In recent years, the 96 Ranch has been operated as both a year round cow/calf ranching operation and a summer yearling ranching unit. Currently, the property is stocked with yearlings. This area of New Mexico, and much of the western states have been plagued by severe drought for several years, and stocking rates have been reduced accordingly. Under normal conditions, stocking rates are estimated to be in the range of 12 15 animal units per section, or a total of 1,200 1,500 animal units. Because of the drought, the ranch has recently been stocked with 1,500 2,500 yearlings on a seasonal basis. Beneficial summer showers over portions of the ranch have improved conditions and the property is responding well to this welcomed precipitation.

The majority of the ranch has a rolling to hilly terrain. Many low basins/depressions are scattered throughout the property. These low lying areas normally serve as natural lakes as they receive runoff water from the elevated uplands during times of favorable moisture. Some of these natural lake bottom sites have been pitted to increase water holding capacity. Much of the ranch has scattered limestone rock outcrops. The limestone country produces strong, high protein grasses, such as grama, buffalo, side oats, and New Mexico feather grass. Galleta is fairly common in the flats and sacaton is in small scattered spots. Cholla cactus is located in moderate to sometimes dense stands throughout much of the property; however, current drought conditions appear to have killed some of the cholla. Small areas on the north, east and south sides of the property descend fairly dramatically into colorful, eroded sandstone canyons. There is a small sprinkling of mesquite on the ranch, with juniper found in the broken canyon country.

On several portions of the ranch, the soils gently transition to rolling sandy loams, and these areas have a desirable mix of native grasses, along with sage and yucca. Antelope are common in the open rolling country and desirable mule deer habitat is found in the more broken areas of the ranch. Elevations on the upland country range from 5,000 5,350 feet and descend to 4,700 4,900 feet in the canyons.

The ranch is fenced into approximately 20 pastures and several smaller traps. The majority of the fences are of net wire construction, but some newer fences are five strand barbed wire onstruction. Overall, the fences are considered to be in fair condition.

On a seasonal basis, the ranch is watered by the natural and pitted lakes. Permanent water sources include six electric submersible wells, five solar wells, approximately 20 windmills and approximately 65 70 miles of waterlines with numerous drinking troughs and water storages. The water sources are very well distributed over the ranch and with only a few exceptions, cattle never need to travel over one mile to water. Water quality varies from well to well, with some wells having mineral deposits, while other well water is of good quality. All water is fine for livestock consumption and well water is available at all improvements.

The 96 Ranch is very well improved by an attractive owners home and two separate camp locations. The owners home is a Spanish style hacienda with a stucco adobe style exterior, and a flat top roof. This well built home is located on an elevated point overlooking a scenic canyon area. The home features high ceilings with exposed timbered beams and corbels. Solid wood doors accent the quality of this beautiful home. The home has three bedrooms, two and one-half baths, two separate living areas, wet bar, kitchen/dining area, utility room, and a three-car garage. This outstanding home also has three fireplaces, one of which is a Spanish style Kiva fireplace. Floors throughout the home are a combination of tile and carpet. The front and back areas are both enclosed by small courtyards.

The two camps have ranch hand houses with barns and pens. The North Camp is improved with a nearly new modular style home and the South Camp is improved with an older hand house that has recently been totally remodeled. All structural improvements are considered to be in good to excellent condition. Totally, there are three large sets of shipping pens, all equipped with livestock scales, plus several other sets of branding and working pens. The pens are very functional and everything on the ranch is well maintained and in good operating condition.

This operating cattle ranch is priced to sell on todays market at only $295 per deeded acre.

Property taxes are extremely reasonable, being approximately 25 per deeded acre, which also includes the New Mexico Livestock Tax. The New Mexico State Lease and BLM acreage will be transferred to the buyer, and these leases are an attractive asset to the ranch because of their very reasonable cost. The New Mexico State lease is about 49 per acre and the BLM Lease has a current annual cost of $810, or approximately 33 per acre. In addition, approximately 1,520 acres of free use/uncontrolled lands are scattered within the boundaries of the property.

It is seldom ranches of this size become available. The property is located in a desirable area, offering a good year round climate. Average annual rainfall is approximately 14 inches. A large operating wind farm is located in close proximity to the ranch, and all wind generation royalty rights will convey with the property. All of the sellers mineral interest, if any, will convey with the property.

If you have been searching for a large operating cattle ranch, this property deserves your attention. Also, two quality employees reside on the property and both have indicated their interest in remaining on staff under the new ownership.

Please give the 96 Ranch your consideration as all the property needs is favorable moisture. The ranch is improved and ready to operate in all other aspects.