BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A longtime Belmont County cattle operation is celebrating more than three decades of growth while continuing to attract thousands of visitors each year through its unique blend of ranching and agritourism.
Located along Ohio 800 near Barnesville, Dickinson Cattle Company has grown from a single property into one of the region’s largest cattle operations.
General Manager Darol Dickinson said the family purchased its first Belmont County property in 1994 after relocating with a well-established ranching operation and approximately 1,000 head of cattle.
“When we arrived, much of the land was open ground with wetlands and areas affected by erosion,” Dickinson said.
Today, the operation spans nearly 5,000 acres, a transformation Dickinson credits in part to Belmont County’s rolling terrain, abundant rainfall and productive pastureland.
He said the region provides ideal conditions for raising cattle, offering natural advantages that are difficult to find in other parts of the country.
Over the years, Dickinson Cattle Company has expanded beyond traditional ranching into a popular agritourism destination.
The property now employs 11 people and welcomes thousands of visitors during the summer months.
Guests can browse the farm store, which features beef products, apparel, gifts, longhorn hides and western-themed merchandise. Visitors also have the opportunity to take guided bus tours through the pastures to see the ranch’s famous Texas Longhorn cattle up close.
Dickinson said the company’s continued success has been built on steady growth, a commitment to agriculture and creating memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
As the operation looks toward the future, the goal remains the same: continue growing while sharing Belmont County’s agricultural heritage with the public.
Summer tours are offered throughout the season, giving visitors a chance to experience one of eastern Ohio’s best-known cattle ranches firsthand.
