Modern Day Paniolo & Ranches

Richard Smart. Photo courtesy Parker Ranch.

Parker Ranch ownership shifted from a sole proprietorship to a trust foundation in 1992 with the death of Richard Palmer Smart, great-great-grandson of John Parker. While the ranch continues to operate a successful cattle operation, it also generates income from real estate holdings, commercial leasing and visitor activities. The community benefits from the ranch’s legacy through its support to organizations like Parker School, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, North Hawaii Community Hospital and Hawaii Community Foundation.

Meanwhile, technology has come to paniolo country. Today’s cowboys on Parker, Ponoholo, Kahua and other Big Island ranches, check electric fences with volt-meters, herd cattle with ATV’s and call in their progress with cell phones. Where 40 or 50 paniolo would work in separate gangs for a big spread’s water systems, fencing, cattle work, etc., today five can manage, thanks to new thinking and tricks of the trade.

In addition, Big Island calves are shipped to the Mainland for finishing after their first six months on Hawaii grass, some of the best range country in the world. By eliminating the feed yard, packing/processing and wholesale-to-retail segments from their operation, the ranches focus on what they do best, making healthy calves.

And for many ranch jobs, horsepower has replaced horses, as cowboys now often use all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) in open country and horses usually only in close quarters where their maneuverability counts most. ATV’s are often faster and more cost-efficient than horses. And, as a side benefit, the ATV provides a fun adventure for visitors after a unique experience in paniolo country.

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