Factors to Consider Before Buying a Ranch or Farm

Who does not want to own his or her own property? The Great American Dream, which was popularized by real estate agents back in the 1960s, created a boom in the housing industry. Fifty years later, the Great American Dream remains strong.

That far older dream of owning one’s own farm or ranch, which dates back to the early days of the American Frontier, has somewhat diminished. This means that across the country—from Colorado to Texas, California to Montana—farmland and ranchland for sale are being undervalued.

Inspecting Ranch Properties

Before buying a ranch, it’s important to assess the property to avoid any regrets. Upon arrival, try your best not to get caught up in the sheer beauty of your surroundings. Clear your head, keep your eyes peeled, and survey the land to ensure that the place lives up to your expectations. Listed below are some questions you’ll need to ask yourself:

The Joys of Living in a Ranch

High-rise buildings and concrete pavements help establish a sense of power and uniformity in the city, but others think that such views are too monotonous for their tastes. They instead venture to the countryside, where the lush environment is pleasing and soothing to the eyes. Others may choose expansive spaces in states like Wyoming and Colorado; aspiring ranchers buy premium ranch properties in these states in order to reconnect with nature and pursue a more holistic livelihood.

Making Vacation Ranches Safer for Kids

Ranches are exciting places where families can foster a stronger bond. If the parents are city dwellers who have fond memories of their early years out in the country, they may want their own children to have similar experiences. Such families may skip the occasional visit to guest ranches and opt to purchase vacation ranches of their own.

About 400 Pounds of Meat from a 1,000-Pound Cow

How much beef can you get from cattle? Surely not all parts of the cattle are consumed, as that would mean selling the cattle’s internal organs as well. From a 1,000-lb steer, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry estimates that at least 61 percent of it will make it “on the rail.” However, only 43 percent of the steer make it into the market as different cuts like t-bone, sirloin, brisket, and shank. Why can’t the meat market use every pound of the cow?

The Return of Grass-Fed Beef

Wyoming has plenty of ranch land to go around, so there’s no reason for cattle raisers not to feed their herds with grass. There’s a renewed effort among livestock advocates to promote grass-fed beef, even in places where cattle is fed with grain (hint, hint: Nebraska). The process may take longer with grass feeding, but this type of beef has proven its quality. As “you are what you eat,”the same holds true for cattle.

Buying a Ranch Must Be Taken Seriously

If you’re interested in living the rural life and raising cattle to earn a living, you must know that buying a ranch is not the same as buying a house. You’ll be supporting not only yourself and your family, but also the animals and livestock that will be under your care. As such there are various things you must do first before you even consider sealing the deal.

What to Expect When Living in a Wild West Setting

The Wild West always invokes images of fun and adventure for a number of  Americans. Images that they want to relive and experience more these days to escape the daily grind of an urban lifestyle. Fortunately, living in the Old West is something that can become a reality with the help of ranch real estate companies that have developed such properties.

Maintaining Your Colorado Ranch

Whether you are looking into buying a home or a ranch, most realtors will tell you that one of the most important things you must ask yourself before you make the big leap is whether or not you are ready to commit to the work required to keep your would-be property in good condition. Making that commitment is easy when you are buying a 3,000-sq. ft. home, but when you are speaking of property that’s as big as 500 acres or more, it may be hard to follow through.