Why Ranches in Wyoming Are Perfect for New and Experienced Ranchers

Wyoming has recently gained a lot of media attention due to Kanye West’s love of the ranch properties within the state. It is hard to argue with him because ranches in Wyoming offer many benefits to investors of all types. Whether you are looking for a smaller recreational retreat or plan to move out West full time, there are plenty of options. 

Today, we will highlight why Wyoming is a great place to consider for new and experienced ranchers alike. So, read on to learn more about ranches in Wyoming.

Why Wyoming?

The Cowboy State is the 10th largest state in the USA and is home to vast swathes of uninhabited land. In parts, you are more likely to see wildlife than humans, so the state is ideal for people looking for solitude. 

The two National Parks – Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons – are the state’s crowning jewels, but you are never far away from areas of natural beauty to explore. The diverse terrain throughout the state and the lack of large cities make the state a prime habitat for a wide variety of big game, birds, and other wildlife. If you love the great outdoors, then Wyoming should be top of your list.

What Do You Want The Property For?

The first thing you should do is make a list of why you want the property. Are you planning to use it as a recreation retreat or to run an agricultural business? Do you want your ranch to be income-producing, or are you just looking to add land to your property portfolio?

New Ranchers

If you are a new rancher looking to start living off the land, then maybe starting with a smaller property in an established agricultural community would be a great place to start. Places like Wheatland in Platte County is well-known for its friendly agricultural community and excellent irrigation system. There are some ranches with small acreages in the area where you can either grow crops or run a small cattle holding.

Recreational Ranches

For investors looking for more space to enjoy recreation, then searching for properties that border mountain ranges or National Parks is a good option. Hot Springs County has some prime real estate located close to pristine wilderness. This area is home to a diverse range of big game such as elk, mule deer, moose, and bighorn sheep, so perfect for hunters. Ranches on and around the Laramie Mountains also provide ideal habitat for big game and some of the country’s best trout fishing.

Vacation Homes

Many new investors are looking to utilize ranch properties as weekend or vacation retreats. Generally, smaller ranches located close to National Parks or Public Land are ideal for vacation homes. There are several key considerations when looking for ranches as vacation homes. The first is thinking about how close you want to be to civilization and the activities you would like to do. Some ranches are very isolated and will require long drives to the nearest towns for supplies and other amenities.  You will also want easy access to nearby airports if you are planning to fly in at the weekend.

3 Ways to Use Ranch Property for Sale in Utah

The Beehive State offers some of the most fantastic landscapes anywhere in the country. With a multitude of lakes, forests, mountains, deserts, and plains to explore, it is an ideal destination for a vacation home or recreational retreat. Utah is the perfect place to enjoy recreational activities — with a national park, forest, or monument never very far away.

Some ranchers also decide to run agricultural businesses or hobby farms, so whatever your reason for looking at Utah properties, the options are nearly endless. In this post, we will highlight three ways to enjoy ranch property for sale in Utah.

Recreational Retreats or Vacation Homes

Lovers of the great outdoors should look for a property close to public land, a national park, or a ski resort. Whether you’re a fan of big game hunting, skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, or hiking, Utah has something to offer year-round. 

Utah is home to five spectacular national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. Some ranch properties in the southwestern corner of Utah offer excellent access to Zion National Park while also providing the perfect habitat for big game. It isn’t uncommon to see trophy elk and mule deer roaming the land in quieter mountain ranches in the area.

Ranches farther north, in places like Morgan County, offer year-round recreational activities, with easy access to the major cities and airports in the area. That makes ranches ideal for people who don’t plan to live on the ranch full time. Large herds of mule deer roam the lands in this part of the state, so it is an excellent place for hunters. There is also some outstanding fly-fishing in the area, with many great spots to catch brown trout, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout.

People more interested in using a ranch property solely as a vacation home should look for something a little smaller in terms of acreage. You will also want easy access to an airport or highway so you can quickly get in and out for weekends or on the holidays. 

Agricultural Ranches

Agriculture plays a significant role in Utah’s economy, so many ranchers opt to run cattle or grow crops. Beef, hay, and dairy products are the three biggest cash generators in the state, while Utah is also the second-largest producer of tart cherries in the United States. The best options for your property will depend on the location, size, water, climate, and soil quality. If you are new to ranching, then it would make sense to speak to a local ranch management company to determine what options are viable. 

Another option that some ranchers consider is leasing land for grazing or running small-scale farming operations for supplemental income. If you have land to spare, this is a very attractive opportunity for local cattle runners looking to scale up their operations, as it will be much more profitable for them to lease the land. 

In all cases, you should have a clear idea about how you want to use your ranch before starting your search.

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Colorado Mountain Ranches for Sale as the Next Addition to Your Property Portfolio

When people think about Colorado, they usually think about the spectacular landscapes. The state is renowned for its mountain ranges, which dominate the views from virtually everywhere in the state. 

The stats are impressive, with thousands of peaks in excess of 10,000 feet. As a result, the recreation opportunities are almost endless. People who decide to farm the land will get an excellent backdrop to their daily tasks. In this post, we will take a closer look at five reasons why Colorado mountain ranches for sale are an excellent addition to your property portfolio. 

Return on Investment

Land is a valuable commodity. There are many ways to make the land work for you as an investment. Having landowner tags and owning the water rights adds significant value to a property, as does adding high-quality lodgings. Turnkey properties are particularly attractive to new ranchers looking to purchase vacation homes.

Ranches with top-quality soil and space could be viable for livestock holdings or other agricultural operations. Other ways to increase your return investment include allowing access to any private stretches of fishable waters on your property. Some ranchers also make use of conservation easements, which are an excellent way to gain significant tax benefits while also protecting the land for future generations. 

Recreation 

Colorado is a year-round destination and a great place to enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. If you enjoy spending time outside, then Colorado is an excellent option for you. For example, the state is home to some world-class ski resorts such as Aspen, Vail, and Steamboat Springs. 

The state is home to a diverse range of wildlife, such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and whitetail deer. Mountain ranches with abundant water sources are the ideal habitat for elk and other big game species, so this is an excellent place for hunting. Fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and ATVing are just a few more examples of activities that can be enjoyed on your ranch property.

Ranchers can use their property as a private escape or develop business opportunities such as renting out lodges or running sporting retreats. Hunters are prepared to pay premiums for access to exclusive hunting.

A Great Place to Escape

Many people are attracted by the romantic images of living in nature. For skiing, hunting, and fly-fishing fans, Colorado offers you the opportunity to enjoy these activities right from your front porch. Ranches near large ski resorts can be easily accessed throughout the year and provide a great balance between access to the slopes and privacy.

Exclusive communities like the Elk Creek Ranch offer resort-style facilities alongside a parcel of private land where you can forget about the urban grind. This option is popular with ranchers that want a recreational retreat or vacation home without all the commitments associated with standalone properties. Purchasing a parcel of land in a ranching community also provides you with access to some world-class hunting and fishing opportunities.

3 Reasons to Purchase Ranch Land for Sale in Colorado

The Centennial State is home to some of the finest land in the entire United States. The landscape is dominated by mountains in the central and western regions, while the Great Plains in the east are Colorado’s agricultural heartland. 

Colorado has a long and rich ranching history and is home to some of the country’s best ranch land. In recent years, the state has been attracting new ranchers with its combination of wide-open spaces, world-class ski resorts, and a diverse range of income-producing activities. In this post, we take a look at three reasons why people should consider investing in ranch land for sale in Colorado.

Vacation Homes

Most people think of wide-open spaces, mountains, and ski resorts when they think of Colorado. That makes the state ideal for vacation homes or people looking to escape the city on a more permanent basis. 

Ranchland in the vicinity of Hayden is an excellent option for many people, as it offers quick access to Steamboat Springs ski resort and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The nearby Yampa Valley Airport means it is convenient to fly into the area during the weekend or holidays. Properties close to any of the national parks or ski resorts are always in demand, so the land’s value is likely to increase. 

For investors looking for a parcel of land with less time commitment, the state is also home to shared ranching communities. One of the most exclusive is Elk Creek Ranch (ECR), enabling owners to enjoy world-class facilities and exclusive access to some of the best elk hunting anywhere in the world. This is a perfect introduction to ranch life for ranchers looking for vacation homes. 

Recreational Ranch

Life outdoors is what attracts many people to Colorado. With mountains, forests, lakes, and grasslands to explore, there is always something to enjoy. 

The state offers some of the best hunting opportunities for big game. Depending on where the property is, you may see large herds of elk, mule deer, and whitetail deer roaming the land. An abundance of rivers, lakes, creeks, and streams make the state ideal for fly-fishers of all abilities. 

Some ranchers take advantage of their location, water access, and landowner hunting tags to run exclusive sporting lodges. These tend to attract discerning clientele willing to pay premium prices for private hunting or fly-fishing. Ranches close to ski resorts can also offer high-quality lodging for families wanting to escape the crowds.

Agricultural Operation

Agriculture is big business in Colorado, with over 66 million acres dedicated to farms and ranches. The Great Plains and the Wyoming Basin’s fertile soil is perfect for a wide range of crops. The main drivers of Colorado’s agricultural industry include cattle, calves, dairy products, hay, wheat, corn, and dairy products.

Many new ranchers are attracted to the state for the diversity of the land and the recreational activities. Even if you aren’t planning to manage the land yourself, you can still run profitable agricultural operations. Hiring a ranch management team is an excellent option for many people, as they will take care of crop rotations and ensure the profitable management of agricultural operations. 

As a bonus, agricultural property in Colorado is taxed at a lower rate, potentially leading to huge savings on your tax bill. 

3 Reasons to Invest in Ranch Land for Sale in Wyoming

Land is and has always been a valuable commodity, and Wyoming has an abundance of it. As the least populous state in the United States, it is an excellent place to escape from the city. In fact, Wyoming doesn’t really do cities — the state capital of Cheyenne is the largest, with a population of around 60,000. 

Investors have been attracted by the wide-open spaces of Wyoming for generations, and the wealth of options available attracts modern investors. In this post, we will look at different ways that investors can gain significant returns on investment from ranch land for sale in Wyoming.

Lifestyle

The first way is related not to money but to health and well-being. The state is dominated by mountains and home to some of the country’s best national parks. The air is fresher, and air pollution is a distant concept here. 

If you imagine waking up to beautiful panoramic views of mountains and breathing in the fresh air, Wyoming ticks a lot of boxes. Being surrounded by nature provides ranch owners with many opportunities to enjoy recreational activities throughout the year, such as big game hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and horse riding. The lifestyle is unlike anything you will be used to in the cities, with a slower pace of life being an excellent way to get rid of stress.

Buying ranch land in Wyoming makes excellent sense if you are looking to buy a legacy ranch that can be enjoyed for generations. Properties close to Grand Teton and Yellowstone will always have value due to the fabulous location. When you factor in capital gains for any increase in land value, ranch land can be a valuable addition to your property portfolio.

Recreational Ranch

As a state filled with an abundance of wildlife, hunters and fishers are always looking for new spots far from tourists. Big game species — such as elk, bison, mountain lions, moose mule deer, and pronghorns — roam the land in large numbers. Some ranches may even lie on key mule deer, pronghorn, and elk migratory routes.

Some ranchers decide to use their ranch land as an exclusive sporting lodge, which attracts both private and corporate clients looking to enjoy an authentic Western experience. As a bonus, opting to run your ranch as an income-producing business is also a great way to gain sizeable income tax deductions for the day-to-day costs of running your ranch.

Agricultural Business 

Some new ranchers decide to buy ranch land for agricultural operations, and many areas of Wyoming are ideal for a wide range of crops and livestock. Agricultural activities in the Cowboy State bring in about $2 billion in receipts every year, making it one of the primary economic drivers. Cattle represent the largest commodity, but the mountainous terrain of the state makes it ideal for the outstanding wool and sheep products that the state has become famous for.

Other key agricultural products in the state include hay, sugar beets, barley, and corn. If you’re new to ranching, then hiring a ranch management team would be a sound investment, as they could put a crop management system in place and take care of day-to-day operations. One other point to note is that in Wyoming, agricultural property is taxed on its production value, not its market value, which can lead to significant savings in property taxes.

A Quick Introduction to Utah Farms & Ranch Land

Utah is home to some spectacular landscape and is well-known for its outstanding living standards. Many people might head this way to enjoy world-class ski resorts and recreational activities. But some investors are keen to enjoy an authentic Western experience and work the land. 

The Beehive State is home to over 18,000 farms, with agricultural land accounting for over 11 million acres. This presents many exciting possibilities for new and experienced ranchers alike. This post will take a closer look at Utah farms and ranch land and how they play a pivotal role in Utah’s economy.

Facts about Agriculture in Utah

Livestock and livestock products account for the largest share of the state’s agricultural receipts. There is a massive demand for high-quality beef and milk products, with cattle sales reaching around $380 million last year. 

The range of crops, fruits, and vegetables that grow in the state is as diverse as the landscape. In terms of yields, hay is the largest crop and is used predominately to support the beef and dairy cattle producers. Wheat, barley, onions, potatoes, apples, and peaches are all products that generate sizeable income streams. Utah is also the second-largest tart cherry producing state in the country. 

As you can see, Utah might not generate the massive receipts of states like California, Texas, and Nebraska, but it is certainly a viable and sustainable option for ranchers. 

Opportunities for Ranchers

If you are new to ranching, one of the best options is leasing parts of your land. Some ranches that are on the market may come with existing arrangements, and they are excellent sources of regular income. Depending on the type of lease, you may have no work to do at all. Some ranchers lease land for grazing and while others will have more extensive leases in place where the cattle herder is responsible for looking after that plot of land, maintaining the fences, and removing weeds, etc. It is a great way to support the local industry while creating a nice income stream. 

Larger ranches may be ideal candidates for running large-scale cattle businesses. If you are new to the game, it would be worth consulting or hiring a ranch management company to help create a land management strategy, irrigation, and rotations.

Utah has a thriving nursery and potted plant industry, so running a hobby farm might be an option for some owners. Growing fruit and vegetables is a rewarding activity for people of all ages, with some ranchers opting to sell some of their produce at the local farmer’s markets that are popular throughout the state. You can enjoy a relaxing hobby that allows you to get into nature while also creating a viable business.

It is worth noting that ranches and farms classed as agricultural properties may benefit from lower property taxes. In Utah, agricultural properties are taxed on their production capabilities rather than their market value.