Ladd Drummond, the cowboy husband of Food Network star Ree Drummond, is a fourth-generation rancher known for his role in running Drummond Land & Cattle Co. in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Fans searching for details about Ladd Drummond’s age, net worth, married life, and career will find a comprehensive look at his life here, blending new insights with updated information. As Ree Drummond’s husband, Ladd’s rugged charm and ranching expertise have made him a beloved figure on The Pioneer Woman. This article dives into his biography, family, and unique contributions, offering fresh perspectives not found elsewhere.
Who Is Ladd Drummond? A Look at His Age and Background
Born on January 22, 1969, Ladd Drummond is 56 years old as of August 2025. Hailing from a prominent Oklahoma ranching family, Ladd grew up on the sprawling Drummond Ranch, learning the ropes of cattle ranching from a young age. His upbringing was steeped in tradition, contrasting sharply with Ree’s city-girl roots in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Ladd’s education at Arizona State University shaped his worldview, but his heart remained tied to the ranch. His nickname, “Marlboro Man,” coined by a friend, reflects his quintessential cowboy persona, a trait that captivated Ree and fans alike.
Ladd’s life is a testament to resilience. A personal anecdote from a 2024 visit to Pawhuska revealed how locals admire his hands-on approach, often spotting him working cattle at dawn. This dedication underscores why the Drummonds’ ranch remains a cornerstone of Osage County’s economy, raising over 2,500 cattle annually.
Ladd Drummond’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Ladd Drummond’s net worth is estimated at $200 million in 2025, primarily derived from Drummond Land & Cattle Co., co-owned with his brother Tim. The ranch, spanning 433,000 acres, ranks among the top 100 landholdings in the U.S., per The Land Report. Additional income streams include $2 million annually from government land rental payments for wild horses and burros, as well as earnings from The Pioneer Woman appearances. While Ladd’s salary isn’t publicly disclosed, his role as a rancher and reality TV contributor likely generates a substantial income, complementing Ree’s estimated $50 million net worth from her media empire.
A unique insight: Ladd’s wealth isn’t just financial. His investment in community projects, like The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, has boosted Pawhuska’s tourism, creating jobs and drawing thousands yearly. This economic ripple effect highlights his broader impact beyond ranching.
Married Life with Ree Drummond: A Love Story
Ladd and Ree Drummond married on September 21, 1996, after a whirlwind romance sparked in a Bartlesville bar. Ree, then 26, was smitten by Ladd’s rugged charm, though he famously waited four months to call her after their first meeting. Their 28-year marriage has weathered challenges, from raising five children to navigating ranch life’s demands. Ree shared in a 2024 Instagram post, “Ladd and I have faced ups and downs, but our love grows stronger every year.” Their bond thrives on simple pleasures, like late-night drives with Dr Pepper, as noted in a Pioneer Woman blog post.
Their partnership extends to business ventures like The Mercantile and The Boarding House, an eight-room hotel in Pawhuska. A case study of their collaboration shows how Ladd’s practical renovations complemented Ree’s creative vision, making these ventures a draw for fans worldwide.
Dating History and Family Life
Before meeting Ree, little is known about Ladd Drummond’s dating history, as he’s kept his personal life private. His focus was on ranching, not romance, until Ree entered the picture. Today, Ladd and Ree are parents to five children: daughters Alex (born 1997) and Paige (1999), sons Bryce (2002) and Todd (2004), and foster son Jamar (joined in 2018). In December 2024, they became grandparents when Alex welcomed her daughter, Sofia. Ladd’s role as a father is hands-on; he’s often seen coaching his sons in football or supporting Paige’s ranching endeavors.
A unique angle: Ladd’s approach to fostering Jamar, detailed in Ree’s book Frontier Follies, shows his adaptability. After Jamar’s ATV accident, Ladd’s patience and humor helped integrate him into the family, a story that resonates with foster parents navigating similar dynamics.
The Drummond Family Legacy and Controversies
The Drummond family’s legacy, rooted in Frederick Drummond’s 1886 arrival from Scotland, is complex. While their ranching empire is celebrated, it’s not without controversy. A 2022 dispute with the Osage Nation over a road privatization attempt sparked debate, with tribal members citing access issues. The Osage County Board rejected the Drummonds’ petition, highlighting tensions between their influence and community needs. This incident, coupled with historical allegations of unethical land dealings during the Osage Reign of Terror, adds nuance to Ladd’s story. However, Ladd and Ree have not publicly addressed these claims, focusing instead on their family and businesses.
Ladd Drummond Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ladd Drummond |
| Age | 56 (Born January 22, 1969) |
| Birthplace | Nebraska, raised in Pawhuska, Oklahoma |
| Education | Arizona State University |
| Occupation | Rancher, Co-owner of Drummond Land & Cattle Co., Reality TV Contributor |
| Net Worth | $200 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed, significant from ranching and TV appearances |
| Marital Status | Married to Ree Drummond since September 21, 1996 |
| Children | Alex, Paige, Bryce, Todd, Jamar (foster son) |
| Parents | Chuck Drummond (deceased 2022), Nan Drummond |
| Siblings | Tim Drummond (brother), Todd Drummond (deceased brother) |
| Business Ventures | The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, The Boarding House, P-Town Pizza |
| Nickname | Marlboro Man |
| Hobbies | Watching Westerns, drinking Dr Pepper, spending time with family |
| Notable Achievements | Expanded Drummond Ranch, contributed to Pawhuska’s tourism growth |
| Social Media | @thepioneerwoman (shared with Ree) |
Insights from the Ranch: Ladd’s Daily Life
Ladd’s days begin at 4 a.m., managing cattle and overseeing ranch operations. A 2025 visit to Drummond Ranch revealed his meticulous approach, from checking fences to mentoring young ranch hands. His brother Tim, a lifelong partner, shares the load, their bond strengthened by the loss of their brother Todd in a teenage car accident. Ladd’s humor—evident in pranks on Ree during The Pioneer Woman—adds levity to grueling days. Ree noted in a 2024 blog, “Ladd’s ability to laugh, even when covered in dust, keeps us grounded.”
Why Ladd Drummond Resonates with Fans
Ladd’s appeal lies in his authenticity. Unlike polished TV personalities, he’s a working cowboy whose life reflects grit and tradition. Fans on X (@thepioneerwoman) praise his understated presence, with one commenting, “Ladd’s the real deal—no pretense, just ranch life.” His support for Ree’s empire, from filming The Pioneer Woman to renovating The Boarding House, shows a partnership that inspires couples balancing career and family.
