first-time hunters a chance to take a big game animal.  Each year, dozens of kids from all over have the opportunity to take their first deer, pronghorn, or turkey courtesy of the Sunlight Ranch.
 
We are more than pleased to nominate the Holding family and the entire team at Sunlight Ranch for the Sheridan Region Landowner of the Year Award!