The spread of western stock-farming (5)

I believe the answer is:

ranch

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'the spread' is the definition.
('ranch' can be a synonym of 'spread')

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ranch that I've seen before include "... (back at the) station" , "Stock farm in US, Aus." , "tear for a poet" , "American cattle farm" , "Cowboy's workplace" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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