6T Ranch

Family and faith push local rancher

SOAP LAKE — Darren Hinen, of Soap Lake, has been in the cattle business most of his life. He started as a teenager with a job feeding cows nearby, but by 20 years old he had his first two. He said he prefers ranching over farming, as there is “less equipment to break down.” He said he credits his cattle interest to his grandfather, Irv Toler. Toler started Polar Lockers in Ephrata in the 1940s and was in the business of raising and processing animals for many years. In fact, Hinen used some of his grandfather's equipment for a time while getting started in his own operation. Hinen's ranch is next door to his grandfather's place, providing a reminder of his roots, even though he is striving to take his operation to a higher level. As such, he's developing a web presence and is establishing a brand name for himself – 6T Ranch Beef, an extension of his 6T Ranch.