Parker Ranch is situated in the rolling hills of the Nebraska Sandhills near Keystone and approximately 24 miles north of Ogallala.  It is comprised of 28,750± total acres, of which 27,482± are deeded and 1,268± are State of Nebraska lease.  With 128± pivot-irrigated acres and positioned near to abundant feed resources, the Ranch is ideal for many different operating scenarios.  Comprised mostly of grasslands, cross fenced into 36 pastures, and with excellent stock water through both a pipeline system and windmills, Parker Ranch is one of the best in its class.

The grass resource has been well cared for and it is apparent that the current owners have conservatively managed the Ranch to ensure healthy stands of native forage.  The Ranch has historically been able to support approximately 1,600 Animal Units.

The improvements on the Ranch, including four homes, shop, calving barn and storage facilities, are well maintained and functional.  The storage buildings allow for all equipment to be kept under roof.  The Ranch has ten sets of corrals strategically placed throughout the Ranch to facilitate efficient cattle operations.

Rarely do low-overhead grass ranches come on the market in such a desirable location, especially in such excellent condition.  Parker Ranch is a turn-key opportunity to pick up a legacy ranch that is built upon years of hard work and great attention to detail.

One of the most unique geographic features in North America, the Sandhills contain hundreds of feet of course sand and gravel. Below the surface is one of the largest water reserves in North America – The Ogallala Aquifer. This enormous sand formation is a huge sponge that absorbs rain and snowfall – about half of the annual precipitation percolates downward into this remarkable underground pool.

The Ranch headquarters is located 11± miles north of Keystone, Nebraska with excellent access from County Road East G N, a county-maintained road.  Not far away is Ogallala, Nebraska for ranch supplies, healthcare, and a meal.

Searle Field Municipal Airport (OGA), a well-improved airstrip capable of handling good-sized aircraft, is located in Ogallala, Nebraska.  Searle Field has two paved and lighted runways (5,100 and 3,700 feet) and offers 24-hour access to on-site jet fuel and AV-gas.

Ogallala also has all the essential services needed before heading to the Ranch.  With a modern health clinic, Walmart, several equipment dealers, a grocery store, numerous banks, several agricultural supply, hardware, and lumber stores, a livestock sale barn, a movie theatre, and multiple restaurants, Ogallala is able to provide all of the essentials.

North Platte, Nebraska, 61 miles east of the Ranch via Interstate 80, provides additional services including restaurants, large building-supply stores, Walmart, and commercial flights connecting to Denver.

Ogallala, Nebraska is about 3,222′ above sea level, and the headquarters of Parker Ranch sit at around 3,500′ above sea level.

On average, there are 228 sunny days per year in Ogallala.  The July average high is around 90°F with an average July low around 61°F.  The January high averages are 40°F with an average low of 15°F.  Ogallala receives an average annual rainfall of about 20.37″ with the majority equally spread across May, June, and July.  The average annual snowfall is about 29″.

Parker Ranch encompasses approximately 28,750± total acres, including:

The Ranch is one large contiguous unit, 12± miles long running north and south and 6 miles wide east to west.

The heavily sodded pastures enhance this very productive ranch.  The native pastures are comprised of both cool-season and warm-season grasses common to the Sandhills including grama grasses, prairie junegrass, bluestems, needle and thread, and wheatgrasses just to name a few.

The 128±-acre pivot-irrigated field has been historically used for grazing but could be planted for corn, alfalfa, or other forage crops.  The well, providing water to the pivot, is 340 feet deep with a static level of 27 feet.  This well is rated to pump 2,198 GPM and is powered by a diesel motor.

Fenced into 36 pastures, the owners have continuously improved the fences to be in good condition.  Pasture sizes range from one to two sections, facilitating good utilization of the grass resource.

What further separates Parker Ranch from many ranches in the Sandhills, is the pipeline stock-water system.  With over 120 water tanks, cattle are well distributed resulting in reduced stress and consistent weight gain on calves and/or yearlings.

This ranch is ideally suited for large numbers of cattle due to the excellent stock-watering system, providing the owner the flexibility of either a cow-calf or a yearling-stocker operation, depending upon individual goals.

One of the most unique characteristics of Parker Ranch is the consistency with which an operator can depend upon the grass.  Historically the Ranch has carried approximately 1,600 Animal Units (AU).  Due to the cost efficiencies of location and proximity to feed resources, the owner has elected to send cows to corn stalks during the winter months.  This enables the cows to keep good body condition through the winter while resting most of the Ranch.

Other operating scenarios are possible depending on the interests and goals of the future owner.

An Animal Unit (AU) is generally defined as one mature cow of approximately 1,000 pounds and a calf as old as six months, or their equivalent.  An Animal Unit Month (AUM) is the amount of forage required by one animal unit for one month. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) uses 30 pounds of air-dry forage per day as the standard forage demand for a 1,000-pound cow and her calf (one Animal Unit). This consumption requirement is equal to 3.0 percent of body weight.  Research has validated animal intake rates for beef cows as low as 1.5 percent of body weight to a high of 3.5 percent.  No single rate is always correct. Forage consumption and animal feed requirements change based on many factors.  Some factors include forage quality (crude protein and digestibility), standing crop, age of the animal, physiological stage of animal (dry; pregnant; lactating), mature animal body weight, animal breed type, supplementation, topography, weather factors, and watering facilities.

Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, crop yields, potential profits, (etc.), are intended as general guidelines and have been obtained from sources deemed reliable; however, accuracy is not warranted or guaranteed by the Seller or Swan Land Company.  Prospective buyers should verify all information to their sole and complete satisfaction.

Electricity is provided by Midwest Electric.  Telephone and Internet services are provided by Glenwood.  Trash service is provided by Waste Connections.  Propane is provided by Sapp Brothers.  Domestic water for the homes is provided by several wells with each home having a separate septic sewer system.

A detailed list of personal property to be included in the sale shall be provided upon request.
Any personal property purchased will be transferred by a Bill of Sale at Closing.

Groundwater is an abundant resource on Parker Ranch.  The static water level is close to the surface with many static levels ranging from 25 to 100 feet.  With approximately 47 windmills and 67± miles of pipeline servicing 120± tanks, the Ranch is extremely well watered.  The stock-water pipeline is supplied by six submersible wells with a combined total output of 140 gallons per minute.  All but two of the windmills are redundant with the pipeline to further fortify the availability of stock water.

One unique and progressive improvement on the Ranch is the remote monitoring system on the stock-water pipeline system.  With pressure sensors located at strategic points on the pipeline, the operator can monitor the status of the pipeline from a cell phone or mobile device!  This is not only a cost-saving feature reducing miles driven to check water, but also a stress-reducing feature for the operator during the hot summer months when water availability to cattle is the most critical.

IRRIGATION WELL DATA

• Drilled in 1989
• Well pumps 2,200 Gallons per Minute with the pump set at a depth of 57′
• 340′ depth with 16″ casing
• 27′ static depth

More GPM is available if the pump is set lower.

A detailed list of permitted wells can be provided upon request.

The Seller will convey with the Ranch 100% of whatever mineral, oil, gas, geo-thermal, hydro-carbon, wind, solar, and gravel rights they actually own, subject to reservations by previous owners. The Seller makes no representation as to the quantity or quality of any mineral or other sub-surface rights appurtenant to the Ranch.

Clean, fresh air along with inspiring sunsets and breathtaking views of the rising full moon, Keith and Arthur Counties are brimming with outdoor sports and activities.  Visitors with a canoe can enjoy the abundant wildlife, scenery, and total quiet on the peaceful North Platte River.  Nationally renowned for abundant waterfowl, Nebraska’s Sandhills, encompassing almost 20,000 square miles, are the Nation’s most extensive and intact wetland and grassland system.

Consistent precipitation supports grassland plants whose roots stabilize the soil and keep the dunes in place.  In addition to the sandy soil, another unique aspect of the Sandhills is their perch on top of one of the largest aquifers in the world.  The Ogallala Aquifer has a capacity for one billion acre-feet of groundwater providing thousands of wetlands and lakes throughout the region.

From a recreational standpoint, Parker Ranch is well situated to enjoy some of the major area attractions.  On the Parker Ranch itself, trophy mule deer, antelope, prairie chicken, and sharp-tailed grouse are often encountered.  From the south end of the Ranch, you can see Lake McConaughy, Nebraska’s largest lake.  At full capacity, the lake is twenty miles long, four miles wide, and 142 feet deep at the dam, offering plenty of room for recreationists with excellent boating, fishing, camping, windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, and sailing.  For the fisherman, game-fish species include rainbow trout, channel catfish, walleye, smallmouth and white bass, Northern pike, and wiper.  Additionally, the shoreline boasts many natural white sand beaches.  Lake McConaughy’s attractions draw visitors from not only Nebraska but several neighboring states.

The Parker family acquired the first part of the Ranch in 1989.  The entire Ranch took 30 years to assemble from four sizable transactions.  Years of continual projects of fencing, water development, and soil stabilization have resulted in the Parker Ranch as it is today.

The town of Ogallala was named after the Oglala Sioux Indian tribe that lived and hunted in the area for many decades.  Early trappers and homesteaders were on constant alert from local Indian tribes, as well as prairie fires that swept through for hundreds of miles and natural environmental threats.  As a result, pioneers following the Oregon Trail were protected by government forts along the trail.

On May 24, 1867, the Union Pacific Railroad reached Ogallala.  In order to make railroad ties, the workers cut large cedar trees on the south hills of the valley.  The growth of the area began very slowly as settlers started to follow the railroad.  However, it became a terminus for cattle ranchers who drove their cattle there awaiting their shipment onto the railroad.  Cowboys would allow their cattle to graze the open range on the north side of the river.  In those early days, Ogallala was thought to only have a section house and water tank for the recently installed railroad.  By 1875, around 75,000 head of cattle were being brought through Ogallala’s chutes.  In the later part of the following year, a military campaign was conducted by General Crook and Colonel Miles.  As a result, the area became safer because hostile Indians would be confined to their reservations.  This made it easier for cattle drives.

Just five years later, Ogallala contained a hostel, school, courthouse, and around 25 residents with their permanent roots in the ground.  The town would become bustling with the onset of the arrival of Texas cattle herds and would come to a standstill as October approached.  With ten to twelve herds arriving during that short window, each with 100 to 200 trail hands a piece, Ogallala would be teeming with life for a short time.

The summer of 1884 brought with it a serious bout of Texas fever to the herds.  This was thought to have come from the Texas cattle.  This caused devastation throughout the cattle herds.  When this conclusion became known, Texas cattle were barred from Nebraska.  This ended the trail era of Ogallala.  In turn, the town became a peaceful farming community.

Under the surface of eight states, ranging from South Dakota down to Texas and New Mexico sits the Ogallala Aquifer.  It is one of the world’s largest aquifers and underlies an area of nearly 174,000 square miles.  Part of the High Plains Aquifer System, it was named by geologist N.H. Darton in 1898 due to its typical locality near the town of Ogallala.  This shallow table aquifer saw its first uses for irrigation in the early 1900s and was utilized minimally up until the 1930s.  During this time, farmers converted large amounts of land that were previously grassland into cropland.  The drought, along with poor soil practices, led to the 1930s Dust Bowl.  Today, Ogallala Aquifer is a major source of irrigation water throughout the region and the focus of conservationists.

The 2019 real estate taxes were $143,861.54.

The 2020 State of Nebraska rent is as follows:

Keith County – T16N, R37W, Sec 36 (Lease #111267, Exp 2022) – $10,240.52
Arthur County – T17N, R37W, Sec 36 (Lease #110386, Exp 2022) – $11,019.60

The Seller hereby makes known that there may be variations between the deeded property lines and the location of the existing fence boundary lines on Parker Ranch.  The Seller makes no warranties with regard to the location of the fence lines in relationship to the deeded property lines, nor does the Seller make any warranties or representations with regard to the specific acreage within the fenced property lines.

The Seller is selling Parker Ranch in its “as is-where is” condition which includes the location of the fences as they now exist.  Boundaries shown on any accompanying maps are approximate.  The maps are not to scale and are for visual aid only.  The accuracy of the maps and information portrayed therein is not guaranteed nor warranted.

While a number of smaller Sandhills ranches are generally available, a 28,750-acre place is considerably more difficult to find in this productive, reputation cattle-ranching region.

Parker Ranch is well situated in one of the most desirable areas to raise cattle in Nebraska and is comprised of 28,750± total acres, of which 27,482± are deeded.  The Ranch has consistently supported approximately 1,600 Animal Units.  With the ideal combination of abundant grass, unlimited stock water, efficient cross fencing, well-designed improvements, close proximity to cattle markets, and convenient to abundant feed resources, Parker Ranch presents a unique opportunity to invest in one of the cleanest and most efficient ranches on the market.

The opportunity to acquire a ranch in the turn-key condition is rare in the Sandhills of Nebraska.  This is a working ranch assembled and improved by the Parker family who has exerted meticulous care for both land and livestock alike.

Parker Ranch is not average by any measure, and in representing this attractive, productive ranch we are confident the next experienced owner will find it to be both rewarding to operate and most satisfactory as a solid investment.

OFFERING PRICE and CONDITIONS OF SALE

Parker Ranch, as Previously Described Herein, is Offered at $21,500,000 Cash.  The Conditions of Sale Are as Follows:

1. All offers to purchase must be in writing and accompanied by an earnest money deposit check in the amount of 3.50% of the Purchaser’s offering price;
2. All Offerors must demonstrate to the Seller’s satisfaction unquestioned financial capability to purchase the Ranch prior to scheduling a showing;
3. Earnest money deposits will be placed in escrow with Title Services of the Plains, LLC in North Platte, Nebraska;
4. The Seller will provide and pay for a standard owner’s title insurance policy issued by Title Services of the Plains, LLC, underwritten by Old Republic;
5. All of the Ranch’s water rights will be transferred to the Purchaser at Closing;
6. All of the Ranch’s mineral rights appurtenant to the property and currently owned by the Seller will be transferred at Closing;
7. Buyers’ Brokers are welcome and cordially invited to contact Swan Land Company for information regarding Cooperation Policies and Commission Splits.

The equipment, machinery, livestock, and miscellaneous shop tools and supplies would also be available for purchase via a separate Bill of Sale and negotiated separately from the real estate transaction making this a turn-key operation for the next owner.  Please contact listing salesperson Scott Williams for a complete inventory and pricing.

The Seller reserves the right to effect a tax-deferred exchange for other real property in accordance with provisions in Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Buyer will not be required to incur any additional expenses nor to step into the chain of title on any property which the Seller may acquire.

This entire Offering is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by the Seller.  Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, crop yields, potential profits, etc., are intended only as general guidelines and have been obtained from sources deemed reliable; however, accuracy is not warranted or guaranteed by the Seller or Swan Land Company.  Prospective Buyers should verify all information to their sole and complete satisfaction.

TERMS OF INSPECTION

A 48-hour notice is requested to make proper arrangements for an inspection of Parker Ranch.

Swan Land Company has been authorized by the Seller to act as their Exclusive Real Estate Broker on the sale of Parker Ranch.  Since 2002, we have primarily focused on the brokerage of significant ranches, farms, and recreational properties throughout the Rocky Mountain West.

This Offering is based on information believed to be correct; however, it is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, and change or withdrawal without notice.  Information contained herein has been provided by the Seller or obtained from other sources deemed reliable.  The Agent does not, however, guarantee accuracy and recommends that any Prospective Buyer conduct an independent investigation.