Elk Echo Ranch breeds new Weld industry

STONEHAM — “Livestock of the future” isn’t what generally comes to mind when most people think of elk.
Within the industry, however, that’s exactly what many people are beginning to believe. Elk Echo Ranch in Stoneham is one of the many elk ranches popping up across the United States. Owned and operated by Craig and Noreen McConnell, Elk Echo demonstrates how the industry has grown.
The McConnells first became involved in elk ranching after the second annual Elk Convention in Denver in 1992. They’ve seen their original investment of $33,000 grow to more than $2 million, and their elk population…