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.

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.

Ranch Buying Tips: ARMs vs. FRMs

When you’re looking to finance your ranch purchase, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate are the two main mortgage types you will likely avail. The marketplace offers plenty of varieties within these two primary categories. With that in mind, your first step when shopping for a mortgage should be to determine which of these loan types best suit your needs.

Tips for Starting a Cattle Ranch

Cattle ranches typically raise livestock for beef production. Some ranches though, focus on cow calf enterprises. Usually, cattle ranches sell calves when they are 6 months old and weigh around 500 pounds. Some ranches are stocker or feeder enterprises which purchase calves and grow them until they reach 700 to 900 pounds. A market beef operation, meanwhile, feeds and grows a stocker or feeder cattle to a market weight of around 1,200 pounds.

Is There Really A Difference Between a Ranch and a Farm?

A bit.

Most people like to think that a ranch and a farm are two interchangeable terms because they both refer to the agricultural sector. However, there are slight differences between a ranch and a farm, based on observation and the opinions of people involved in agriculture: