The latest episode of "Dutton Ranch" has confirmed long-held suspicions regarding the 10 Petal Ranch and its owners, the Jackson family.

In Episode 8, Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton uncover the truth about the rival ranch's illicit activities, a development that significantly impacts the ongoing narrative of the series.

For some time, fans have speculated that 10 Petal was behind the devastating loss of the Dutton Ranch's cattle earlier in the season.

This has now been all but confirmed through a candid conversation between Sterlin English's character, Austin Lewis, and the Dutton Ranch couple.

Austin, a ranch hand at 10 Petal, has consistently questioned the ethics of his employers and sought answers regarding the disappearance of former foreman Wes Ayers, who was killed by Rob-Will Jackson in the season premiere.

In a pivotal scene, Austin revealed to Beth, Rip, and fellow ranch hand Zachariah Moss that 10 Petal operates "an operation down in Mexico that steals and smuggles cattle in illegally." He further explained that the smugglers "forge all the paperwork for border patrol and cattle brokers." This information directly links to the earlier tragedy at Dutton Ranch, where their cattle were wiped out by a bull named Bullet, which was infected with foot-and-mouth disease and had forged paperwork.

Zachariah Moss immediately connected the dots, stating, "That would explain Bullet, and foot-and-mouth." This confirms that 10 Petal Ranch was indeed responsible for the significant setback faced by Beth and Rip since their relocation to Texas.

This revelation sets the stage for potential confrontations and repercussions in the upcoming season finale, as the truth about the cattle smuggling operation comes to light.