Double Nickel on the Niobrara

from LAND Winter 2020

LAND Winter 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

34,617± ACRES • CHERRY COUNTY NEBRASKA

This unique property is nestled in the beautiful Sandhills region of Northwestern Nebraska, tucked against the Niobrara National Scenic River. This diverse terrain totals 34,617± deeded acres with the opportunity for 22,607± leased acres. Traveling through the ranch, one will find open plains, rugged terrain and scenic trails through many wooded areas following the seven miles of river. There is excellent wildlife habitat with river bottom, Ponderosa pine-covered hills and dramatic caprock views. This income-producing ranch offers something for everyone including the cow/calf rancher, seasoned investor or outdoors enthusiast. Ideal for operating cattle and crop production, this beautiful property could also make an amazing country gentleman’s ranch and getaway. Double Nickel on the Niobrara is that special place, perfect to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

CATTLE OPERATION

Featuring a capacity for carrying up to 4,200 mother cows, the cash flow and the potential of this investment is unparalleled. The current owners operate the ranch with production on the pivots in various types of forage for cattle. Alfalfa, Sudan grass, sorghum and native grass are produced to continue the carrying capacity throughout the year. Across the ranch there are well designed and maintained cattle working facilities that include a 500-head feedlot, large calving shed and livestock barn and multiple outbuildings.

WATER

The ranch offers an abundance of quality water. Water is pumped from multiple wells as well as pump stations along the river for livestock and irrigating crops. An extensive system consisting of windmills, solar wells, pipeline and tanks provides water throughout the ranch. All irrigation pumps and pivots operate with electricity. Currently, 13 center irrigation pivots combine for over 2,200 acres of irrigated crop land. There are also multiple lakes and ponds located on the ranch, seven miles of the Niobrara River as well as several miles of Medicine Creek and Steer Creek. (Average rainfall in the area is 19” to 22” annually.)

RECREATION

Double Nickel on the Niobrara is a hunter’s paradise. High quality habitat and readily available water make the ranch a diverse haven to all kinds of wildlife. Starting with the largest inhabitants, the ranch is home to over 200 elk with bulls averaging 310” to 360” Boone and Crockett. Large herds of mule deer and whitetail deer can be found both along the river as well as out in the Sandhills, offering the opportunity for high quality trophy bucks. Huge flocks of Merriam’s turkey can be found moving along the fields and treelined banks of the river. Other wildlife that call the ranch home include pheasants, prairie chicken, several kinds of ducks as well as Canada geese. Coyotes, bobcat and the occasional mountain lion have all traveled the expanse of the property. There are fishing opportunities in the river and in the many ponds on the ranch that include trout and a mix of warm water species. The river provides plenty of opportunity for float trips on tubes, canoe or, as the locals like to travel. . . in a stock tank. Under current operations, the ranch is leased out for hunting. There are cabins on the ranch to accommodate guests, hunters or fisherman. Other agri-tourism revenue streams are possible to accompany the hunting operations.

The ranch consists of two units, the East and the West. The West Unit is a mix of Sandhills pastures and excellent sub-irrigated and irrigated bottoms. It has multiple ponds, two lakes and Medicine Creek that flows through its entirety. The West Unit also has two residences and multiple outbuildings for the cattle and farming operation. The East Unit sits along the banks of the Niobrara River and lays adjacent to the largest portion of the lease on the Sam McKelvie National Forest. It has good feed production with sub-irrigated meadows and pivot irrigated fields. The East Unit has several nice homes, cabins, multiple steel Morton buildings and grain storage. °