Buying farmland is very different than most real estate purchases, even dissimilar than buying a ranch. Farmland can be a profitable investment; however, there are many areas that must be researched prior to making a purchase. In this article several aspects are conferred that should be researched prior to purchasing farmland – soil quality, crop history, water availability and climate, and lease options to name a few. Often, much of this information will be researched during the due diligence period or can be provided by a good land broker. Swan Land Company is known for providing in-depth information that can help determine if a specific farm is the right fit for your goals and business decisions.
Blog posts in Facts & Insights
06/11/2019
In the 1800s, the land southeast of the Yellowstone River expanding all the way to Montana’s south and east boundaries was Crow country. Located within Crow territory, the Crows named the Absaroka Mountains after their nation that the range encompassed. Mission Creek and the nearby Absaroka Mountains nurtured early people and the Crow Indians by providing them essential ground to hunt, fish, live and worship. It is said these people used this area as a vision-quest site. As a result, many artifacts have been left behind for present man to ponder.
04/26/2019
Clarks Fork Canyon Meadows is conveniently located just 38 road miles from the bustling town of Cody, Wyoming. Buffalo Bill Cody, who founded the town of Cody while visiting his son in the 1870s, had a vision that the area had a lot of potential. Located only 52 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cody felt the area may become a potentially high-tourist corridor. In the mid-1890s, he returned, and with the collaboration of others, the town was incorporated in 1901.
04/15/2019
One of the most interesting parts of being a ranch broker is that no two ranches are alike. However, this creates complexity when it comes to understanding the operations of each property. Our team of seasoned ranch brokers can help sift through the information, or misinformation, about each property to help buyers find and understand the ranch that fits their individual needs.
A few key points to understand when buying a cattle ranch are the type of operation and suitability for the property, carrying capacity, soil condition and forage health, management of the property, water rights, stock water, irrigation water, and the quality of improvements.
Type of Operation
02/22/2019
Chief Mountain, as seen from North Fork Ranch, is a prominent towering monolith that stands alone facing westerly along the Rocky Mountain Front on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park. Named for its commanding presence, it is also known as “Ninaiistako”, a name given to it by the Blackfeet Indians, translating to “Great Chief". Although it is not the highest peak in Glacier, the 9,085 foot-tall giant can be seen for over a hundred miles away in both Montana and Alberta, Canada. It lies half in Glacier National Park, along the northeast boundary, and half in the Blackfeet Reservation to its east.
01/29/2019
When purchasing a ranch, it is essential that an in-depth investigation is done in order to ensure that you know exactly what you are purchasing. While this is true for any real estate transaction, it is extremely important when it comes to buying a ranch, farm or recreational tract of land. Whether it is an agricultural farm or ranch in Montana or Utah or a recreational hunting ranch in Wyoming, there are checklists and protocols that should be followed in order to cover all of your bases and eliminate surprises after the purchase. Although every property is different, there are several items that should not be overlooked. Some of this information can be found in the title commitment, however it is always good to double check to confirm that the information provided is correct. O
01/15/2019
4th Annual Buying and Selling Ranches in Montana
Thursday, March 7 & 8, 2019 - Helena, MT
Mike Swan is honored to be a presenter at The Seminar Group's 4th Annual Buying and Selling Ranches in Montana.
Seminar Summary:
11/15/2018
The solitude and the beauty of the 1,994± acres of Knapp Creek Basin Ranch is set in a basin with virtually nothing else visible except Cascade Butte, Mount Cecelia and the mountain vistas. Being located only 3.5 miles from Cascade and the mighty Missouri River, makes this an ideal location for a retreat while also serving as a productive grass ranch.
The 4,500 square-foot main residence was built in 1993-1994 by Dave Zion, a renowned builder, and the 2,000 square-foot art studio was built in 2013. The deluxe artist’s studio could easily be converted into a guest house. All of the improvements sit in the middle of the Ranch, creating a lovely compound, miles from anyone, or so it seems.
10/25/2018
Have you ever hunted Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep? If yes, then you are one of the lucky few. Getting the opportunity to hunt for bighorn sheep requires many factors ̶ not only skill and physical prowess but also some luck.
There is a very limited quota for bighorn sheep licenses. Depending on the area, the chances of drawing a tag in a random draw are typically less than one percent. And once you do obtain a license, then you have to wait another five years before applying again.
10/23/2018
Swan Land Company would like to congratulate the Montana Land Reliance for receiving this prestigious Presidents Award!
The Montana Land Reliance was recently presented with the President's Award, the highest honor awarded by the Land Trust Alliance.
This award is granted to an individual or organization "whose leadership has enriched the land conservation movement and whose contributions encourage commitment and action throughout the land trust community and private landowner community."
For more information on the Land Trust Alliance: https://www.landtrustalliance.org