Prairie Operating Co. has begun an 11-well development program at the Rusch Pad in Weld County, Colorado, expanding its presence in the Denver-Julesburg Basin. The first well was spud on April 1.

Prairie plans to drill 11 two-mile lateral wells, alternating among the Niobrara A, B and C chalks and the Codell Sandstone. Drilling is expected to be completed by early June, with hydraulic fracturing commencing shortly after. Initial production is anticipated in early August.

Prairie will use Precision Drilling's E-rig 461, powered by natural gas generators with battery backup, for the work.

"The Rusch Pad development is an important step in Prairie's ongoing growth strategy following the closing of the Bayswater acquisition," Prairie CEO Edward Kovalik said.

In late March, Prairie closed the $602.75 million acquisition of Bayswater Exploration and Production’s assets in the D-J Basin, where its operations are concentrated.

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