Yellowstone NP halts bison slaughter

The number of bison in Yellowstone dropped by a staggering amount this winter. According to this CNN report, the population fell from more than 4,700 to just 2,300 since November. What’s causing the decline? Read inside for more. Read more

Max Baucus Out to Ax Timber Tax

Timber sales are typically taxed at the standard 15% capital gain rate. Yet timber companies typically pay the standard 35% corporate tax rate. This quirk in the tax law has led many timber companies including Plum Creek and Potlatch to restructure as real estate investment trusts (REITs), which enables them to take advantage of the lower 15% rate. Sen. Max Baucus wants to change that.
Read more

Corn profits rocket skyward

Corn revenues could easily surpass $40 billion in the United States this year as farmers rush to take advantage of rising interest in ethanol,  according to a recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Read more

A ranch managers key component: communication

Firms oversee large-scale improvements and management practices but are rarely involved in the day-to-day aspects of running a ranch. That is where your ranch manager steps in to take over. Read more

Classroom: Water rights in New Mexico

With most areas of the West gaining popularity for natural beauty, recreation and open lands, it’s important that those who wish to purchase land or homes understand an issue as important as water rights.  As a very precious commodity with greater demand than supply, New Mexico’s water is the subject of a great deal of legal action and has been so for a very long time. Read more

How to take a percolation test

The percolation or “perc” test is used to evaluate the absorption rate of soil, and healthy percolation is necessary for the proper design and function of septic systems. Generally speaking, land that is adequately aerated can effectively absorb water at a faster rate than clay or other dense soil. The location of the natural water table is also a significant factor, because when water already exists close to the surface the soil cannot accommodate absorption as well as it can if the water table is deep within the ground. Read more

Illinois sees land values rise dramatically

Farmland values in Illinois increased by nearly 6% during the first half of this year, with investors, both local and national, bidding up the rural properties, particularly in the “collar counties” around Chicago. Rather than focus on short-term problems in the credit and housing markets, many long-term investors perceive an “asset shortage,” and that is driving the price increases, financiers are telling LandReport.com. Read more

Tips for the first-time buyer of rural land

Knowing exactly what you want in a piece of property can help make your first land-buying experience a positive one. Read more

Going With a Ranch Management Company

For some it’s a lawn crew. For others, a cleaning service or a pool boy. Upkeep on your primary residence often requires professional support. The same is true for a recreational property, particularly a larger one. This is where ranch management firms come into play. Read more

Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield offers up the best

It is the premiere brokerage of recreational properties in the country, and the mission of Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield is simple: “Connect individuals with the highest-quality, investment-grade recreational properties to fit their needs and vision” and “do so with an emphasis on conservation …”

Read more

Next Page »