Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek

Forsyth, Rosebud County, Montana

$6,950,000 | 10,047± Acres

Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek | Forsyth, Montana

INTRODUCTION

Nestled in the heart of eastern Montana, the vast expanse of Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek stretches across an impressive 10,047± deeded acres, complemented by an additional 1,950± acres of state lease, 320± acres of private lease, and 3,669± Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acres. As an exemplar of regenerative agriculture, Gray Ranch embodies sustainable farming practices, emphasizing the restoration and revitalization of the land while fostering biodiversity and preserving the ecosystem’s health.

The ranch’s commitment to regenerative agriculture has yielded results, with flourishing cattle herds and a veritable sanctuary for many wildlife species. The diverse habitat provides a refuge for elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, and upland game birds, making it an enticing haven for both seasoned hunters and enthusiastic birdwatchers. The harmonious coexistence of agriculture and wildlife epitomizes the ranch’s dedication to responsible land management and wildlife conservation.

With ample water sources that attract a wide array of waterfowl species, the ranch becomes a picturesque destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. As one gazes across the sweeping vistas encompassing Gray Ranch, a sense of awe and appreciation for the region’s rich natural heritage is instilled. This land is a living testament to eastern Montana’s landscape’s untamed beauty and ecological significance.

Gray Ranch has become a beacon of hope for sustainable land management and a model for others to follow. It exemplifies a more environmentally conscious and ecologically sustainable approach to ranching and farming.

Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek is more than just a sprawling property; it is a shining example of the transformative power of regenerative agriculture, providing a haven for diverse wildlife and standing as a testament to the profound connection between responsible land management and the preservation of nature’s magnificence. This breathtaking landscape encapsulates the essence of eastern Montana’s ecological significance. It demonstrates a harmonious and balanced coexistence between agriculture and wildlife, offering a glimpse into a future where sustainable practices can thrive in unison.

QUICK FACTS

• Gray Ranch boasts extensive livestock water pipelines, and multiple reservoirs, ensuring a reliable water supply throughout the property for cattle and wildlife

• Multiple big game species on the ranch include elk, mule deer, antelope, and whitetail deer, providing ample opportunities for hunting and wildlife observation

• Populations of upland game birds, migratory birds, and turkeys make it an ideal destination for bird hunters and birdwatchers

• Currently being operated as a cow/calf unit, making it an excellent investment opportunity or perfect for the cattleman seeking a working ranch

• Conveniently accessible via a graveled county road for ease of access

• Prehistoric petrified forest located on site; Dinosaur fossils and buffalo wallows have also been found on the ranch

• Functional corral system for shipping, branding, and working livestock

• Two original 1900s homestead cabins add a touch of nostalgia

• Located just 24 miles north of Forsyth, Montana, offering a balance of seclusion and proximity to essential services and amenities

• A state record antelope was harvested off the property

ACREAGE

• 10,047± deeded acres

• 3,669± acres BLM lease

• 320± acres private lease

• 1,950± acres state lease

• 15,950 ± total acres

Gray Ranch, nestled along the banks of Little Porcupine Creek, is a pristine oasis of natural beauty and agricultural excellence. The ranch’s vast expanse is adorned with native grasses, creating a picturesque landscape that evokes the spirit of the American West. With a strong commitment to sustainable land management, the ranch nurtures these native grasses, providing a healthy habitat for a diverse range of wildlife and ensuring the land’s long-term vitality. Abundant livestock water sources dot the property, strategically placed to support the thriving herds that graze upon the lush pastures. This carefully planned water infrastructure ensures the well-being of the livestock and promotes a regenerative cycle that enhances the health of the land and its inhabitants.

Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek | Forsyth, Montana

IMPROVEMENTS

Improvements include a set of livestock corrals and two 1900s homestead cabins.

Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek | Forsyth, Montana

RECREATION

H unting & W ildlife

Gray Ranch offers a diverse and thrilling hunting experience, catering to enthusiasts seeking mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, upland game birds, waterfowl, and elk. Upland game birds challenge hunters, and ducks and geese flock to the area’s numerous water bodies. For the ultimate big game thrill, the pursuit of elk through the vast terrain is unparalleled.

Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek | Forsyth, Montana

is H ing

Conveniently located in Forsyth, the Rosebud East Fishing Access Site grants access to the Yellowstone River for fishing and recreation with a boat launch and on-site camping. The fishing access is open yearround.

AREA HISTORY

Little Porcupine Creek, near Forsyth, Montana, has a rich history that intertwines with the area’s indigenous peoples and pioneering settlers. Initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, the creek was a crucial water source and a bountiful hunting ground for centuries. With the westward expansion in the 19th century, the region witnessed the arrival of European-American explorers and settlers who recognized its fertile lands and potential for farming and ranching. As the settlement of Forsyth began to take shape, Little Porcupine Creek played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of agriculture and providing water for livestock. Over the years, the creek also witnessed the development of small communities, reflecting the tenacity and resilience of the people who shaped this land.

12 Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek | Forsyth, Montana

INCOME OPPORTUNITY

Gray Ranch presents investment opportunities within the ranching industry, making it an enticing prospect for entrepreneurs and investors alike. A ranching venture on 15,950± acres offers the potential for a lucrative cow-calf operation or a well-managed yearling operation. Moreover, the region’s abundant wildlife and pristine landscapes make hunting leases an attractive venture. By capitalizing on the demand for recreational hunting, these leases can provide a steady income stream throughout the year. The combination of ranching and hunting ventures creates a diverse and sustainable investment portfolio, capitalizing on the area’s natural resources and appealing to both agricultural and recreational markets.

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

CLIMATE

Climate data courtesy of http://www.city-data.com/city/Forsyth-Montana.html

Forsyth, Montana, has a semi-arid climate. Summers are marked by temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s, while winters can dip down into single digits. The area averages around 11-13 inches per year of precipitation. Due to its elevation and location, the air is generally clean and crisp, with sunny, clear skies often dominating the landscape.

WATER SOURCES | WATER RIGHTS

Montana waters, in all their varied forms and locations, belong to the State for the benefit of its people. A water right is the right to use the water within state-established guidelines, and not any ownership of the water itself. Since water rights in Montana are guided by the prior appropriation doctrine, a person’s right to use a specific quantity of water depends on when the use of water began, establishing the relative priority date of use on the water source. The first person to use water from a source established the first right, the second person could establish a right to the water that was left, and so on. Additionally, water users are limited to the amount of water that can be beneficially used. Beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, agricultural, recreational, fish, wildlife and domestic purposes.

Montana is currently conducting a statewide adjudication of all water rights with priority dates prior to July 1, 1973. The statewide adjudication is a court process that prioritizes and quantifies all existing water rights in each Montana drainage basin. With 85 basins in Montana, and over 219,000 water right claims, the statewide adjudication is a massive undertaking that is expected to stretch well into the future. Until the adjudication process is complete, the status of any particular water right claim cannot be guaranteed. Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons do not warrant or make any representation concerning the quantity or quality of any water rights, nor any legal entitlement to use of water rights, permits to appropriate water, exempt existing rights, determination of existing water rights, nor any ditches, ditch rights, or ditch easements appurtenant to or constituting a burden on the property. Water rights claims appurtenant to the property may or may not have been fully or finally adjudicated, and any buyer is advised to make any offer to purchase contingent upon and subject to such independent inspections, evaluations, and advice concerning the water rights and adjudication process as a buyer might deem prudent. All buyers should be aware that Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons involved in this offering have not conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the water rights for this property.

A complete list of water rights is available upon request.

MINERAL RIGHTS

All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.

18 Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek | Forsyth, Montana

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

Each of us at Fay Ranches loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.

LOCATION

The Gray Ranch is located just 24 miles north of Forsyth, Montana, via a graveled county road. Forsyth is conveniently situated off I-94, 44 miles from Miles City, Montana, and 102 miles from Billings, Montana. Forsyth is a charming town that offers a range of services and amenities to its residents and visitors. Situated in the heart of eastern Montana, Forsyth provides essential services such as healthcare facilities, a dentist, a post office, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, banking institutions, and grocery stores, ensuring the needs of the community are well catered to. The town offers an array of recreational amenities, including beautiful parks, walking trails, a golf course, a museum, and opportunities for fishing and boating on the Yellowstone River. Forsyth takes pride in its strong educational infrastructure, with a well-established K-12 system that prioritizes the academic growth and personal development of its students. The school system here is known for its dedicated faculty and staff, providing an environment for students to thrive academically and engage in extracurricular activities, making Forsyth an ideal place for families and individuals seeking a close-knit and dyn amic community.

Forsyth, Montana

AIRPORT SERVICES

Tillett Field Airport is located 3 miles east of Forsyth with a 4,799’ x 75’ asphalt runway and is open to the public.

Billings Logan International Airport is located 104 miles west of Forsyth via I-94 and is a public airport located in Billings, Montana. The airport serves as a major hub for air travel in Montana and the surrounding region. Several major airlines operate at Billings, providing flights to various domestic destinations such as Denver, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek | Forsyth, Montana

SUMMARY

Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit and resilience of the early settlers who established it. With its roots dating back to the late 1800s, the ranch has played a crucial role in shaping the region’s agricultural heritage. Spanning vast expanses of picturesque landscapes and benefiting from the creek’s life-giving waters, the ranch became a thriving cow-calf operation. Today, Gray Ranch stands not only as a successful agricultural venture but also as a symbol of the enduring legacy and significance of ranching in eastern Montana’s history. Its traditions and values are proudly preserved by the generations that continue to steward the land, keeping alive the spirit of the pioneers who first set foot on this piece of the American West.

24 Gray Ranch on Little Porcupine Creek | Forsyth, Montana

$6,950,000

Cash, Conventional Financing, 1031 Tax Exchange

Please contact Kebi Smith at (406) 671-2436 | ksmith@fayranches.com or RJ Patterson at (406) 5446007 | rpatterson@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com .

Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE

As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:

1. SELLER AGENT

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:

Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

2. BUYER AGENT

(cont)

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.

A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer agent, except

a dual agent:

Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.

4. STATUTORY BROKER

A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:

Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE

Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.

6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE

Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.

BUYER AGENT

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.