While roundups and rodeos conjure up visions of the Old West, Osceola County in Florida (Florida!) has a century-old tradition of cattle ranching. Small, family-owned spreads are worked from horseback as the skills of branding and bulldogging are passed on to the next generation. These ranchers love the land and the wide-open life, but their country lies in the shadow of Disney World.

Cowboys' Claim is an affectionate portrait of a rural culture that can barely hold its own against the forces of intensive development. This twenty-six minute documentary film illustrates the conflict between nature and neon, people and profit, and country life and commercialism. This film celebrates the ranchers' love of the Florida landscape even as it changes before their eyes.


Cowboys' Claim has been broadcast on The Learning Channel and numerous PBS affiliates.