FARMS • TIMBER • RANCHES • PLANTATIONS
LAND INVESTOR VOLUME 2
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A LETTER FROM OUR PUBLISHER Dear Land Investor, It is with great pleasure that we present to you the second edition of Land Investor magazine. Through this publication, we hope to provide our readers with articles that offer additional insight and knowledge relative to the many facets of investing in land—from timber and ranches to farms and sporting properties—along with the value drivers we see in the land market from coast to coast. The strategic alliance that Fay Ranches and Republic Ranches created three years ago has continued to grow and bear fruit as our relationships have developed. In addition to our alliance, Fay Ranches now has offices from Oregon to North Carolina with a new location in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Similarly, Republic Ranches is the only land brokerage company with offices covering the entire state of Texas and also in Oklahoma. This extensive network gives Fay Ranches and Republic Ranches unparalleled industry reach. If you are looking to buy or sell land and want to apply the most effective marketing and sales platform accompanied with the most experienced and knowledgeable land brokers in the country, please give us a call. I want to thank our incredible staff for putting together another fantastic edition of Land Investor magazine, and I hope you find it informative. Sincerely,
Gregory W. Fay Broker/Owner Fay Ranches, Inc.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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SELLING
the
FINEST
AMERICAN SPORTING AND WILDLIFE ART
Carl Rungius (1869-1959) sold $460,000
Charles Schreyvogel (1861-1912) sold $109,250
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) sold $661,250
Ogden M. Pleissner (1905-1983) sold $345,000
CO P L E Y F I N E A RT AU C T I O N S L LC
4 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
copleyart.com | 617.536.0030 | info@copleyart.com
LAND INVESTOR
VOLUME 2
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FARMS • TIMBER • RANCHES • PLANTATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES 3 A LETTER FROM OUR PUBLISHER 17 PRIVATE ACREAGE WETLANDS: NEW REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LANDOWNERS 20 SPORTSMAN'S CORNER 24 THE COUNCIL MOUNTAIN RANCH
LAND INVESTOR
32 DON'T KICK THE COWS OFF
PUBLISHER: Fay Ranches, Inc. 395 Gallatin Park Drive Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone (406) 586-4001 Fax (406) 586-4020 www.fayranches.com
62 SELLING YOUR RANCH: HOW TO PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT
EDITOR: Scott Morrison
94 THE SOUTHEAST: A LONG HISTORY WITH A DEEP LEGACY
MAGAZINE DESIGN: Morrison Creative Company, Inc.
106
A SPECIAL THANK YOU: Corinne Garcia, Lauren Caselli, Clarke Watson, Meredith Johnson, Greg Fay, Bryan Pickens, Liz Edmunds, Sarah Sloan, Jesica Hicks and Julie Hilley
PROPERTIES
©2016 FAY RANCHES, INC.
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36 PRESERVING A LEGACY: ELK MEADOWS RANCH 56 INVESTING AND ADDING VALUE TO RANCH LANDS
66 NEW MEXICO, THEN AND NOW 68 LIVESTOCK GRAZING: A TOOL FOR DIVERSITY 70 REPUBLIC RANCHES: OUR LEGACY IS IN THE LAND 92 INVESTING IN EQUINE PROPERTIES 98 INVESTING IN FORESTLAND
Cover Photo: “Jake” from The Blackleaf Cattle Company (page 35) by Michael Chilcoat
JOIN US
PACIFIC 7 OREGON 19 WASHINGTON
MOUNTAIN WEST COLORADO IDAHO MONTANA WYOMING
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SOUTHWEST 65 NEW MEXICO 67 OKLAHOMA 71 TEXAS
SOUTHEAST 95 96 99 101 105
GEORGIA TENNESSEE NORTH CAROLINA ARKANSAS WEST VIRGINIA
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6 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
OREGON PACIFIC CAPITAL: Salem NICKNAMES: “The Beaver State” SIZE: 98,381± square miles POPULATION: 4.03 million MILES OF STREAM: 111,619± NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 35,000± TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 16.5± million AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 471± acres LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Cattle and calves NUMBER OF CATTLE HEAD IN THE STATE: 1.28 million NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 638,000 NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 196,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 96% NUMBER OF NATIONAL PARKS: 5 MILES OF SNOWMOBILE TRAILS: 6,000+
Based on available sources at time of printing, stats are approximates only.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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MINAM RIVER RANCH LA GRANDE, OR • 16,660± ACRES • $27,489,000 Minam River Ranch contains 16,660± acres within an area renowned as one of the “Seven Wonders of the State of Oregon,” specifically, the Wallowas. The Minam River begins high in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness. This wild and scenic river cuts through the Wallowa Mountains attracting homesteaders, stockmen, loggers, miners, dude-ranchers, hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Minam and Wallowa Rivers glean the high honor and distinction of Wild and Scenic Rivers classification (over six miles combined on property) and boasts nature’s wealthy resources. Steelhead, bull trout, rainbow trout and big game, including trophy Rocky Mountain elk and big mule deer, make Minam River Ranch a sportsman’s paradise. Scattered bighorn sheep, mountain goat, cougar, bear, wild turkey and migratory birds flourish in this bountiful habitat. In addition, there are over 20 miles of mountain streams including Cougar Creek, Gunderson Creek, Squaw Creek and Deer Creek. The Minam River Ranch adjoins the Eagle Cap Wilderness area along its southern boundary. The 16,660± contiguous acres, wild and scenic rivers, numerous streams, lush timbered canyons and wide open mountain meadows make Minam River Ranch one of the rarest ranch opportunities in Oregon. • Six± miles of wild and scenic Minam and Wallowa Rivers • 20± miles of creeks • 16,660± contiguous acres with great road access systems • Historic homestead site within the scenic river corridor • Large volumes of timber: ponderosa pine, red fir, white fir and western larch • Six Rocky Mountain bull elk and six buck mule deer landowner tags (buyer to confirm with ODFW)
DUTCH FLAT RANCH FOSSIL, OR • 11,901± ACRES • $9,750,000 Dutch Flat Ranch in Northern Central Oregon is a hunter’s haven, home to large herds of mule deer, elk, antelope, wild turkey, chuckar, cougar and coyote, just to name a few. Located south of Fossil, Oregon and just north of the John Day River, Dutch Flat Ranch is within the Fossil Hunting Unit, one of Eastern Oregon’s most prestigious big game hunting units. The 11,901± mostly contiguous acres consist of rangeland, timberland, mountain meadows and several creeks. The custom built log style lodge features Tamarack Construction with two incredible fireplaces, a large loft, a great room and more. • Resort style lodge • Extreme privacy • R.V. hookup with sewer and water • Adjoins BLM with possible access to John Day River • Substantial healthy stand of timber (pine & fir) • Several small streams and springs • Great service roads and access with no public roads inside of property • 6 Mule Deer & 6 Rocky Mountain Elk L.O.P. Tags (buyer to confirm with ODFW) • 840± acre conservation easement with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation • Owner terms possible
8 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
OREGON 96 RANCH PRINEVILLE, OR • 3,551± ACRES • $3,500,000 Where Central Oregon’s high desert turns to evergreen forest, the skies are bluer and the grass is greener. Nestled in its own valley between Logan Butte and Smokey Butte, and just a little over an hour from the popular city of Bend, is the one-of-kind 96 Ranch. The 96 Ranch offers all the bells and whistles, including an efficient cattle operation and outstanding mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk hunting. Two excellent homes, a bunkhouse, apartment, shop, and equipment storage are all included in this 3,500± contiguous block of deeded acres. The 96 Ranch offers private, out the gate BLM and National Forest permits within a comfortable distance allowing the operator to trail cattle to and from summer pasture. Hay lands include 79± sprinkler irrigated acres, irrigated meadows and several hundred very productive dry land farm grounds. • 3,500± contiguous deeded acres • 79± acres of irrigated rights • 200± acres of dryland and/or sub-irrigated hay ground • Out the gate BLM and National Forest permits • Operator drives cattle to and from nearby forest permit • 300-350± head operation • Custom home, remodeled ranch home, bunkhouse and apartment • Large shop, horse barn and hay barn • Corrals and arena • Machine shop • 4 mule deer and 4 bull elk L.O.P. tags (buyer to confirm with ODFW)
MOUNTAIN VIEW HAY & CATTLE POWELL BUTTE, OR • 760± ACRES • $3,950,000 Excellence is the standard, not a goal at Mountain View Hay & Cattle Ranch in Powell Butte. The 8,499± square foot executive home features 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, a wine cellar and views that will exceed your expectations! Three ponds, spectacular landscaping, including a beautiful water feature, fruit trees and more. The amazing 81,600± square foot equestrian facility is a horse lovers dream! Complete with 117 horse stalls, two indoor arenas, an office, three large tack rooms, spectator judging areas, a studio apartment, restrooms, built-in waterers, stainless steel stall fronts, concrete alleyways and two wash rack facilities. • 213± acres of irrigation • 1 full pivot & 2 half pivots • 8,499± square foot custom home with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths • 81,600± square foot equestrian facility • 2 indoor arenas (120'x144' and 120'x240') • Outdoor cutting arena
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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COLVIN RANCH JOHN DAY, OR • 9,381± ACRES • $7,490,000 Colvin Ranch features 9,381± private acres on the Middle Fork of the John Day River, located 45 minutes north of John Day, Oregon. The ranch has approximately four miles of John Day River frontage and seven seasonal and year-round streams right on the property. The habitat and terrain support healthy herds of elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer and antelope, as well as turkey, bear, various small game and game birds. With terrain ranging from timber to vast, open hillsides covered with lush grass and sagebrush, Colvin is ideal for cattle grazing. This gorgeous mountain property has the versatility to be an incredible recreational property, while also providing new owners with income production. • 9,381± acres • Paved road to the property with private bridge access • 4± miles of the Middle Fork of the John Day flow through the property with runs of salmon and steelhead • 4± year-round streams with numerous seasonal streams and springs • Located in two separate hunting units; elk, deer, antelope, turkey, black bear and numerous other small game and game birds can be found • 5 landowner tags available for deer and elk • Elevation ranges from 3,200± ft. up to 4,500± ft. • Perimeter fenced with some cross fences • Past grazing capacity 400± head and 16,000± acre Forest Service grazing lease • Electricity runs through property, but there are no usable structures • Eight tax lots
DRY CREEK HUNTING RESERVE PRINEVILLE, OR • 1741± ACRES • $2,100,000 Dry Creek Hunting Reserve is a one-of-a-kind big game hunting ranch offering 1,741± acres in an excellent hunting area. There are plenty of Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer and other wildlife to thrill the hunting enthusiast looking to purchase a bountiful reserve. Dry Creek Hunting Reserve has easy access to thousands of acres of public land that is nearly non-accessible to the general public. The secluded Dry Creek Hunting Reserve is a large family holding and has not been offered on the market in over 60 years. Explore all the wonders of nature this rare offering holds in its over 1,700 private acres. • 1,741± acres • Thousands of acres of accessible public land • Trophy big game hunting • Land Owner Preference Tags: 3 mule deer buck tags and 3 Rocky Mountain bull elk tags (buyer to confirm with ODFW) • Custom home building sites • Majestic Cascade Mountain views
10 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
OREGON FRAZIER CREEK ESTATE CORVALLIS, OR • 143.28± ACRES • $2,775,000 Outstanding estate farm just minutes to Corvallis, the hospital and in the Willamette Valley AVA. Gorgeous estate home is set in a manicured, park-like setting with a swimming pool, pool house, fishing pond, garden and water feature. And a grass airstrip and hangar for your airplane! Excellent quality soils suitable to most crops common to the area, with 4± acres newly planted vineyard; Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir varieties. Woodland with private duck pond! Balance of the farmland is planted to grass seed crop. Plus, two rental homes on separate parcel that is within the Urban Growth Boundary. Hunt geese, ducks and doves, plus catch rainbow trout and catfish, all on your own property! Or, just enjoy the pastoral lifestyle. Can add the adjacent Historic Elliott Equestrian Farm and Vineyard, 102.8± acres of vineyard, hay and crop land, two homes, a building site and equestrian facilities for $1,825,000.
ELLIOT FARM & VINEYARD CORVALLIS, OR • 102.8± ACRES • $1,825,000 Rare opportunity to own an historic farm, horse property and established vineyard just minutes from Corvallis, the hospital and in the Willamette Valley AVA! Potential building site with phenomenal views of Mary’s Peak and the Cascade Range. The historic home, dating to 1896, has been restored, plus there is additional housing that is presently rented. The equestrian facility, currently operated as a boarding facility, features an 11-stall barn with two tack rooms, feed storage area, attached 60' x 120' indoor riding arena, plus paddocks and turnout areas. A shop/machine storage structure complements the facility. The vineyard includes 4± acres newly planted, 9± acres established, 8± acres ready to plant; Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir varieties. The balance of the farmland is planted to grass hay and a grass seed crop. This is a great income opportunity with estate potential, just minutes to town. Can add the adjacent Frazier Creek Estate Farm & Vineyard, 143.28± acres with a gorgeous estate home, swimming pool, pool house, fishing pond, grass airstrip, hangar, woodland with duck pond, newly planted vineyard, irrigated cropland, plus a separate parcel with two rental homes. Priced at $2,775,000. • Restored, historic 1896 Elliott House: 1,787± SF, 3 bed, 2.5 bath • 77± acres excellent quality, irrigated and dry crop land, planted to grass seed; tenant in place • 62.3± acres zoned Urban Residential-5 to protect against future urban development • 47.5± acres included in a Conservation Easement • Separate 1.00± acre parcel zoned Urban Residential -5 • 39.5± acres zoned Exclusive Farm Use For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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SELLERS MARSH CHEMULT, OR • 1,280± ACRES • $3,999,000 15 miles east of Chemult, Oregon, lies the crown jewel of Sellers Marsh; a large mountain meadow 4± miles long and 1± mile wide with lush mountain grasses and a private water supply. With nearly 500 acres of irrigation and 800± acres of timber/grazing land, this property is something to be seen. The current owners have used these wild meadow grasses for high valued, outstanding grass hay, and the property offers many recreational opportunities including big game hunting, bird watching, snowmobiling, hiking and relaxation. Rare and beautiful, Sellers Marsh is full of potential. • 1,280± acres • 477± irrigated acres • Timber • Forest Service surrounding the property • Accessed by Forest Service roads • Big game hunting
JOHNSON CREEK RANCH PRINEVILLE, OR • 650± ACRES • $2,100,000 Johnson Creek Ranch sits on 650± acres, 215± of which are irrigated, all new steel working corrals, shop, two hay sheds, two homes and its own private lake. Historically, the Johnson Creek Ranch has been a successful working cattle and hay ranch and offers one of the best locations for convenience and privacy. Located just a few minutes from Prineville and about 45 minutes to Bend, Johnson Creek Ranch offers all of the basics and necessities. • 215± irrigated acres • Private lake with irrigation rights • Cascade Mountain views • Hay barn with storage located in upper pastures • Set up for cattle with corrals and 430± acres of rangeland
STONEYBROOK RANCH POWELL BUTTE, OR • 79± ACRES • $1,500,000 Welcome to Stoneybrook Ranch, the best of all worlds. The quiet rural living from the Powell Butte Ranch Community, where slow traffic is only caused by a tractor or a cattle drive. Stoneybrook features post card views of the Cascades and Smith Rock. A premium custom home, created by a custom builder/owner captures every amenity possible. The incredible and unique log construction and log art accents are spectacular. This amazing custom home is supported by a great 8-stall barn with a 60' x 108' indoor arena, plus a 3-bay shop. The private rural country lifestyle, million-dollar views and it’s all well connected with the places to be and things to do in very active Central Oregon. Mount Bachelor, Deschutes River, Lake Billy Chinook, Ochoco & Deschutes National Forests and the Bend/Redmond Municipal Airport are all within an hour’s drive or less from Stoneybrook Ranch. • 79.39± total deeded acres • 62± hay/pasture acres • 60'x108' indoor arena • Outdoor riding arena
12 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
OREGON 7M RANCH
MAUPIN, OR • 476.67± ACRES • $1,575,000
The 7M Ranch is being offered outside of the family for the first time in five generations. This landmark property is a rare opportunity to own a working irrigated and dry crop ranch with a full complement of historic farm buildings in a pastoral setting against the beautiful backdrop of majestic Mount Hood and Oregon’s crowning Cascade Range. The ranch offers solid agriculture production in a location ripe with recreational opportunities. • 476.67± acres • 91.2± acres irrigated crop, pasture and windbreak • All irrigation equipment is included in the offering • House and full set of ranch improvements • Irrigation pond stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill • Pastoral setting with excellent Cascade Mountain views • Paved access
WILSON TIMBER TRACT
MADRAS, OR • 1,040± ACRES • $1,250,000
The Wilson Timber Tract promises excellent big game hunting from Central Oregon’s Grizzly Hunting Unit. The homestead site is a great location for a hunting cabin or owner’s lodge overlooking a beautiful, small mountain meadow with a productive spring. From nearly every location on the Wilson Timber Tract are amazing views of the Cascade Mountains. This property is bordered by other private ranches, including the well-known Hay Creek Ranch. Located just east of Madras, Wilson Timber Tract is a great hunting retreat that offers 2 Mule Deer & 2 Rocky Mountain Elk L.O.P. tags (buyer to confirm with ODFW). If your dream includes a remote, quiet and private location that is perfect for a custom hunting cabin or lodge, then Wilson Timber Tract will not disappoint! • 1,040± acres • Grazing and timber land • Cascade Mountain views • Excellent big game hunting
BARNES BUTTE LAKE PRINEVILLE, OR • 258± ACRES • $1,695,000 Beautiful and private, Barnes Butte Lake is offered on the market for the first time in 60 years. This is a rare opportunity to own an amazing 258± acres with a stunning secluded lake. Known for excellent fishing of bass and bluegill, Barnes Butte Lake was once operated as a day fishing experience for the public, and at one time produced the largest bluegill around. A great location with easy access and close to the town of Prineville, makes this property even more desirable. • 258± acres • 55± acres flood irrigated pasture • Great location • Beautiful private lake • Opportunity to build custom home • Cascade Mountain views
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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C-7 RANCH SPRAGUE CITY, OR • 571.48± ACRES • $750,000 The C-7 Ranch offers an exciting recreational opportunity, plus income from cow/calf summer pasture and CREP contracts. The ranch lies in a bend of the Sprague River, providing approximately 3.2 miles of river frontage, offering excellent duck and goose hunting, plus fishing and wildlife viewing. The ranch is well fenced and cross fenced, providing for controlled livestock grazing on a portion of the property, plus protection for the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) easement and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) lands, which covers portions of the ranch. • 571.48± deeded acres • 112.06± acres irrigated pasture and corral area; summers 40–50 cow/calf pairs • 93.07± acres in CREP; pays approx. $14,393/yr. • 362.09± acres of WRP Conservation Easement • Excellent duck and goose hunting • 470± acres water rights, 1864 priority date
ELK VALLEY RANCH MT. VERNON, OR • 320± ACRES • $1,150,000 The Elk Valley Ranch boasts vast scenic views of evergreen populated mountain ranges. The ranch is 320 ± acres and lays south of a point about halfway between John Day and Mount Vernon, Oregon. This very private property is located approximately a mile from a paved and maintained county road. After a day spent fishing one of the on-site ponds, finish the evening off relaxing on the expansive deck with breathtaking views of open pasture and the well known, Nans Rock, elevation 4,649 feet, the peak of which is about a quarter mile from the property line. Wildlife are a frequent sight and much of the time can be spent enjoying the four developed ponds and forest like terrain for deer, elk and other visiting big game including black bear. • 320± acres of open pastures and timbered hills • Magnificent views of Oregon mountain ranges • Two year-round streams flow through the property • Developed orchard, four ponds and expansive garden • 24'x48' finished shop and a six-bay open machine shed • The 3,104± SF country home is a beautiful and high quality improvement • Tremendous recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, skiing and golf on three nearby courses • John Day and Mount Vernon, Oregon are just a short drive away
14 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
OREGON THE OCHOCO PRINEVILLE, OR • 640± ACRES • $960,000 The Ochoco Ranch consists of 640± acres surrounded by National Forest in the mountains of Oregon’s prestigious Ochoco trophy hunting unit, one of the best units for world-class Rocky Mountain bull elk and mule deer. This is a unique opportunity to purchase three separate timberland parcels within the Ochoco unit; two 160± acre and one 320± acre tracts. Buy one or buy all! Each parcel affords the avid hunter and landowner preference tags for the Ochoco unit. In addition to great big game hunting, there are numerous creeks and mountain lakes for fishing, good populations of wild turkeys and thousands of acres of privacy. The Ochoco, a real outdoorsman’s dream come true! • Potential for 6 Mule Deer & 6 Rocky Mountain Elk L.O.P. tags (buyer to confirm with ODFW) • Growing and productive stand of timber • Completely surrounded by National Forest • Less than 1.5 hour drive to Redmond Airport
PINE CREEK BAKER CITY, OR • 1,560± ACRES • $1,495,000 Rising up from the lush Baker City Valley to elevations exceeding 9,100± feet, the Elkhorn Mountains are an incredible Northeast Oregon mountain range. In the very center is 1,560± acres, known as Pine Creek. This rugged beauty is home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s best big game hunting and fishing. • Northeast Oregon Mountain Range • Over 1,500± acres of natural beauty • Big game hunting and fishing • Amazing views • Timber • Adjoins public land
ROCKY TOP RANCH POWELL BUTTE, OR • 480± ACRES • $950,000 Follow a quiet country lane in Powell Butte and discover this gorgeous retreat. Whether you’re looking for a private getaway, a working cattle/ horse ranch or simply a home in the heart of central Oregon, this property is perfect. Enjoy the seclusion of 480± acres a mere 15± minute drive from the quaint town of Prineville. The custom-built log home is the heart of this amazing property, and all 3,600± SF is crafted with stunning architecture and attention to detail. This property includes expansive valley views from the northern rim, Cascade Mountain views, and large pastures—all fenced, cross-fenced and ready for use.
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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S BAR S DAYVILLE, OR • 1,462± ACRES • $1,550,000 Work and Pleasure! The 1,462± acres of S Bar S Ranch offers great deer and elk hunting, horseback riding and limitless outdoor adventure, all from an easy-to-operate cattle ranch. With the Ochoco hunting unit at its backdoor and acres of access to Black Canyon Wilderness, the S Bar S is surrounded by public lands. All this access includes 3 Mule Deer Buck and 3 Bull Elk landowner preference tags (buyer to confirm with ODFW). Imagine hunting in the renowned Ochoco unit from home. This ranch operation also holds a 5,000± acre 830 AUM’s BLM grazing lease and 39± acres of irrigation. If you’re looking for unlimited recreational access, exceptional big game hunting and a fully functional cattle ranch, S Bar S is the place for you! • 1,462± total acres • 2 bedroom/2 bath manufactured home • Trophy mule deer and elk hunting • 5,000± acre 832 AUM’s BLM grazing lease
TRIPLE 2 RANCH ANTELOPE, OR • 1,555± ACRES • $1,995,000 A must see! Triple 2 Ranch in North Central Oregon rates at the top of its class. This outstanding hunting ranch is perfect for any game hunter, with great populations of mule deer, elk and turkey. In addition to its first class hunting, the Triple 2 Ranch features a total of 1,559± acres of highly productive grass rangelands and irrigation: 252± acres of irrigation from three wells and 1,300± acres of range and grasslands. • 1,555± total acres, 252± irrigated • 3 bedroom, 2 bath updated home • Trophy mule deer and elk hunting • Six stall horse barn with bunk house, shop, additional barn and hay shed • Arena, corrals, sweep tub alley and squeeze chute • Irrigation pivot and wheel lines • All 252± acres of irrigation are from 3 ground water wells • $27,000± annual income from NRCS programs
WESTERN SUNSETS RANCH PRINEVILLE, OR • 221± ACRES • $1,249,000 The location of the Western Sunsets Ranch is nearly as impressive as its features. Climate offers approximately 340 days of sunshine a year with around 12 inches of annual precipitation, making this area perfect for the recreational enthusiast. Just 30-40 minutes from the Redmond/Bend International Airport, and less that an hour to downtown Bend assures this slice of heaven is well connected to all the action and activities of Central Oregon. With world-class skiing on Mount Bachelor, hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands featuring lakes, streams, forests and high desert, a full spectrum of equestrian activities, big game and bird hunting, fishing the high lakes and popular streams, and water sports available on Lake Billy, Chinook or Prineville Reservoir, Western Sunsets is located in recreation nirvana. • 321± acres with two additional buildable acreages • 10,429± SF executive home with an indoor pool • Large metal shop, equipment storage building, four-stall equestrian barn and paddock • All paved drive and parking with excellent privacy
16 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
PRIVATE ACREAGE WETLANDS:
By Clarke Watson
NEW REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LANDOWNERS The presence of water is a crucial factor in determining the true worth of a potential property purchase, and wetlands are amongst the most valued water attributes. With a unique ability to directly augment surrounding ecosystems, wetlands are an integral feature of a healthy environment. Historically, the advantages of wetlands were underappreciated, resulting in a diminishment of wetland populations as a whole. In more recent years, society’s understanding of wetlands has changed for the better as their exponential value has become clear. Wetlands help regulate climate, improve water quality, support agriculture, provide habitats, restore aquifers and promote carbon sequestration. WETLANDS AS AN ASSET The “no net loss” wetlands mandate in the U.S. is anchored around the concept of countering wetland loss with mitigation, reclamation and restoration efforts. This means that the total acreage of wetlands across the nation will remain constant or, ideally, increase. While landowners throughout the country reap the recreational benefits associated with wetlands, few realize that land stewardship strategies tailored to conservation of wetland banks can result in cash flow separate from traditional crops and livestock. Developers impacting wetland habitats are required to offset their environmental footprint via mitigation. Onsite mitigation is not always cost effective, encouraging developers to purchase credits from offsite mitigation banks. Mitigation provides landowners the opportunity to become contributors to an environment on the mend by protecting and converting their wetland acreage into mitigation banks from which they can sell credits to developers. This creates non-farming/ ranching income from the land that has little correlation to financial assets. “Eco-assets, such as compensatory mitigation credits, carbon credits, wetland credits and more, represent new revenue opportunities,” explains William G. Coleman, owner of Eco-Asset Solutions & Innovations (EASI), a consulting enterprise based in San Francisco. With more than 40 years of experience in environmental and sustainability management, with an emphasis in mitigation credit development, Coleman understands that many ranchers are finding it difficult to make a living in the current market. The restorative processes of wetlands produce consistently, regardless of what’s on the news or the current state of financial markets.
ENHANCE NATURE, BUILD A LEGACY While it’s clear that enhancing wetlands is additive to the recreational enjoyment and value of real estate, many landowners don’t know that conservation easements are an integral part of the process. “Conservation easements used to be looked at with suspicion,” says Coleman. “Nowadays, they are the key to these new revenue opportunities—without jeopardizing title to the land. The family farm or ranch can stay in family ownership.” From the landowner’s perspective, mitigation banks boost returns, unlocking a previously untapped component of value and revenue stream. The landowner who weighs benefits and offsets of current cattle numbers and irrigated acres/water use, may realize enhanced returns in cutting back on livestock and cultivated land in trade for creating or adding scale to a conservation bank. Then, the income that was previously based solely on cattle and hay is augmented by revenues from credit sales and ongoing wetland management, creating diversity from uncorrelated income sources.
WHO BUYS WETLAND CREDITS? To determine the real value of credits and the key movers and shakers within the eco-services industry, Coleman and his team at EASI rely on the aggregation of 550+ data points from around the U.S. detailing credit sale transactions. “Developers themselves are the main buyers,” says Coleman. “Wherever roads are built and maintained, watersheds are compromised, so transportation agencies are always a consistent buyer.” Other than that, he explains that mining, oil and gas and electric companies all need to mitigate for their activities. “We also see that a lot of commercial businesses are showing for wetland credits, especially where developments impact existing wetlands,” he says. “Finally, cities themselves are big buyers. It’s not unusual for cities to build water treatment systems or expand airport runways that lead to the same impact developers themselves are responsible for. All of these entities become a good market to sell to if you have credits in hand.”
SOAK IN THE BENEFITS Landowners are increasingly realizing that wetland processes and the other “natural capital” on their properties provide an opportunity to become part of the restorative economy by adding directly to the eco-system services supply chain. For many, the real icing on the cake regarding mitigation is not only the monetary reward; it’s also virtuous and provides an innate feeling of satisfaction. It’s a chance to offset financial risk and enhance and preserve the beauty of nature, all the while securing the legacy of your land in perpetuity.
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WASHINGTON PACIFIC CAPITAL: Olympia
LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Apples
NICKNAMES: “The Evergreen State”
NUMBER OF CATTLE HEAD IN THE STATE: 1.1 million
SIZE: 71,362 square miles
NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 938,000
POPULATION: 7.2 million
NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 219,000
MILES OF STREAM: 25,000±
PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 86%
NUMBER OF LAKES: 2,364
ACRES OF WETLANDS: 939,000±
NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 39,500±
NUMBER OF NATIONAL PARKS: 15
TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 15 million
STATE PARKS DESIGNED PRIMARILY FOR SNOWMOBILING: 80
AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 381 acres±
Stats are approximates only.
THE PATAHA CANYON RANCH POMEROY, WA • 378± ACRES • $485,000 The Pataha Canyon Ranch consists of 378± acres of superb hunting and fishing conveniently located in Garfield County, not far from the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. The property boasts excellent topography and year round live water with Pataha Creek running through the ranch. The combination of live water, outstanding habitat and a border of large grain fields makes Pataha Canyon Ranch a rare find for the outdoor enthusiasts in search of their own hunting and fishing paradise. The Pataha Canyon Ranch has been extensively developed and managed for wildlife and recreation and is a turnkey opportunity for the avid outdoorsman to enjoy ample hunting and fishing opportunities in southeastern Washington. • 378± acres • Live water fishery running year round • Excellent upland bird and big game hunting • Great location in Southeastern Washington • Surrounded by agricultural fields For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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SPORTSMAN’S CORNER: AN INTERVIEW WITH BIRD HUNTER JAMES ESPERTI AND HIS DOG, HOSS Picture a bird hunter spending a day in the brush of the American West, and it won’t take you long to envision a four-legged companion bobbing alongside him, looking to flush some grouse. In fact, dogs are iconic hunting companions for sportsmen all over the U.S. As one of the partners with Fay Ranches, James Esperti often finds himself hunting with clients on ranch properties. True to the stereotype, not far behind them is James’ black lab, Hoss. Although Hoss is a trained bird dog, he’s much more than just a hunting companion to the Esperti family. We sat down with James to discuss the inextricable link between man and dog in the American West. (Hoss gave a few deep sighs of approval, too.) TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BLACK LAB, HOSS. I grew up in Jackson, Wyoming, and was fortunate enough to experience hunting, fishing and the great outdoors with my dad and brothers. We had golden retrievers in our family, and my dad played a large part in teaching us how to train our bird dogs and understand that bond as hunters and retrievers. I really got to experience the alpine outdoors throughout my entire life, and in 1990, I moved up to Bozeman, Montana to attend Montana State University. I got Hoss when he was seven weeks old. I knew his mother because she was owned by a friend of mine. She was so nice and
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sweet, good with kids and good in the home. Lots of bird dogs can be hyper and you can’t keep them inside, but Hoss’ mom was calm and just an amazing dog. Plus, she was also an excellent bird dog, which was important for me in choosing Hoss.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE FINDING A BIRD DOG? Growing up, when we were choosing our bird dogs, we always made sure that we at least knew the mother, if not the father. We always purchased our dogs from a private party, which meant we knew the people who raised the mother, the parents’ dispositions, their temperaments, and how they worked in the field. A lot of folks spend a good deal of money on bird dogs, or think they have to spend a lot of money, but we never did. We always went with ‘backyard breeders’ for lack of a better term, but knowing the mother and the father of our puppies was always critical for us.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE HOSS WHEN HE WAS A PUPPY? Well, Hoss was one of 12 puppies in a litter, and when we went to pick him out, it was a little chaotic. Of course they were all cute and tumbling all over each other, but Hoss just stood out. He had a real cognitive feel to him right away. He would look me in the eye, even when he was a puppy.
HOW DID YOU START THE PROCESS OF TRAINING HOSS TO BE A WORKING BIRD DOG, WHILE ALSO KNOWING THAT HE IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR FAMILY? I feel like when you’re bringing up a dog, if you gain their trust, they’ll do anything for you and they’re easier to train. They know when it’s time to work and when it’s all business (especially when you bring out the training bumpers, birds and your gun) and when it’s not. We always trained our dogs, Hoss included, with positive reinforcement, since they are a part of our family. Hoss acquired the knowledge and awareness of when it’s time to work through
this positive reinforcement, and through repetition of training. When we go out, he gets excited because he knows it’s time to work. Then, when the gun gets put away, he knows that it’s time to relax and he puts his paws up. But at the end of the day, Hoss is my buddy. He goes everywhere with me. He comes to work with me, we go fishing together, and I take him when I show ranches. He’s really helpful because he’ll even go out and flush birds while we’re on a ranch. I always had dogs growing up, and they were always a part of our family, and that’s how we think of Hoss. We have twin 10-yearold boys, and they’ll always remember Hoss as their bird dog. He’s their companion, and he sleeps in their room at night. We’re looking at getting a puppy this spring, which is great because it means that Hoss will get to teach our puppy a thing or two. When Hoss was a puppy, he learned by watching our old dog Tucker, and I think it will be true with our new dog, too. The coolest part is that our boys will have the experience of training our puppy, and Hoss will be a part of that. I’m not a professional dog trainer by any means, but I am an avid hunter and I love my dogs. We love our dogs like we love our kids; they’re a part of our family.
DESCRIBE WHAT IT'S LIKE HUNTING WITH HOSS.
hit the ground, take off running, and will cover some serious ground, even when wounded. One time, I was out with some clients, and one of them wounded a bird and it hit the ground running. Hoss took off in the complete opposite direction, to the point where everyone else thought that he was going the wrong way. That’s not always so great in a field full of other birds, because a dog chasing a wounded bird can flush out the other birds unintentionally. Our clients asked that I call Hoss in, but I know how good of a tracker Hoss is, so I told them to wait and to trust Hoss. Sure enough, he disappears over the ridge and is just gone. We’re sitting there waiting and everyone thinks he’s gone off in the wrong direction. But about 15 minutes later, from the complete opposite direction, Hoss comes up behind us with that rooster in his mouth.
WHAT'S THE BENEFIT OF HUNTING WITH HOSS VERSUS HUNTING ALONE? To be honest, it’s no fun hunting without Hoss, not only because he’s my buddy, but also because it’s inefficient for me to try to shoot birds and then find them after they’ve fallen. Hoss, and most other bird dogs, are so good at tracking and finding birds that I’ve shot, that I lose far less birds than I would if I was hunting alone. It’s important to me to retrieve what I’ve harvested, and Hoss helps me do that.
Hoss is an incredible tracker, and we’ve had plenty of instances where someone will wound a bird, but won’t kill it. The bird will
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FINATIC © Jim Klug Photos
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For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
COLORADO MOUNTAIN WEST CAPITAL: Denver NICKNAMES: “Centennial State” SIZE: 104,094 square miles POPULATION: 5.46 million MILES OF STREAM: 105,344 ACRES OF LAKES: 249,787± NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 36,500 TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 31.9± million AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 1,000± acres LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Cattle and calves
NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and nonresident): 767,000 NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and nonresident): 259,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 69% NUMBER OF SKI AREAS AND RESORTS: 25+ MILES OF GROOMED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS: 2,700+ HIGHEST: Alpine valley in the world capable of producing crops (San Luis Valley, at 7,400+ ft. elevation)
NUMBER OF CATTLE HEAD IN THE STATE: 2.6 million Stats are approximates only.
DOS RIOS RANCH PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO • 785± ACRES • $7,800,000 Fay Ranches is proud to present the 785± acre Dos Rios Ranch in Archuleta County situated to the south of the Colorado mountain town, Pagosa Springs. The Rio Blanco River flows through the heart of the landholding for over a mile-and-a-half, and Colorado’s San Juan River flows through the southwest corner of the ranch just above where the two rivers converge. Dos Rios adjoins USFS lands directly accessing over 3 million acres of National Forest and wilderness areas in the San Juan Mountains. Dos Rios Ranch represents a legacy investment opportunity in a solid Colorado Ranch with both sides of two rivers, water rights, grazing and other agricultural production, diverse habitat and amazing natural beauty in a region that includes some of the best big game hunting and fly fishing in North America. The ranch home, guest home, barn and ancillary structures were thoughtfully designed with impeccable attention to detail and functionality to stand the test of time, and they were well thought out in context with this specific landscape. Dos Rios Ranch embodies all the legendary attributes of an authentic rocky mountain ranch, and all the opportunities that come along with it. • 785± acres • 1.5± miles of Rio Blanco River; 1,000± feet San Juan River • Valuable 8cfs water right • Singular mule deer hunting • Prime turkey habitat and hunting • Excellent fishing for brown, rainbow and brook trout • Renowned architect Douglas Ewing FAIA designed lodge Based For theonmost available up to date sources information at time ofplease printing, visitstats our are website approximates or call an agent. only.
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THE COUNCIL MOUNTAIN RANCH By Wayne Manis
AS A LAD, I ALWAYS WANTED THREE THINGS IN LIFE: to be a Marine, to be an FBI Agent, and to own a great hunting ranch in the West. I am very fortunate to have been able to see all those things come to fruition. I joined the Marine Corps at the age of 21, fresh out of college in 1962. By December of 1965, I was completing my first tour of duty, serving as an officer in the Corps with Forced Troops, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and I had a decision to make: stay in the Marines for a career or move forward to my next objective and apply to the FBI as a Special Agent. I made the leap and was fortunate to be accepted into the ranks of the FBI. On January 31, 1966, I commenced my career in the FBI, training in Washington D.C. and Quantico, Virginia. Soon, I found myself engaged in a different type of combat on the streets of America, confronting dangerous gangsters from all walks of life, including, the La Cosa Nostra, the Dixie Mafia, the Ku Klux Klan, and terrorists from both the extreme left and the extreme right of society. I decided to make the FBI my career. During the years that followed, I suffered some painful but rewarding experiences. I survived a few fights and a severe beating while working undercover. I was stabbed with a knife while making an arrest and narrowly escaped being shot while engaged in a machine gun battle with a desperate terrorist. I felt the thrill of the chase, the immense danger of armed confrontation, and the infinite satisfaction of being the leader of a highly trained and skilled FBI SWAT team. I felt desperation and isolation after being arrested and incarcerated in Chicago while working undercover under an assumed identity. For 28 years, I was privileged to tackle one challenging investigation after another. Near the end of my career, I went head on with the most organized and dangerous domestic
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terrorist organization to ever operate in the U.S. They were known as “The Order” and as “The Silent Brotherhood.” They committed murders, assassinations, and armed robberies to the tune of about $4 million. They were ruthless, and their ultimate goal was to overthrow the U.S. government. That case was the most challenging of my career and consumed four years of my life. It ended with the incarceration or killing of all the members of the notorious enterprise. At the conclusion of my career with the FBI, I was encouraged to write a book detailing these many fascinating experiences. Finally, I agreed and in 2015, my book, The Street Agent, was published. It is currently in print and has been very well received. In May of 1994, I entered into business, opening my own company in the field of private investigations. That endeavor has been financially rewarding; life has been good and we continue to operate today. The business was the key to accomplishing my final goal of locating and procuring a great, historic hunting ranch. We found such a ranch in an 1890’s cattle ranch in the beautiful Council Valley in West Central Idaho. It’s a wonderful spread of about 1700± acres with numerous ponderosa pines, firs, aspens and cottonwoods. There are several ponds (good fishing), sage and bitterbrush. It adjoins miles of National Forest and state land affording private access to millions of acres of wild uninhabited forest and grassland. It is a natural corridor and passageway for numerous species of wild game, and it offers some of the best trophy mule deer and elk hunting in the state. It is everything I ever dreamed of in a great ranch. It has afforded me and my family, friends and old FBI compatriots a place to gather, reminisce and rejoice as we saddle up our horses at daybreak and ride the high country and valleys across the ranch in pursuit of big game. I often sit beside my horse, looking across the snow-capped peaks to the east, or to the Seven Devils mountain range to the north, and think to myself, “How did I ever get so lucky, and what did I ever do to deserve this great ranch and such a wonderful life?”
IDAHO MOUNTAIN WEST CAPITAL: Boise NICKNAMES: “The Gem State” SIZE: 83,571 square miles POPULATION: 1.654 million MILES OF STREAM: 26,000± NUMBER OF STREAMS LONGER THAN 50 MILES: 70 NATURAL LAKES: 3,000± NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 25,700 TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 11.5± million AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 454± acres ACRES OF IRRIGATED LAND: 3.2± million LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Dairy products LEADING CROP: Potatoes (first in the nation with 29% of total U.S. potato production) NUMBER OF CATTLE HEAD IN THE STATE: 2.19 million NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 447,000 SPECIES OF GAMEFISH: 42 NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 246,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 72%
Based on available sources at time of printing, stats are approximates only.
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COUNCIL MOUNTAIN RANCH COUNCIL, ID • 1,650± ACRES • $2,850,000 The Council Mountain Ranch consists of 1,650± acres in a private setting, located just 2± hours northwest of Boise, Idaho. The ranch is situated on the western facing slopes of the West Mountain Range in the Payette National Forest. Views of the Weiser River Valley and Cuddy Mountain loom to the west, with the Hitt Mountains just a bit further to the southwest. The habitat and terrain are ideal for mule deer, elk and turkey. • Borders National Forest and Idaho state land • 122± miles to Boise, 4± miles to Council and Council Municipal Airport • Cottonwood Creek runs through the property, good for trout fishing • 40± acres of irrigated pasture grass, 32± acres of dryland hay • Perimeter fenced with 75 head carry capacity • 1650± sq. ft. farmhouse • Two-car garage, barn, storage for hay, shop • Trophy mule deer and elk, turkey, bear, mountain lion, quail and ruff grouse
DIETRICH FARM DIETRICH, ID • 980± ACRES • $4,350,000 The Dietrich Farm is comprised of 980± acres of deeded land with 800± acres of irrigated farm ground and pasture. At present the farm produces approximately 7 ton per acre of alfalfa on 350± acres and averages of 30 ton of corn silage on another 350± acres. Along with the fertile soils which can grow a variety of crops, there is irrigated and dry-land pasture that supports 150± head of cattle. The ranch has water rights from the American Falls Canal, a deep well and Magic Valley Canal water. A gravity flow system from the Magic Valley Canal keeps the power bill at a minimum. An 850 head Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) has been established and if desired can be expanded. • 800± irrigated acres with another possible 50± acres coming on line • Crop possibilities include corn, alfalfa, small grains, potatoes and sugar beets • 850 head CAFO with expansion possible • 7± ton alfalfa per acre • 30± ton corn silage per acre • One-3 bedroom, 1 bath 2,200± SF home for hired hand • One-3 bedroom, 1.5 bath 1,800± SF home, rented for $600/month • One shop, one feedlot with older barn • Two grain storage bins • American Falls water, Magic Valley water along with a deep well • 30± miles Northeast of Twin Falls
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For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
IDAHO COVE RANCH SUN VALLEY, ID • 4,487± ACRES • $14,500,000 Cove Ranch consists of 4,487± deeded acres and 8,000± leased acres forming a beautiful mountain valley just south of Sun Valley, Idaho. The ranch is a highly productive alfalfa/cattle ranch, with an entitled development plan allowing for a potentially valuable conservation easement. Cove Ranch, just 25± miles south of Sun Valley, incorporates all the recreation and lifestyle the valley has to offer. Famed Silver Creek is 5± miles south of the property and the Big Wood is 6± miles to the west. Terrain transitions from fertile farm ground to sage covered foothills in the Pioneer Mountains. The infrastructure is extensive with six homes on the property. Multiple seasonal creeks flow into the property creating drainages rich in wildlife including mule deer, elk and antelope. Up to 300 elk can frequently be seen on the property throughout the year, and a healthy mule deer population is found on the ranch. Cove Ranch is a highly productive agricultural property in close proximity to one of the best resort towns in North America. This makes it one of the few large acreage ranches that can bring the best of both worlds to any owner. • Over $1.5 million invested in development studies and applications • Numerous wells and documented water rights • Favorable zoning • Home, barn and caretaker quarters at the ranch headquarters • 1,400± acres of cultivated ground • Three pivots, wheel lines, hand lines and pumps for 1,283± irrigated acres
DIAMOND T RANCH CLARK FORK, ID • 135± ACRES • $1,299,000 On the beautiful valley floor of the Cabinet Gorge, surrounded by forest covered mountains and majestic snow-capped peaks, through a wildlife refuge from the spectacular Clark Fork of the Columbia River, lies the Diamond T Ranch. Amidst a mixture of woods, pastures and ponds, this property offers a diverse menu of recreational options. The property has been a working guest ranch since 1982 but would also serve as a wonderful private getaway or corporate retreat. The 134.8± acres borders public lands and accommodates abundant wildlife including elk, deer, moose, turkey and waterfowl to name a few. The property’s three ponds and three creeks also provide excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and large brown trout, as well as blue gill, bass and perch. It is rare to find such abundant resources in a well-appointed ranch infrastructure. There is no wasted acreage on this ranch. • Located about 5 miles downstream of Lake Pend Oreille • 3,200± SF Main House • 6 Cabins—each with a private bathroom • Vintage 1914 Barn with water & electricity • Large storage building with heated shop • The quaint town of Clark Fork is about 5 miles away
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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OWYHEE MOUNTAIN RANCH OREANA, ID • 3,800± ACRES • $5,250,000 The Owyhee Mountain Ranch is located south of Oreana, Idaho, in the high plateau region of one of the most uninhabited areas in the lower 48. The ranch is comprised of 3,800± deeded acres, along with 7,880± acres of leased land. Boulder Creek flows through the property for 2± miles, along with Mammoth Creek and numerous other springs and creeks that bisect the property. The ranch has ideal grazing for cattle, running from May through October. The habitat and nutrition of the Owyhee grazing lands produces some of the best quality bull elk and mule deer Idaho has to offer. • 5,050± to 5,800± ft. in elevation • 20± inches of precipitation per year, mainly in snowpack • Bordered by BLM and Idaho State Land • Working corrals, 600 pair grazing ranch • Boise is 80± miles to the north
TWIN SISTERS RANCH ADAMS COUNTY, ID • 3,330± ACRES • $4,850,000 Consisting of 3,330± deeded acres, Twin Sisters Ranch is situated perfectly in Indian Valley and located adjacent to the West Mountains in south central Idaho. Just two hours north of Boise and one hour south of McCall, Twin Sisters Ranch has three year-round creeks and the Little Weiser River running through it. The Payette National Forest borders to the east, creating some of the best mule deer, elk and turkey hunting the state has to offer and all tags are over the counter. Twin Sisters Ranch has a new log cabin, shop and garage, corral and tack room all located in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Little Weiser River. Twin Sisters is an ideal hunting ranch along with the possibility of having cattle grazing on 7,800± acres of deeded and leased land.
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For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
IDAHO TETON RIVER FARMS TETON COUNTY, ID • 1,570± ACRES • $6,900,000 Teton River Farms is located 40 ± miles northwest of Jackson, WY, and is 1 mile east of the Targhee National Forest. Eighty percent of the property is in crops and it is fully loaded with grain bins, potato cellars, pivots, hand line sprinklers, river and booster pumps. The water delivery system was recently improved capable of irrigating 1,131± acres. Lucrative current income is provided through a cash lease. You have the opportunity to continue the wellestablished farming operations or opt for development in a niche location with the unrivaled scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and attractions that only the Teton area can provide. • 1,570± deeded acres of which 1,274± acres are arable with seed potatoes, barley and hay • Current cash lease for $237,510 per year extends through 2023 but may be terminated upon sale • 36,568 shares in the Teton Pipeline Associates and storage lease held in Island Park Reservoir • Development potential with 32 paper lot entitlements subject to the River Rim Ranch Div. II Master Plan • Buildings and Equipment: 2 grain bins storing 55,000 BU each, 3 potato cellars storing 55,000 CWT each, 5 center pivots, 3 corner pivots, 750± hand line sprinklers, 5 river pumps, 4 booster pumps
THE OLD CHERRY BUTTE RANCH ASHTON, ID • 63± ACRES • $2,767,000 The Old Cherry Butte Ranch is a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy the privacy and tranquility of your own mountain with the ease of access to modern conveniences. Panoramic views of the Teton Range, Snake River highlands and upper valley, Bighole Mountains and Lemhi range will take your breath away. Wildlife is abundant in the form of white-tailed and mule deer, elk, moose, eagles, grouse and sandhill cranes. This property lies above the world-class fly fishing venue of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, and is not far from other trophy trout fisheries. • 63± deeded acres • Borders Targhee National Forest and the Wildlife Corridor • Blue Ribbon fishing on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River with new bridge and boat ramp • Located just above the confluence of the Snake River, Warm River and Robinson Creek • Stunning panoramic views of the Teton Mountain Range to the east, Bighole Mountains to the south and the Lemhi Range to the west • Nestled at the southern edge of the Yellowstone caldera near the junction of the Mesa Falls and Teton Scenic Byways • Private road and seclusion, yet easy year-round access to recreational activities and attractions • Nine strategic building sites already established with phone, power and commanding views of the surrounding mountains, rivers and upper Snake River valley For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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TWIN RIVERS RANCH ASHTON, ID • 88± ACRES • $2,030,150 Located just above the heart of converging world-class trout fishing waters, the Twin Rivers Ranch is a private, mountainous property that borders the prestigious Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. It has access to Targhee National Forest and the setting is one of grassy pasture areas amidst aspen groves and evergreens, surrounded by the Snake River Highlands and Cherry Butte. With glorious views of the Teton Range and bright open skies, there is a relaxing oneness with nature. Wildlife is abundant with deer, elk, moose, eagles and many other critters. Twin Rivers Ranch has beautiful natural resources combined with the convenience of all season sporting activities, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, skiing and snowmobiling. • 88 ± deeded acres • Borders the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River and has quick Targhee National Forest access • Gateway to Yellowstone National Park, amazing views of the Teton Mountain Range and diverse wildlife • Private road with new entry gate in design for completion this season • Located just above the confluence of the Snake River, Warm River and Robinson Creek for world-class fishing; new bridge and community boat ramp • Established building sites with phone, power and commanding views of the surrounding mountains, river and Snake River highlands • Enjoy your “own private Idaho,” near the junction of the Mesa Falls and Teton Scenic Byways with majestic scenic beauty
HENRY’S FORK RANCH FREMONT COUNTY, ID • 167± ACRES • $1,250,000 This property is situated within the Henry’s Fork Watershed and fronts the Henry’s Fork Snake River, a world renowned trout fishery and wildlife habitat. The Henry’s Fork property provides a wonderful retreat and has abundant wildlife and waterfowl. It borders a horse ranch and offers peaceful privacy within a short reach from town. The setting is one of grasses, sage, Cottonwood riparian forests, aspens and junipers. This property possesses substantial natural, scenic and wildlife values. • 167± deeded acres • Substantial frontage on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River • Additional fisheries nearby: Warm River, Teton River, Falls River • Property has a conservation easement and 5± acre building site, a perfect setting for a dream home and guest house • Enjoy all the seclusion you desire with convenience to year-round recreational activities at the Gateway to Teton and Yellowstone National Park • Close to Driggs, Island Park, West Yellowstone, Jackson Hole and other attractions • The town of Rexburg is a hub for activities with BYU-Idaho and the Madison County seat • Within 15 minutes is the Fremont County seat of St. Anthony, which also boasts the famous Sand Dunes
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IDAHO LAVA HOT SPRINGS RANCH BANNOCK
COUNTY, ID • 970± ACRES • $1,390,000
Lava Hot Springs is a 970± acre ranch split in 2 parcels—650± acres and 320± acres, divided by state ground. Lava is located on the east side of Baldy Mountain and only 3± miles south of Lava Hot Springs Recreation Area. It offers a convenient getaway, only 30± minutes south of Pocatello, ID and approximately 2 hours north of Salt Lake City, UT. Access is from the Dempsy Creek private gate and Baldy Mountain Road. Lava Ranch has a large mule deer population, as well as some elk and black bear. • 970± deeded acres • Located in the mountainous valley of the Portneuf River, on the old route of the Oregon Trail and California Trail • All the privacy and open space you can imagine • Expansive views from this picturesque location, between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park, just off I-15 • Hunting, fishing and varied recreational pursuits • The small town of Lava Hot Springs is a hub for activities and a popular resort location, noted for its numerous hot springs
WEST MOUNTAIN 480
McCALL, ID • 480± ACRES • $750,000
The West Mountain 480 property is one of a few properties on the market in the Payette River Valley. The property offers some of the best outdoor experiences that the region has to offer and is only a short distance from amazing golf, beautiful lakes and resort style entertainment. • 480± deeded acres • Access by a private easement • Curtis Creek flows through the property • Bordered by Payette National Forest • About eight miles south of McCall, Idaho • Approximately 90 miles from Boise, Idaho • 4,900± feet above sea level
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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DON’T KICK THE COWS OFF: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RANCH BUYERS By Bill Nutt
When reviewing my insurance policies recently, I realized that we have owned our ranch near Twin Bridges, Montana for over a decade. Certainly that isn’t long enough to become an expert, but I have learned a few things I’d like to pass along to those considering a ranch purchase. Here’s a list of my top six recommendations for ranch buyers. 1. MAKE THE RANCH-BUYING EXPERIENCE FUN. If we were buying a second home in Arizona or Florida, it would be relatively easy to find and evaluate such properties, and most of us would probably have the skills and experience to make such a purchase without much professional advice. A ranch purchase is quite a different experience—and in a good way. Buying a ranch is intellectually challenging; it requires learning new subjects and acquiring new skills in dealing with environmental, agricultural, water and mineral rights issues. Buying a ranch is a process, and it takes time and the advice and guidance of a professional land broker. Note, I did not say “real estate agent,” because you need someone with specific ranch expertise. We looked for over two years for our ranch with Greg Fay, who not only identified more than 30 possible choices, but also helped us with our thinking and narrowed our search in terms of location, size, buildings, agricultural uses, hunting possibilities and more. And he continues to do so a decade later. You will also need a local attorney familiar with the area and typical ranch due diligence issues. Closing often takes longer than the traditional 90 days, particularly when there are unique environmental or water rights issues involved. Again, the buying experience is a learning process, but it’s a good one.
2. DON'T KICK THE COWS OFF. For many buyers, their first act after closing is to eliminate cattle grazing and agricultural operations. This is usually a bad idea. Like us, you may not have the time, expertise or interest in ranching yourself. However, leasing your ground to a responsible local rancher has many benefits. First, your ranch simply looks better when it’s well irrigated and cultivated. Second, an agricultural operation eliminates weeds and consequent 32 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
fire danger. Third, having a local rancher who treats your land as well as he treats his own and watches your property, particularly during hunting season, is really valuable.
3. DON'T BE AFRAID OF JUNK. Some of the best ranches we looked at were covered with all sorts of junk. Every piece of farm equipment brought to the ranch since 1918 sits rusting somewhere. Look beyond it. If you offer it for free in the local newspaper or by word of mouth to tradesmen and neighbors, you will be surprised how quickly it disappears.
4. CONSIDER A PROPERTY MANAGER. Since most of us use our ranches periodically, having a property manager nearby is essential. Someone who comes in every few days, checks the heat, water, walks through the barn, and is visible to the neighbors is really helpful. It may be the local rancher who leases your ground, or a schoolteacher or building contractor. These people know the community and how to find the best plumber, painter, lawn mower and the right person to fix whatever breaks. 5. RESIST THE URGE TO OVERBUILD. While it is fun and rewarding to build the new ranch house or horse barn, don’t go too big. A 10,000-square-foot log home might be great in Vail, Colorado, but do you really need it or want to maintain it in Montana or Wyoming? Also, when the day comes when you want to sell your ranch, an overbuilt home or equestrian center severely limits your market and can actually hurt the value of your ranch. 6. BE INVOLVED, AT LEAST TO SOME EXTENT, IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. Most of us have limited time at the ranch and want to fish, hunt, ride ATVs and entertain family and guests—but try to get involved with your neighbors and community. Find a way to support the local school. Get to know the local hospital or urgent care and, hopefully, never use them. Your neighbors have a great deal to offer and are outstanding friends and advisors. Don’t forget that you have much to offer them as well. I hope these bits of advice are helpful. A decade of ranch ownership is just long enough to know how much you don’t know about ranching. However, learning about your ranch and improving it, albeit while making mistakes, can be the best parts of the ownership experience.
MONTANA MOUNTAIN WEST CAPITAL: Helena NICKNAMES: “The Treasure State”, “The Big Sky State,” “The Last Best Place”
MONTANA
SIZE: 147,000+ square miles, fourth largest state in the nation, behind Alaska, Texas, and California
POPULATION: 1.024 million (just over 6 people per square mile)
MILES OF STREAM: More than 170,000 miles of streams and rivers (ranking 3rd in total contiguous stream miles in the U.S.) NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 28,000+ TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 59 million± (over 60% of the state) BUSHELS OF CORN FOR GRAIN HARVESTED: 5.6 million BUSHELS OF WHEAT FOR GRAIN HARVESTED: 181 million TONS OF ALFALFA HAY HARVESTED: 2.8 million NUMBER OF CATTLE HEAD IN THE STATE IN 2012: 2.7 million on 11,800+ farms NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 267,000 NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 150,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 86% MILES OF SNOWMOBILE TRAILS: 4,000+ NATIONAL PARKS: 2 (Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park) GLACIERS: 26 (all in Glacier National Park) LARGEST: Natural freshwater lake in the U.S. (Flathead Lake), west of the Mississippi River HOME TO: The largest migratory elk herd in the nation
Based on available sources at time of printing, stats are approximates only.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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BURNT LEATHER RANCH MCLEOD,, MT • 623± ACRES • $7,600,000 The Burnt Leather Ranch has historically consisted of several working parts that create a well-balanced and recreationally diverse ranch. We are privileged to offer what is referred to as the “Old Steen Place.” The Steen Place portion of the ranch includes the headquarters of the Burnt Leather Ranch, famous for its most valuable recreational resources, primarily over two miles of both sides of the West Boulder River. The West Boulder provides one of the most scenic and prolific stretches of water to catch trout in the lower 48. Burnt Leather is arguably the most coveted ranch in the most desirable neighborhood for recreational ranches in Montana. “With over two miles of the trout-rich West Boulder River, the Burnt Leather Ranch is a rare opportunity to own one of the West’s most beautiful and naturally wild experiences.” — Greg Fay, Broker/Owner, Fay Ranches • 623± acres • Over two miles of both sides of the world-renowned West Boulder River • Arguably the most scenic fly-fishing experience in Montana • 15± minutes to the main Boulder and 30± minutes to Yellowstone River • Excellent big game hunting • Existing conservation easement protecting the entire ranch—the new owner will have the ability to build one new single family residence as well as a garage, barn and guest house within 500 feet of the residence • Located in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem • Just 35± minutes from Livingston, MT
HIGHLAND VIEW RANCH TWIN BRIDGES, MT • 525± ACRES • $4,950,000 “I am looking for a property that provides a little bit of everything: frontage on a world-class trophy trout fishery, great hunting for white-tailed deer and waterfowl located in an expansive Montana river valley with mountain views all around, and a nice pond for the kids to swim. Someplace with a quality home where I can bring my friends and family and not have to go through the process of building.” This is a common request of many who are looking for their ideal escape in the mountain West and one of the most difficult to fill. However, this perfectly describes the 525± acre Highland View Ranch. • 525± deeded acres • 1± mile of frontage on the upper Jefferson River, a tremendous trophy trout fishery • 11± acre spring-fed pond with large rainbow and brown trout • .50± acre pond with trophy rainbow trout • Trophy trout fishing on several nearby rivers • Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,252± SF custom home built in 2008 • Remodeled 1,500± SF guest house • 60'x 40' shop barn with cement floor and wood stove • Spectacular views of the Tobacco Root and Highland Mountain ranges • Excellent white-tailed deer, waterfowl and pheasant hunting on the ranch
34 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
MONTANA DOME MOUNTAIN RANCH PARADISE VALLEY, MT • 5,366± ACRES • $25,000,000 Dome Mountain Ranch is one of the most famous ranches in Montana, and deservedly so. Set beautifully in the wild country of southern Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone Park, the 5,366± deeded-acre ranch is bordered on one side by 4.4± miles of the Yellowstone River, providing some of the finest wild trout fishing in the world. On the other two sides, the ranch is bordered by one of the largest blocks of wild public land in the lower 48, comprised of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Yellowstone National Park and U.S. Forest Service lands. Dome Mountain Ranch is world famous for its elk hunting, scenic beauty and trout fishing with several hunting and fishing shows filmed on the ranch over the years. “Situated near the northern edge of Yellowstone Park, the Dome Mountain Ranch is critical wintering and calving ground for Yellowstone Park elk and considered one of the most important conservation imperatives in the Northern Rockies.” — Greg Fay, Broker/Owner, Fay Ranches • 5,366± deeded acres total with an additional 470± acres state lease 508± BLM lease • 4.4± miles of frontage on the Yellowstone River • Within the boundaries of the ranch: 25± acre Thelma Lake, 6± acre Vanessa’s Lake, and 6± acre Alpine Lake with direct access to Dailey Lake • Abundant wildlife • Well-built owner’s home and guest house with cabins • 253± total irrigated acres with 125± of those acres under three pivots • Land is managed for wildlife, hay is produced for the hunting operation and horse feed stock
BLACKLEAF CATTLE COMPANY CHOTEAU, MT • 6,799± ACRES • $5,400,000 Few places are blessed with the natural beauty, diverse ecological resources, cultural and historical significance as the Blackleaf Cattle Company. A masterpiece of nature, the ranch cascades from the top of the magnificent Rocky Mountain Front towards the expansive grasslands to the east. The combination of converging habitats supports one of the most diverse concentrations of wildlife found in the Rocky Mountain West. The ranch is a fantasy land of ponds, streams, wildflowers, prairie and towering mountain faces offering the broadest range of outdoor recreation. The neighboring Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area coupled with extensive preservation efforts along the Rocky Mountain Front preserve much of the area from future sale or development. The ranch’s history of plant eating dinosaurs, nomadic Mongols, Blackfeet Indian lore and multi-generational ownership contribute to its distinction as one of Montana’s finest legacy ranches • 6,799± deeded acres • 1,359± leased acres • Coveted location along the Rocky Mountain Front, one of the most highly conserved areas in the West • Fascinating natural history, dating back to Pre-Columbian peoples and dinosaurs • One of the most rare arrays of wildlife to be found anywhere in the Continental U.S. • 2± miles of private fishery on Blackleaf Creek • 6.12± miles of Gansman Creek frontage For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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PRESERVING A LEGACY: ELK MEADOWS RANCH Talk to American ranch owners, and, without a doubt, they all know the exact moment they found their ranch. “I hate to tell you how many places we looked at before we found Elk Meadows,” says Jon Fossel, owner of Elk Meadows Ranch in Southwest Montana. “But when I drove up Jack Creek and into the bowl where the ranch sits, I said to myself, ‘This is it. I have to have this place.’” Elk Meadows Ranch was originally part of a 25,000± acre purchase from the Plum Creek Timber Company in 1992 that eventually turned into Moonlight Basin Ski Resort. In an effort to protect the property, which sits within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the 1,500± acre portion of Elk Meadows Ranch and other neighboring parcels were placed into conservation easements. When the Fossels purchased Elk Meadows three years later, they preferred to keep it as wild and unaffected as possible. Jon's wife, Siri, credits the property’s uniqueness to an abundance of wildlife, the sweeping views, and the feeling of complete remoteness, despite being located between Ennis and Big Sky, with world-class restaurants and skiing nearby. Elk Meadows also has access to enviable sporting activities right on the property, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Elk Meadows was originally purchased by the Fossel Family in 1995 after a search so extensive, it spanned most of the Rocky Mountain region. They both had a specific set of criteria, which it turns out, even Elk Meadows couldn’t quite fulfill. “One of the criteria was that it had to have a house on it,” Jon says. “Elk Meadows didn’t.” After all the other properties they had seen, it didn’t matter. Elk Meadows was spectacular enough for them to
build a family compound. “The views are world-class,” Jon says. “I’ve been there 22 years and I still look out the window every day and feel so blessed.” For the Fossels, ranch ownership is an important piece of their family’s legacy, and their time at Elk Meadows plays a large part in the memories they have as a family, as well as the memories they are handing down to the next generation. “We were really hoping to create a family gathering spot that we could enjoy together,” Jon says. Today, Jon thinks Elk Meadows is even more abundant in wildlife than it was when he bought the property in the ‘90s, when Elk Meadows was essentially a wild, blank canvas. And Jon notes that over the last 22 years, the property has only become more unique, as they restricted much of the hunting, creating an environment in which both the quality and the quantity of wildlife has improved. “Friends will come to visit after driving through Yellowstone National Park,” Jon says. “We’ll take them out early in the morning after sunrise and they’ll say, ‘We’ve seen more wildlife here than we did in the Park.’” This is partly due to The Jack Creek Preserve, a 4,340± acre wildlife sanctuary adjacent to Elk Meadows that the Fossels created in 2005. The Preserve enables natural wildlife migratory patterns by connecting the north and south sections of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness through a contiguous parcel. “What makes Elk Meadows so unbelievably unique is that the Preserve that borders the ranch will forever be as pristine as it was 100 years ago,” Jon says. Siri adds, “We’re surrounded by mountains. The light is so beautiful in the mornings, and I wake up early just to experience it. I never know what I’m going to see when I look out my window, whether it’s a moose or three little baby deer or even a bobcat.”
ELK MEADOWS RANCH BIG SKY, MT • 1,501± ACRES • $16,500,000 • Very private 1,501± contiguous deeded acres • Located on a private, gated road connecting the largest ski area in the U.S., Big Sky Resort, to the capital of fly fishing, Ennis, Montana • 3± mile border with the Lee Metcalf Wilderness • Just 12± miles to the 6 Shooter lift at Big Sky Resort, 25± minutes to Ennis and the Madison River, and just over an hour southwest of Bozeman • 1,387± acres held in conservation easement • Several small streams and springs located throughout the ranch • World-class deer and elk hunting in a very private basin • Spring-fed trout pond • Incredible views of Lone Peak, Fan and Cedar Mountains, the Spanish Peaks and the Madison Valley • Between the Madison and Gallatin Rivers providing world-class fishing Photo: RYAN SAUL (SAUL CREATIVE)
36 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
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MONTANA EAST BRIDGER REFUGE SEDAN,MT • 200± ACRES • $1,500,000 Nestled in the foothills on the east side of the Bridger Mountains and just northwest of Sedan, the 200± acres that encompass East Bridger Refuge have a number of beautiful changes in topography and vegetation. As you enter the property from the well maintained road, there are south facing grass and sage pastures leading up to dense Douglas Fir covered ridges. All these amazing transitions make for eye appealing view sheds while also enticing wildlife with cover, travel corridors and access to food and water. Simply put, this much variety packed into only 200± acres is a rare opportunity. • 200± total acres (80± acres in Parcel B) in the foothills of the East Bridger Mountains • Borders thousands of acres of Forest Service land • Huge views of the Bridger and Crazy Mountains • Variety of terrain and vegetation: pastures, timbered ridges, springs with willows and quaking aspen • Well maintained road access but extremely private setting with multiple building sites • 20± minutes to Bridger Bowl, 45± minutes to Bozeman and 20± minutes to Wilsall • Excellent big game and upland bird hunting on the property and neighboring Forest Service land • Offered in 2 Separate Parcels: Parcel A: $1,500,000 | 200± Acres Parcel B: $550,000 | 80± Acres
EAST GALLATIN RIVER HOUSE BELGRADE, MT • 20± ACRES • $1,190,000 The East Gallatin River House is a unique offering in a location that’s highly desired for its rich water and wildlife amenities as well as its convenience to Bozeman’s cultural amenities. The property possesses great character and charm and offers a wealth of fishing and hunting opportunities. • 20± acres • .31± miles of the East Gallatin River • Abundant wildlife on and around the property • 2 bedroom, 2 bath home • Less than 15 minutes from the university town of Bozeman, MT and 10± minutes from the commercial airport in Belgrade, MT • Within 1 hour of three world-class ski areas, Big Sky Ski Resort, Moonlight Basin and Bridger Bowl • Detached garage with additional living quarters.
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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RED STAR RANCH LIVINGSTON, MT • 238± ACRES • $1,799,000 The 238± acres encompassing Red Star Ranch includes beautiful changes in topography and vegetation along with a view of the confluence of two yearround fisheries, Trail Creek and Pine Creek. To the north and south you have spectacular views of the Gallatin Mountains and the stunning Paradise Valley to the south and east. All these amazing transitions make for eye appealing view sheds with cover, travel corridors and access to food and water that entices multiple species of wildlife. Red Star has excellent big game hunting for elk, deer, black bear and mountain lion. Simply put, this much variety packed into only 238± acres is exceptional!
BIG SKY NORTH FORK RANCH BIG SKY, MT • 443.8± ACRES • $3,995,000 Big Sky North Fork Ranch sits above the Meadow Village and Town Center just 5± minutes to the wonderful restaurants and shops of Big Sky as well as the Arnold Palmer Golf Course. The 443.8± acre ranch backs up to Forest Service land and the wild country of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, providing miles of hiking and hunting in some of the most scenic country in the lower 48 states. • 443.8± acres • Seasonal stream running through property • Stunning mountain views overlooking the Meadow Village and direct views of Lone Peak • Backed up against 1± mile of U.S. Forest Service land • Minutes from Big Sky, MT and the world-class Big Sky Ski Resort • Minutes from the famous Gallatin River
38 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
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MONTANA BOULDER YELLOWSTONE RANCH BIG TIMBER, MT • 87.5± ACRES • $1,300,000 The Boulder and Yellowstone River are two of the most beautiful fly fishing rivers in Montana. Combine over 1± miles of both of these completely different sized freestone rivers and you create one heck of a recreational-based family paradise. The Boulder Yellowstone River Ranch, with 87.5± acres of deeded land, is this paradise. The ranch, established at the confluence of both rivers, contains .33± miles of Yellowstone River and .75± miles of the Boulder River. Located just minutes from downtown Big Timber, this riverside oasis contains virtually all of the recreational attributes most often desired by landowners, along with a myriad of wildlife. The massive Cottonwood trees and the Yellowstone River form the northern boundary, while the Boulder River and its rich riparian bottom and old river channels form the eastern boundary. This very unique offering is perfect for a recreational retreat.
BRIDGER FOOTHILLS RANCH BOZEMAN, MT • 404± ACRES • $2,800,000 The Bridger Foothills Ranch, consisting of 404± acres nestled in the northern part of the Gallatin Valley near the historic community of Reese Creek, encompasses some of the area’s most picturesque land and views. Positioned at the base of the Bridger Mountains, the property sprawls from the forest covered draws and contiguous U.S. Forest Service lands down to productive meadows with aspen groves and springs. The property provides fantastic building sites looking over the valley and surrounding mountain ranges, and offers roughly 80± acres of beautiful irrigated meadows. Wildlife abounds with white-tailed and mule deer, pheasant and a variety of other alpine inhabitants, including occasional elk. Located 25± minutes north of Bozeman, the Bridger Foothills Ranch is a unique property offering a wide range of topography and land uses as well as a variety of recreational pursuits.
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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RUBY VALLEY VISTA ALDER, MT • 294± ACRES • $2,150,000 The Ruby River Ranch is a unique ranch that combines high quality agricultural production with world class recreational amenities, making it an affordable ranch to own on an annual basis as well as a wonderful ranch for families and friends to share new adventures and build lasting memories. The Ruby River meanders through the ranch for just less than 2 miles and provides some of the finest fly fishing for large trout available in Montana, in a private and exclusive setting. The ranch also has a gorgeous ranch compound built by the current owner. The structures are of the highest quality materials and craftsmanship with recycled timber and natural stone. The current owner leases the agriculture to a neighbor which makes it very easy to own and affordable. • 540± acres under irrigation • The ranch is conserved and protected with 2 Conservation Easements • Spectacular views of five surrounding mountain ranges • Excellent deer and waterfowl hunting on the property
YELLOWSTONE PRESERVE RANCH THREE FORKS, MT • 779± ACRES • $2,499,000 For generations, families have enjoyed the peace and tranquility of Yellowstone Preserve Ranch and the small-town charm of nearby Livingston, Montana. The ranch provides easy access to an unparalleled combination of fishing, hiking, hunting, and income generation opportunities. The ranch enjoys nearly one mile of Yellowstone River frontage, a spring-fed pond, and wet-lands. A wheel-line and a pivot-irrigated alfalfa field offer incomegenerating opportunities and excellent wildlife habitat. A four-bedroom home with amazing views rounds out this conveniently located, one-of-a-kind ranch that is perfect for use as a family or business retreat. • 125± acres of irrigated ground, .25 mile pivot • The ranch sits in 8 separate parcels which provides significant conservation easement possibilities • Multiple building sites with commanding views of the surrounding mountains and river • Topography and vegetation creates very private settling • Amazing views of the Absaroka Mountains • Close to town, yet private: 5± miles from Livingston, 30± minutes to Bozeman • Minimal snow pack and lots of sunshine all year
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MONTANA YELLOWSTONE PRESERVE RANCH LIVINGSTON, MT • 307± ACRES • $3,750,000 For generations, families have enjoyed the peace and tranquility of Yellowstone Preserve Ranch and the small-town charm of nearby Livingston, Montana. The ranch provides easy access to an unparalleled combination of fishing, hiking, hunting, and income generation opportunities. The ranch enjoys nearly one mile of Yellowstone River frontage, a spring-fed pond, and wet-lands. A wheel-line and a pivot-irrigated alfalfa field offer incomegenerating opportunities and excellent wildlife habitat. A four-bedroom home with amazing views rounds out this conveniently located, one-of-a-kind ranch that is perfect for use as a family or business retreat. • 125± acres of irrigated ground, .25 mile pivot • The ranch sits in 8 separate parcels which provides significant conservation easement possibilities • Close to town, yet private: 5± miles from Livingston, 30± minutes to Bozeman
RUBY RIVER RANCH SHERIDAN, MT • 746± ACRES • $10,900,000 The Ruby River Ranch is a unique ranch that combines high quality agricultural production with world class recreational amenities, making it an affordable ranch to own on an annual basis as well as a wonderful ranch for families and friends to share new adventures and build lasting memories. The Ruby River meanders through the ranch for just less than 2 miles and provides some of the finest fly fishing for large trout available in Montana, in a private and exclusive setting. The ranch also has a gorgeous ranch compound built by the current owner. The structures are of the highest quality materials and craftsmanship with recycled timber and natural stone. The current owner leases the agriculture to a neighbor which makes it very easy to own and affordable. • 540± acres under irrigation • The ranch is conserved and protected with 2 conservation easements • Spectacular views of five surrounding mountain ranges • Excellent deer and waterfowl hunting on the property
KOBER RANCH RED LODGE, MT • 169± ACRES • $995,000 The Kober Ranch on Rock Creek is comprised of 169± acres of which 78± are irrigated, producing 2–3 tons of hay per acre. The property has two excellent fisheries including .25± mile of Rock Creek flowing through the west side of the property and .37± mile of Clear Creek flowing through the east side, providing an excellent riparian habitat. There are several possible home sites on the property that would provide tremendous views of the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge Mountain Resort, the Crazy Mountains and views overlooking Rock Creek. The Kober Ranch would make a great place for a vacation home or a small horse or cattle operation while enjoying excellent fly-fishing on the ranch and the surrounding area. • .25± miles of Rock Creek and .37± miles of Clear Creek on the property • Tremendous views of the Beartooth Mountains and Red Lodge Mountain Resort • Hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, mule deer, pheasant and Hungarian partridge
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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LITTLE YELLOWSTONE RANCH VIRGINIA CITY, MT • 379± ACRES • $1,885,000 The Little Yellowstone Ranch was established in 2004 based on the idea of finding a piece of property in Montana that encompassed the wildlife of Yellowstone National Park, adjoined public land, was close to amenities yet very private and had drop-dead 360 degree panoramic views. Encompassing 379± deeded acres and bordering thousands of acres of public land a top the Gravelly Mountain Range is where this vision came to fruition. In keeping with the feeling of the Wild West, the improvements are themed after a 100-year-old replica of an old U.S. Forest Service fire lookout tower that is truly a work of art. Using reclaimed lumber and large boulders and rocks, everything about the improvements on the property are custom. Improvements include, a 3 story custom fire lookout tower, a custom heated workshop/barn with guest quarters containing 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, 2 reclaimed miner’s cabins, and an historic refurbished outhouse and greenhouse. With views of seven mountain ranges directly overlooking both the Ruby and Madison Valleys and wildlife ranging from bears to moose to eagles and elk, this property has it all.
LITTLE VALLEY RANCH AVON, MT • 12,910± ACRES • $19,975,000 Little Valley Ranch is a historic mountain ranch in Western Montana, located in the scenic Avon Valley, about 50 miles from Helena. The core of the ranch’s 12,910± deeded acres are comprised of mountain meadows and timbered hills along the west side of the valley. The majority of the ranch’s 10,080± leased acres reach higher elevations in the Garnet Range along the west side of the ranch. Strickland Creek and Davis Creek emerge in the Garnets, watering the ranch’s wildlife and livestock. With a resident elk herd that numbers several hundred during the fall, Little Valley is a dream ranch for the sportsman. The ranch facilities are functional and updated, and good stewardship is further demonstrated by the condition of the range and timber resources. • Historic mountain ranch in the Avon Valley • Strong water amenities for recreation, wildlife and agricultural production • Resident elk herd provides excellent hunting opportunities throughout the fall season
BOULDER RIVER HOMESTEAD BIG TIMBER, MT • 40± ACRES • $1,495,000 Boulder River Valley is one of the most sought after areas in the Northwest. Closely held and rarely available, the Boulder River Homestead is an opportunity to live in one of Montana’s most beautiful and scenic river valleys. Bordering the Boulder River for .25± miles and encompassing almost 40± riverfront acres, the homestead includes a recently refurbished home built around the original cabin and well-maintained historical improvements, including barns, outbuildings and corrals. Located just 9 miles south of Big Timber, Montana with easy year-round access, and this secluded Boulder River frontage is a wildlife epicenter with excellent fishing opportunities.
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MONTANA SANDHILL SPRINGS OFFERINGS BELGRADE, MT Strategically located 15± minutes from downtown Bozeman, Montana and only an 8± minute drive to the Interstate 90 interchange, Sandhill Springs Ranch (574± acres) and the Old Railroad Ranch (608± acres) are located in the shadows of the Bridger Mountain Range, one of the most dramatically beautiful ranges in Montana. In addition to the Bridger Mountains, the property has wonderful views over the Gallatin Valley and five surrounding mountain ranges. Spaulding Brook flows through the Sandhill Springs property, feeding a 288± acre wetland complex that the current owners worked in tandem with Ducks Unlimited to create for migratory waterfowl and shore birds. This project has created excellent habitat for the ducks, pheasants and white-tailed deer that call the property home. This is an absolutely gorgeous piece of ground with some of the most dramatic views in the valley, fertile farm ground and a wonderful country feel yet still close to Bozeman. • Sandhill Springs Ranch: 574± Acres - $3,325,000 • Old Railroad Ranch: 608± Acres - $3,300,000 • Parcel 1: 406± Acres - $2,537,500 • Parcel 2: 400± Acres - $2,500,000 • Parcel 3: 371± Acres - $2,318,750 • Spaulding Brook runs through the Sandhill Springs Ranch offering great habitat and cover • 288± acre aquatic/wetland complex developed with Ducks Unlimited on the Sandhill Springs Ranch • World-class hunting for pheasant, waterfowl and white-tailed deer
GALLATIN VIEW RANCH BOZEMAN, MT • 160± ACRES • $3,678,000 Gallatin View Ranch is an exceptionally rare offering in such close proximity to the city of Bozeman. The ranch consists of 160± unencumbered acres surrounded on three sides by state land bordering the Gallatin National Forest. Literally millions of acres are in your backyard, providing excellent hiking and horseback riding right off the property. The improvements include a ranch house, an upgraded multiple bedroom lodge with tremendous views of the Gallatin Valley and Bridger Mountain Range and a large upgraded horse barn with indoor riding arena, hay barn and several enclosed outbuildings.
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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SHEDHORN RANCH ENNIS, MT • 93.9± ACRES • $5,600,000 The Shedhorn Ranch not only offers 93.9± acres for recreational pursuits, but also an elegant, custom-built home with views you will not find anywhere else. Shedhorn Ranch is located in the heart of the world’s best fly fishing and hunting country and in close proximity to the world-renowned Big Sky Ski Resort. Within a few minutes from the genuinely Western town of Ennis and close to the college town of Bozeman, Shedhorn Ranch is one of a kind. • 93.9± acres • Craftsman custom 7,500± SF log home including 5 bedroom and 4.5 bath • Stunning 360-degree views • Excellent location, just 50± minutes to Big Sky and 10± minutes to Ennis, Montana and the Madison River • Great hunting opportunities on the property • Private Jack Creek Road access to Big Sky Resort, Spanish Peaks Resort and the Yellowstone Club
CALAMITY JANE HORSE CACHE MOLT, MT • 1,716± ACRES • $3,595,000 For the first time in 23 years, the Calamity Jane Horse Cache, a 1,716± acre deeded ranch consisting of deep grassy canyons, Ponderosa Pines and majestic rock bluffs, is being offered for sale in its entirety. Situated just 12± miles west of Billings, Montana and 10± miles north of the quaint town of Laurel, Montana, the ranch is one of the largest contiguous blocks of land remaining in the area and a prime spot for solitude, recreation and investment. Steeped in Western lore, the ranch has a rich history dating back to the 1800’s when Martha Jane Canary, aka Calamity Jane, watered her horses at the ranch’s Canyon Creek before driving them up the infamous plateau titled the Calamity Jane Horse Cache on USGS maps. Thoroughly captivated by the grandeur of the ranch, Calamity remained in the area, purchased land and lived on the ranch in a small cabin. • Cabin with electricity overlooking the entire ranch • Canyon Creek meandering through the property • 80% naturally fenced ranch by Rim Rock Cliffs
EIGHT MILE OVERLOOK STEVENSVILLE, MT • 1,381± ACRES • $1,595,055 In the foothills of the Sapphire Mountains along the east side of the Bitterroot Valley, the Eight Mile Overlook is an ideal 1,381± deeded acre recreational retreat. Highlights include live water from Granite and Three Mile Creek and dramatic westerly views of the stunning Bitterroot Range. Healthy riparian corridors enhance the ranch and quality wildlife habitat abounds. The Eight Mile Overlook sits above the valley floor, is adjacent to the Three Mile Wildlife Management Area and has close proximity to U.S. Forest Service and adjacency to state lands.
44 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
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MONTANA FINTAIL RANCH TWIN BRIDGES, MT • 377± ACRES
• $3,295,000
Fintail Ranch packs an exceptional amount of recreational punch for its 377± acres. It’s rare to find a ranch this compact with approximately 4 miles of live trout water as well as incredible hunting opportunities. The ranch certainly delivers when it comes to waterfowl, pheasant and white-tailed deer hunting. The over 120± acres of irrigated lands provide the ranch with an agriculturally productive component that doubles as attractive wildlife habitat. • 377± acres on the east side of the Beaverhead River Valley • Mountain views in a private, river bottom setting • 3± miles of the Beaverhead River and 1± mile of spring creek on the ranch • Located 10± minutes south of Twin Bridges, MT and 15± minutes north of Dillon, MT • 1.5± hours to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport • A 92± acre pivot planted in alfalfa and annual grains and additional 35± flood irrigated acres can support a small seasonal cattle operation, providing an income-producing component for the ranch
REESE CREEK FARMSTEAD BOZEMAN, MT • 58± ACRES • $1,250,000 Strategically located 20 minutes from downtown Bozeman, Montana and only a 15 minute drive to the Interstate 90 interchange, the Reese Creek Farmstead consists of 58.54± acres and is located in the shadow of Ross Peak, one of the most dramatically beautiful peaks in Montana. In addition to Ross Peak, the farmstead has wonderful views over the Gallatin Valley and five surrounding mountain ranges. Bill Smith Creek forms a portion of the easterly boundary. This beautiful little creek is lined with grassy cover and scattered willows, creating excellent habitat for the pheasants, Hungarian partridge, elk and white-tailed deer that call the property home. This is a gorgeous piece of ground with some of the most dramatic views in the valley and a wonderful country feel yet still close to Bozeman. • Located in the Reese Creek Zoning District, near the Springhill Community • Close to Big Sky and Bridger Bowl Ski areas • Easy access off Springhill Road
BROWN VALLEY RANCH STEVENSVILLE, MT • 1,632± ACRES • $2,970,000 Held by the same family for almost 50 years, the Brown Valley Ranch has operated as a working cattle ranch throughout its duration. Located up the Three Mile drainage in the Bitterroot Valley, Brown Valley Ranch possesses all the key components desired in an established agricultural operation or a recreational retreat. Dramatic westerly views of the stunning Bitterroot Range stretch through the entire valley, with productive fields, abundant wildlife and healthy riparian corridors. Brown Valley Ranch’s roots begin on the valley floor at the foothills of the Three Mile Wildlife Management Area. Beyond the refuge sits National Forest lands and the Sapphire Mountain Range. The Brown Valley Ranch offers substantial acreage for the Bitterroot Valley and its location does not compromise access to amenities. • 1,632± deeded acres in Western Montana with excellent water rights • Worry-free cattle operations with long term manager • 3.25± miles on both sides of Three Mile Creek frontage • 253± irrigated acres with an additional 60± acres of riparian bottomland For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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YELLOWSTONE RIVER RANCH EMIGRANT, MT • 1,310± ACRES • $7,250,000 Conveniently located midway between Yellowstone National Park and the town of Livingston, Yellowstone River Ranch is a quality offering along one of Montana’s greatest fly fishing rivers, and it is one of the last large ranches left in the Paradise Valley. • 1,310± deeded acres total with 1± mile of Yellowstone River frontage with large riparian area for wildlife • 125± acres of irrigated ground • The ranch sits in nine separate parcels which provides exit strategies and significant conservation easement possibilities • Multiple building sites with commanding views of the surrounding mountains and river • Topography creates very private settings on both river bottom and irrigated bench
MEANDERING RIVER RANCH MARTINSDALE, MT • 608± ACRES • $3,295,000 The Meandering River Ranch, bisected by the famed North Fork of the Musselshell River, is an exceptionally rare offering encompassing all that one is looking for in a recreational/working ranch. Straddling the ranch for a little less than 2± miles, the North Fork of the Musselshell River provides an extremely private fishing experience, as well as excellent water rights to run an extremely efficient cow/calf and hay operation. Nestled between the Crazy, Castle and Little Belt Mountains and with nearby National Forest access for some of the best elk hunting and recreational land in the state, this ranch has it all! • Remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath ranch house • Upscale, 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest cabin • Multiple barns, sheds and old homestead including 15,000 SF clear span barn
EAST GALLATIN GETAWAY BELGRADE, MT • 40± ACRES • $1,675,000 Situated along the banks of the gorgeous East Gallatin River, less than 7 miles outside the renowned university town of Bozeman, Montana, and within minutes of a commercial airport, this 40± acre property combines beautiful views of five surrounding mountain ranges, world-class trout fishing, and a 4,800± square foot, spacious 4-bedroom home. This beautiful property supports an abundant amount of wildlife including white-tailed deer, pheasants, Hungarian partridge, waterfowl, bald eagles, and over 400± feet of the East Gallatin River flow through the premises. The beautiful home with a mature landscape provides a union of seclusion and recreational opportunities in a centralized location offering the best of all worlds. This property represents a must-have list of the amenities that many customers are looking for. It is rare to find an expansive property that offers world-class trout fishing and an abundant wildlife that is close to a commercial airport and a university town.
46 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
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MONTANA 3 CREEKS RETREAT AT RED LODGE RED LODGE, MT • 90± ACRES
• $1,850,000
The 3 Creeks Retreat consists of 90± acres strategically located 5± minutes from the quaint Montana town of Red Lodge. In addition to being within minutes of town and the Red Lodge Ski Area, the property is at the end of the road and boasts incredible views of the Beartooth Mountains. 3 Creeks Retreat holds a trifecta of live water flowing through the property with an additional large pond that is full of wild and reproducing trout. This property is also set up as the perfect horse ranch, with all of the infrastructure needed to be the perfect property to ride, relax and enjoy. • 90± acres at the end of the road with large pastures and mature trees • The largest remaining inholding divided into 4 parcels of the popular Remington Ranch Community • Over 1.3± miles of live water flowing from Willow Creek, The West Fork Ditch and another unnamed spring creek • Multiple home sites from which to choose
RED ROCK RIVER FISHING RETREAT DELL, MT • 31± ACRES • $1,995,000 • 31± deeded acres • Beautiful home, guest house and garage • 1.5± miles of the Red Rock River and side channels • World-class trout fishing • Bordered by large working ranches • Very private fishery • Excellent waterfowl and big game hunting • Lush riparian corridor with old growth cottonwoods and willow trees • Situated 45± miles south of Dillon, MT in the picturesque Red Rock River Valley • 105± miles from commercial air service in Idaho Falls, ID • Public runway 5± minutes from ranch capable of facilitating private aircrafts
BOULDER RIVER VALLEY RANCH McLEOD, MT • 113± ACRES • $2,600,000 Within the shadows of the Absaroka Mountains lies the coveted Boulder River Valley. Closely held and rarely available, the Boulder River Valley Ranch is an opportunity to live in one of Montana’s most beautiful and scenic locations. The blue ribbon river flows for over a mile through the rich, riparian bottom enhancing amazing mountain vistas. Blessed with a tremendous spring source coursing through the ranch, the property provides valuable ecosystem enhancement as a feeding source for giant fish and a host of other wildlife. Additionally, the property has been thoughtfully designed for the horse enthusiast. Boulder River Valley Ranch is a property of rich and valuable resources in a beautiful setting. • 113± acres with 1± mile of the Boulder River • Confluence of the Main Boulder and the East Boulder out the front door • Spring source offers great potential for fishing enhancements • Beautiful mountain valley views with a river bottom setting • Abundant wildlife For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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COTTONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CENTER SILESIA, MT • 58± ACRES • $2,500,000 Nestled in the heart of Big Sky Country, in Silesia, Montana, the Cottonwood Equestrian Center boasts a state-of-the-art horse training facility with quiet country living and spectacular views of the Beartooth Mountain Range. The ranch is located on the banks of the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River and has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Incredible care and attention to detail went into the planning, layout, design and construction of Cottonwood Equestrian Center’s state of the art horse facilities. If you are looking for a world-class facility to put on a show or put a horse into training, Cottonwood Equestrian Center is a perfect fit. • 5,600 SF main residence and additional guest house • 58± acres on the banks of the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River • 320± acre private lease • Outdoor arena and stalls, insulated indoor arena, boarding barn with additional warm-up area
BILLMAN CREEK RANCH LIVINGSTON, MT • 557± ACRES • $1,750,000 The Billman Creek Ranch consists of 557± acres and is conveniently located off of I-90 between Bozeman and Livingston, MT. The property’s varied topography and diverse vegetation, along with approximately 100± acres of irrigated ground, make for the perfect wildlife haven. It is not uncommon to see multiple elk and deer sprinkled throughout the ranch’s timber covered hillsides and meadows. Hunting licenses can be purchased directly over the counter for elk and deer hunting, ensuring owners the ability to hunt with family and friends every season. Billman Creek flows through the ranch for approximately one mile offering private, small creek fishing for trout, and the upper elevations of the ranch provide incredible views of the Absaroka and Crazy Mountain ranges. In addition to the recreation on the property, there are multiple building sites that offer privacy, mountain views and seclusion.
BIG SKY GETAWAY BIG SKY, MT • $1,389,000 Ski-in/ski-out at its best! Located at the top of Moonlight Basin, this slopeside ski home has wonderful access to Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin with unsurpassed views. It’s the perfect property for the ski or golf enthusiast, or the outdoorsperson that wants to take full advantage of all Big Sky has to offer. From the large picture windows, enjoy unparalleled views of the Spanish Peaks, Tobacco Roots, Gallatin Range, Andesite and Lone Mountain, along with sweeping valley vistas. • Enjoy easy ski-in/ski-out access to Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin • Luxury 2,220± SF fully-furnished home, 3 bedroom plus loft, 4 bath, wrap around deck and hot tub • National Forest close by for pursuit of other recreational activities • Approximately 60 minutes from Bozeman and a commercial airport and 45 minutes to West Yellowstone • Easily accessible year round • Easy access to Moonlight Lodge
48 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
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MONTANA LITTLE BEAR RANCH THE RANCHES AT BELT CREEK - BELT, MT • 43± ACRES • $795,000 Located about 32 miles southeast of Great Falls, Little Bear Ranch boasts an amazing 8± miles of both sides of Belt Creek, a wonderful fishery. In addition to offering private fishing for native cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout, the ranch provides exceptional upland bird and big game hunting on over 9,000 private acres. The Ranches at Belt Creek is a recreational community held in trust by individual property owners and their membership offering a multitude of outdoor enjoyment. (www.ranchesatbeltcreek.com) • 43± deeded acres with incredible views and multiple build sites • 186± acres of common area • Rental cabins and club house access • Equestrian center with private rodeo arena • Parcel A: 29± Acres $536,500 • Parcel B: 14± Acres $259,000
SEGO RIDGE RANCH UTICA, MT • 84± ACRES • $1,975,000 The Sego Ridge Ranch sits astride the Middle Fork of the Judith River, in the middle of Judith Basin County, Montana. The Middle Fork is home to rainbow, cutthroat, brook and brown trout and runs through the property offering miles of secluded walk and wade fishing. The year-round stream is pristine and clear, making it ideal for the dry fly fisherman. This rare property is for the outdoorsman or someone who is looking for the perfect private retreat bordering thousands of acres of Lewis and Clark National Forest in the Little Belt Mountains. • 84± deeded acres • .5± miles of the North Fork of the Judith River • Endless recreation out the back door • Superb infrastructure and turnkey horse property
TETON RIVER RETREAT LOMA, MT • 203± ACRES • $750,000 The 203± acres of the lush riparian bottom of the Teton River Retreat paints a picture of solitude and beauty. A half mile of the Teton River runs through the property and the Missouri and Marias Rivers are just a short walk away. An additional 160± acre BLM lease combines the total acreage to 363± acres and adjoins an additional 5,000± BLM non-motorized acres giving the recreationalist miles of country to roam. Ample wildlife call this area home including white-tailed deer, mule deer, antelope, upland birds and waterfowl. The comfortable 2 bedroom, off-the-grid home is situated in the middle of the retreat and is also used as the perfect vacation rental for summer and fall guests visiting the area. • Excellent big game, upland and waterfowl hunting • Missouri and Marias Rivers are just a short walk from the property • Excellent views of the Bears Paw and Highwood Mountain Ranges
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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• 49
DRY CREEK EQUINE BELGRADE, MT • 16± ACRES • $1,190,000 Dry Creek Equine is located in the northern Gallatin Valley at the base of the Bridger Mountains. This highly productive horse property is currently being utilized as one of the top breeding and boarding facilities in the Gallatin Valley. The property is conveniently located just 25 minutes from Bozeman, 15 minutes to Belgrade and 10 minutes to Manhattan, Montana. The Dry Creek Equine is a turnkey horse property with excellent infrastructure for a new owner to take over, create his/her own equine business or just enjoy the property for one’s own personal use. • 16± acres • Tremendous horse property • Turnkey commercial boarding and breeding operation • Excellent location, just 25± minutes from Bozeman and only 15± minutes from Yellowstone International Airport
TWIN PONDS RETREAT BIG TIMBER, MT • 16± ACRES • $895,000 Just minutes from the community-oriented town of Big Timber, Montana, the Twin Ponds Retreat is a spectacular lodge style home on approximately 16 acres with its own mature fishing pond and spectacular views of the Crazy Mountains. If one desires to own a great home that is perfect for entertaining guests and centrally located to miles of fishing opportunities on multiple fisheries, the Twin Ponds Retreat is your perfect piece of Montana. • 16± acres just minutes from Big Timber, MT • Exceptionally built lodge style home; perfect for entertaining guests • Mature existing spring fed trout pond • Plethora of nearby recreational opportunities amongst the surrounding Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Boulder and Yellowstone Rivers • Turnkey horse property • 5± minutes from Big Timber, Montana and its private airport and within two hours of two commercial airports
BRIDGER VIEWS RANCH BOZEMAN, MT • 1,270± ACRES • $2,150,000 Tucked away in the northern Gallatin Valley and within close proximity to Bozeman, Montana, the Bridger Views Ranch offers the amenities of nearby city life with the privacy and serenity of rural Montana, the best of both worlds. The Bridger Views Ranch provides a very peaceful and private setting with multiple home sites to choose from and 360 degree views. • 1,270± acres • Productive dryland farm/ranch operation • Tremendous opportunities to hunt mule deer, antelope and elk as well as upland birds • Excellent location just 30± minutes from Bozeman and only 20± minutes from Yellowstone International Airport
50 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
MONTANA BIG HOLE VISTAS RANCH GLEN, MT • 382± ACRES • $1,900,000 The Big Hole Vistas Ranch is located on the Big Hole River offering approximately 1± mile of river and side channels. Incredible views, legendary fishing, healthy populations of white-tailed and mule deer all make this property special. The Big Hole Vistas Ranch is at the hub of the wheel for fly fishing, big game hunting and recreation in Southwest Montana. This is the most famous and productive area for wild trout fishing in the lower 48 states. In addition to the 1± mile of frontage on the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby, Jefferson and Madison Rivers are all close enough to fish for the day or a few hours. Just down the road from Glen and only 15 minutes to the small agricultural town of Dillon, the ranch is private but very accessible to amenities. • 1± mile of frontage on the Big Hole River • Excellent fly fishing for wild trout • Quality big game and waterfowl hunting
ROCK CREEK RANCH EMIGRANT, MT • 640± ACRES • $1,900,000 The Rock Creek Ranch is a recreational haven for those who love to hunt big elk and deer as well as fish and explore the famed Paradise Valley in Southwest Montana. The ranch consists of 640± acres and is almost completely surrounded by the Gallatin National Forest which leads directly into Yellowstone National Park. It is a very private and beautiful piece of land with everything elk want: open parks, dense timber, available forage and water. Conveniently located just an hour south from Livingston and 45± minutes from Gardiner and the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The topography is varied with beautiful meadows and dense forests, as well as a variety of natural springs and its namesake Rock Creek which traverses the southeastern section of the ranch for approximately .1 mile. • Tremendous location in the Paradise Valley, south of Livingston, MT • Beautiful meadows and dense forests as well as a variety of natural springs • Some of the best elk hunting in the west
SAND CRANE RANCH PARK CITY, MT • 72± ACRES • $1,295,000 There are very few properties that can compare to the Sand Crane Ranch in terms of water and wildlife; the Yellowstone River, ponds and exceptional habitat makes this property a first-class ranch for the outdoor enthusiast. The Sand Crane Ranch sits along the banks of the Yellowstone River. This stretch of the Yellowstone is not only known for excellent trout fishing, but it also has one of the major roosting areas for migrating waterfowl in late fall. The developed water features on the ranch make it a unique and rare opportunity to own an exceptional hunting and fishing property in Montana. The Sand Crane Ranch also has its own boat launch for put-in/take-out on the Yellowstone River. • Delightful main house, guest house, pool/lounge area, three-car garage, two shops, dog kennel facilities and bird pens • 72± deeded acres with access to hundreds more acres of state and BLM lands • Abundant wildlife: ducks, geese, pheasants, white-tailed and mule deer, turkeys, black bear, eagles, cranes and herons • Private boat launch For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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CAMAS CREEK RANCH HAMILTON, MT • 181± ACRES • $895,000 Along the desirable west side of the Bitterroot Valley lays the Camas Creek Ranch, an ideal tract for a recreational retreat or a permanent residence. This west side of the valley has seemingly endless drainages flowing easterly from the Bitterroot Mountains towards the valley floor. Nearly all of these have small water and healthy vegetation throughout, and Camas Creek is no different. Highlights include live water, quality wildlife habitat, beautiful valley views, adjacency to U.S. Forest Service lands and excellent building sites. • Newer barn and loafing shed built in 2007 • Septic installed in 2002 with minimal use • Live water from Camas Creek • Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain views • Approximately one hour to Missoula, and 10 minutes to Hamilton • Protected by conservation easement
DELPINE RETREAT MARTINSDALE, MT • 33± ACRES • $795,000 On the North Fork of the Musselshell River, nestled between the Crazy, Castle and Little Belt Mountains and approximately eight miles west of Martinsdale, Montana, sits the Delpine Retreat. This diverse 33± acre property is contiguous with 160± acres of U.S. Forest Service land. It includes a bubbling spring that flows into a beautiful pond adjacent to the home, and meanders through the property until it confluences with the North Fork of the Musselshell River. • Forest Service road right out of the ranch, accessing the Little Belt Mountains, makes it an excellent location for hunting, snowmobiling and four wheeling • Excellent wildlife habitat and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains • .25± mile of the North Fork of the Musselshell River, a great trout fishery • Approximately 118 miles east of Billings and 108 miles to Bozeman to the southwest for commercial airport service
DIAMOND B RANCH EMIGRANT, MT • 765± ACRES • $2,300,000 The Diamond B Ranch is nestled beneath Emigrant Peak, which towers over southern Paradise Valley and the famous Yellowstone River. This Montana ranch is just 30± minutes from Yellowstone National Park via the North Entrance at Gardiner. The 765± rolling acres has no structures and offers a blank canvas on which the new owner can create their own vision for their Montana ranch. The stunning views from the bluffs that overlook the valley provide picturesque views of the Yellowstone River as it meanders through. There are also tremendous amenities at the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort located minutes away, offering accommodations, fine dining, a day spa and the namesake year-round hot springs. • Expansive panoramic views of the Paradise Valley • Incredible location, minutes to Chico Hot Springs Resort, 30± minutes to the North Entrance of Yellowstone Park and 25± miles to Livingston, Montana
52 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
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MONTANA THE FLYWAY RANCH THREE FORKS, MT • 111± ACRES • $1,200,000 The Flyway Ranch is located in the lower Jefferson Valley four miles south of Three Forks, Montana. The 111± acres are rich with natural resources, providing outstanding recreational opportunities in addition to a nice home and guest house. The white-tailed, waterfowl and upland hunting is excellent on the ranch, and the ability to expand the habitat is endless. The property is well equipped with a custom designed pond and wetlands that provide excellent waterfowl hunting. This could also be deepened to facilitate trout. • 111± acres • A 4,600± SF home with a two-car attached garage and a guest house • Custom designed pond and wetlands with more potential wetland sites • 35± minutes from Bozeman and 1.5± hours to Big Sky Resort • 45± minutes to Bridger Bowl ski area • 15 minutes to 2.5 hours to nine world-class trout rivers • Great elk hunting on nearby National Forest land
WEST COMBEST RANCH PLAINS, MT • 4,715± ACRES
• $3,300,000
The West Combest Ranch encompasses nearly eight full sections of contiguous land, nearly all of which is accessible and usable because of the extensive road system running throughout the ranch. The property surrounds the Glade Ranch on three sides and backs to U.S. Forest Service and State of Montana lands. • 4,715± contiguous acres • West Fork of Combest Creek frontage • Combest Creek frontage and Miller Creek frontage • Numerous springs • 70± miles to Missoula • Power nearby • Excellent building sites • Prime elk habitat • Adjacent to U.S. Forest Service and Montana State Lands
GLADE RANCH PLAINS, MT • 545± ACRES • $1,950,000 • 545± acres • Approximately 100 irrigated acres and 32 sub-irrigated acres • 106.25± acre State of Montana lease • Two homes with appropriate outbuildings • Numerous springs • Great hay production and large hay barn that can cover 220± ton • Excellent water rights with buried irrigation lines • Approximately 70 miles to Missoula • Prime elk habitat • 3,000± foot paved airstrip for smaller private planes
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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ROCK CREEK FISHING RETREAT RED LODGE, MT • 5± ACRES • $1,200,000 The Rock Creek Fishing Retreat consists of 5± acres and is strategically located approximately five minutes from the quaint Montana town of Red Lodge. In addition to being within minutes of town and the Red Lodge Ski Area, the property is at the end of the road and boasts approximately 450± feet of the Aspen and Cottonwood-lined Rock Creek. The property is coupled with an architecturally designed custom home situated just off the banks of Rock Creek and boasts incredible access to one of Montana’s best known fisheries. • 450± feet of the famous Rock Creek fishery • 2,100± SF architecturally designed custom home • Beautiful views of the Beartooth Mountains • Endless miles of walk and wade fishing right out the back door • Easy commute to Billings, the largest city in Montana
WILSMAN RANCH BOZEMAN, MT • 62± ACRES • $930,000 The Wilsman Property offers outstanding views of the Bridger, Crazy, Bangtail and Absarokee Mountains and is only 30± minutes to Bozeman and about the same to Livingston. Due to its location, the land is full of elk, deer and ruffed grouse along with other animals that are common in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. • 3368± SF beautiful custom built log cabin on two levels with wrap around deck • Borders state land providing private access for hunting and recreating • Easily accessible year round and close to Bridger Bowl Ski Resort • Great fishing nearby in the Yellowstone and Gallatin Rivers There are three configurations available for purchase: • Option 1: $930,000 | 60± acres • Option 2: $730,000 | 40± acres • Option 3: $525,000 | 20± acres
TOUCH THE CLOUDS RANCH ST. IGNATIUS, MT • 80± ACRES • $1,500,000 Touch the Clouds Ranch offers a special setting in the Mission Valley of western Montana. This 80± acre ranch lies in the shadows of the spectacular Mission Mountain Range and is positioned just three miles west of the foothills. The ranch’s view shed spans from valley bottom to the highest point in the range, McDonald Peak, reaching 9,920 feet. Also within view of the ranch is the National Bison Range, an 18,000± acre refuge home to nearly 500 native bison and many other species of wildlife. • Unique custom 2,475± SF, 1 bedroom, 2 bath reclaimed timber barn-style home built in 1997, with screened porch, deck and stone patio • Art studio above three-car garage with 360-degree views of valley and mountains • Bunkhouse with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, office, full kitchen and ample storage for equipment on both sides • 1881 original hand-hewn log cabin, restored with two porches, one screened and both covered • Member of Flathead Irrigation Project for 80 years
54 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
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MONTANA GREEN MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK BOZEMAN, MT • 39.24± ACRES
• $649,000
The Green Mountain Overlook provides privacy and 360 degree views to create a recreation-oriented property that is nothing short of spectacular. The 39.24± acres are set amongst a very private, peaceful and picturesque blend of open meadows and pine trees with exquisite views of the Bridger Mountains, Gallatin Mountains to the south, Absarokee Mountains to the east, and the river valley below. Green Mountain Overlook is an exceptional property in Bridger Canyon, providing a true sense of Montana and its serenity. The property is the best that Montana has to offer: private, beautiful, useable, accessible and convenient. • 40± forested acres surrounded in meadows and pine trees, highlighted by 360-degree views • Multiple building sites • Abundant wildlife • Approximately 15 minutes from Bozeman, Montana, and 25 minutes from commercial airport
MALLON RANCH
DILLON, MT • 152± ACRES • $850,000
Tucked away in a truly stunning setting, the Mallon Ranch boasts 152± deeded acres near Dillon, Montana. The Beaverhead Valley is known for its agricultural and recreational amenities, and the Mallon property is no exception. White-tailed deer, pheasant and waterfowl commonly visit the property. The Mallon Ranch provides the perfect opportunity to own a recreational property that focuses on waterfowl, pheasant and deer hunting in the picturesque Beaverhead Valley. • 152± deeded acres • One mile of an un-named spring creek • Approximately 8 miles north of Dillon, Montana • Excellent upland bird, waterfowl and deer hunting • Excellent aquatic potential • Situated in the Beaverhead Valley with mountain views in every direction
CRITTER CROSSING CONNER, MT • 98± ACRES
• $774,900
Welcome to Critter Crossing, a one-of-a-kind ranch where you can enjoy true tranquility and solitude in a way that only the Bitterroot Valley can provide. Sit on the deck, take in the panoramic vistas of Trapper Peak and listen to the Bitteroot River below. This watershed is an incredible fishery for cutthroat and brown trout, and the river is only a couple minutes away. Breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife are trademarks of the Bitterroot Valley, and Critter Crossing possesses all those attributes. This property offers hunting opportunities for big game. • 98.17± deeded acres (two separate parcels) • 10 acres of water rights from Medicine Creek • 4,417± SF log home, 3 bedrooms, entertainment room • Additional home site, foundation, well and septic installed • 1,808 SF shop with insulated dog kennel and heaters • 10± acres for grazing • Large foundation for future shop, with septic installed For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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INVESTING IN AND ADDING VALUE TO RANCH LANDS By Clarke Watson
The Western U.S. has a reputation for landscapes that are rich in rivers, mountains and open space. But the American West is losing large chunks of land, as landscapes are carved away to accommodate the urban sprawl and commercial development that affects many western cities. According to a study by the Center for American Progress, between 2001 and 2011, natural areas in the West—including forests, wetlands, deserts and grasslands—were disappearing at the rate of one football field every 2.5 minutes. During that 10-year span, the footprints of towns and cities throughout the U.S. grew by nearly 17 percent and approximately 4,300 square miles of natural landscape was lost to development; an area larger than Yellowstone National Park. With the habitat around us diminishing, private landowners have grown increasingly aware of the role they can play as conservationists and the resulting investment value of this approach (see the Wetland Mitigation article on page 17). As many savvy land investors know, improving natural and agricultural landscapes has the added benefit of increasing the land’s overall value.
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Everyone engages with land differently, but the allure of a rural lifestyle, privacy, open space and direct access to wilderness and wildlife habitat beckons many high-net-worth individuals to diversify their investment portfolios by acquiring land. By being good stewards, these individuals can benefit from a diverse, productive piece of property to supplement the year-over-year increase in value.
LAND AS A STABLE INVESTMENT A native Oregonian, Jerry Hicks has been with Fay Ranches for 16 years, offering clients a combination of land management and land transaction expertise. “Land is an asset that gives investors an opportunity to safely and steadily boost and diversify returns over time,” Hicks explains. “Unlike stocks, bonds or other commodities where investors can dive in and out of the market, ranchland is a steady-as-you-go investment that is ideal for anyone looking to put money toward something tangible. Land investors, for the most part, are in a solid financial position which contributes to the stability of the land market.” Bill Nugent has purchased several properties from Hicks and has made a living buying and selling ranches throughout the country
with an emphasis on raising cattle for beef production. Nugent has a hands-on approach to his method of investing. “I might look at 20 to 30 ranches and farms before I make a purchase, and I scrutinize them based on what needs to be done to make it work for cattle, hay or whatever the ranch may produce.” His business plan has been effective, which has enabled Nugent to buy, improve and eventually sell his properties for profit. “It’s a great business plan if you don’t mind putting in the work. I’ll sell a ranch, and I’ll get paid for my efforts.” From an estate planning and tax perspective, Hicks finds 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges to be a great tool. “Many clients step into a property utilizing a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange. They may want to put cash somewhere, or they need to postpone or defer capital gain. A ranch gives them the opportunity to defer those gains as long as they need to,” Hicks says. “Another benefit is that landowners immediately start a depreciation schedule on their properties to help with taxes, all the while the property value increases over time.”
LAND STEWARDSHIP — ADDING VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY There are also land stewardship strategies that landowners can implement to add value to an investment. Stewardship, aside from being neighborly, adds to land’s recreational qualities, which translates to an increase in the land’s overall value. “Improving ranches has always been a passion for us,” says Greg Fay, Founder of Fay Ranches. “When I got into land brokerage more than 25 years ago and started Fay Fly Fishing Properties, we were the first company in the Rockies to assign value to recreational attributes. We were at the forefront, talking about the marriage of agriculture and recreation as mutual beneficiaries.” Fay explains that they’ve done everything from constructing houses and improving agricultural operations, to building sporting clay courses and enhancing fisheries and wildlife habitat. “Through that process, we learned a lot about which land improvements provided the best return for our clients and increased the value of their properties,” he adds.
There are many land steward strategies. Something as simple as rotational grazing for cattle can pay huge dividends for both the agricultural and recreational capacities of a property. “Sustainable land management doesn’t always mean you need to cut back on the size of your herd,” says Fay. “It means you need to be more hands-on with grazing tactics and in-tune with how the animals are interacting with the land.”
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE Although there are many tactics to improve the integrity of a landscape, not all are created equal. “When I look at improving ranches and creating value, water is more significant than any other resource,” Fay explains. “In terms of impact, building ponds, wetlands and moving-water fisheries are probably the most significant land improvement from a dollar standpoint.” Bryan Pickens, a Dallas-based Partner/Broker with Republic Ranches, agrees. “From the perspective of a buyer looking to invest in a ranch, they have a checklist prioritizing attributes they’d like to see,” Pickens says. “Water is almost always at the top of this list. If you have a great live-water fishery, or ponds and lakes to toss a line into, it adds another dimension of recreation to a property.”
INVEST IN NATURE, CONNECT WITH NATURE Fay and Republic clients come from diverse backgrounds, but most share a common trait: an enduring appreciation for natural settings. “The folks represent affluent, high-net-worth individuals,” explains Pickens. “They share a passion for buying land and taking ownership.” Many clients want to improve landscapes for their children, their grandchildren, and for future generations, and it’s a process. “You must take the long approach and be patient,” Pickens says. “With patience comes results. These results include re-establishing native grasslands, healthy watersheds, and an increase in wildlife. In the end, all of this adds to the aesthetics, and bottom line of your property.”
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WYOMING MOUNTAIN WEST CAPITAL: Cheyenne NICKNAMES: “The Equality State”
MONTANA
SIZE: 97,814± square miles POPULATION: 586,107
MILES OF STREAM: 19,347± ACRES OF LAKES: 427,219±
NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 11,736±
TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 30.4± million AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 2,726± acres
LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Cattle and calves NUMBER OF CATTLE HEAD IN THE STATE: 1.27 million NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 303,000 NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 140,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 93% ACRES OF WETLANDS: 940,000± MILES OF SNOWMOBILE TRAILS: 2,000+ AVERAGE ELEVATION STATEWIDE: 6,700 (2nd highest in the nation)
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Based on available sources at time of printing, stats are approximates only.
WYOMING DODGE RANCH WHEATLAND, WY • 20,502± ACRES • $23,495,000 Located in southeast Wyoming, the legendary Dodge Ranch is comprised of 20,502± deeded acres with an additional 5,554± acres of leased land. Dodge Ranch represents a legacy investment opportunity in a reputation Wyoming ranch with water rights, grazing and other agricultural production, diverse habitat, amazing natural beauty and some of the best big game hunting and fly fishing in the mountain states. The Laramie River flows through Dodge Ranch for 11± miles and the property also contains 3.7± of Bluegrass Creek. It's rare to find a property with so much privacy, live water, a year-round resident elk herd and homes and structures so tastefully done and perfectly suited to the wonderful landscape. Dodge Ranch embodies all the legendary attributes of an authentic Rocky Mountain ranch and the opportunities that come with it. • 20,502± deeded acres and an additional 5,554± leased acres • 11± miles of Laramie River • 3.7± miles of Bluegrass Creek • Additional 2.8± miles of privately accessed Bluegrass Creek • Both Laramie River and Bluegrass Creek are excellent, private fisheries • World-class elk hunting: 700-800 elk spotted on the property • Four residences: owner home and guest house are 3,000± SF each • Approximately 1,000 yearlings run in summer • 800± acres flood irrigated grass land
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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e Magazine of the American Landowner … As Well As ose Who Aspire to Join the Club.
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SELLING YOUR RANCH: HOW TO PREPARE & WHAT TO EXPECT by Greg Fay, Broker/Owner, Fay Ranches, Inc. August 2016 marks my 30th year selling land. I’ve been involved in some of the most significant land transactions in several states, including farms, ranches, timber and plantations. This article is about preparing your ranch for sale, however, many of the recommendations can be applied to different types of land in any state. There are generally two types of ranch owners: the multigenerational ranch owner who uses the ranch as their primary income source, and the modern ranch investor who uses the ranch to recreate and as a gathering place for friends and family. For both of these ranch owners, selling a ranch is almost always an emotional process. For traditional ranch families, the ranch has been the fabric that has woven multiple generations together through shared work and hardship, as well as hard-fought successes fueled by a love of the land, country and family.
is a place they go to escape from day-to-day life, learn new skills (like fly fishing and horseback riding), gather family and friends and strengthen relationships through shared adventures. This is their happy place, where they sleep more soundly than any place on earth. These are two very different owners, yet for each, when the day comes to sell, everywhere they look will be the tentacles of memories binding them to the land. The memories won’t go away, but there is a loss of connection when you can no longer walk the land. This day will occur at some point for most ranch owners. The key is to prepare and execute the process in a manner that ensures the most beneficial outcome for the owners and their families.
CONSIDER TAXES & FINANCIAL PLANNING The first and most important step in selling your ranch is making sure your family’s tax and financial planning is current and competently prepared. This is particularly important for multi-
For an increasing number of ranch owners whose primary income does not come from the ranch, the property serves as a retreat. It
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generational ranch families. I say this because they are the most likely to neglect this stage. Modern ranch owners, who have purchased a ranch in the past 20 years or so as a family gathering place, often have excellent tax and financial advice. Traditional ranch families are more likely to be unprepared. It’s never too early to start planning for the tax and financial implications of selling your ranch, but it can be too late. If this is something your family has neglected, there’s still time; just be sure to do this before you list the ranch with a broker. This stage is enormously important if you want to keep as much of the proceeds of the sale for yourself and your family, and prefer not to pay Uncle Sam more than you have to.
TAKE CARE OF FAMILY MATTERS An integral part of preparing to sell your ranch (again, this is primarily for multi-generational ranch owners) is communicating with your family members. There is an unfortunate irony regarding ranches that have been in the same family for generations; selling the ranch can be a wedge that splits families apart. Planning and communicating can decrease the possibility of this happening to your family. Here’s a typical scenario: There are four grown kids who now have families of their own. One of the kids stayed on and has worked the ranch for the past 30 years. The others moved off after high school to Seattle or Denver and have lived lives very separate from the ranch. The parents pass on; the kids who don’t live on the ranch want to sell; the sibling who has spent a lifetime working the ranch doesn’t want to sell. They have sweat equity into the land while their siblings were chasing careers in the big city. They have a connection to the ranch their siblings may not understand. Selling means uprooting the family. They have nowhere to go and they may have a child of their own who wants to stay on and continue ranching. Working with a family that is at odds on whether or not to sell the ranch is not only a negative process, it’s also a waste of everyone’s time. I don’t have a silver bullet solution for this situation. My advice is to plan, communicate and remember that there is nothing more important than family.
PREPARE YOUR RANCH FOR SHOW As you contemplate selling your ranch, it is important to have an understanding of the process ahead of you, and to prepare your ranch to be as attractive as possible to potential buyers. This often involves cleaning up the junk. Ideally, this begins prior to putting the ranch on the market. For many ranch owners, there is an accumulation of old, discarded machinery often loosely organized in a “bone yard.” It is likely the buyer will require the bone yard be cleaned up as a condition of sale, which can add to the stress of selling. Cleaning up before offering your ranch for sale is beneficial because it will show better. If you hire a good ranch broker to help you with the sale, one of the first things he or she will determine is the most attractive aspects of your ranch and how to best show these off to a potential buyer. As a landowner, these assets may be different from those you have always felt were the most valuable characteristics of your ranch, but a good broker will have a sense of what buyers are looking for and help you prepare. If your ranch has a significant agricultural operation that makes money on an annual basis, you’ll need good books because you’ll have to show how you do it. The next owner may change the operation from grain to hay or from a cow/calf operation to yearlings, so your numbers may not be applicable to what they do going forward. However, if you want to market the ranch as an operation that makes money, you’ll have to have
understandable books. This is also a good time to fix that loading shoot you’ve been meaning to get to. Elk can be highly destructive to fences and can eat a tremendous amount of grass that a rancher would prefer to feed to his or her cows. However, if you are selling your ranch, elk can be highly desirable. Love em’ or hate em’, trophy size elk drive value. If you have big bull elk on your ranch regularly during hunting season, it makes sense to market your property as an elk hunting ranch. You’ll need to prove the animals are there, and the best way to do that is with photos. Collect photos of big elk that have been harvested on your ranch, and start taking photos of large bulls. A game camera can be a good way to accomplish this. If you have a trout fishery, this will drive value. If the trout are big, you’ll also need photos of these. Keep a trail cut along the fishery to make it easy for people to walk or drive along it. This is beneficial for showing off a valuable asset and also protects against fire danger. If you hire a good ranch broker to market your ranch, he or she will know how to show off the most valuable characteristics of your ranch, whether it’s the agricultural operation, the views, the big game hunting, the trout fishery, the upland bird hunting, the waterfowl hunting or, ideally, a combination.
DECIDING ON A LAND BROKERAGE COMPANY Once you’ve assessed your property, you’re ready to decide on which brokerage company to work with. If you have a ranch (or a farm, timber tract or plantation), don’t list with a company that sells residential or commercial real estate. Instead, work with a company that only sells land. As a land specialist, when I have a house I need to sell, I list with a residential agent because houses are their specialty and they know the residential market much better than I do. Selling land is a specialized business, so you want to work with a land broker. You’ll also want to think about which land brokerage company will expose your ranch to the largest qualified audience. This is often referred to as “reach.” The more qualified buyers that are aware of your ranch, the better. Many land brokerage companies have websites, but rely almost entirely on local marketing, which greatly limits your audience. The other end of the spectrum are companies that have an extensive marketing program targeted at land investors. This is a very costly undertaking for a brokerage company, but from a seller’s standpoint, highly desirable. Look to see which companies are marketing and doing business from coast to coast. The best companies have a multi-pronged marketing program that includes digital, print advertising and event sponsorship. It is also important that the company has spent many years developing relationships with land investors. The majority of a good company’s transactions will come from these relationships. Look for the company that casts the largest net. Historically, land brokerage companies have been somewhat covetous of their listings, and some intentionally erect hurdles to deter agents from other companies from showing
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their listings so they don’t have to share the commission. This approach is not in the best interest of the seller. It is important that your broker has spent time and effort developing relationships with land brokers from other companies and treating them in a manner that makes them want to show your ranch. The company you choose to list your ranch should have a reputation of “playing well” with others, which increases the exposure of your ranch to qualified buyers.
CHOOSING A BROKER You will also want to list your ranch with a trustworthy broker that you like. Do they tell you the truth, or do they just tell you what you want to hear? Are they straight shooters, do they have a good reputation, and do you feel like you can trust him/her? Do you think they’ll do a good job showing your ranch, provide a quality experience for the potential buyers, and show off the most important attributes? Or are they just going through the motions? Some brokers will just drive the potential buyers around and never get out of the truck. A good broker will figure out a way for the buyers to experience your ranch. They’ll let the buyers take a walk, catch a trout, look for elk, have a nice picnic in a particularly scenic spot. If your agent has three or four ranches to show the buyer in a day, they may not have time to do this on their first visit, but if they come back for a second showing, it’s important that your ranch stands out and the buyers have a chance to experience it.
PRICING YOUR RANCH When it comes time to price your ranch, if you’ve chosen a good, trustworthy broker, and they’ve done their homework, listen to their recommendation on price. One of the oldest tricks in the book for getting a listing is intentionally providing the seller an inflated value. This is called “buying the listing.” Most sellers have an inflated sense of the value of their ranch, so it’s very easy to tell a seller what they want to hear. However, the best brokers tell the truth. If you’re interviewing more than one company, it’s very tempting to list with the company that gives you the highest recommended list price. This is the equivalent of getting three bids for a construction job and taking the lowest bid—it almost always works out poorly because the company is compensating for some deficiency. Keep in mind that there is much more to consider than price when evaluating a land brokerage company. If you end up listing with the company that gave you an inflated value, stay in touch with the company that gave you an accurate valuation. It’s very likely your ranch won’t sell during the listing period with the first company, and you’ll end up listing with the company that was truthful. It’s not easy to accurately estimate the value of a ranch, as each one is unique and often has subjective value (for example, great scenery, a great location, and excellent recreational amenities). If you list with the right company with a substantial database of potential buyers, it’s likely you’ll get a good sense of how well you did pricing the ranch within the first three to six months. If there are a lot of requests for brochures, but few showings and no offers, it’s likely you’ll need to make a price adjustment. The market will let you know when you’ve priced the ranch accurately. If you haven’t priced the ranch accurately you’ll need to go through a
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discovery period of price adjustments until the market lets you know you’ve hit the mark. The best scenario is to price the ranch accurately from the outset, which will likely attract more than one interested party, putting the seller in the driver’s seat. Then, the seller has leverage throughout the negotiating process and ultimately the result is often a higher price than if the ranch had undergone a series of price reductions.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT OFFER Receiving an offer can be an exciting time, depending upon how the offer is written, and if the offer price is in the ballpark. The details can vary from region to region and ranch to ranch, but generally an offer will consist of a clearly stated price, an earnest money amount that is approximately 3% of the offer price, and a due diligence period that generally lasts from 30 to 60 days. The due diligence period refers to the time allotted for the interested buyer to research the ranch. The buyer will have specific areas that they plan to research, which are referred to as “contingencies.” The contingencies often included researching the title report, the water rights, mineral rights and the environmental condition of the ranch. There can also be contingencies that are specific to a ranch. There are almost always issues identified during due diligence, and while some can be solved, some cannot. If the ranch has issues that cannot be solved, the buyer has to decide if they can live with them or not. If the issues are significant enough that the buyer decides they no longer want to buy the ranch, they have the option of terminating the transaction and receiving their earnest money back. A third option is the buyer proposes a reduction in the purchase price equivalent to their perception of the diminution in value the issue represents. This can lead to a second period of negotiation. If the ranch passes inspection, the buyer waives their contingencies, the earnest money becomes non-refundable, and the transaction proceeds to closing. Closing often occurs within 15 to 30 days from the date the buyer waives due diligence.
AFTER THE SALE It is important to consider what to do with the proceeds from your sale before the day of closing. If you’ve experienced a gain, there are tax implications to selling your ranch. One option to consider is a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange. For a better understanding of 1031 Exchanges, do some research on the internet and talk with your tax expert. Some clients we’ve worked with have done 1031 Exchanges into commercial buildings, which both defers the tax payment on your gain and can provide income going forward. The intent of this article is to give landowners a sense of the process of selling your ranch. Each ranch is different and comes with its unique set of attributes and challenges too numerous to address here. Fay Ranches handles the sale of farms, ranches, timber and plantations throughout the U.S., and as a result, we run into a variety of unique challenges specific to the property, the region and the individuals involved. No two transactions are the same, but hopefully you now have a general idea of what to expect. If you have any further questions about the process of selling your ranch, please contact the Fay Ranches broker located closest to your property, and they will be happy to help you find the answers. Good luck. —Greg Fay
NEW MEXICO SOUTHWEST CAPITAL: Santa Fe NICKNAMES: “The Land of Enchantment” SIZE: 121,589± square miles POPULATION: 2.086 million MILES OF STREAM: 5,948± ACRES OF WETLANDS: 482,000± NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 21,000± TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 43.9± million PERCENTAGE OF STATE THAT IS FARMLAND: 60% LARGEST AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY: Dairy production NUMBER OF CATTLE HEAD IN THE STATE: 1.39 million NUMBER OF CATTLE THAT ARE DAIRY COWS: 335,000 NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 278,000 NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 69,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 64% NUMBER OF DOWNHILL SKI RESORTS: 8
Based on available sources at time of printing, stats are approximates only.
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NEW MEXICO, THEN AND NOW Population: Approx. 2,086,000 (2014) Size: 121,590 square miles New Mexico’s history is as diverse and colorful as the land it sits on. From the Pueblo ruins that exist there today as a reminder of the first people to call it home, to the Spanish conquistadors that hit that red earth in the 16th century, to the transfers of “ownership” to Mexico and finally the U.S., New Mexico’s dramatic journey into statehood is a complex story with many plot twists and turns. Here’s a breakdown of this unique Southwestern state’s history in a nutshell.
PUEBLO COMMUNITIES Pueblo ancestors (AKA Anasazi) inhabited the land that is now New Mexico, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Living in elaborate pueblo shelters and cliff dwellings touted for their ingenuity in engineering, these communities were spread around the Rio Grande and other locations around the state and were unique in that they stayed in one place, unlike many of the nomadic tribes of the times. By the mid-1400s, Navajo and Apache tribes from the North moved into the Southwest, and today there are 23 tribes located throughout the state. Many ancient Pueblo sites can still be seen today, including Petroglyph National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and Bandelier National Monument, just to name a few.
SPANISH COLONIZATION The first documentation of the settlement of New Mexico was upon the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado was in search of gold when he stumbled upon these lands in 1540, and the first Spanish settlement was created at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Chama rivers in 1598. By 1610, Santa Fe was established as the state capital (known today as the U.S. capital city with the highest elevation).
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By Corinne Garcia
The Pueblo people fought for their land, and the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 drove the Spaniards out of New Mexico until they resettled again 12 years later. The city of Albuquerque was established under the Spanish Colonials in 1706, and it wasn’t for another 100 years, in 1807, that U.S. explorers ventured out this way. In 1821, after fighting for 11 years, Mexico gained its independence from Spain, and New Mexico became part of Mexico Territory. An authentic glimpse of Spanish Colonial history can be experienced today at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum south of Santa Fe.
MEXICO TERRITORY Although the period of Mexico Territory was somewhat short lived, it was certainly not without turmoil. In 1837, the people of northern New Mexico revolted against the government in the Chimayó Rebellion. In 1841, Texas attempted to seize New Mexico, and in 1846, the U.S. invaded, starting a war for the land. In 1848, Mexico gave up the land that is New Mexico to the U.S., along with parts of neighboring states, in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Two years later, in 1850, New Mexico officially became U.S. Territory.
U.S. TERRITORY In 1862, Civil War battles broke out throughout the Territory as they defended the land from Confederate advances. The first railroad was up and running by 1879, replacing the Santa Fe Trail, a trade route that connected New Mexico to Missouri. In 1889, the University of New Mexico was established, and in 1921, New Mexico became the 47th state.
NEW MEXICO TODAY As a unique part of the Southwestern U.S., New Mexico continues to thrive with a diverse population that consists of Native American, Hispanic, Latino and Anglo culture along with cultural events that represent each. Santa Fe hosts Indian and Spanish Markets each summer, and the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow each spring in Albuquerque is a powerful reminder of the Native American culture of the Southwest. Adding to the rich culture, Santa Fe is an arts mecca that’s sprinkled with galleries and museums, and many other small communities serve as artist retreats. New Mexico is also known for its outdoor opportunities and differing landscapes, including deserts, hot springs, rivers and high mountains, and world-class skiing at Taos.
OKLAHOMA SOUTHWEST CAPITAL: Oklahoma City NICKNAMES: “The Sooner State” SIZE: 69,899± square miles POPULATION: 3.9 million MILES OF STREAM: 167,600 NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 86,600± TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 35± million AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 405± acres LEADING CROP: Winter wheat (5th in the nation) NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 729,000
Stats are approximates only.
SUNSHINE HOLLOW
PUSHMATAHA COUNTY, FINLEY, OK • 1,380± ACRES • $1,925,000
The Sunshine Hollow Ranch is a dynamic combination property with excellent hunting, recreational components, and cross-fenced pastures. The ranch has four creeks that run through the property: Bison Creek, Chickasaw Creek, Dog Creek and Turkey Creek. They are intermittent creeks that will carry a lot of water sufficient enough to build a few good sized lakes on the ranch. The land has incredible terrain, woods and topography with over 400' of elevation change that is rolling but not very rough. The roads are in excellent condition, and have been properly maintained and bladed with diversion terraces and culverts where needed. The Ouachita National Forest lands border this ranch on two sides, on the north and also on the west.
SNOW RIDGE RANCH
PUSHMATAHA COUNTY, SNOW, OK • 1,920± ACRES • $2,678,000
The Snow Ridge Ranch in the Kiamichi Mountains area is an excellent hunting and recreational ranch. It is in fantastic condition with a healthy forest and wildlife habitat that has been carefully managed to attract and keep a high number of white-tailed deer and turkeys. It also has an improved road system that allows for access to the entire property. As another key attribute, the ranch is registered in the Deer Management Assistance Program with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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LIVESTOCK GRAZING: A TOOL FOR DIVERSITY
By Lorie Woodward Cantu CHANGING ECONOMIC LANDSCAPES
Diversity is a buzzword in the 21st century ranching industry. Diverse populations of plants and animals signal ecologically healthy rangelands, and diverse, profitable enterprises signal an economically healthy operation. “Well-managed livestock grazing is a tool that allows land managers to achieve both ecological and economic goals,” says Steve Nelle, a San Angelo, Texas-based range and wildlife specialist with more than 40 years of experience in the public and private sectors. “It is the only land management tool that can make money instead of cost money, so it is often the most costeffective, and perhaps, the most natural and ecologically friendly tool we have to manipulate vegetation, allowing us to improve range conditions and wildlife habitat.”
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Over time, the ranching industry in Texas has changed. “Gone are the days when cattle alone could support ranches,” says Stan Bevers, a professor and agricultural economist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, based in Vernon, Texas. “Those who succeed in production livestock agriculture today have identified and implemented diverse enterprises that contribute to their ranches’ overall bottom lines.” For ranchers, the most common form of income diversification, beyond adding production agriculture enterprises such as stocker or hay operations, is wildlife. “In a lot of cases, income from wildlife has surpassed income from livestock on Texas ranches,” says Clay Mathis, director of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management in Kingsville, Texas. Since 1995, landowners in Texas have had the option of operating under a wildlife valuation, which provides the same tax benefits as agricultural valuation but offers flexibility when it comes to grazing. Under wildlife valuation, grazing can be
used as one of many habitat management tools, but it is not mandatory. The flexibility makes grazing leases an appealing option for many, especially those who purchased their land primarily for recreational purposes.
he says. “Grazing is not necessarily an easy tool to use because it takes some level of skill to apply it properly,” he adds. “Every ranch is different and every year is different—there are no cookbook recipes on how to properly graze a piece of land.”
“Leasing the grazing to a responsible, experienced and wellrespected cattleman can be a very rewarding partnership,” Nelle says. “The terms must be flexible, and the manager must be willing and able to abide by the landowner’s goals.”
By paying careful attention and being patient, skillful graziers successfully use livestock grazing to tackle challenges such as brush management and water availability. For instance, Robin Giles, who operates the historic Hillingdon Ranch near Comfort, Texas, uses Angora goats to help control cedar density. In the winter, small cedars are the only green in the landscape.
MANIPULATING VEGETATION The constant specter of drought and the need for additional revenue streams, such as wildlife enterprises, have encouraged Texas ranchers to invest their time and efforts into enhancing or re-establishing native range. “Native habitats are more diverse,” says Forrest S. Smith, coordinator at the South Texas Natives Project at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute in Kingsville, Texas. “A native habitat may have several hundred species in a fluctuating equilibrium with no one plant species dominating. Essentially, a diverse wildlife population has to be supported by a diverse plant population.” Native range plants, including grasses, forbs and shrubs, evolved with periodic grazing and browsing on migratory herds of bison, elk and pronghorn. “Intermittent or rotational grazing can mimic the patterns of historic grazing of native wild ungulates,” Nelle says. “Range plants do not thrive with continuous grazing or continuous rest; they thrive with alternating grazing-restinggrazing-resting.” The primary considerations for landowners considering the implementation of rotational grazing are water, fencing, animal numbers, and the ability to rotate and rest pastures as needed,
“We turn our billies into pastures where cedar is popping up and getting too dense,” Giles says. “The billies hammer the cedar because the other brush—and their preferred food source— is dormant.” Gary and Sue Price, who own and operate the 77 Ranch near Blooming Grove, Texas, have used rotational grazing along with prescribed burning, native reseeding, selective brush control, and other techniques to restore their land, which is part of the Trinity River Basin. (Forty percent of the people in Texas get their water from the Trinity River.) Today, the couple’s “crops” not only include beef and wildlife, but also water. The Prices, along with some of their neighbors, participate in Water as a Crop®, an initiative founded by the Sand County Foundation encouraging urban investment in rural conservation. “We’re all in this together,” Gary says. “If we manage [our natural resources] a certain way, we could benefit financially from that. To us, sustainability means we’re here next year.” And that sustainability is often rooted in diversity.
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OUR LEGACY IS IN THE LAND
Three years ago, Republic Ranches and Fay Ranches forged a successful alliance that continues to provide our clients access to one of the largest networks of landowners and qualified land investors in the country. This combined reach and market presence allows us to be more effective at sourcing and/or selling the finest farm, ranch, timber, and sporting properties; which means we’re more effective for you, our client. The people of both companies have a strong work ethic, the desire to serve clients well, and a powerful reputation nationwide. We have our ears to the ground and we are deeply embedded in our local communities. If something’s changing in the market, whether it’s in agriculture, hunting, fisheries, conservation, or even just the weather, we probably already know about it. We are committed to land. We believe that private land ownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream and an important component of an investment portfolio. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute our expertise to the process of land investment and we hope you’ll think of us when it comes time to purchase or sell land, or when you have questions about investing in land. We’re here when you need us. Republic Ranches is proud to publish Land Investor with our friends at Fay Ranches for the second year. Enjoy the magazine. And thank you for your trust and continued business. Sincerely, Mark Matthews
Charles Davidson
Bryan Pickens
Jeff Boswell
Partner / Broker
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TEXAS SOUTHWEST CAPITAL: Austin NICKNAME: “The Lone Star State” SIZE: 267,339± square miles POPULATION: 26.96 million MILES OF STREAM: 80,000± NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 247,500± farms and ranches (most in the nation) TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 130± million acres (most in the nation) LEADS THE NATION IN: Cattle, cotton, sheep and goat, wool and mohair and hay production CATTLE POPULATION: 16 million NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 2.2 million NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 1.1 million PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 64% LARGEST: Herd of white-tailed deer in the nation HIGHEST: Percentage of land farmed in the nation
Based on available sources at time of printing, stats are approximates only.
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BROSECO RANCH
MORRIS & TITUS COUNTIES, OMAHA, TX • 12,200 ± ACRES • $37,820,000 Located less than two hours east of Dallas, Broseco Ranch, a leader in cattle, wildlife, hunting and fishing arenas for years, is now on the market. Positioned just south of the Sulphur River in East Texas and with 12,200± acres, the Ranch is home to 2,200± head of award-winning Red Angus cattle, record white-tailed deer, two 100± acre lakes stocked with Florida bass and some of the best waterfowl habitat in the state. Exclusively listed by Bernard Uechtritz, marketed worldwide by www.Icon. Global, and exclusively co-marketed nationally by Republic Ranches.
ROOKE RANCH
REFUGIO COUNTY, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX • 6,207± ACRES • $20,166,543 The 5,007± acre Aldrete Ranch and the 1,200± acre Aransas River Ranch in Refugio County combined create the Rooke Ranch. These ranches are adjoining and can be purchased together or separately. In the same family since 1861, each has approximately 2.5 miles or a total of 5± miles of Aransas River frontage, huge trees, lakes, tons of deer, ducks and great cattle grazing. The 5,007± acre pasture also has some farmland and a huge duck lake. They are located approximately 20 miles north of Corpus Christi and approximately 15 miles west of Rockport, Texas.
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TEXAS BRUSHY CREEK RANCH
COLORADO COUNTY, COLUMBUS, TX • 988± ACRES • $10,400,000
Brushy Creek Ranch is a rare jewel located half way between Houston and Austin. This spectacular 988± acres is a diverse property with excellent improvements. The clear running Brushy Creek looks like a Hill Country creek with its rocky bottom. Towering oaks, several large lakes and excellent roads complete this fine live water ranch. • 988± acres close to Houston • Unsurpassed water features include; live creek and several lakes • Rolling terrain • Beautiful improvements; can sleep dozens • Great deer, ducks, turkey and dove, along with fishing • Towering oaks throughout the ranch • Would make a great family compound or summer camp • Over one mile of frontage on Hwy 71 between Austin and Houston
EL CORAZON
WALLER COUNTY, WALLER, TX • 381± ACRES • $16,000,000
El Corazon is a meticulously manicured 381± acre ranch with several large lakes, live oak lined drives, and an oasis of green pastures in the northern part of Waller County and 20 minutes from the Parkway. The main house overlooks one of the large lakes and is approximately 15,000 SF with 4 bedrooms and large gathering spaces, perfect for family outings or a corporate/ clubhouse retreat. With numerous outbuildings and multiple houses, this ranch has limitless possibilities within the outskirts of Houston for all types of activities. • 23± acre lake and a 9± acre lake • 2 guest houses • 1 foreman’s home • 6 stall barn with quarters • Dog kennels • 2 sides of county road frontage • 5 metal barns/buildings
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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FRENCH INGRAM RANCH
VAL VERDE COUNTY, LANGTRY, TX • 14,035± ACRES • $9,613,975 The historic French Ingram Ranch in Val Verde County, Texas has over 7 miles of crystal clear flowing Pecos River frontage. This very private ranch has been in the same family since the 1920s and includes a spectacular cut limestone home, custom built in the 1930s. The headquarters area is nestled in a beautiful valley with live oaks, conjuring up images of famed Texas Ranger Capt. Jack Hays stepping out to greet a visitor on the screened porch. This is an incredible year-round recreational ranch paradise that offers both hunting and fishing, not to mention exploring for Native American artifacts or pictographs and enjoying the stars at night or the daytime views of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains. • 7.25± miles of clear Pecos River • Awesome canyons • White-tailed deer • Blue quail • Turkey • Fishing • Canoeing and kayaking • Ancient Indian rock art • Tinaja • Custom historic home
HOYT RIVER RANCH
UVALDE AND ZAVALA COUNTIES, UVALDE, TX • 4,223± ACRES • $11,875,000 • 4,223± acres of diverse South Texas brush country, Hoyt River Ranch features rolling hills into the Leona River Valley • The ranch is traversed by Camp Lake Slough across the western portions providing additional wildlife habitat, corridors and South Texas bottom country • There is almost 100 feet of relief on the property offering beautiful views • The majority of the ranch is classic South Texas brush with large live oaks and bull mesquites along the river and creek bottoms • Soils include significant amounts of “red dirt” sandy loams, gravel ridge areas and areas of heavier soils • The ranch has large areas of high-quality native brush and rangelands providing food and shelter for white-tailed deer, quail (Bobwhite and Scaled), dove, Rio Grande turkey, javelina, feral hogs and predators • The headquarters compound is anchored by the historic main house built in the 1930s by T.P. Lee • There are three operational irrigation wells in the Leona Gravel Formation, two smaller domestic wells with submersibles, three windmills and two older Carrizo irrigation wells (status unknown) • There are over two miles of underground piping to keep the ranch well watered • The groundwater availability in this area offers water development potential
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TEXAS LAZY A RANCH
BEE COUNTY, SKIDMORE, TX • 3,238± ACRES • $12,302,500
Easily one of the most complete and beautiful recreational ranches on the market today, the ranch includes live water on the Aransas River, multiple towering live oaks, great accommodations and excellent roads. From a game perspective there are fantastic quail fields and too many turkeys to count. Lazy A provides some of the best low fence, deer hunting available with huge neighbors including a great dove area with plenty of agriculture in the vicinity and good fishing in the river. All of this less than three hours from Houston. • One of very few large ranches in this whole region of Texas • Live water on the Aransas River, which runs clear • Some of the largest live oaks to be found in the state; some over 900 years old • Nice main house with pool, several guest cabins • Large barn, skeet range, basketball court • Great Bobwhite quail hunting with rolling grasslands in sandy country • Diverse forests with live oaks and post oaks covering over half of property • Great low fence, deer hunting with huge neighbors • Turkey and dove are abundant • Turnkey ranch with blinds, feeders, homes, tractors, etc. already in place • Would make a great family compound or summer camp • Over a mile of frontage on highway 71 exactly half way between Austin & Houston
ROCK CANYON RANCH
VAL VERDE COUNTY, DEL RIO, TX • 13,100± ACRES • $13,263,750
REDUCED PRICE! With stunning views, outstanding hunting, star-filled night skies and first class improvements, Rock Canyon Ranch is a true gem located where the Trans Pecos, the Hill Country and the Brush Country come together in Val Verde County. At about 13,100 acres with sweeping valleys and awesome ridgelines, Rock Canyon is in an elite group of large high quality Texas ranches. This ranch boasts some of the finest native and exotic game hunting in the area, with both high-fenced and low-fenced pastures. The ranch contains approximately 6,000 acres under high-fence; divided into several distinct pastures with highly improved white-tailed genetics and trophy exotic game. The remaining low-fence portion of the ranch offers excellent whitetailed deer and other native game and free-range exotic hunting, including trophy Aoudad. • Trophy deer • Exotics • High-fenced and low fenced pastures • Fantastic improvements • Well-watered • Great topography • Great roads
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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TRAPICHE RANCH
JIM HOGG COUNTY, HEBBRONVILLE, TX • 3,997± ACRES • $11,191,600 Considered one of if not the best Bobwhite Quail ranches in South Texas, Trapiche Ranch has everything for the discerning quail hunter. The ranch is located just outside of Hebbronville and the county airport is just 4 miles down the road (5,200' runway). The ranch includes a beautiful newly constructed home overlooking a small fishing lake with guest homes, a large vehicle storage facility and wonderful landscaping. In addition to world-class quail hunting, the ranch is high-fenced with excellent white-tailed deer, fantastic dove hunting and plenty of turkey. The ranch is also blessed with a large shallow aquifer that produces big water. It is very well watered with opportunities to put in more large lakes. • Fantastic Bobwhite Quail property • Great deer hunting: high-fenced and year-round feeding program • Excellent dove hunting area with plenty of turkey as well • Good Nilgai hunting • Several small lakes and water distributed throughout the ranch • Exceptional groundwater with access to large aquifer at only 300' • Only 4± miles to county airport with jet access • Several thousand olive tree groves • Newly constructed hacienda style home with guest rooms overlooking lake • Dog pens, vehicle storage, great roads, trap range • Home site landscaped and manicured with huge trees surrounding base
AMMANN HILLS RANCH
COMAL COUNTY, BULVERDE, TX • 307.5± ACRES • $9,225,000 • 307.5± acres in the booming Bulverde-Spring Branch area north of San Antonio • Property is ready for premier residential master planned development • Housing density can go as high as 750 homes, a rarity in this area • Topography is generally flat providing great building sites • With over 3,700± feet of frontage along E. Ammann Rd, access is ample • Entitled with a Texas Land Application Permit (TLAP), essential for a wastewater plant and density • Canyon Lake Water Service Company water service agreement set to be executed • Massive and numerous live oaks give this Hill Country ranch a distinguished character • This ranch is ready to be developed or simply held as an investment and enjoyed
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TEXAS RED RIVER FARM
RED RIVER COUNTY, MANCHESTER, TX • 6,370± ACRES • $20,700,000
This is a very productive and highly improved Northeast Texas farm situated on the Red River. It has 1,100± irrigated acres including 500± acres of tile drained land, three T & L pivots and excellent areas for expanding the irrigated opportunities. The property has several houses, 60,000± bushel grain storage, and is well-fenced and cross-fenced, making the property an excellent, high-capacity cattle ranch opportunity. Exclusively listed by Bernard Uechtritz, marketed worldwide by www.Icon. Global, and exclusively co-marketed nationally by Republic Ranches.
BOGATA FARM
RED RIVER COUNTY, BOGATA, TX • 7,661± ACRES • $24,900,000
The Bogata Farm is a premier, Midwestern style farm which has yield potential and farm operation improvements uniquely superior to the area. The owner has made significant capital improvements to increase the productivity of the land. Meticulous attention has been given to fertility and land improvements allowing maximum yield potential. A 160± acre subsurface tile drainage research project has been installed, and crops grown on this field have demonstrated higher yields, meaning a future investment in expanding sub-surface tile drainage could push yields even higher. Structural improvements include 410,000± bushels of grain storage, diked fertilizer and fuel storage, a chemical storage and mixing building. Also on site is a newly remodeled manager’s house with attached apartment. An added benefit is a new, state-of-the-art, 1.8± million bird egg laying facility in the center of the property, Rose Acre Farms, and this means higher local commodity prices, virtually no transportation expenses and readily available chicken litter. Current corn price bid is considerably above the CBOT. Exclusively listed by Bernard Uechtritz, marketed worldwide by www.Icon. Global, and exclusively co-marketed nationally by Republic Ranches. • 6,591± tillable acres • Tile drainage system of 160± acres, 3" lines and 200,000' of tile • Local crops include corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton, canola and grain sorghum • Six 55,000 BU grain bins • Chemical mixing, storage and injection systems • Includes 1,700± acres of leased land • Annual rainfall is approximately 42–45" For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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BOYD RANCH
COLLINGSWORTH COUNTY, WELLINGTON, TX • 2,400± ACRES • $2,724,000 The Boyd Ranch in the Texas Panhandle is absolutely stunning. It is a very rare find on the market, with live water, excellent habitat and wildlife and exceptional long views. This ranch has been in the same family since the 1800s, and ranches in the area of this caliber and size do not often come on the market. It is no doubt that the next owner will be one lucky rancher. • 2.5± miles of both sides of Wolf Creek • Clear water and a healthy population of Largemouth bass, perch, catfish and carp • Three water wells • Average annual rainfall of about 20–25" • Good mixed grasses, thorn brush and plum thickets for wildlife cover • Mesquite, Chinaberry and Cottonwood trees • Variety of native grasses such as side oats and grama • Mule deer, white-tailed deer, Bobwhite and Blue quail and Rio Grande turkeys • 25% net minerals
BUCK CREEK FARM
SOMERVELL COUNTY, GLEN ROSE, TX • 1,352± ACRES • $7,100,000 The historical Buck Creek Farm on the Brazos River has not been on the market since 1880! This is a very rare offering of a large, live water ranch with stunning views, wildlife-rich wooded terrain and very fertile soils, located in an extraordinary bend of the river between Lake Granbury and Lake Whitney, just outside of Glen Rose. The property is manicured and has remained pristine. It has not been hunted in over 50 years. • Half mile of Brazos River frontage • 200± feet of elevation change • 1920s stone farmhouse remodeled in 2008 • Guest cabin overlooking the creek and a large metal barn • Outstanding fertile river valley fields • Pristine, heavy woods • Two sets of working pens • Four water wells • Approximtely 50 miles from Fort Worth, and 70 miles from Dallas or Waco • 20% minerals are available
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TEXAS YOLO RANCH
MEDINA COUNTY, HONDO, TX • 3,000± ACRES • $19,750,000
• 3,000± acres of expertly managed wildlife habitat • 25 wild covey hunts were regular occurrences this past season • Architecturally designed main home and compound, including pool and tennis court • Exquisite landscaping ties everything together • 20± acre lake provides a variety of year-round recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, swimming, etc. • Numerous smaller lakes, tanks and waterholes throughout • Numerous water wells for domestic livestock and wildlife management uses, as necessary, via a system of storage and distribution • Fully outfitted, multi-house clay pigeon set up around a small lake, with a covered area for participants • Traversed by Tehuacana Creek and several other drainages; these riparian zones provide excellent habitat for wildlife
KETCHUM FARM
DENTON COUNTY, ARGYLE, TX • 130± ACRES • $7,540,000
This 130± acre property is located north of E. Hickory Hill Rd. and west of Fincher Rd. with 82.84± acres located within town limits of Argyle, Denton County, Texas. The remaining 45.68± acres is located within the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas. The immediate area around this particular property is very exciting because of the current growth and expansion projects that are currently underway. A grocery store is planned at FM 407 near Lantana, and this future development site is in between Country Club and Hickory Hill single family developments.
BULVERDE POINT RANCH
COMAL COUNTY, BULVERDE, TX • 494.3± ACRES • $8,403,100
• 494.3± acres in the rapidly-developing Spring Branch-Bulverde area • Unique opportunity to purchase large acreage just north of San Antonio • The ranch is well suited to be developed into an exclusive estate community • Stunning views of the Cibolo Valley • Topography is generally gentle with graduated high points • Abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, dove, turkey, quail, songbirds and other non-game species • Highly desirable area of the Texas Hill Country • Outstanding personal ranch or homestead property • Excellent development, recreation or investment opportunity
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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TEXANA RANCH
WASHINGTON COUNTY, WASHINGTON, TX • 152± ACRES • $7,500,000 Spectacular Heritage Ranch located in one of the most sought after areas in Southeast Texas. Multiple homes, both historic and modern, sit upon the treelined hilltop of the ranch, overlooking several large lakes. The entire ranch is landscaped to perfection. There has not been another ranch on the market like this one in a long time. Besides making a wonderful private residence or weekend getaway, this property would make a wonderful B&B with its extensive history and beauty. • Some of best wildflower property in entire state • Multiple large lakes full of trophy bass; one lake large enough for skiing and sailing • Historic homes mixed with modern party facility • One hour from downtown Houston • Great place for parties, weddings or bed and breakfast • History dating back to before founding of Texas
RED OAK RANCH
ELLIS COUNTY, RED OAK, TX • 414± ACRES • $5,720,000 Red Oak Ranch boasts 414± acres, historically deeded since the 1800s, and is currently a thriving cattle ranch with large pastures and good fencing in an area of development and rapid growth. Approximately 400 acres are located in the Oak Leaf Tax District and 16 acres in Red Oak. The property contains a 3,226± SF main home built in 1980, storage shed and a 1000± SF front and back porch to enjoy the property’s views. It also includes a six-stall horse barn with tack room, a roping arena and a 40 x 60 foot hay barn. With excellent irrigation, the ranch has an artesian well and eight hand-dug water wells. The Trinity River Authority is installing a 30" sewer line along Red Oak Creek adjacent to the property, allowing for three taps. Red Oak Ranch is located within 22 miles of Dallas. • Land opportunity in an area of development and rapid growth • 414± acres historically deeded since the 1800s • Consisting of 400± acres in Oak Leaf Tax District and 14± acres in Red Oak
ROBERTSON CREEK RANCH
NOLAN COUNTY, SWEETWATER, TX • 2,863± ACRES • $6,500,000 The Robertson Creek Ranch is a fantastic and unique ranch with live water, incredible wildlife and minerals. It is high-fenced, and the beautiful luxury home overlooks the ranch in all directions from a hilltop with long vistas. This ranch has extraordinary water, with a live-water chain of lakes spread out over 2.5 miles of both sides of Robertson Creek and over 1.5 miles of both sides of Cas Russell Creek. • Stocked lakes provide excellent fishing • Spring fed creeks and 11 active water wells • Level 3 MLD program for white-tailed Deer, Gemsbok, Red Sheep, Aoudad, and Blackbuck • 5,000 SF main lodge: 5 bedroom, 5 bath, three car garage, equipment room • 800 SF hunter/guest cabin • Swimming pool, outdoor fireplace, hot tub • Sporting clay range and rifle range
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TEXAS WASHITA RIVER RANCH
HEMPHILL COUNTY, CANADIAN, TX • 5,771± ACRES • $5,482,000
This is an absolutely premier Bobwhite quail ranch in the Texas panhandle with stunning numbers of wild, natural birds on the Washita River. This is one of the last of the great quail ranches, sitting in the heart of the largest sand sage community in the United States, and is arguably the only ranch of its kind available on the market today. It has been very intensely managed for 15 years, and hunters can expect to flush 16–18 coveys per day in normal years, and 9–12 coveys per day during drier periods. “This property is well within my mythical ‘quail belt’ which runs about 100 miles either side of a line from Sweetwater, TX to Sweetwater, OK. The sandy soils which occur on this ranch have historically provided some of the best quail habitat in West Texas.” — Dale Rollins, Executive Director of Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch • One of the last true quail ranches • 5,771± acres on the Washita River
LEE RANCH EAST PASTURE
MEDINA COUNTY, HONDO, TX • 303.5± ACRES • $834,625
• 303.5± beautiful acres in the much-sought-after transition country of Medina County, Texas • This ranch contains extraordinary numbers of live oak trees across its rolling terrain • Mustang Creek, a wet weather creek, traverses the ranch providing even more exceptional wildlife habitat and diversity in its drainage • Wildlife species that can be found on this ranch include, white-tailed deer, some free ranging exotics, quail, turkey, dove, feral hogs, varmints and songbirds • The dove fields in nearby Hondo offer legendary wing shooting • There is one existing Edwards domestic/livestock water well that provides water service for the camp and wildlife • There is one stock tank located near the camp • Seller will convey all owned minerals associated with property
LEE RANCH WEST PASTURE
MEDINA COUNTY, HONDO, TX • 667.6± ACRES • $1,986,110
• 667.6± high-fenced acres in the heart of the much-sought-after transition country of Medina County, Texas • Mustang Creek traverses the ranch, providing exceptional wildlife habitat and diverse drainage • Species found on this ranch include exotic wildlife (Axis and Fallow deer, Blackbuck, Aoudad, Sika, Mouflan, Matalina, etc.), white-tailed deer, quail, turkey, dove, feral hogs, varmints and songbirds • The ranch is currently managed predominantly as a bowhunting destination • The dove fields in nearby Hondo offer legendary wing shooting • The main house is the updated original 1200± SF farmhouse featuring 2.5 bedrooms and 1.5 baths • Adjacent to the main house are a patio, three-bay garage, laundry/bunk cabin and dog kennels
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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NOPAL SOUTH RANCH
WEBB COUNTY, ENCINAL, TX • 2,148± ACRES • $5,316,300 Within the “Golden Triangle” of South Texas there is a mineral rich red dirt zone with a mythical area situated in northeastern Webb County; an area that has proven to consistently produce the largest antlered native white-tailed deer in Texas. The 2,148± Acre Nopal South Ranch lies within this “Holy Grail” of Texas deer habitat and genetics. Managed accordingly, this ranch also has the potential to be a top-notch quail destination. The ranch’s rifle managed deer herd regularly produces true trophy quality deer, including 200-plus inch deer taken. The high-fenced ranch has been intensively managed to preserve the integrity and to maximize the potential of its native Texas deer herd for 15 years. • One of the best Native Deer Herds in Texas • Red Dirt • Blank Canvas, no improvements • Great diverse brush • Highway access
POCO ALLEGRO
CALHOUN COUNTY, PORT O’CONNOR, TX • 75± ACRES • $5,500,000 • 75± acres with over 1,000 feet of frontage on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) • One of the last undeveloped large waterfront parcels in Port O’Connor • Diverse investment opportunities • Ideal vacation spot or second home destination • Well suited for a canal living community, mixed use or commercial development • Potential uses include residential, marina, hotel, retail and eco-resort • Highly visible with over 2,000 feet of frontage along Highway 185 • Directly across from the 17,351± acre Powderhorn Ranch Conservancy • Port O’Connor is now known world-wide for fishing, hunting, birding, kayaking and the peaceful lifestyle
READING RANCH
FALLS COUNTY, MARLIN , TX • 478± ACRES • $2,400,000 • Excellent cattle country • Large 10± acre lake • Beautiful home on hill overlooking lake • Huge oak, elm and cedar trees • Good deer, turkey and dove hunting • Barn and equipment conveys with ranch • Good roads and interior fences • Several miles of frontage on Hwy 6 • Less than 25 miles to Waco and Baylor • Cattle pens and water distribution all first-class
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TEXAS FAYBURG RANCH
COLLIN COUNTY, FARMERSVILLE, TX • 980± ACRES • $2,250,000
The Fayburg Ranch is one of the largest properties in Collin County within close proximity to Dallas. It is a good combination ranch with great bowhunting opportunities, rich bottomlands around Indian Creek and Hickory Creek, as well as improved pasture and some cultivation for wildlife perennials, food plots or livestock. • 980± acres • About 25 miles east of McKinney • 20,000± SF steel building • Several cross-fenced pastures • 50% wooded • Cultivated fields with oats, tifton and sudan • Approximately 40 inches of rain per year • More than 12 ponds
HIGH LONESOME RANCH
TERRELL COUNTY, DRYDEN, TX • 5,120± ACRES • $1,408,000
• Gorgeous Trans Pecos mountain scenery with views, including the Sierra Del Burro Mountains • Home to both desert mule deer and white-tailed deer, Blue quail, dove, turkey, indigenous migratory birds and other wildlife • Indian mounds on the ranch for the arrowhead hunting enthusiast • The ranch is separated into two larger multi-section pastures, two good size traps (half to approximately a full section each) and several smaller traps and working pens and facilities at the headquarters • Headquarters include owner’s home, guest cabin, bunk house, garage and storage, barns and traps • Water well pumps good clean water for the headquarters and ranch and is distributed to storage pilas (including a hilltop swimming pila) and troughs benefitting both livestock and wildlife • Section 24 of the ranch has state classified minerals and related rights will convey
SPANISH BIT RANCH
KING COUNTY, BENJAMIN, TX • 4,332± ACRES • $3,700,000
The Spanish Bit Ranch, located in the southeast corner of King County, is an excellent deer and quail hunting ranch with fantastic grasslands and mixed brush areas. Tremendous relief with canyons and mountain tops offer beautiful views around the expansive countryside. The ranch also provides excellent cattle country and some wheat fields. This area of the state produces fantastic native deer with scores of 160–200 class Boone & Crockett deer. The property has not been hunted in the past five years and is surrounded by large low-fenced neighbors. There are occasionally mule deer and Blue quail, and the Bobwhite quail population is tremendous. Despite the drought of the past year, the current numbers are very strong, and this season should be phenomenal. • 4,332± acres • 12 water tanks/ponds • Several large wet-weather creeks • Wind rights are intact and will be transferred • This ranch was historically part of The 6666 Ranch For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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DOS HERMANOS RANCH
WALLER COUNTY, HEMPSTEAD, TX • 82± ACRES • $1,690,000 • Move-in ready for your family, horses, cows and toys • 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath house • Pool • Six stall barn with room for more stalls • Cow barn • Party barn that overlooks the lake • Three storage barns • 7± acre lake • Improved pastures and scattered hardwoods • Approximtely 25 minutes from the Parkway and Hwy 290 • FM road frontage on two sides
COLUMBIA LAKES
BRAZORIA COUNTY, WEST COLUMBIA, TX • 301± ACRES • $1,399,000 Columbia Lakes is a fishing and duck hunting property located just east of West Columbia near the Brazos River. The property includes a 286± acre lake with several interior levees and multiple islands providing structure for both fishing and duck hunting. The lakes were originally part of the old Tenneco Lakes and have provided fantastic fishing for years. • 286± acre fishing lake • Lake built with multiple islands and levees to provide excellent fishing • Covered docks for multiple boats • Lake surrounded by large oak, elm, willow and cypress trees • Excellent duck hunting • Several water wells to keep lake full • Development potential next door to Columbia Lakes subdivision • Next door to excellent golf course • Trophy bass, catfish, crappie and perch in lake
10 RANCH
ANDERSON COUNTY, CAYUGA, TX • 620± ACRES • $2,450,000 • 620± acres • 2,550± SF custom home built in 2012 • Equipment shed and large barn with connected corral • Pipe cattle pens and loading chute, cross-fencing in excellent condition • Six ponds and multiple creeks • Hall Branch Creek and over 10 acres of wooded duck marsh • Two water wells • Perfect distribution of mostly improved pasture and select pockets of wooded areas • 40± acre lake site just behind the home • Located less than two hours from Dallas • Carrying capacity of 275 pairs • 20% net minerals convey
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For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
TEXAS HACIENDA BAYVIEW
CAMERON COUNTY, BAYVIEW, TX • 21± ACRES • $1,750,000
• 11,500± SF historic home built in 1920s that has been updated • Frontage on lake for fishing and water skiing • Lined with towering palm trees • Hundreds of producing grapefruit and orange trees • Just a few miles from South Padre Island Golf Course • Minutes to South Padre Island • Lush landscaping around home with multiple fruit and ebony trees • Growing location with Space X investing into local economy • Very secluded and secure with high fencing surrounding the entire compound • Water rights for irrigating the citrus trees • Year-round tropical climate
SALLIS RANCH
GONZALES COUNTY, GONZALES, TX • 183± ACRES • $1,007,677
The Sallis Ranch offers a great opportunity for hunting, fishing and family memories. The fisheries along with the white-tailed deer population have been extensively managed for over 8 years. Along with the hunting, the ranch has been used for grazing cattle and cutting hay. This is a turnkey operation ready for any hunter or family that loves the outdoors and all that Texas has to offer. • Located in very sought after Gonzales County • A little over an hour from downtown Austin • Nice 3 bedroom, 1 bath barndominium • Four water wells, one with solar pump and one with electric • Three ponds, well fed and stocked with bass and blue gill • Great fishing and hunting • Wildlife management for the past eight years
SIX MILE CREEK RANCH
CALHOUN COUNTY, PORT LAVACA, TX • 221± ACRES • $1,935,000
The Six Mile Creek Ranch is an oasis ideally set up for a family compound and a multi-faceted working ranch for discerning owners. Driving through the gated entrance down the paved road shaded by huge Heritage oaks lining the drive, one leaves the outside world behind. Arriving to the welcoming circular concrete drive with a flowing fountain in the middle, your eyes are overwhelmed by the beauty of the main home. The home overlooks a manicured yard leading down to Six Mile Creek to the south and the olive and pecan orchards to the north. Spend your time enjoying the ranch’s 221± acres or follow the salt air to nearby Lavaca Bay. Finding a more diverse and well-improved working ranch for the value offered within the Six Mile Creek Ranch would take a lifetime.
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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ATASCOSA 250 RANCH
ATASCOSA COUNTY, JOURDANTON, TX • 250± ACRES • $1,025,000 The Atascosa 250 Ranch is a fantastic recreational and agricultural property located between Jourdanton and Charlotte. The ranch has three tanks, diverse rangeland and wildlife oriented habitat components. It is modestly improved and is cross-fenced. Twenty-five percent of the mineral estate is included in this offering. The ranch’s rangeland and habitat are about 50–50 mature “big” native brush and more open grasslands/mesquites with ample forage for cattle. Several open areas can be easily used for food plots, if desired. • Diverse rangeland and habitat • Hunting for deer, turkey, quail and javalina • 3 tanks, two with fish • Cross-fenced for cattle • Modest improvements • 40 minutes from San Antonio • 25% of minerals convey (not leased at present)
DYES BRANCH CREEK RANCH
BOSQUE COUNTY, MERIDIAN, TX • 750± ACRES • CONTACT FOR PRICE • Near Meridian, Texas • Minerals available • Two water wells • Electricity on site • Dyes Branch Creek • Good road system • Excellent topography and long views
C4 RANCH
FAYETTE COUNTY, SHELBY, TX • 162± ACRES • $4,250,000 C-4 features two historic farmhouses and a 5,300 SF Kirby Mears designed home finished in 2011, with immaculate interiors by Ginger Barber. The 12-stall barn and air conditioned tack room is perfect for show horses or ranch horses and the second guest house or caretaker house is located conveniently near the barn. There are wonderful trails along the creek bottom, three ponds and three large metal buildings to store all kinds of farm equipment and weekend toys. There is a solar powered skeet shooting range with two towers, and the property is fenced and cross-fenced for your cattle/horse operation. Come enjoy the fire pit, the ponds and the swimming pool.
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For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
TEXAS C5 RANCH
LAVACA COUNTY, WITTING, TX • 142± ACRES • $1,395,000
The C5 Ranch is located in northern Lavaca County, an area known for its rolling pastures, majestic live oaks and deep-rooted German heritage. As you enter the quiet drive of the C5 Ranch you are greeted by mature, native pecan trees that line the wet weather creek’s edge. Just past the creek bottom, the private drive opens up into rolling, terraced pastures where you will find the renovated farm house sitting on the highest hill. The home offers large porches in the front and back, great areas to take in the 360 degree views. The C5 Ranch is located over an hour from the Grand Parkway and 90 minutes from both Austin and San Antonio. • Mostly improved pastures, divided for rotational grazing and hay cutting • The home sits on the highest hill on the property, which is about 380' above sea level • The original structure was built in 1925, renovated by the previous owners in 1996, and tastefully expanded in 2007.
THE CANTON RANCH
CROCKETT COUNTY, OZONA, TX • 2,355± ACRES • $1,640,000
The Canton Ranch is a beautiful example of an Edwards Plateau and Trans Pecos region’s transition property, with high bluffs providing exceptional vistas for miles, live oak-lined draws, wet weather creeks, mesquite flats and varied terrain throughout. This diversification provides rich habitat for a variety of game animals, but most notably, premier free-range white-tailed deer. The Canton Ranch has great access off of HWY 163 and excellent caliche roads throughout. This property stands above others in the immediate area and at $695 per acre is an exceptional value.
CASA BENDITA RANCH
BRAZORIA COUNTY, WEST COLUMBIA, TX • 149± ACRES • $2,900,000
The beautiful Casa Bendita Ranch is located only 50 miles from Houston and just south of West Columbia. This is a live river ranch with a fantastic home surrounded by huge live oaks, pecans, rolling pastures and 1,500' of the San Bernard River. The ranch includes a boat ramp and large boat dock to provide access to water skiing and fishing the bay and gulf. • Beautiful home nestled in live oak grove overlooking river pasture • Home constructed as personal residence for architect, very solid construction • Huge live oaks, pecans and water oaks throughout the ranch • Lots of deer, dove and hogs • End of road privacy • One hour from downtown Houston • Big frontage on San Bernard River • Huge boat dock with ramp for access to river, water skiing, fishing, bay and gulf For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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CROWELL RANCH
BRAZORIA COUNTY, WEST COLUMBIA, TX • 1,650± ACRES • $4,950,000 The Crowell Ranch is a large river bottom ranch located between Angleton and West Columbia. The ranch is covered in towering live oaks and pecans with a great mix of open pastures and thick woods. It has over a half mile of Brazos River frontage. Excellent combination hunting and cattle ranch located less than an hour from downtown Houston. • Large acreage in fertile bottomlands of Brazos River • Great mix of woods and open pastureland • Loaded with deer, hogs, dove and ducks • Towering live oaks and pecans • Excellent and productive grazing pastures • Several bayous run through property and frontage on Brazos River • One hour from downtown Houston • Future development possibility for excellent investment
DALTON RANCH 1846
PALO PINTO COUNTY, MINERAL WELLS, TX • 1,750± ACRES • $3,935,000 The Dalton Ranch offering is an extraordinary opportunity to own a large live-water, hunting ranch that is secluded, yet very close to Possum Kingdom Lake. It is partially high-fenced and has a simple hunter’s cabin on the creek. The Dalton Ranch was established in 1846, and it is now available for sale for the first time in over 150 years. It has three branches of Loving Creek, and many natural springs that all flow into the Brazos River. One water well at approximately 230' supplies the needs of the house. The ranch is high-fenced for about 2.5 miles on the west side, with the remainder low fenced. A stone hunter’s cabin is perched on top of a spring that feeds into a live creek in a quiet location on the ranch.
LAKESIDE WESTERN RANCH
FRANKLIN COUNTY, MT. VERNON, TX • 748± ACRES • $1,900,000 This ranch is a highly improved mixed-use property with managed water control systems and levees for outstanding waterfowl opportunities and very fertile pastures for productive grazing. It is located just north of Mt. Vernon and is loaded with wildlife as it boasts the wooded areas of White Oak Creek. The ranch also has a new mobile home, barn facilities and a hunter’s cabin, as well as five fishing lakes.
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For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
TEXAS HENDRY RANCH
HENDERSON COUNTY, ATHENS, TX • 236± ACRES • $1,131,000
A nature lovers’ dream property located just south of Athens, the Hendry Ranch offers wide usage options at an incredible value. Fronting on Loop 7, the ranch is easily accessible from the DFW Metroplex and other north, east and central Texas cities. Major attributes on the rolling mostly wooded acreage are five spring fed, live water creeks amid scores of majestic trees. The property has an existing small lake that could be made considerably larger or replaced by a much larger lake of 30± acres. Included in the offering is a 2/1 brick house on the corner of FM 59 and Bunny Rabbit Road with full city services. Significant current and future commercial and/or residential development potential exists considering the many excellent home sites and ample frontage along Loop 7 and FM 59 and within proximity of the East Texas Medical Center in Athens and the Athens Municipal Airport and Jet Center FBO. • 236± acres, nature lovers dream property • Located on the edge of Athens’ city limits
HICO 200
BOSQUE COUNTY, HICO, TX • 200± ACRES • $1,195,000
• 200 acres, high-fenced • 12 trophy white-tailed bucks, red deer, turkey • 1 mile of live water on Rocky Creek, 400' water well • 9 (2 man) elevated blinds, multiple tripod bow stands • Protein feeders, 8 hanging corn feeders • 20 acres of oats, 30 acres of coastal areas • Improved road system, large equipment shed • 2012 John Deere 6430 w/ 8 implements • (2) 2008 Polaris 700 Sportsman Twin 4x4
CHAPARRAL RANCH
ELLIS COUNTY, FERRIS, TX • 507± ACRES • $1,515,000
The Chaparral Ranch is only about 25 minutes from Dallas. This property is an ideal candidate to turn into a high-fenced hunting ranch. It has over 1.5 miles of Bear Creek and plenty of wooded areas. It also has rich soil and cultivated areas for a fantastic dove field or some perennial white-tailed food plots. It has access to utilities and a few good cabin sites. • 507± acres located about 25 miles south of Dallas • One of the closest points from downtown Dallas to rifle hunt • Nine ponds and Bear Creek • Over 80 feet of topographical change • Great ranch to high-fence • Diverse blend of open fields, woods and great rolling terrain • Fun and entertaining ranch property for ATVs • 100% of the minerals will convey
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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LAZY Y RANCH
MONTAGUE COUNTY, BOWIE, TX • 960± ACRES • $2,860,000 The Lazy Y Ranch is a true gem. A spectacular amount of plant and terrain diversity makes every part of this ranch exciting to explore. The Lazy Y is positioned in a unique geographical setting where the Cross Timbers give way to the Rolling Plains making it hard for visitors to believe they are less than 1.5 hours from DFW. The abundant wildlife have access to one large, and two smaller, tree-lined creek systems running through the ranch. • Large-acreage neighbors positioning it in the center of huge undeveloped area. • The Red River is 7.5 miles north of the ranch • A system of three creeks, one large, provide great cover and water • Elevation ranges from about 820' in Belknap Creek to over 900' on the hills • Healthy stands of native grasses (little bluestem, side oats, big bluestem, etc.) provide great forage for cattle as well as cover/forage for wildlife
NELSON LAND & CATTLE COMPANY
JEFFERSON COUNTY, BEAUMONT, TX • 354± ACRES • $2,600,000 Great recreational and cattle ranch located right between Beaumont and Port Arthur. This ranch has excellent grazing pastures and several very large lakes full of Largemouth Bass. The property also has a very nice home/office complex made from steel with potential for expansion. Excellent long term investment as the area is being developed. Would make great hunting and fishing club or corporate office area and retreat. • 4 large lakes full of fish • Great dove hunting • Located just miles from Beaumont and Port Arthur • Excellent home/office • Grazing pastures that are fenced off cattle pens • Growing area for commercial development
PACKWOOD RANCH
HILL AND LIMESTONE COUNTIES, MT. CALM, TX • 592± ACRES • $2,200,000 The Packwood Ranch is an excellent dual-purpose property just east of Waco. It is productive, well-maintained, peaceful and quiet, and comes with a home and a foreman’s house. The highlights include well-watered and cross-fenced pastures with good working pens, incredible wildlife opportunities with over 2 miles of frontage on Packwood Creek and a mineral estate. The ranch has over two miles of Packwood Creek, over 7 small ponds, and two lakes, the largest being 1–2± acres in size. Average annual rainfall for this ranch is about 35". The houses and barns are serviced by community water.
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For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
TEXAS RECASSA RANCH
LEON COUNTY, BUFFALO, TX • 1,390 ± ACRES • $4,587,000
The Recassa Ranch, located in east central Texas, is a spectacular example of predominantly natural woodland, exhibiting a mix of Post Oak and East Texas habitats. This very private ranch was part of an original 20,000-acre property put together in the 1930s. A trip to the ranch takes the visitor back to an earlier time with diverse species of towering trees, free flowing streams and great topography. The ranch also boasts the approximately 15± acre Lake Lucy, numerous springs, timber and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Keechi Creek Wildlife Management Area as its southern neighbor. • Heavily wooded • Raw and ready • 15± acre Lake Lucy • Hunting, fishing, deer, waterfowl, pigs • Springs, creeks • Good roads
SAN ANTONIO RIVER RANCH
WILSON COUNTY, FLORESVILLE, TX • 738.81 ± ACRES • $3,989,574
The San Antonio River Ranch is a fantastic recreational and agricultural property with approximately 3.25 miles of San Antonio River. With a diverse mix of heavily wooded river bottom, rangeland, pasture and a little dryland farm plus two lakes and modest improvements, this ready-to-use ranch offers multiple opportunities for a new owner. The ranch is a diverse property comprising about 21% open pasture (a portion being tillable), with the majority being heavily wooded river bottom complemented by majestic live oaks and, as you move up from the bottoms, mesquite dominated rangelands. • 3.25± miles river • Diverse river bottom habitat • Great wildlife • Great grazing • Fishing • Modest improvements
THOMAS RANCH
MADISON COUNTY, MIDWAY, TX • 334± ACRES •$1,285,900
The 334± acre Thomas Ranch has been owned and ranched by the Thomas family for over a century. The family has been diligent stewards of this Blacklands Prairie property making thoughtful improvements to enhance its productivity and recreational value. The topography is gently rolling, accented with large post oak and elm trees. In addition to the improved coastal Bermuda grasslands, the owners have planted several large food plots over the years for wildlife. This immaculately cross-fenced cattle ranch is setup to carry a healthy herd while also providing plenty of space for weekend recreation with the family. • Water is abundant with easy access to Carrizo-Wilcox Major aquifer along with several other minor aquifers • Wide variety of game: white-tailed deer, hogs, duck, turkey and dove are all common • Perimeter and cross-fencing is excellent • Small country home on the property For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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INVESTING IN EQUINE PROPERTIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH KATE GIBSON By Clarke Watson
As a lifetime horse enthusiast, it’s no coincidence that native Houstonian, Kate Gibson, specializes in brokering equestrian farms and ranches for Republic Ranches, a strategic alliance partner of Fay Ranches. She boasts an impressive equine background, having managed, trained and competed in the industry for over more than 25 years. Currently, Kate is President of Shadyside Farms, a boarding and training facility she has owned and managed since 1991. The reach of Shadyside Farms is extensive throughout Houston, Texas, specializing in boarding and training hunters, jumpers and polo ponies. Kate’s affinity for horses, evident in her work and her depth of horse-related knowledge, enables the brokers at Fay Ranches and Republic Ranches to help clients make informed decisions regarding equine investments. Since ancient times, horses and humans have shared a special bond. Powerful and majestic in nature, few creatures possess the level of emotional intelligence or offer the unwavering companionship that can exist between horse and owner. Connecting us with nature, encouraging physical activity, and opening doors to recreational opportunities are just a few of the benefits of horse ownership. As rewarding as it can be, equine management can be a complex endeavor. From choosing a breed to deciding between differing training techniques to understanding an owner’s distinct riding style, the industry is diverse, making equine properties a specialty asset. To help make sense of it all, Kate explains what buyers need to know before investing in equine facilities.
KNOW YOUR HORSES When searching for your perfect horse property, it is imperative to have a thorough understanding of the type of horses you have
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or are planning to acquire. The various riding disciplines call for style-specific horse accommodations, so it can be advantageous to invest in a ranch with existing horse improvements that are congruent to your needs. “Different horses require different facilities,” Kate says. “For example, a horseman owning polo ponies will need a big, open tract of land where they can gallop to stay in shape. Hunter or jumper trainers and riders prefer all-weather footing and larger arenas. Those who ride dressage, on the other hand, are very rigid in their dimensions for their riding arena and require training rings that are size-specific.” Reiners and cutting horse trainers prefer an indoor ring and areas for cattle as well. Horse improvements and accommodations also come into play when selling an equine property. “Indoor arenas are a necessity for certain types of owners, but aren’t a requirement for investors with no interest in training horses,” explains Kate. “That said,
it’s going to be harder to sell an indoor arena down the road to a buyer looking for a simple country place. It’s a give-and-take industry; the more specific you get in your buildings, the more specific of a buyer you’ll have to deal with later.”
a horse runs through black gumbo footing, their shoes can be ripped off and you risk injury to the animal. With sandy soil, even after a hard rain, the soil drains quickly and horses can run freely with no damage to their shoes and feet.”
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
HORSES ARE A GIFT
“When it comes to horses,” explains Kate, “it’s important to know the area surrounding your property. Are there maintained trails to ride on? Is there a sense of community? These are all important questions to ask because you can only ride in a circle for so long before it gets boring.”
When all of these factors are considered, investing in equine real estate is a wonderful opportunity for the right buyer and is truly a gift that keeps giving. People will always have an affinity for horses; they’re a part of the American way and a staple of the American West. Horses are also a recreational additive to any property, and you can enjoy and appreciate their companionship while your land appreciates in value.
Kate encourages buyers to invest in an area infused with likeminded horse enthusiasts, because horses help landowners connect and bond instantly with others in the community. “If you’re in a horse-centric area, it makes the entire process easier and more enjoyable,” she says. “Because most buyers will need to assess the type of fencing on their potential property and inquire about the horse-related services in the area—such as shoers, veterinarians and feed stores—having a local community to tap into is invaluable.”
NATURAL FOOTING Kate has found that one of the most important, and most overlooked, factors in evaluating a horse property is the landscape’s natural footing. For example, landscapes in the lowlying areas surrounding Houston might contain “black gumbo,” a rich, clay-like farming soil. “You want to avoid opening a riding facility in an area with black gumbo footing, or you will literally have to import sand to cover everything,” Kate explains. “It’s a mistake that many people aren’t aware of until it’s too late. If
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THE SOUTHEAST: A LONG HISTORY WITH A DEEP LEGACY Owning land in the Southeastern U.S. is as much about the quality of experience and richness of history as it is about the foundation of a substantial, financially rewarding asset. From Virginia to Louisiana and from Kentucky to Florida, the quality of terrain, natural resources, and ecosystems of the South is as unique as its heritage, its history, and the people who call it home. The Southeast provides profitable, attractive opportunities for land investors, offering diverse and unique landscapes and habitats yielding income production and high quality recreation. The beautiful rolling hills of thick, green pastureland dotted by cattle and horses complement the historic low-country plantations, clad with planted pine and Spanish-moss-drenched live oaks to complete an idyllic landscape. Rich, productive riverbottom Delta farmland bursting with massive corn and soybean crops are framed by thick stands in the plateaus and mountains of magnificent old hardwood trees. These unique elements are treasured by generations for peaceful, family country retreats, where hunting, fishing and sporting pursuits are enjoyed in the Southern outdoors. Because there truly is no place like it in the world, Fay Ranches has made a strong commitment to the region to better serve its clients, reaching even deeper into one of our nation’s cultural heartlands, the Southeast. This effort first began by establishing a presence through Dick Ludington of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who provides over 37 years of experience in timberland, conservation and recreational land transaction for public and private agencies. Dick’s current focus is on timberlands throughout the U.S. as well as Southeast farms, plantations and waterfowl properties. Fay Ranches further added skilled land broker George “Mac” E. McGee IV of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Raised in a family that was involved in rural real estate, and as an avid sportsman and awarded angler, George brings extensive knowledge in wildlife habitat development for quail, waterfowl, turkey, dove and deer. With his diversity of experience in identifying valuable farming and timber properties, George is a respected Principal Broker for the Fay Ranches Southeast office in Chattanooga. These are exciting times in land investment in the Southeast. Many timber-holding groups are realizing maturity in acquisition funds generated prior to the collapse of ‘08 and are looking to dispose of valuable, attractive assets. Changes in conventional row-cropping agriculture continue to generate
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opportunity in substantial, productive properties in various markets. Tempered but steady growth in the cattle industry sustains interest in expansion of operations and assets. And quality recreational properties are seeing renewed but careful interest as buyers and sellers alike are realizing the importance of ancillary revenue generation. With the land market currently seeing steady momentum, properties throughout the Southeast are experiencing a steady rate of appreciation with enthusiastic and savvy investor interest. It’s never been a more exciting time to consider land in this historical, agriculturally rich area of the country. Those who have lived in the Southeast for generations, working and stewarding the land as history was made at every river port, gristmill, homestead and train depot, have deep roots and a deep appreciation for the pieces of land they call their own. In honor of their dedication in preserving America’s agricultural history, Fay Ranches is committed to providing expert marketing and transactional advisory services to owners and prospective buyers of Southeastern properties, with Dick and George leading the charge. Their combined wealth of knowledge and experience in timber, agriculture, natural resources, conservation easements and quality recreation make them an invaluable part of Fay Ranches Southeast.
GEORGIA SOUTHEAST NICKNAMES: “The Peach State”
NUMBER OF BROILERS IN THE STATE: 1 million
SIZE: 59,425± square miles
LEADING CROP: Peanuts and Pecans
POPULATION: 10.2 million
NUMBER OF ACRES OF COTTON HARVESTED: 1.37± million
CAPITAL: Atlanta
MILES OF STREAM: 4,000±
NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and nonresident): 829,000
ACRES OF LAKES: 427,219± NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 47,800± TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 10.1± million
NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and nonresident): 392,000
AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 212± acres
PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 89%
LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Young chickens (aka broilers); #1 in the nation
Stats are approximates only.
CLOUDLAND BLUFFTOP
CLOUDLAND, GA • 47± ACRES • $875,000
Located at the head of Tatum Gulch on the western escarpment of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Blufftop is a breathtakingly beautiful retreat with a weekend getaway cabin, 3 waterfalls, hiking trails, old hardwood stands, a pond and amazing views looking down towards pastoral Rising Fawn in Georgia. Highlighting this property, other than the spectacular bluff views, are the nature trails constructed throughout, allowing one to experience the plethora of rhododendron, mountain laurel, waterfalls and unique rock formations. Located within 1 hour from Chattanooga, TN over 2 hours from Atlanta, GA, 2± hours from Birmingham, AL and 2± hours from Nashville, TN, Blufftop has the feel of a small state park, with great potential for a conservation easement.
For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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TENNESSEE SOUTHEAST CAPITAL: Nashville NICKNAMES: “The Volunteer State” SIZE: 42,143± square miles POPULATION: 6.6 million MILES OF STREAM: 61,075± NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 79,000± TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 10.9± million AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 138± acres LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Cattle and calves NUMBER OF CATTLE HEAD IN THE STATE: 1.76 million LEADING CROP: Soybeans BUSHELS OF SOYBEANS HARVESTED: 43.7 million ACRES OF FORESTS: 14± million NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 826,000 NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 375,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 90% NUMBER OF EQUINE IN THE STATE: 190,000 (third in the nation, behind Texas and California)
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Based on available sources at time of printing, stats are approximates only.
NORTH CUMBERLAND FOREST
MORGAN & SCOTT COUNTY, TN • 20,090± ACRES
The North Cumberland Forest is an excellent, well-stocked hardwood timber tract covering two counties in North Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. The property sits within the Cumberland Mountains and in the upper drainages of the Emory River providing some of the most scenic and panoramic views in the Southeastern United States. The high quality of the standing timber inventory of this well-managed property and its strong interior road-way infrastructure makes this a unique and worthwhile investment opportunity. Additionally, there is great value in the current oil and gas royalty interests and future carbon credit registration. The majority of the property is covered by a conservation easement designed to protect the integrity of the forest and its natural components. However, there is approximately 1,200 “uneased” acres intentionally set aside to provide additional future value in HBU development or dedicated use. And last, but not least, there is quality deer and wild turkey hunting throughout the majority of the tract. Ruffed grouse and black bear are not strangers to this terrain either. A wide-range of other recreational opportunities exist such as backcountry camping, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The future return, with substantial annual revenue, while also allowing for a wide array of recreation located approximately 2 hours from Chattanooga, 1 hour from Knoxville, 2.5 hours from Nashville, makes the North Cumberland Forest a very attractive investment. PRICE UPON REQUEST
CHEROKEE RIDGE
POLK COUNTY, TN • 260± ACRES • $755,000
Cherokee Ridge is a 260± acre raw-land tract offering privacy and recreation/ agricultural opportunities with amazing sunrise views of the mountainous western edge of the Cherokee National Forest at McCamy Ridge and sunset views of the pastoral community of Benton in Polk County, Tennessee. While the property is dominated by two ridges providing spectacular vistas, Todd Hollow Creek originates and runs almost the entire length of the tract and Seller says offers year-round water source. There is ample level to fairlylevel ground on front, back, and ridge-tops of the tract to allow for substantial building, improvements, and agricultural/livestock development. With adequate road frontage on the charming Welcome Valley Road, Cherokee Ridge is ideal for developing into a recreational retreat, gentleman’s farm, or rural estate with great investment value for the future. • 350 ft road frontage • Small ranger cabin and out building at road front • All mineral, timber, and water rights convey (Seller says) For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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INVESTING IN FORESTLAND: AN INTERVIEW WITH DICK LUDINGTON Since joining Fay Ranches in 2014, veteran land broker Dick Ludington has enriched the firm with leadership and comprehensive industry knowledge in timberland investment, conservation, mitigation banking, and recreational land transactions. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, Dick has been a key player in the buying and selling of millions of acres of timberland throughout the U.S. and overseas. Based out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Dick is a wealth of knowledge for the team at Fay Ranches. He is lauded for his role in some of the largest and most complex conservation, plantation and timberland transactions in the country, as well as significant land assets managed for quail, waterfowl and deer. With more than 23 million private timberland owners in the U.S. alone, it’s no secret that individuals and businesses are leveraging timberland investment as a safe and appealing asset to diversify investment portfolios. The recreational and financial benefits of timberland investment can be reaped across the board, from large pension funds and corporations, to individual landowners alike, not to mention land enjoyment for future generations and the overall impact of a healthier environment. Aside from the innate satisfaction of owning, nurturing and engaging with a slice of nature, social policies are rewarding responsible landowners with financial and tax incentives in the form of mitigations and easements to conserve or, in some cases, improve upon their land. We recently sat down with Dick to discuss the trickle-down effect of responsible timberland investment from a financial, recreational and conservation standpoint.
WHY IS TIMBERLAND CONSIDERED A SAFE INVESTMENT? Timberland is a safe and unique investment in the sense that it offers many different product classifications. With a track record of steadily rising prices over time, the returns from timber are far more diverse than profits gained from the actual sale of timber. Aside from the appreciation of the land itself, timber property provides recreational, water quality, air quality, wildlife and scenic amenities, not only to the landowners, but to everyone. Productive timberland offers the opportunity for owners and investors to pick and choose the most advantageous time to capitalize on market peaks while avoiding market lows. As trees
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mature, the timber gains value in biological growth as the log sizes increase and the quality of wood progresses from pulpwood to small saw timber, to large saw timber, to veneer grade. If market prices are low, owners can simply let their trees grow, exponentially increasing their future value. Conversely, they can cash in when the market is favorable. Considering the longevity of a healthy forest, time is really on your side as an investor. Investors/landowners can depend on biological annual growth of trees independently from the performance of financial assets or the state of the stock market making timberland a powerful tool to help smooth out net worth during financial storms and uncertainty.
HOW CAN A HEALTHY FOREST OPEN DOORS TO DIVERSE STREAMS OF REVENUE? The majority of returns gained from timberland come from the actual sale of timber, the appreciation of the land itself, as well as the appreciation of the land for other uses such as development, housing and recreation. While the housing market drives the cost of timber, social policies are now rewarding responsible land stewards through conservation easements and an array of mitigation opportunities. Ecosystem services and incentives are an integral part of the regenerative economy, and there is currently an aggressive search for mitigation bank funding of all varieties. A healthy forest acts as an infrastructure for additional environmental offsets to thrive within. These include watersheds and wetlands, which, in turn, aid in the prevention of erosion while drawing in wildlife. With a portion of a property redlined for streamside management zones, wetland protection, and endangered species habitat, landowners can earn income by simply preserving their landscape.
WHY INVEST IN TIMBERLAND? Timberland is not the kind of venture in which you should expect double-digit annual returns, but it is a safe investment that will always be there. Regardless of the state of the economy, trees will continue to grow as long as the sun rises. Plus, it’s much more memorable for a family to spend time together on their timberland investment property than to look at an abstract spreadsheet on the computer. You can’t hug your stock portfolio, but camping in the woods with loved ones under a starry sky is an investment worth far more than a forest’s weight in gold.
NORTH CAROLINA SOUTHEAST CAPITAL: Raleigh NICKNAMES: “The Tar Heel State,” “The Old North State” SIZE: 53,819± square miles POPULATION: 10 million MILES OF FRESHWATER STREAM: 37,000+ MAJOR RIVER BASINS: 17 NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 50,218± TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 8.4± million AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 168± acres LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Tobacco (#1 in the nation) NUMBER OF HOGSHEAD IN THE STATE: 10.1 million NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 1.53 million NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 335,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 84% MILES OF COASTLINE: 301± WORLD HERITAGE SITES: 1 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Based on available sources at time of printing, stats are approximates only.
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many possibilities
ONE CLUB
Ocean Reef is more than a club, it’s family; a family that holds tradition, privacy and belonging at its core. A place where kids are free to play and explore in a safe secure environment. A place to relax and truly unplug from the world. Whether it’s a day searching for sailfish, or birdie hunting on the golf course, life has its own cadence at Ocean Reef Club. Interested in learning more about the simple pleasures of this unique club? There are only two ways to experience Ocean Reef Club – as a guest of a member or through the pages of Living magazine. Go to OceanReefClubMagazine.com to request your free copy.
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ARKANSAS SOUTHEAST CAPITAL: Little Rock
AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 308± acres
NICKNAMES: “The Natural State”
NUMBER OF FARMER'S MARKETS: 192
SIZE: 53,819± square miles
LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Rice
POPULATION: 2,978,204
PERCENTAGE OF NATION'S RICE SUPPLY: 46%
MILES OF STREAM: 9,700±
LEADING LIVESTOCK COMMODITY: Broilers
ACRES OF LAKES: 600,000±
NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 467,000
NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 45,071±
NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 363,000
TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND : 14.5± million acres
Stats are approximates only.
LITTLE TEXAS RANCH BLUFFTON, AR • 456± ACRES • $1,450,000 Little Texas Cattle Ranch is nestled in the beautiful and secluded area of West Arkansas on the banks of the Fourche La Fave River bordering the Ouachita National Forest. Set up as a very productive cow/calf cattle operation, the ranch homestead is complete with an updated 5,000 SF house, an older 1,500 SF farmhouse an historical rebuilt cabin, perimeter and interior fencing, and multiple substantial outbuildings, including barns, tool sheds and covered corrals. Little Texas Ranch has outstanding water sources year-round with almost two miles of river frontage and multiple creeks meandering through its fertile pastures. Currently there are 300± acres in prime pastureland easily supporting approximately 200 cow/calf pairs per year with the opportunity to increase pasture and capacity. This ranch is very well organized and provides a turnkey property investment with a charming homestead complemented with fruit trees, chicken coops, horse stalls and a tack room. Known by local foresters as a “deer factory,” the Little Texas Ranch has outstanding recreational hunting opportunities due to the substantial presence of many white-tailed deer and wild turkey For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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The Ledges on Kennebago Where fly fishermen are lured & the hard working recharge “It doesn’t seem possible to be so close to the East Coast metroplex and so completely in the wild as we are at the Ledges,” says the current owner of the Ledges – an avid fly fisherman. “The gentlemen who established sporting camps back in the 19th century knew what they were doing. This is great fishing, beautiful country, and easy to reach.” Few of these spectacular Gilded Age camps remain, and properties like the Ledges that offer unparalleled natural beauty, fantastic sport, and wonderful history, embody rare Maine gems. There certainly aren’t many sporting camps where more than a century of eminent guests have signed the “guestbook” on the door. The current owner has lovingly restored the main lodge and
outbuildings, so that while they are supremely comfortable, the sweeping porches, big hearths, propane lanterns and that rarest of qualities – silence – keep them true to the Ledges’ original timeless appeal. The Rangeley Lakes are known as the origin of modern fly-fishing, and the legendary fishing coupled with breathtaking mountain and lake views awaits any visitor to the Ledges. Its gated exclusive access to the Kennebago – the largest fly fishing-only lake in Maine – will make an avid fly caster’s dreams come true. The large population of landlocked salmon and native brook trout lure fisherman from all over the world. The region features over 100 lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, thousands of acres of protected forest, and abundant wildlife. Trout Magazine rated Kennebago one of the 100 best trout fishing locations in the United States. The lake, framed on the east and west by views of the Kennebago Mountains, offers a depth of 100± feet, and Harper’s New Monthly Magazine calls it “one of the most beautiful of all the feeders of
Regional Office: 36 Danforth Street,• Portland, ME 04101 | LandVest HQ: Ten Post Office Square, Suite 1125 South, Boston, MA02109 102 • www.fayranches.com 800-238-8616
the Rangeley system, walled in the mountains and entirely cut from the permanent haunts of men.” The current owner of the Ledges is effusive in his praise of the one-of-a-kind, tranquil retreat, and as a lifelong Kennebago angler once said,
canoes, making for quick access to the lake at a moment’s notice when the water begins to boil with mayflies.
The Ledges is represented by LandVest and Christie’s International Real Estate.
“I can think of no experience in nature that can compare to the Kennebago sunsets, with dark purple mountains, red skies, fluttering mayflies and rising trout, or the Kennebago River when the evening shadows reach across the pools and the salmon begin to rise. It is nothing less than magical.”
$1,850,000 For more information Contact John Scribner 207-874-2057 | jscribner@landvest.com
The main camp works beautifully as a base for family and friends, and the outbuildings and bunkhouses create plentiful space for many to enjoy. The 90-foot deck on the lakeside, and equally proportioned screened-in porch on the garden side, is perfect for relaxing after a full day of activity. The camp would not be complete without a classic boathouse right on the water, providing space for multiple fishing boats and
LandVest provides timberland, advisory and brokerage services for significant properties in New England and the Adirondacks and is an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. LandVest partners with Fay Ranches and Republic Ranches in marketing their important properties at www.landvest.com
Stetsontown Township, Maine 800-238-8616 • www.fayranches.com
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stewardship | research | education | advocacy
Join Today. Protect Tomorrow.
104 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616 WWW.BTT.ORG
WEST VIRGINIA SOUTHEAST CAPITAL: Charleston
LEADING CROP: Hay
NICKNAMES: “The Mountain State”
TOTAL ACRES OF FORESTED LAND: 12± million (3rd in the nation)
SIZE: 24,230± square miles POPULATION: 1.8 million MILES OF STREAM: 40,000 (1.65 miles per square mile of land) NUMBER OF FARMS AND RANCHES: 21,489± TOTAL ACRES OF FARM/RANCH LAND: 3.61± million AVERAGE FARM SIZE: 157± acres PERCENTAGE OF FARMS THAT ARE FAMILY OWNED: 95% (highest in the nation)
NUMBER OF ANGLERS (resident and non-resident): 305,000 NUMBER OF HUNTERS (resident and non-resident): 247,000 PERCENTAGE OF BIG GAME HUNTERS: 99% NUMBER OF SKI RESORTS: 5 NUMBER OF STATE PARKS: 36
LEADING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY: Young chickens (aka broilers)
Stats are approximates only.
BACK CREEK MONROE COUNTY, WV • 5,764± ACRES • $8,100,000 The 5,764± acre Back Creek property occupies its own high elevation valley in Monroe County, West Virginia. Sharing a boundary with Moncove Lake State Park and George Washington National Forest (Cove Creek Wildlife Management Area), Back Creek is located adjacent to the Sweet Springs Community, home to The Old Sweet Springs Resort and Lynnside Historic District. The charming, small town of Lewisburg is 35± minutes from the property and was named America’s Coolest Small Town in 2011. There are numerous restaurants, stores and health care facilities. "Back Creek presents a unique opportunity to acquire a pristine watershed in the most beautiful part of West Virginia." — Dick Ludington, Broker • 5,764± acres • Deeded access off of state maintained paved roads • Abundant water resources • Deer, grouse and turkey hunting • Significant Cove Creek frontage originating from Moncove Lake • Elevation: 2,200 ft.–3,355 ft. • Excellent road access for recreation use and timber harvest For the most up to date information please visit our website or call an agent.
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JOIN US At Fay Ranches and Republic Ranches, we are actively looking to add new members to our team. If you think you’d be a good fit as a land broker, we invite you to connect with us on social networks, spend some time on our websites, and get to know us a bit. If there is a Fay Ranches or Republic Ranches agent in your area, take the time to visit with them. We’re looking for good, honest people who are a value add—whose professional backgrounds have prepared them for completing significant land transactions, people who work hard and have an excellent network of relationships. They also have to be someone we can spend three days in a truck with. If you feel like you’d be a good fit at Fay Ranches or Republic Ranches, and we’d be a good fit for you, please give us a call. We’d love to visit with you. Also, visit our websites at www.FayRanches.com or www. RepublicRanches.com, or find us on social media @FayRanches or @ RepublicRanches. If you would like more information about Land Investor magazine email us at info@fayranches.com. 106 • www.fayranches.com • 800-238-8616
888-726-2481 • www.republicranches.com
RANCH IS A STATE OF MIND.
RANCH AND RURAL LENDING ACROSS TEXAS AND THE SOUTHWEST. The Ranch & Rural Private Banking Team at Crockett National Bank is ready to serve all of your financing needs associated with owing recreational real estate – your family legacy.
ROGER PARKER
VICE PRESIDENT, PRIVATE BANKING MLO NMLS #794874
PROMPT LOAN APPROVAL COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATES
JENNIFER COPE JONES
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATES ON DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS
UP TO 80% LOAN TO VALUE
MOBILE BANKING WITH MOBILE DEPOSIT
LOW CLOSING COSTS
REMOTE DEPOSIT CAPTURE.
If you are looking for a common sense approach to ranch lending along with competitive deposit accounts, we have you covered. You will deal directly with one of our private bankers from application to closing. The difference between us and other banks is not a secret – we just work harder. Whether your dream is owning a large hunting ranch in South Texas or a fly fishing getaway in Colorado, we can help turn your dream into a reality.
Call us: 855-262-2620
CrockettNationalBank.com member fdic. an equal housing lender. nmls 535397
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Chad Poppleton, Wilderness Harmony, oil, 36 x 50 inches –Sold at The Russell 2016.
Bring the beauty of your ranch inside. GREAT FALLS, MONTANA • WWW.CMRUSSELL.ORG
MARCH 16 –18, 2017 Much more than a Western art exhibition and sale.The Russell is a Western art experience!
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