King Ranch is a historic South Texas ranch and diversified agribusiness founded in 1853, when Captain Richard King purchased land in the Wild Horse Desert. Spanning 825,000 acres, the ranch is known for its Running W brand and a legacy of innovation, land stewardship, and quality. Its achievements include pioneering cattle drives, developing the Santa Gertrudis and Santa Cruz cattle breeds, and breeding Quarter Horses and champion Thoroughbreds.

Today, King Ranch’s operations include cattle ranching, farming, turfgrass, citrus, and recreational hunting. Its agricultural production includes cotton, grain, and sugar cane, while related businesses offer turfgrass, agricultural and turf equipment, and handcrafted luxury retail goods through the King Ranch Saddle Shop. The organization also provides ranch tours, nature tours, special-interest and motorcoach tours, and access to the King Ranch Museum. Its broader stewardship and education work includes environmental initiatives and support for ranch management and wildlife research institutes. Across its business and visitor experiences, King Ranch emphasizes authenticity, responsible land management, and a lasting connection to its South Texas heritage.