Based in Saratoga, Wyoming, Kirby Berger joined Swan Land Company in 2019 as a licensed agent. We asked Kirby a few questions regarding his work with Swan Land Company, life experiences, and selling ranches. Take a look below to see what he had to say.
What is an experience from your life that has led you where you are today or that makes you better at what you do?
Kirby – Years of ‘on the ground’ work experience. I have worked for several Wyoming ranches, large and small. I spend lots of time observing the land; geography, water, grass, and aesthetics. I see things on every ranch that I like, and also things I might change to make the operation easier or more appealing. I have seen and used all kinds of fence and water systems, cattle working facilities, grazing plans, and management programs. Having this real-life experience not only helps me to better understand a listing, but also allows me to answer specific questions for clients regarding the ins and outs of a property.
Is there a part of your family history or education that particularly draws you to sell land/ranches?
Kirby – I received my Master’s in Ag business from the University of Wyoming. Since graduation I have continued to study ranch business and management through books and seminars as well as years of ranch management experience. I have a passion to look for value in ranch land for ease of operation. I can help buyers determine if a particular ranch will be easy to run or could be a potential headache. Similarly, I look to identify opportunities to add value to ranch land that will add significant equity or peace of mind for the owner.
What characteristics does a ranch have to have for you to consider taking the listing, and does salability factor in?
Kirby – I will take on a listing if I see value in it, and I believe it is priced right. Salability is important; I want to help people sell their ranch, not just list it.
What is the best advice that you have received?
Kirby – Don’t try to buy a listing with a high listing price. Be honest with the client on what you think it will sell for. Having a listing sitting on the market for years because it is priced too high is not beneficial to the agent or the seller.
More about Kirby
Kirby Berger understands the value of relationships and the people that make Wyoming great. Kirby, a Saratoga, Wyoming native, grew up on his family’s cattle ranch, where he learned the value of hard work. After obtaining his master’s degree in Ag Business from the University of Wyoming, he returned to the family ranch to work for 14 years. Kirby and his wife Dixie started the budding business Pure Dixie in 2015, where they committed their full focus to building this successful apparel business.
Kirby is a lifelong student and always strives to learn as much as he can at whatever he is doing. An avid reader and curious by nature, he has continued his education through various courses such as Ranching for Profit and Holistic Resource Management. Kirby is very passionate about the principles of business and marketing and has successfully applied these principles to ranching, real estate investment, and the merchandising world.
Kirby’s experience in the agricultural world, combined with his passion for real estate and marketing, will serve his clients well.
Kirby and his wife, Dixie, have three wonderful, growing kids. They enjoy hunting, camping, team roping, and the occasional ranch rodeo.
