Things to Think about before Buying a Ranch with a Public Land Lease

Throughout the West, there are large tracts of public lands managed by federal or state governments. The largest one is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), set up by President Truman in 1946 to help protect and nurture land all over the country.

Public land is protected by law and is used for a variety of conservation and recreational purposes, as well as for energy development and the protection of natural resources. With over 245 million acres of public land scattered throughout the country, it is essential to understand what that means for you if you are looking to buy a ranch with a public land lease.

Why Public Lands?

Leasing of public lands is nothing new, and it has helped to create a successful system of land management that protects the environment while allowing ranches to expand their carrying capacity significantly.

As mentioned above, the BLM alone manages over 245 million acres of land. Combined with the area managed by the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service, and State Land Boards, significant portions of land are protected from overgrazing and development.

If you are considering buying a ranch with existing public land leases or one that adjoins public land, there are a few things to consider. Ultimately, it comes down to what the driving forces are behind your investment.

Advantages

Financial – If you are planning to run cattle or agricultural operations, then you will benefit from the added acreage you can gain from a public land lease. BLM, USFS, and State Land Boards issue grazing leases that can enable ranch owners to successfully manage much larger heads of cattle.

Fixed-Term Leases – This is an essential consideration for ranch owners, as it can allow for longer-term planning in terms of carrying capacity and grazing management. As mentioned above, this gives you far more scope to scale up operations if there is an increase in demand.

Environmental – The benefits to the land are numerous, as the land is carefully managed, allowing for the healthy growth and development of the soil and plant life, creating an ideal habitat for flora and fauna in the region. In fact, people who ranch on public lands play an absolutely crucial role in the conservation of the habitat.

Disadvantages

Financial – If you plan to lease public lands, there will be many costs associated with the lease. As the lessee, you will be responsible for the maintenance of the land, so the financial burden of mending broken fences, cleaning up contaminated water sources, and eliminating invasive plant species will lie with you, not the landowner.

This will require a lot of extra work and may involve buying additional equipment, as well as hiring extra hands.

Access – As the land is public, you will not have exclusive access to it. This is something you need to consider if you plan to run recreational retreats or if you are a sportsman seeking private hunting and fishing.

Things to Consider When Looking for Top Big Game Hunting Ranches

Hunting is one of the major attractions for buyers when they start searching for ranches. However, not all ranches are created equal, so there are many things to consider before pressing ahead with your purchase. Some ranches offer prime conditions ready to be enjoyed from day one, while others may take some serious hard work to attract a diverse range of big game.

There are a variety of factors that can impact the desirability and price of the ranch. So, with that in mind, we have put together this short post on things to consider when looking for top big game hunting ranches.

What Is Your Preference?

The first thing you will need to consider is what kind of game you want to hunt and how you want to go about it. Each state has its own rules and regulations relating to quotas and hunting seasons, so you will need to make sure that the areas you are looking at fit your personal requirements.

Some states and regions are better suited for hunting particular species and for certain types of hunting. If you are looking for large herds of elk, then Colorado would be your best bet. That being said, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana offer excellent elk hunting, and New Mexico will reward perseverance when big bulls come onto your property.

Ranches located in or near to the Rocky Mountains will provide favorable conditions for hunting Bighorn Sheep, while the northwestern region of Nebraska offers a large number of mule deer without the demand seen in other states.

Other Things to Consider

Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a novice, there are some key considerations to think about before going ahead with a purchase. As mentioned above, you will want to ensure that the type of species you are interested in roams the lands on or near the ranch.

Exclusivity

The best ranches will enjoy private access, negating the need to worry about sharing any parcels of land with the public. However, being located near public areas can hold some significant advantages for landowners, as it is possible to create wildlife sanctuaries for numerous species or to have ease of access to some prime hunting locations.

The Lay of the Land

The general state of your land and its ecosystems will determine whether big game will be attracted or not. If the site is well-watered and provides food and shelter, you may have a winner. Some sites already have established conservation management programs in place, while others may require some hand work to create optimum conditions for big game.

Access to Landowner Tags

It goes without saying that you will want access to private landowner tags, as the last thing you want is to have to enter a lottery for the chance to hunt on your own land. The rules and quantity of tags available vary from state to state, but generally, if you participate in state conservation programs, you will be eligible for a certain number of tags.

Quick Guide on Five of the Top Factors Affecting Ranchland Prices

Purchasing ranchland represents a substantial investment, so it is vital that you understand what you are getting for your money and what factors can influence the valuation of your purchase. However, valuations of ranch properties are incredibly complex, as each property has its own unique attributes. Some ranches enjoy easy or private access to some of the best land in the country for hunting and farming, while others are subject to certain restrictions in terms of zoning and land use.

All of these factors will have an impact on the price. Therefore, we have put together this quick guide on five of the top factors affecting ranchland prices.

Location

The location of the ranch can have a massive impact on the value of the property. For example, end-of-the-road locations offer the benefit of privacy with unparalleled views and recreational activities. These factors combine to add a lot of extra value to such properties and make them extremely desirable investments.

When one of these ranches comes on the market, they very rarely stay there for long.

Water Rights

Water is essential to any successful ranch operation and will always have a massive impact on the value of ranchland. The water rights of a particular property need to be carefully investigated and understood when viewing properties, as there may be restrictions or rules in place that will affect some of your intended business and recreational uses.

Sites that have extensive water rights can offer private fishing and the ability to build irrigation channels. Well-watered ranches will always be highly desirable and will be priced accordingly.

Mineral Rights

It isn’t just what is visible that can affect the price of ranchland but also what is under the ground. If the property holds the mineral rights, owners have the potential to make money off any resources that may be found under the ground. On the other hand, properties which don’t hold the rights will have access issues, which may be less than attractive.

Improvements

If you are looking at buying a ranch as an investment, it always pays to make sure you continually look at ways to improve the existing infrastructure and facilities on the ranch. This doesn’t necessarily mean constructing new buildings, barns, and lodgings, but rather, ensuring that everything is well-maintained and in working order.

When prospective buyers start looking at ranches, they will look at the quality of the working improvements, such as the fencing and the working areas of the ranch. Any signs of neglect will have a negative impact on potential offers.

Existing Operations

If the ranch has existing agricultural facilities and established operations, this can add a great deal of value to the property. Some investors will be prepared to pay a much higher price for turnkey ranches, as they can gain an immediate return on investment.

Ranches with a substantial holding capacity alongside a well-managed grazing system will enjoy a far higher rate of appreciation of the land. If these management techniques are combined with conservation easements or other programs, the value of the property will also increase, as well as gaining additional benefits such as tax deductions and extra private landowner hunting tags.

Introducing the Key Features of Top Patagonia Ranches

If you are looking for a unique investment opportunity and the chance to truly escape the rat race, Patagonia offers both of these in spades. The Patagonia region is located on the southern tip of South America and stretches across Argentina and Chile. Recreation and stunning views are the names of the game in this part of the world, so if you are a fan of fishing, bird hunting, and outdoor activities, then you should read on.

Ranches in Patagonia are well placed to enjoy the spectacular views and natural landscapes synonymous with the area. Today, we will introduce some of the features of top Patagonia ranches.

Introduction to the Area

Patagonia has long been a dream destination for explorers and investors looking for new opportunities. It is a popular area for tourism and also has a very productive cattle industry. The good news for people looking to escape is that it is a sparsely populated area, so it should be easy to find a great location.

The majestic Andes Mountains form the backdrop to the ranches, and the area is full of rivers, lakes, forests, and national parks to be explored throughout the year.

Recreational Activities

As mentioned above, the region offers unique recreational activities in a stunning location. The topography lends itself to horseback riding, whether as part of your daily jobs or just for leisure.

There are many rivers that keep the land well-watered, so it will come as no surprise that Patagonia is a fly fisher’s paradise. The best ranches have private access to vast stretches of rivers that run through the property. For example, the lake and river district is famous for its large schools of salmon and trout.

Ranches in Patagonia benefit from their proximity to the Andes and therefore, are perfect bases for long hikes, climbing, rafting, kayaking, and camping. Most of these activities can be enjoyed without ever having to leave your property.

Business Opportunities

Due to its popularity, exclusive lodging is always in demand and can provide a sustainable source of income. If you have private access to lakes and rivers on site, then discerning anglers will be happy to pay for the privilege of fishing on your land. You could also run exclusive sporting lodges for huntsmen on the lookout for red stags, boar, or birds such as waterfowl and doves.

As you may know, this part of the world is famous for its beef, so cattle runners will always be looking for top-quality grasslands for their cattle to graze on. Offering up part of your land for this purpose will bring in a consistent stream of income as the demand for Argentina beef continues to grow around the world.

Conservation Projects

Conservation is integral to life in Patagonia, and many ranches actively participate in some successful programs to protect and nurture the local flora and fauna. There are even some sites that consist of large-scale easements, so if you have a background in conservation or want to get involved in projects that will help the land flourish, you should really look for properties in the region.

Four Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Ranch Near a Resort Town

If you love recreational activities, then it well worth considering a move to the mountainous regions of the West. The region is blessed with some truly outstanding resort towns, which attract people from all over the country and further afield. Here you will find a wide range of activities to be enjoyed throughout the year, with the added bonus of having them available from the comfort of your front porch.

Setting up a winter or summer retreat—or a new life—is possible if you opt for a ranch in or near the mountains. Here are four reasons why you should consider buying a ranch near a resort town.

Unrivaled Access

Being close to a resort town will give you unrivaled access to some world-class ski runs without having to factor in travel and accommodation costs. You could quite easily be on a black diamond run 30 minutes after leaving your property. For example, mountain ranches in Colorado are ideally placed for enjoying easy access to Aspen, Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs, and Vail, to name but a few.

As an added bonus, many properties in the area will have terrain perfect for skiing or snowmobiling.

The Best of Both Worlds

Ranches located near resort towns offer the seclusion of a mountain ranch with the benefit of access to a whole host of amenities. Since resort towns attract a lot of tourists, there are plenty of options for dining and shopping, as well as things you would associate with urban centers such as cinemas, music concerts, and seasonal events for all the family.

And the good news is that you can escape back to the comfort of your own home at any point.

Year-Round Recreation

Mountain ranches benefit from easy access to the slopes, but the action doesn’t stop when the snow thaws. In fact, the area is absolutely delightful after the ski season comes to a close. You will be able to enjoy long hikes, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping, among many other great activities.

If you are a keen fisher, you will enjoy the summer and autumn months, as the waters are well-stocked and provide ample opportunities for trophy fishing.

Diverse Business Operations

For investors seeking different income streams, ranches near resort towns offer unlimited potential. Tourists, hunters, and anglers will always be on the lookout for lodging in areas of natural beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of the town center. As a result, they will be only too happy to pay a premium for comfortable lodging a stone’s throw away from the slopes.

Running a private sporting lodge is also an excellent way to go, as it would be possible to attract corporate clients or sportsmen looking for exclusive lodging and recreation.

It may also be possible to run a range of agricultural and conservation programs, which can attract sustainable income and tax benefits.

Three Key Traits of Top Cattle Ranches in the US

Cattle ranching has been a mainstay of the American West since the birth of this great nation. Today, the beef industry is one of the main drivers of agricultural receipts in many states and the country as a whole. Dairy and other products such as tallow, gelatin, and leather are also potentially lucrative sources of income for cattle ranchers.

There are many things to consider before investing in a cattle ranch. Location is always going to be key, as you will need lots of space for grazing and production, as well as easy access to local townships or cities. With this in mind, we will take a quick look at what traits the top cattle ranches in the United States have.

The Best Locations

While Texas leads the way in terms of heads of cattle and beef production, other states are well worth considering. Nebraska is a great spot to set up operations due to its low population density and fertile soil. Other states that are ideal for running cattle include Kansas, California, and Colorado. More adventurous individuals could even look further afield to the Patagonia area of Argentina and Chile. However, in this post, we will focus on the top cattle ranches in the United States.

The Lay of the Land

It is absolutely crucial to understand the unique features of a ranch before investing. Some parts of the land will have unique agricultural value, while other parts might not be ideal. Therefore, you need to get an idea of what parcels of land can be used for grazing and feeding or have proper zoning for building the necessary infrastructure.

If the ranch has existing operations, it is always a good idea to get a clear picture of what they have been doing in terms of field and crop rotation, as well as the herd management systems they have in place. Otherwise, it will definitely be worth consulting a ranch management expert.

Carrying Capacity

Once you have the knowledge of the lay of the land of a potential ranch, you will be able to accurately calculate the optimum carrying capacity. This is where top-quality ranch management services come in handy, as they truly understand how to maximize every available acre of the land to ensure the best possible return on investment.

It is crucial that you get this right straightaway, as overgrazing the land can cause a lot of damage to the ground, which can have a negative impact on the value.

Water and Mineral Rights

It is tough to run a successful cattle ranch without having exclusive access to the property’s water and mineral rights. Having a well-watered site is fundamental to the development of irrigation channels on the property, which can make or break herd management programs and could leave you overly reliant on smaller parcels of land.

Likewise, not having control of the mineral rights may mean that the rightful owners can legally enter your property and start drilling. This nightmare scenario would obviously have far-reaching consequences on your day-to-day operations.