Prairie Operating begins 11-well campaign
Prairie Operating Co. started an 11-well development program at the Rusch Pad in Weld County, Colorado.
The first well was spud on Apr. 1, 2025, utilizing Precision E-Drilling Rig 461, as part of the company’s work to expand production and enhance operational efficiencies in Denver-Julesburg (DJ) basin.
The Rusch Pad development will consist of 11 2-mile lateral wells, alternating between the Niobrara A, B, and C Chalks and the Codell sandstone. Drilling is expected to be completed by early June, with hydraulic fracturing beginning shortly after. Initial production is expected in early August.
The rig is powered by natural gas generators with battery backup to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.
Prairie Operating’s assets and operations are concentrated in the oil and liquids-rich regions of the DJ basin, with a primary focus on the Niobrara and Codell formations.
The company recently signed a deal to add to its oil-weighted production through a $603-million acquisition from Bayswater Exploration and Production and a $94.5-million deal last year with Nickel Road Operating LLC (OGJ Online, Mar. 12, 2025).
Alex Procyk | Upstream Editor
Alex Procyk is Upstream Editor at Oil & Gas Journal. He has also served as a principal technical professional at Halliburton and as a completion engineer at ConocoPhillips. He holds a BS in chemistry (1987) from Kent State University and a PhD in chemistry (1992) from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).