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.
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
Following a winter with record-cold temperatures and plentiful snowfall, the spring is warming up with strong recreational ranch sales. This past week Swan Land Company brokers represented the buyers in the purchase of two Montana ranches. Located in separate parts of the state and with very different attributes, we congratulate and are extremely excited for the new owners to take advantage of the great features that both of these exceptional ranches have to offer.
Peterson Ranch is situated in the rolling hills of Central Montana in the famed Judith Basin near Buffalo and about 30 miles southwest of Lewistown. It is comprised of approximately 9,669± total acres, of which 8,549± acres are deeded and 1,120 acres are a State of Montana lease. With over 4,012 acres of dry-land farm ground, Peterson Ranch is a rare opportunity to own one of the premier blocked-up and contiguous dry-land farms in one of the Big Sky State’s most productive basin settings.
Encompassing Mission Creek Canyon with the backdrop of the Absaroka Mountain Range, 63 Ranch, located minutes from Livingston, is in one of the most stunning settings in Montana. The 2,014± deeded acres cover timbered hillsides, lush riparian bottoms along Mission Creek, and rolling meadows of native grasses. Bordering the Gallatin National Forest and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area to the south, the Ranch controls the mouth of the Mission Creek Canyon in what may very well be one of the most dramatic backdrops in the lower 48 states. Traditionally operated as a historic guest ranch, the 63 Ranch would also be ideal as a recreational gentleman’s ranch for the outdoor enthusiast and allow one to run livestock.
BOZEMAN — A new ranching systems degree that is expected to help sustain the agricultural heritage of the northern Great Plains and Intermountain West will be offered at Montana State University beginning this fall as part of a new umbrella program.
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.
Offered for sale for the first time since 1944, the Historic Strand Ranch, nestled at the base of the Highwood Mountains of north central Montana, is comprised of 30,974± total acres of which 28,894± are deeded, 1,760 acres are State of Montana Lease and 320 acres are BLM Lease. The Ranch comfortably carries 1,100 head of mother cows.
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
Mike Swan is honored to be a presenter at The Seminar Group's 4th Annual Buying and Selling Ranches in Montana.
Seminar Summary:
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