TS Ranch Hay

The development of the TS Hay Program first began in the early 1870's, when William Dunphy began constructing an irrigation system along the Humboldt River and the Rock Creek floodplain in Boulder Valley. (See TS History)

Under fence, he cultivated meadows on which to run his purebred cow herd and to cut hay for winter feed. He continued to develop his irrigation systems and began experimenting with different seed varieties, for increased hay production. By 1876, Dunphy and his partner Hildreth had enclosed over 20,000 acres of Boulder Valley with a fence constructed of redwood posts and Oregon pine boards, which they had shipped in by rail. At a cost of approximately $900 per mile, this fencing project was considered a major undertaking, at a time when most of the West was still considered open range.

Since that time, both flood and sprinkler irrigation has been expanded and improved upon on the TS Ranch in Boulder Valley. Alfalfa, grass and grain hay has been produced. Like William Dunphy, the hay was raised primarily as winter-feed for the TS cowherd.

Than in 1990, neighboring gold mining company Barrick Goldstrike, began a dewatering project to keep their pit and underground shafts located below the water table dry. Dewatering up to 70,000 GPM, Barrick and the TS Ranch entered into an agreement to put this dewatering water to beneficial use through irrigation. Over a period of five years, a major pipeline was constructed and seventy-one pivots were installed, placing approximately 10,000 acres under sprinkler irrigation. What was once considered to be marginal rangeland which took in excess of 100 acres to support one cow, is now producing high quality alfalfa & grass hay and grain, under sprinkler irrigation.

Like William Dunphy, major emphasis has been placed upon hay production, with alfalfa hay becoming a major cash crop for the TS Ranch. Three to four cuttings are harvested, with yields averaging 5.2 tons to the acre. The top end hay is directed to the California dairy markets, with the balance of the hay crop being sold to neighboring ranchers or consumed by the TS cowherd.

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