Express Ranches plans purebred cattle herd dispersal, horse sales  

Express Ranches in Yukon, Oklahoma, is undergoing significant changes, including the planned dispersal of its purebred cattle herd and the sale of some of its well-known draft horses, according to the Funk family. 

The ranch, which opened in 1993, announced earlier this year it is in the early stages of dispersing its purebred cattle herd. A dispersal sale is scheduled for Oct. 5 to 7, followed by a Fall Bull Sale on Oct. 19. A Spring Bull and Female Sale is planned for March 31. 

In a statement, the Funk family described the decision as “bittersweet” and said they remain proud of the ranch’s more than 30 years in the purebred cattle industry. 

The family emphasized the land will remain under the ownership of the Funk Estate and that ranching operations will continue. 

“The land Express Ranches operates on continues to be privately owned and operated by the Funk Estate,” the family said in a statement. “The Funk family has been approached by data center groups and promptly informed the parties that they were not interested in selling land to them. No offers have been entertained.” 

The family said it remains committed to ranching on the property and to the local community in Canadian County. 

Express Ranches also confirmed the sale of its Express Percherons and some of its Express Clydesdales. According to the ranch’s website, the Clydesdales have served as a marketing symbol for the ranch since 1998. 

The family cited declining demand for events and hitch competitions as a factor in the horse sales. The horses were sold to what the family described as experienced and carefully vetted owners. 

Some Clydesdales remain at the ranch and the program continues to be available for visitors by appointment, as well as weddings and private events. 

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].