Lifetime Leaders of Rodeo & Ranching Rodeo Ranching Great Westerner Western Entertaiment & Arts Rodeo Producers & Livestock Special Achievement Cowboy Long Rider Legacy Award

Ranching

VVV Ranch
2006 Hall of Fame Ranching Inductee

The history of the VVV Ranch, located along the Little Missouri River in southwestern North Dakota, began 122 years ago.

In the heart of the North Dakota Badlands between Medora and Marmarth, the ranch was first established as the JXL Ranch in 1883 by a wealthy Englishman, Sir John Pender, and operated by Gregor Lang, according to 50 Years in the Saddle.

Now owned and operated by the Weinreis Brothers, this historical ranch once hosted Theodore Roosevelt during his buffalo hunts, along with Joe Ferris, his hunting guide.
In 1898, the VVV brand was first recorded by Andrew Johnston, a rancher in the Watford City area (50 Years in the Saddle).

He and Nelson Langdon bought the ranch in 1937, reestablishing it as the VVV Ranch. Andrew sold his interest to Nelson and Reggie Langdon in the summer of 1943.

Through the years, the ranch saw many owners until 1975, when Lloyd and Violet Weinreis and their sons purchased the ranch and cattle from Russell Kiker.

Since then, the VVV has been owned and operated by the Weinreis family. All of the Weinreis brothers and their families are actively involved in the ranching, farming and finishing feedlot operations.

George and Jim have homes on the VVV, where they raise quality commercial stocker and feeder cattle.

Lee, Jerry and Gene live at the Peaceful Valley Farm just south of Golva, where they run a feedlot operation and grow spring wheat, durum, lentils and corn.

Danny and Chuck live at Minatare, Nebraska, where they work in the feed yard and look after the irrigated corn crops, which are used for feed at the finishing feedlot.

These joint efforts make it all come together to produce the high-quality, wholesome beef that is enjoyed by people across the country. The feedlot produces enough beef each year to feed a medium-sized city of about 450,000 for one year.

The tradition of hard work and ranching practices continues with the spring brandings, weaning and fall round ups—all a way of life for the Weinreis family on the VVV. Life on any ranch is one of continual improvements and repairs.

This is certainly true for the Weinreises. They have installed many miles of pipeline and freshwater stock tanks, developed an irrigation system using Little Missouri water and established a back grounding feedlot on the ranch.

In an effort to conserve their land, they have developed a rotational grazing system to better utilize the grasslands.

The Weinreises work to improve their beef cattle herd through a strict culling program and the latest available Black Angus genetics.

They are active in ranching organizations like the Little Missouri Grazing Association, the Medora Grazing Association, the Dakota Team Roping Association and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

Lloyd and Violet, with their foresight and fortitude, brought the VVV Ranch dream to life. The brothers now work to keep it alive.