Finding the Best Ranches for Sale in Utah

The state of Utah is known for its natural scenery and beauty. Ranching opportunities abound in the areas of hunting, fishing, equestrian activities, cattle ranching, and farming. Any land purchase in this beautiful state would make a great investment opportunity, but how do you find the best ranch for you? What factors should you be looking for? Let’s review some of the considerations to keep in mind when finding the best ranches for sale in Utah for your family.

Most Popular Locations

The northeastern portion of the state is perfect for those wishing to live near Salt Lake City and is home to many cattle, equestrian, and agricultural ranches. In addition, picturesque fishing ranches are available near the Provo, Logan, and Green Rivers, and world-class hunting is available near the Wyoming and Colorado borders.

By contrast, the southwestern part of Utah (near Zion National Park) is ideal for those seeking out a more secluded ranch property surrounded by natural beauty. Southern Utah is less developed than the northern regions of the state, and ranches in the southwestern portion of the state are ideal for hunting and fly fishing.

Wherever you choose to purchase your Utah ranch, you will want to consider important factors such as land elevation, regional climate, the growing season, and availability of natural resources.

Accessibility

You will also need to consider if you prefer to live close to a more populated urban area (such as Salt Lake City) or if you feel more at home in the seclusion of a more rural ranch property. Those who purchase land in the northern portion of the state will have much easier access to medical care, supplies, and other amenities of the big city.

Those who choose a more remote property will need to pay special attention to factors such as access rights, land development, and property access. Are there roads leading to your property? Are those roads accessible 365 days of the year, or are there times when they are flooded or blocked by overgrowth? These are all important questions to ask before making a purchase decision.

Investment Quality and Land Development

It is best to purchase a rural property that has already been set up or used for the same use you intend to utilize the ranch for. But many ranchers buy untouched land with a plan for development. Do you plan on developing your ranch land? Whether you’re looking for a great investment that will stay in your family for many generations to come or are planning on creating an income-generating business, you’ll want to pay extra close attention to current and future property values. Making your own improvements can be a lucrative way to increase your land value and create instant equity in your property.

Final Thoughts

There are many things to consider when looking for the best ranches for sale in the great state of Utah. At Mirr Ranch Group, we help you make the decisions that matter. Give us a call today to consult with us on your Utah ranch purchase!

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.

Best Areas to Find Utah Ranches for Sale

While ranch properties can be found all over the great state of Utah, there are a few different areas that generally offer ranches best suited to specific purposes. While any land purchase in this picturesque state is a great investment, your exact location needs may vary depending on what type of ranch you are looking to buy and how close to populated urban areas you wish to be. If you aren’t yet sure exactly what you’re looking for, let’s take a quick run-through of the available offerings.

Northeastern Utah

Ideal for those seeking easy access to and from Salt Lake City, the northeastern portion of the state is home to many cattle, equestrian and agricultural ranches. The area is also known for its natural scenery and beauty. Many properties are located near the Strawberry, Starvation, and Currant Creek Reservoirs. Fly fishing opportunities abound, and many fishing ranches are available near the Provo, Logan, and Green rivers. The area’s mountainous terrain is also ideal for recreational activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. World-class hunting is also available the closer one gets to the Wyoming and Colorado borders.

Southwestern Utah

Adjacent to Zion National Park, the southwestern part of Utah is ideal for those seeking their dream home in an area of unparalleled natural beauty. Southern Utah is less developed than northern Utah and is home to many national parks and forests. Ranches in the southwestern portion of the state tend to be ideal for hunting and fly fishing properties due to the abundance of untouched wildlife.

Central Utah

Comprised of Utah, Salt Lake and Davis counties, this portion of the state is home to beautiful mountainous topography and many large acreage properties. Many of these ranches are ideal for horses and agricultural activities. If you are looking for a ranch to be your primary residence or raise a family, a land purchase from this region would be a great choice. Being the home to Salt Lake City, the central Utah region offers the best access to the amenities of a large population center.

Northwestern Utah

Also offering easy access to and from the big city, ranches in this part of the state tend to be recreational, equestrian, or residential properties. Larger acreage can be a bit harder to come by and smaller properties are more abundant in this region. This portion of Utah is best for those seeking an affordable, turnkey ranch property to call home. However, the closer one gets to the border of Nevada or Idaho, the more isolated the land gets. It’s probably a good idea to look closer to Salt Lake City if you wish to make the property your primary residence.

Final Thoughts

Mirr Ranch Group can help you find that dream ranch property in the ideal location for your family. If you still aren’t sure which region or area of Utah Ranches is best for you, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today!

5 Types of Utah Ranches for Sale

Outdoor lovers of all kinds agree – there’s just something special about Utah. From Mt. Zion National Park to Mirror Lake, the natural beauty is simply stunning. In the great state of Utah, opportunities for recreation and sport abound.

Property owners seeking to purchase land in this picturesque state are in for a great investment. But there are a few different types of Utah ranches for sale. If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for – here’s a quick recap of the available offerings.

Hunting Ranches

Hunters in Utah can enjoy both big and small game species, including elk, bison, deer, turkey, ducks, moose, geese, pheasant, and bear. Elk is one of the most widely hunted animals in this state.

When searching for a hunting property, you’ll want to find a ranch that offers a wide variety of abundant wildlife without compromising on easy land access. Ranchers can enjoy simply hunting with their own friends and family or can turn their hunting ranch into a commercial property.

Fishing Ranches

For outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the popular sport of fly fishing, the purchase of private ranch land is a dream come true. The many rivers and lakes of rural Utah make for ideal fly fishing country. The Provo River, Logan River, and Green River offer some of the best trout fishing in the state. In addition, ranch land in the northeastern portion of the state flows in abundance with streams perfect for fly fishing.

Cattle Ranches

Although most widely known for its mountainous terrain, Utah is also home to many lower canyons, valleys, and basins. This lower lying ground is the perfect choice for raising cattle. Cattle ranching is Utah’s largest agricultural offering.

Even though cattle raised for beef generally require less land development than cattle raised for dairy, your property will ideally have some type of manmade or natural shelter.

In addition, ranch land with its own water source is ideal. Some cattle ranches can even include diversified opportunities for landowners such as fishing and hunting. Look for an acreage of at least 500 acres for ideal grazing availability.

Agricultural Ranches

In addition to beef cattle ranches, Utah is known for producing pork, dairy, and mutton. Although known for having a dry climate, some crops can still thrive in this state. Popular crops include cherries, apricots, and pears. Hay is commonly grown to feed the state’s beef and dairy cattle, and wheat is becoming an increasingly popular crop in the area as well.

Horse Ranches

Horse and livestock operations are a popular industry in this western state. Whether you’re looking to breed and raise quality horses, or simply enjoy a working equestrian property, Utah is an excellent choice for a horse ranch. When looking for a horse ranch, you’ll want to consider a property that already has developed buildings such as a stable and caretaker house.

Final Thoughts

Whichever type of ranch land you’re considering, Mirr Ranch Group would love to help you. Give us a call today for purchase assistance.

Exploring the Agricultural Potential of Utah Ranches

Utah has a thriving economy, and the population has been growing steadily for many years now. This presents an opportunity for the agricultural industry, as the demand for locally grown food is on the rise.

Exploring Wasatch Mountain Range from Utah Ranches

Utah is home to some of the most pristine terrain in the entire USA. One such area is located not far from the vibrant city of Salt Lake City. The area is home to Wasatch Peaks Mountain Park and the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, making it perfect for recreational activities throughout the year.

The proximity to Salt Lake City makes it a year-round destination, and ranches in the area are in high demand. Utah ranches provide owners with an excellent parcel of land, ideally located for a wide range of activities.

Winter Activities

Utah is famous for its world-class ski resorts, and owners of ranches on or near the Wasatch range will enjoy easy access to the slopes. One of the best resorts is Snowbasin, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and has a fabulous range of runs ideal for all levels. It is also possible to go bobsledding or heli-skiing for the more adventurous.

Even if you are not an expert skier, the higher altitude of the ranches means that there are plenty of other winter activities you can enjoy on your property. There are many different ways to enjoy moving around the snow such as snowmobiling, snow biking or snowshoeing.

Ranches located in the area are highly desirable and rarely stay on the market for long. Some owners run successful lodging operations as accommodation is in huge demand during the winter season.

Recreational Activities for the Long Summer Days

It isn’t just the winter sports which make Utah ranches an attractive proposition, as there are many activities which can be enjoyed once the snow melts. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a great place to explore with endless hiking trails.

The runoff from the mountains means that the lands are well-watered which attracts a whole host of wildlife.  Large herds of elk, deer, and moose can be found in the area, as well as large birds such as wild turkey and blue grouse. Landowners who participate in local conservation efforts will be granted private tags, which are highly sought after.

Rivers and creeks are well-stocked with many species of large fish, and some properties enjoy private fly-fishing. All of these factors make Utah ranches an attractive investment either as a legacy ranch or for setting up an exclusive sports lodge.

City Life

Ranches in this part of Utah benefit from the seclusion of a mountain location, but what makes them particularly attractive is their close location to Salt Lake City. The city offers an excellent quality of life, which will be important for investors with young families.

Salt Lake City has all the amenities that any family could need such as schools, shops, restaurants, and hospitals. So, you don’t have to cope without the creature comforts of city living as they are only a short drive away.

Unsurprisingly, the local transport infrastructure is excellent, making it easy to get around throughout the year. The airport is well-served by flights to all over the USA, making it great for people who will be commuting or using the ranch as a vacation retreat.

A Diverse and Productive State for Those Who Wish to Buy Utah Ranches

Home to world-class ski-resorts, lovely vistas, and a high standard of living, it is no wonder that Utah attracts investors from all around the US. The state is crisscrossed with stunning mountains, rivers, and lakes, so opportunities for hunting and farming are good revenue generators for people looking to buy Utah ranches.

Texas long horn steer in a rural Utah field, USA.

Before making initial inquiries, you should look at different areas and create a shortlist of the most appealing options. When drawing up the shortlist, you should consider several areas.

Location

When you are thinking of buying a ranch, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to do on the ranch and how much time you plan to spend there. If the ranch is a winter or summer getaway, then it needs to be easily accessed but not necessarily that near to civilization. On the other hand, if you are planning on managing a full working ranch, you will need year-round access to the nearby townships, otherwise transport costs for your products will have a negative effect on your margins.

Purpose

As mentioned above, Utah is home to some truly breathtaking landscapes. It can be the perfect year-round destination. Tourism has played a massive role in the continued growth in the state, with some ranches operating as private clubs for discerning hunters, skiers, and sportsmen.

Agriculture is another significant economic driver, with large amounts of hay being produced to support the livestock sector. Cattle has a good reputation and is a prized commodity, but it isn’t the only product that landowners generate revenue from. Dairy, poultry, and sheep products, along with fruits such as cherries and apricots, are just some of the examples of the produce that comes from within the state boundaries.

Mineral Rights

Mineral and fossil fuel production is an essential economic driver in Utah, with coal, petroleum, and salt playing a major role. If new deposits are found, they could be worth a lot of money for the owner of the mineral rights.

When searching for ranches in Utah, you should make sure the property owns the mineral rights to the land and verify the conditions attached to the rights. Holding the mineral rights allows the owner to have full control of the land and anything underneath it. Obviously, if the landowner doesn’t hold the rights, they have no recourse if the rights holder decides to set up a dig.

Water Rights

The same is true of water rights, which add additional value to the property both at the current market price and in relation to future selling price. Owning the rights gives extra flexibility for the owner to diversify their operations. Depending on where you are in the state, you could use the water resources to aid irrigation for pasture lands or lodging developments.

Failure to secure the rights can cause a lot of headaches further down the line if you are trying to change things up on-site.

Conservation

Utah has numerous conservation projects in place, which help manage the diverse, local eco-systems. As a landowner, there are considerable benefits for participating in these schemes including generous tax credits. But, for many ranch owners that is secondary to the joy of playing such an essential role in the preservation of nature.

3 Things about the Geography of Utah

Utah is a unique state—with a history that is even more unique. Nowhere is this uniqueness more apparent than in the geography of the state itself. For example, the Great Salt Lake is one of only a few natural salt lakes in the nation and the largest lake outside of the Great Lakes region.

The unique identity of Utah has made it a great place to settle down. Utah ranches have been a very popular part of its cultures for centuries. In fact, the cattle industry has been growing exponentially, as demand for beef is increasing all over the world.

3 Great Things about Utah

Utah is probably most well-known for its natural beauty and the Great Salt Lake. However, those of you who are looking to buy ranches in Utah might end up looking a little deeper. Utah is a unique state with a fascinating history, and that history has created an individual culture that continues to thrive. Here are some other notable things about this wonderful state.

1.Vast Expanses of Wilderness

Utah is known for Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake itself. As a matter of fact, those two landmarks are located at the very northern edge of the state. Heading south, you see less of civilization and a great, ever-changing landscape.

3 Things to Do with Your Family on the Ranch

Ranches in Utah are mostly out of the way and usually located far from urban centers. However, that does not mean you cannot have fun with your family. Ranches are a great place to bring the family together or enjoy time to bond with kids or grandkids.

These may include working around the ranch or finding a leisurely activity everyone can enjoy. The following are just three of the hundreds of things you can do with your family on the ranch.

     1.Organize a Reunion

This is an obvious choice of family activity. Your new ranch can become the center for a family gathering with everyone looking to enjoy a few days with relatives. Organizing a family reunion can be difficult, but it is always rewarding.