Land Report Top Ten: March 2012
March 27, 2012 by Land Report Editors
Filed under California, Colorado, Feature, Field Reporters, Hawaii, Montana, Texas, Wyoming
From the Pacific to the Southwest, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $175 million Jackson Land and Cattle Ranch, which is listed by Hall and Hall. New to the list, and pictured above, is the Broken O Ranch in the Lone Star State of Texas.
1. Jackson Land and Cattle: $175 million
These 1,750 acres are simply the most phenomenal property to come to the market in the Teton Valley in decades. Jackson Land and Cattle is one-of-a-kind in every respect: world-class improvements, including an equestrian center designed by Jonathan Foote, AIA; lack of any development restrictions; and don’t forget the stunning Teton views. Hall and Hall’s John Pierce has the listing.
2. Broken O Ranch (Montana): $132.5 million
At 123,000 acres, this ranch has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually. Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company has the listing.
3. Walton Ranch: $100 million
This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.
4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $84 million
This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.
5. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million
Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.
6. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million
Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.
7. Hana Ranch: $55 million
This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.
8. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million
For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.
9. Aspen Valley Ranch: $52 million
Billed as the largest ranch near Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley, this ranch boasts senior water rights as well as over 800 acres and is located just 10 minutes from the Aspen airport. Joshua Saslove of Joshua & Co. has the listing.
10. Dana Ranch: $45 million
With only two distinguished owners in nearly 100 years and an unmatched record of profitability, the Dana is considered by many to be the finest operating and recreational ranch in the Rocky Mountain West. Supporting 3,000 animal units on 59,000± acres, it boasts over 13 miles of superb fisheries and an incredible diversity of wildlife resources from elk to waterfowl to upland birds. Listed by Dave Johnson with Hall and Hall.
Click here to download a copy of the March 2012 newsletter.
For Sale: Diamond B River Ranch
February 22, 2012 by Eddie Lee
Filed under Eddie Lee Rider, Feature, Montana
The majestic Diamond B River Ranch resides in the center of the Paradise Valley of the Northern Rockies, arguably the most scenic valley in Montana and noted for its abundant wildlife and fishing opportunities.
With beautiful views of the 10,921-foot Emigrant Peak towering above the landscape, significant Yellowstone River frontage and riparian areas, flowing spring waters, and close proximity to Yellowstone Park, Bozeman, and Livingston, the Diamond B has many assets that make it more valuable than most cattle operations could imagine.
“Standing on the bluff on the Diamond B property with views up and down the Yellowstone River and jagged peaks all around takes your breath away,” observes Greg Fay, of Fay Ranches, the listing brokerage. “With fine dining at Chico Hot Springs just 5 minutes from the ranch and Yellowstone Park just 20 minutes south, it’s tough to beat the location. It is not often that a ranch of this quality and size comes on the market in the Paradise Valley. This one is priced at an excellent value.”
The ranch, which includes 1± miles of Yellowstone River frontage, currently runs Angus cattle as well as bison and longhorn. It consists of 2031± deeded acres of spring dry land pasture, pivot, wheel and hand line irrigated hay and grass. The 550± acres of irrigated ground can produce 1,200 to 1,500 tons of hay per year with two cuttings. About 200± acres make up the riverfront riparian area where the ranch manager’s home, barns, corrals, two ponds, and springs are located.
Listing price currently is $12,500,000. For more information about this property, visit www.FayRanches.com.
Land Report Top Ten: February 2012
February 21, 2012 by Land Report Editors
Filed under California, Colorado, Feature, Field Reporters, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Texas, Wyoming
From the Lone Star State to Hawaii, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $175 million Jackson Land and Cattle Ranch, which is listed by Hall and Hall. Two new properties have joined this mix: Broken O Ranch in Montana and Hudye Farms along the Colorado-Kansas state line.
1. Jackson Land and Cattle: $175 million
These 1,750 acres are simply the most phenomenal property to come to the market in the Teton Valley in decades. Jackson Land and Cattle is one-of-a-kind in every respect: world-class improvements, including an equestrian center designed by Jonathan Foote, AIA; lack of any development restrictions; and don’t forget the stunning Teton views. Hall and Hall’s John Pierce has the listing.
2. Broken O Ranch: $132.5 million
At 123,000 acres, this ranch (pictured above) has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually. Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company has the listing.
3. Walton Ranch: $100 million
This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.
4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $84 million
This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.
5. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million
Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.
6. Aspen Valley Ranch: $59 million
Billed as the largest ranch near Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley, this ranch boasts senior water rights as well as over 800 acres and is located just 10 minutes from the Aspen airport. Joshua Saslove of Joshua & Co. has the listing.
7. Hana Ranch: $55 million
This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.
8. Rockpile Ranch: $54 million
For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.
9. Hudye Farm: $49 million
Spanning two states, Hudye Farm is the largest dryland and irrigated farm ever to be offered for sale in eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Assembled over the past ten years, this ranch includes 17,741 acres of high quality farmlands with excellent production history, topography, soils and water conditions. Located in the top grain growing region of this area, the crops grown are primarily corn and wheat. Bart Miller of Mason & Morse Ranch Company has the listing.
10. Dana Ranch: $45 million
With only two distinguished owners in nearly 100 years and an unmatched record of profitability, the Dana is considered by many to be the finest operating and recreational ranch in the Rocky Mountain West. Supporting 3,000 animal units on 59,000± acres, it boasts over 13 miles of superb fisheries and an incredible diversity of wildlife resources from elk to waterfowl to upland birds. Listed by Dave Johnson with Hall and Hall.
Click here to download a copy of the February 2012 newsletter.
Vistas: Montana’s Broken O Ranch
January 10, 2012 by Land Report Editors
Filed under Cattle, Farming, Feature, Field Reporters, Hunting, Montana
Located just east of the stunning Rocky Mountain Front in Augusta, Montana, the Broken O Ranch is considered to be one of the Rocky Mountain West’s most grand and significant ranches.
At 123,000 acres, this ranch has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually.
The Broken O Ranch also features outstanding recreational opportunities, including exceptional brown and rainbow fishing plus antelope, whitetail and mule deer hunting.
According to broker Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company, “The Broken O Ranch is one of the Rocky Mountain West’s most significant holdings to come on the Western real estate market in decades.”
Broken O Ranch is listed with Bates Sanders Swan Land Company for $132,500,000. For more information, contact Mike Swan at (406) 522-7342 or mike@bateslandco.com.
Land Report Top 10: Dana Ranch
January 9, 2012 by Land Report Editors
Filed under Field Reporters, Montana
Encompassing almost the entire Hound Creek Valley, Dana Ranch in Cascade, Montana is considered by many to be the finest combination cattle and recreational ranch in the Rocky Mountain West.
At 59,000± acres, this ranch features an incredibly rich environment that includes strong grasses and an amazing diversity of terrain and habitats. Supporting approximately 3,000 head of cattle, this ranch is also home to huge elk herds and substantial populations of mule deer, whitetail deer and antelope. Additionally, with over 18 miles of “Blue Ribbon” quality fisheries, this property includes extensive upland bird, water fowl, and pheasant habitat.
With only two distinguished owners in nearly 100 years and an unmatched record of profitability, Dana Ranch is true “Legacy Ranch.” According to broker Dave Johnson with Hall and Hall, Dana Ranch “combines the very best features of an outstanding operating ranch with the aesthetic qualities, wildlife and fisheries resources of a more recreationally oriented ranch.”
Dana Ranch is listed with Hall and Hall. For more information, contact Dave Johnson at (406) 587-3090 or davej@hallandhall.com.
Click here to see the full list of Land Report’s Top Ten leading land listings.
Sold! Montana’s Historic Horse Ranch
January 5, 2012 by Land Report Editors
Filed under Cattle, Feature, Field Reporters, Montana, West
Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Montana, the historic Horse Ranch sold in December 2011. According to listing broker Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company, the ranch is “a rare combination of privacy, beauty, and scale in a contiguous block of deeded acreage that is very difficult to find in today’s western land market.”
Ryan Flair of Fay Ranches represented the buyer. The initial owners, a prominent Fergus County family, began assembling this magnificent property in the 1880s to supply remount horses for the U.S. Cavalry. The new—and only the third—owner of the Horse Ranch looks forward to continuing the land stewardship of these two preceding Western pioneers.
Comprised of 25,323± acres, this ranch contains sufficient hay meadows and summer pasture to comfortably run 700 to 750 head of brood cows on a year-round basis plus a full complement of heifers and bulls. The deep timbered draws and grassy plateaus on this property also provide prime habitat for the resident elk herds, trophy mule deer, antelope, wild turkey and upland game birds, including sharp-tailed grouse, pheasant and sage grouse.
Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Land Report January 2012 Newsletter
January 1, 2012 by Land Report Editors
Filed under Agriculture, California, Conservation, Farming, Hunting, Iowa, Land Report Top 10, Minerals, Montana, Newsletter, Pacific, Public Land, Recreation, Texas, Water, West
Here’s a great way to start your year: the January edition of The Land Report newsletter.
This issue is chock full of stories and links to essential resources, including the Winter 2011 issue of The Land Report and of course January’s Land Report Top Ten.
As you might imagine, December wrapped up with a slew of end-of-the-year closings, and several key ones are detailed in the January newsletter, including the sale of Montana’s Horse Ranch and the sealed-bid auction of the Robert Mondavi Estate in Napa.
For more up to the minute reports on listings, auctions, sales, and breaking news pertaining to land and landowners, be sure to follow The Magazine of the American Landowner on Facebook and Twitter.
P.S. Our award-winning quarterly magazine is available in a print version via subscription.
Land Report Top Ten: November 2011
November 4, 2011 by Land Report Editors
Filed under California, Cattle, Colorado, Conservation, Equestrian, Farming, Feature, Field Reporters, Golf, Hawaii, Hunting, Land Report Top 10, Midwest, Minerals, Montana, Nevada, Pacific, Recreation, Residential Property, Southwest, Texas, West, Wyoming

From Hawaii to the Lone Star State, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $175 million Jackson Land and Cattle Ranch, pictured here, which is listed by Hall and Hall.
1. Jackson Land and Cattle: $175 million
These 1,750 acres are simply the most phenomenal property to come to the market in the Teton Valley in decades. Jackson Land and Cattle is one-of-a-kind in every respect: world-class improvements, including an equestrian center designed by Jonathan Foote, AIA; lack of any development restrictions; and don’t forget the stunning Teton views. Hall and Hall’s John Pierce has the listing.
2. Walton Ranch: $100 million
This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.
3. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $84 million
This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.
4. Tranquility Estate: $75 million
These 210 acres on Lake Tahoe are crowned by a 20,000 square-foot mansion. Owned by Tommy Hilfiger co-founder Joel Horowitz, it was originally priced at $100 million in 2006. Listed by Shari Chase and Sue Lowe of Chase International.
5. Aspen Valley Ranch: $59 million
Billed as the largest ranch near Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley, this ranch boasts senior water rights as well as over 800 acres and is located just 10 minutes from the Aspen airport. Joshua Saslove of Joshua & Co. has the listing.
6. Robert Taylor Ranch: $56 million
112 acres in Los Angeles’s tony Brentwood enclave. The roomy ranch house, which was designed by Robert Byrd, features 17 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms. Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker Previews International has the listing.
7. Hana Ranch: $55 million
This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.
8. Rockpile Ranch: $54 million
For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.
9. Dana Ranch: $45 million
With only two distinguished owners in nearly 100 years and an unmatched record of profitability, the Dana is considered by many to be the finest operating and recreational ranch in the Rocky Mountain West. Supporting 3,000 animal units on 59,000± acres, it boasts over 13 miles of superb fisheries and an incredible diversity of wildlife resources from elk to waterfowl to upland birds. Listed by Dave Johnson with Hall and Hall.
10. Flying Dog Ranch: $40 million
This 245-acre Aspen landmark features nearly a mile of Collins Creek and Woody Creek and borders the White River National Forest. Morris & Fyrwald Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.
Click here to download a copy of the November 2011 newsletter.
Landmark Sale of 310,000 Acres Completed
January 26, 2011 by Eric OKeefe
Filed under Montana, Regional News, Timber, West
In one of the largest conservation purchases to date, Plum Creek (PCL) completed the sale of a huge swath of Western Montana to the U.S. Forest Service and Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. Swiss philanthropist Hansjorg Wyss jump-started the deal with a $25 million donation that he subsequently upped to $35 million. Other funding sources included the State of Montana, which contributed $65 million, and the Department of Agriculture, whose $250 million expenditure was arranged by Sen. Max Baucus.
For Sale: Montana’s Sun Ranch
April 28, 2009 by Grant Gannon
Filed under Conservation, Developers, Equestrian, Feature, Grant Gannon, Hunting, Montana, Public Land, Recreation, Residential Property, Timber, Water
The jury is still out on my definition of dream property, but I’ll tell you this: Montana’s Sun Ranch is definitely in the running.
Nestled on 18,000 acres just outside of Yellowstone National Park in the Madison Valley, the Sun Ranch ranges from 5,700 feet to over 10,000 and is a sterling example of what a true steward of the land can do with a spectacular piece of property. Almost 100 percent of the ranch is protected by conservation easements.
Three creeks – Sun, Moose, and Wolf – nurture more than a mile of the Madison River, which weaves its way through the property. Needless to say the fishing is out of this world. Elk, deer, bear, antelope, and sheep cross this country going to and from Yellowstone. Throw in a beautiful main residence, and this prime parcel is for sale at $55 million. Fay Ranches has the listing.
According to New West,the owner, Roger Lang, is looking to unload the ranch and free up capital for other conservation projects. According to the article, it looks like he has in mind a development similar to what Russ Maytag has done in Colorado at Maytag Mountain Ranch.

















