Oon the shoulders of three cows riding on cows, the arid landscape circles the valleys and plateaus before returning to the top. An overcast, blue sky bathes the image in cool colors as the wind pushes the horses’ tails to the right. Tracking Calves On Rita Blanca captures the vastness and quiet beauty of the long Texas Panhandle that is being restored by the Knowles family.
Photographer Belton McMurrey’s work is currently on view at the Cattle Raisers Museum as part of the XIT Ranch: The Texas Legend Returnswhich runs through February 28, 2027. McMurrey, himself a sixth-generation member of the King Ranch family, curated a multi-gallery exhibit that showcases the recent restoration of one of the nation’s most unique parks by the descendants of its original founders.
He says PaperCity Fort Worth that the show is a testament to Knowles’ accomplishments and the personal spirit that inspires people to pursue their passions.
“The Knowles family is rebuilding their brand in a way that will last for generations,” he says.
How the XIT Ranch Came Back
The current exhibition – featuring photographs by Peter Robbins, Crystal Wise, Nick Dupuy, McMurrey, and Anouk Krantz – tells the story of the rebirth of the XIT Ranch, once the largest ranch in the world. At its peak at the end of the 19th century, this property had an average of 150,000 cows. The operation was closed in the early 20th century with the last parcels of land sold in the 1960s, but that did not mark the end of the ranch’s eternal spirit.
“XIT Ranch never went away,” says McMurrey. “The panhandle community has kept that name alive in many different ways. I think it’s a testament to the power of that history.”
McMurrey says Drew and Abby Knowles opened the door for him to write and share the story of the revival of XIT Ranch, which began when the Knowles family began to regain land in 2021 and 2022. For the current exhibition, McMurrey said he chose photographers who work with the Knowles family, either to capture their lives at Panhaford Ranch or WIT Ranch.
“Nick Dupuy was there at an important time when they were just starting their business” at the farm, McMurrey says. “Crystal Wise quickly became friends with Knowles. He put together a very good story for 360 West Magazine.”
McMurrey also highlights the inclusion of French photographer Anouk Krantz, who featured the XIT Ranch in her book 2024. Frontier.
The work behind the Image
Ranching is still as difficult as ever, despite modern equipment and increasing public interest in the lifestyle. McMurrey describes it as a business where success is not guaranteed and the network is often weak, even for those with deep experience. Daily work is routine, physical, and tied to forces beyond anyone’s control, from the weather to market changes.
He says: “It’s getting harder and harder every year to be successful in this business. “It’s one thing that hasn’t changed – the margins are thin. I think Knowles’ story is a testament to the human ability to put your heart into something that is important to you, that is part of you.”
For all its haunting beauty, Tracking Calves On Rita Blanca it only suggests the bitter cold of the day and the constant work required to maintain the farms across Texas. Getting the opportunity to develop the XIT Ranch, McMurrey says, has been an “incredible privilege.”
Get tickets for XIT Ranch: The Texas Legend Returns Here.
#Texas #Strategy #Returns #Fort #Worths #Photo #Show #Captures #XIT #Ranch #Revival