Things To Consider Before Buying Colorado Cattle Ranches

When purchasing a cattle ranch, there are many considerations to keep in mind as you embark on your real estate journey. A cattle ranch in the great state of Colorado will bring you not only the potential for income opportunities but will also give you many years of enjoyment and deliver a wonderful family legacy.

Location

As the saying goes, “Location, location, location!” The location of your future home and property investment is arguably the most important point to consider. The right location can make or break your success. In addition to thinking about property values and future demand, you will need to keep several other factors in mind when purchasing a rural property such as a cattle ranch. Variables such as climate, natural resources, growing season, elevation, land use rights, property access, and more all make a difference in your purchase decision. For cattle ranching, you will want to be sure you are in an area where cattle markets, feed lots, and other resources are easily accessible.

Property Rights, Easements, and Zoning

There are several aspects of rural real estate land sale that don’t typically come up during the conventional home buying process. However, these are some of the single most important factors to consider when buying ranch land for purposes such as cattle ranching. Water rights, mineral rights, and access rights are all critical to the future success of your property. Legal regulations and restrictions can make or break the sale. Access rights determine how you and others will access your property. They can include frontage road access or the use of deeded easements. Water rights allow for the legal use of the water on your property without actually owning it (which is important for cattle ranching), and mineral rights regulate property owner access to natural resources below the surface such as coal and natural gas. Every property will have its own terms and conditions that you will need to determine and consider before making a purchase.

Land Development and Improvements

Some ranchers enjoy developing and improving upon the land themselves, while others prefer to purchase a turnkey property that is ready to get up and running. If you will be improving the property after your purchase, it is important to configure those additional costs into your budget and consider the extra time that it will take to make the necessary land upgrades. These improvements can be very time-consuming and, in some cases, a legal headache as you deal with land surveys, soil tests, connecting utilities, land excavation, and other hassles. However, purchasing a turnkey property can be more expensive than “doing it yourself,” which is another factor you will need to consider in making your purchase decision.

Accessibility and Livability

You will want to find out important details about your property’s accessibility and livability before you make your purchase decision. For many people, a large piece of property is the biggest investment they will ever make. It is, therefore, important to know if some or all of your property will be flooded, blocked by snowfall, or otherwise inaccessible 90 percent of the year.

Harsh climates, short growing seasons, and frequent droughts can similarly be a dealbreaker when it comes to locating the perfect cattle ranch property in Colorado. Do you need to be close to town? If being located next to the big city is important to you, expect to pay more and experience possible competition for your purchase.

Final Thoughts

At Mirr Ranch Group, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you buy your dream Colorado cattle ranch. Give us a call today to learn more about rural land purchases in the Rocky Mountain State.

Best States to Find Cattle Ranches for Sale

Cattle ranching has been synonymous with the American West since the 19th century. There are many gorgeous cattle ranch properties to make any cowboy feel at home on the range. In fact, the purchase of an existing working ranch can make realizing your dream even easier. But what are the absolute best states to find cattle ranches for sale?

Colorado

As the nation’s 10^th-largest producer in beef cattle, Colorado is home to more than 3 million heads of cattle at any given time. Cattle ranching has been a part of the Rocky Mountain state ever since Texas cowboys began driving their cattle into western Colorado back in the 1800s in search of greener grass. Today’s best grazing lands are located in the eastern plains part of the state, the Wyoming Basin in Western Colorado, and some portions of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll want to look for a property with natural water sources and a strong habitat of natural grasses for grazing.

Texas

Not surprisingly, Texas is home to the most cattle in the United States. More than 10% of the nation’s cattle are raised there. With plenty of wide-open spaces in which cattle can graze, the Lone Star State is an ideal homeland for many cattle ranchers and their livestock. Large plots of acreage can be picked up for a relatively low price, especially in the less populated areas of western Texas. You may need to develop the land and invest in some irrigation, but a cattle ranch in Texas is certainly a worthwhile investment.

Wyoming

Cattle ranching is a very popular industry in the great state of Wyoming. In fact, by some estimates, the cattle outnumber the people by 2 to 1! Hay production is also a strong industry here in order to support the state’s million+ head of cattle through the winter months. Properties will need some help with proper irrigation, but large acreage working ranges can be found with everything ready to go for a successful cattle ranching operation. The stunning beauty of living and working in this state make cattle ranching a very rewarding pursuit in Wyoming.

Montana

The eastern portion of the state, in particular, is home to many heads of cattle and a large number of extensive cattle ranching operations. Ranchers can enjoy pristine natural beauty and unrivaled views from their secluded ranch land. Natural water sources, abundant irrigation, and strong native grasses make for an ideal environment to raise livestock. Look for a property that already has some of the facilities and fencing in place to make for an easier start to your cattle ranching endeavors.

Final Thoughts

At Mirr Ranch Group, we will work with you to locate the best cattle ranches for sale in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, and New Mexico. We have the expertise needed to help you navigate water rights, public land leases, and other factors needed for successful cattle ranch operation. Give us a call today to learn more!

Key Considerations for Buying Cattle Ranches in the American West

Cattle ranching has played an essential role in life in the Western states since the first pioneers headed out West. Farms and ranches produce top-quality beef and dairy products, which help to support the growing demands for food in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Today, the cattle industry is a significant driver of the economies in many of the states across the American West.

There are several key considerations to make before going ahead with a purchase if you are planning to start a cattle business or expand your existing operations. Today, we will walk you through some of these factors to determine the investment potential of cattle ranches in the American West.

Acreage and Regulations

The size of a ranch will have a substantial impact on the carrying capacity and the ability to run successful herd management programs. Larger ranches will enable ranchers to run grazing rotations, which will protect the integrity of the soil and land.

It is important to consider state regulations for zoning and also whether the ranch is encumbered with a conservation easement. If the property has an existing easement, then that portion of the land may not be available for agricultural purposes. Likewise, local zoning regulations may mean that you might not be able to build the specific improvements or housing that you desire. These factors should be carefully considered when doing your due diligence.

Water Rights

Any agricultural operation requires access to plentiful water sources. Availability and quality of on-site water sources should be checked to see if they can facilitate the scale of the cattle operation you plan to run.

Owning the water rights on a property will allow owners to make improvements and ensure that you can maximize the productivity of the land.

Environmental Considerations

As mentioned above, access to water is vitally important for successful cattle operations. However, ranches will also need high-quality soil to facilitate grazing. Poor soil quality can increase the need for cattle feed, which will reduce the profit margins and sustainability of an operation. Likewise, weeds and the wrong kind of grass species can have an impact on available grazing land and the potential carrying capacity of the property.

Lifestyle

One final consideration is what kind of lifestyle you are looking for. Running a ranch is a demanding job, but living in the American West provides many benefits that simply don’t exist in the city.

Many folks like to spend time exploring their land or the surrounding national parks, forests, rivers, and lakes. There are many opportunities for recreational activities just off your porch, no matter where you choose to settle. If you are a keen hunter or like to hit the slopes in the winter months, you’ll want to select a ranch that offers these opportunities. Some ranches are ideally located close to key migratory regions of big game, while others are a short drive away from some of the world-class ski resorts located in the mountains of the American West.

A location like Hayden, Colorado provides ranchers with high-quality land to maintain large heads of cattle, along with easy access to the ski resort of Steamboat Springs and some of the best elk hunting in North America.

4 Reasons Why Wyoming Cattle Ranches Are a Great Investment

The western states of America have always attracted people looking to make significant changes to their lifestyles. In recent years, successful business people have been switching the busy urban lifestyle for life on a ranch. While many investors are just looking for secluded retreats, many others are choosing to live off the land.

4 Keys to Successful Cattle Ranching

Cattle ranching is a lifestyle often portrayed in movies as noble and heroic. We see a satisfied cowboy standing on his porch, his hat silhouetted by the setting sun as his wife and kids finish up after dinner. It’s an iconic scene. We can all see it in our imagination thanks to the magic of the movies.