23,665 Acres in Decker, MT - $21,000,000

Holmes Ranch is currently owner-rated to conservatively run 600-700 cows annually or the equivalent number of yearlings for the grazing season. The ranch is currently running both pairs and stockers. It operates with limited labor requirements and is perfect for investors who want a productive, low-overhead working ranch. The ranch has a thriving mixture of hardy native grasses and a mosaic of sagebrush, juniper, ponderosa pine, and other deciduous trees native to the area. It lies within the Deer Creek and Badger Hills watershed areas, each with seasonal flowing water, plus numerous springs and reservoirs.

The large contiguous land mass is comprised of great grazing land, excellent grass, natural and developed water, and fencing infrastructure, which provides numerous and diverse enterprise opportunities for return on investment (ROI). A ranch like this can be operated without a lot of overhead and labor.

Water Resources and Pastures

The ranch has over 48 recorded water rights, some of which are surface rights on Deer Creek. The ranchs extensive high-producing wells with buried 3 HDPE primary water pipeline and 2 HDPE secondary lines provide a more than dependable and abundant source of water to nearly every pasture on the ranch on an on-demand basis, and most can be used on a year-round basis. This ranch is as well watered as any you will find. Six of the wells produce about 50 gpm, with more being added. Nearly all the water tanks use 12 diameter tire tanks set up to function through the winter. With all the water and abundance of grass, the ranch can support the grazing demands of its cattle operations in the hottest weather conditions.

The ranch utilizes a regenerative grazing program, which includes 37 permanently fenced pastures with wildlife-friendly high-tensile wire. Temporary electric fencing further divides the larger pastures. The well-managed grazing system promotes management-intensive grazing (MIG) and allows an owner/manager to move livestock to promote regenerative agriculture practices. Such practices build soil structure through better root systems and soil cover, which helps improve water and carbon cycles, creating a better environment for all systems and enterprises above the soil.

For the past 5 years, livestock have been used to build soil and store soil carbon (soil carbon sequestration). When a systems approach to land and ranch management is used, as it is on Holmes Ranch, all things work together for good. As the soil health improves, the grazing enterprises and wildlife resources also improve. Since the most important elements for livestock grazing are already in place, one can get right to it by hauling in truckloads of yearling stockers, pairs, or even sheep.

Carbon Sequestration

Extensive improvements in water and fencing have created 37 paddocks for intensive mob grazing practices, demonstrating the health of the ranchs soils. The abundance of grass reflects the significant amount of stored soil carbon, which has potential marketable value.

Improvements

Owners Residence

Located on the divide overlooking the Deer Creek and Tongue River Valleys, the views of the surrounding area and the Bighorn Mountains are spectacular. This ranch-style home was built in 2016 and has 3 bedrooms and two baths. The contemporary open living spaces, professional appliances, kitchen, master bedroom, and bath are all very nice. It has a detached garage/shop and one other outbuilding.

Newer Foreman/Managers Home

New in 2022, a very well cared for inside and out, 3 bedroom 2 bath home located at the headquarters.

Original Ranch House

Located at the headquarters, it was originally built in the mid-1800s and then remodeled and additions in 1942 and more recently remodeled and renovated. The traditional two-story farmhouse design and well-kept surrounding fenced-in yard and gardens reflect the look and feel of a Montana ranch. Details include 5-bedroom, 3-Baths 2,217 sf living area 1.5 Story Farm House.

Out-Buildings

Indoor Arena

The Holmes Ranch also boasts of its incredible 300 x 125, all-steel, clear-span construction indoor arena. It is fully insulated and heated for the busiest competitive events, which can be held year-round. Inside it, youll be surprised to find a commercial kitchen, and numerous guest rooms and bathrooms used for retreats, guests, and other events. Though currently used for only private events, the arena is equipped with a Priefert air-powered roping chute, roping boxes, and a return alley that in the past, has been used commercially for ropings, barrel racing, and other equestrian events.

Corrals and Working Pens

Outside the arena is a great set of steel working corrals that includes pens, sorting alleys, holding pens, platform scale, load-out chutes for both semi-trucks and pickup trailers and a Silencer hydraulic chute, all of which are large enough to meet the needs of the ranchs cattle operation and thoughtfully designed to make processing and cattle handling less stressful and more efficient for livestock and people. Working and shipping 2000 head of yearlings in a day is possible. Maintenance is also easier, as many of the panels can be removed to allow access for cleaning.

Hunting and Outdoor Recreation

Hunting opportunities include elk, mule deer, black bear, dove, and sharp-tailed grouse. The Holmes Ranch is a fantastic wildlife and Montana recreation ranch. The carefully managed grazing supports better deer, elk, and pronghorn populations, and improves cover and vegetation for upland bird hunting and other recreation amenities. The pure scenic qualities and location of the ranch provide more non-consumptive enterprises. For instance, with little to no light pollution, the stargazing is unbelievable, often filled with spectacular sunrises and sunsets, uninterrupted views of the Milky Way Galaxy, and occasionally northern lights. The views of the surrounding landscapes and the Bighorn Mountains are also captivating. Plus, watching wildlife is always entertaining. Watch elk bathe in reservoirs, listen to them bugling, or watch hawks and eagles soar and hunt.

Located in Elk and Deer Hunt area 704, which is well known for having record-setting bull elk and trophy mule deer. The ranchs large size, good grass and water, abundance of deeded land, great cover, and lack of public access to the leased ground make it an ideal habitat and refuge for wildlife.

Location

Just an easy 30-minute drive to downtown Sheridan, WY, the Holmes Ranch has easy access to a great community with all the necessary goods and services; as well as top schools, good restaurants, shopping, recreation, and medical facilities that include a surgical center, cancer treatment facility, and regional hospital; plus, it has a jet-accessible, commercial airport.

Billings, MT is about 2 hours away if a bigger town is needed and has major shopping, premier health care facilities, and Logan International Airport.

Brokers Comments

Chase Brothers is pleased to present the Holmes Ranch for sale for only the second time in its history. This solid and reliable investment opportunity is located in one of the most sought-after real estate markets in the West, and ranches of its size and scale dont come on the market very often. The beautiful Holmes Ranch should be considered if you're in the market for a legacy ranch in Montana.

Chase Brothers knows of no better or purer form of wealth creation than what can derive from land. The Holmes Ranch is no exception, currently offering diverse income opportunities, including enterprises like livestock grazing, recreational use, trophy hunting, and the sale of carbon credits, plus the potential for other opportunities that only the land can provide. Coupled with the annual land appreciation rates we have seen for this area over the last 30 years, the ranch is set up to support itself operationally and be a reliable store for wealth and wealth creation.