In Cashion, Oklahoma, Red Plains Ranch stands as both a registered angus cattle breeding herd and a commercial stocker operation. Owned and operated by David and Cara Gerken, alongside their daughters Sydnee, Madelyn and Victoria, the ranch is part of the family's legacy. Through careful stewardship, disciplined management, and a clear commitment to passing the operation to the next generation, the Gerkens have grown the ranch from a modest 18 acres to nearly 2,000.
Located along the Chisholm Trail, Red Plains Ranch takes pride in their heritage. A crucial cattle route following the Civil War, working along The Chisholm Trail, required sharp stock sense, grit, and an intimate understanding of land and livestock. For the Gerken family, their location along this historic route connects them to the pioneering spirit and determination of ranchers who traveled before them.
From an early age, Sydnee, Madelyn and Victoria were raised not only to help on the ranch, but to understand it. They learned the responsibility behind breeding decisions, land management, and record keeping. Over time, they took on more leadership and responsibility for the ranch.
Victoria now plays a central role in day-to-day ranch operations, from assisting with wheat planting and hay production to overseeing breeding and performance records. Madelyn carries her agricultural roots into the policy arena, advocating for the industry while remaining closely tied to the ranch’s seasonal rhythms. Sydnee extends the family’s agricultural values into the classroom as a fifth-grade science teacher, helping the next generation understand the importance of stewardship and food production.
“I’ve always wanted to stay actively involved within the operation,” Victoria said. “It stems from my mom and dad encouraging us to find our place within the ranch and figure out what we’re passionate about.”
Together, the sisters embody the future of Red Plains Ranch: a balance of tradition, innovation, and community. They represent not just the preservation of family operations, but the evolution of agriculture in the 21st century.
For the Gerkens, ranching is more than land or livestock, it is a way of life, a commitment good stewardship, and a promise to pass down solid values and pride in the American West. As Sydnee, Madelyn, and Victoria carry the torch forward, Red Plain Ranch stands as a living testament to the power of family, tradition, and the enduring cowboy (or cowgirl) spirit.
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