Ranch Marketing Associates

TO BE AUCTIONED BY WESTCHESTER AUCTIONS on May 12 at 1:00pm at Island Grove Park in Greeley, Colorado

Auction Preview Dates: April 14, April 28

Set along the open range of the Northern Colorado prairie, this 90 year-old reputation ranch is surrounded by chalk bluffs, Pawnee National Grasslands and the Front Range of the Rockies. The property is located just off US Highway 85, eight miles south of the CO/WY state line and 30 miles north of Greeley. Approximately 8,000 deeded acres with 1,920 acres state lease and grazing allotments in the Crow Valley Grazing Association and Central Plains Range Program. Centrally located headquarters with three homes, barns, shop and complete set of working corrals. There are eight wells and several springs providing excellent stock water.

Location:
Situated in north-central Colorado, the ranch’s west end is just off US Highway 85, 13 miles east of Interstate 25, 30 miles north of Greeley and 19 miles south of Cheyenne, the State Capital of Wyoming. The ranch is 11 miles north of Nunn which has a population of 400 and is the closest general trade area. The ranch is located on both sides of County Road 122.

Property Description:
The area is primarily low rolling hills of native grass pasturelands with shallow drainage ways that include Long Tree Creek, Little Owl Creek, Owl Creek and Cow Creek (mostly intermittent). The deeded part of the ranch is approximately 2 to 3 miles wide, and runs from Highway 85, seven miles east. The ranch consists of 8,000 deeded acres plus 1,920 acres of state lease allowing for 576 aum’s. The ranch is the oldest member of the Crow Valley Grazing Association which consists of 196,000 acres and borders the ranch on two sides, allowing 350 animal units. Bordering the ranch to the south is a permit for 84 animal units within the Central Plains Experimental Range. The ranch is perimeter fenced with four strand barb wire into nine pastures ranging in size from 200 to 2,000 acres. The improvements are located centrally within the ranch off County Road 122.

Improvements:
The two-story, main residence consists of 1,280 square feet and has a fully finished basement. Originally constructed in 1917, the home is frame constructed with Masonite lap siding, modernized to today’s standards. Rooms include a main level living room, kitchen with eating area, bedroom, bathroom and enclosed front and rear porch. The upper level has two bedrooms and half bath and the lower level features a recreation room, bedroom and ¾ bath. The Ranch Manager’s house is single-level and was built in the 1940’s and consists of 831 square feet plus a finished basement. The exterior has unique river rock walls, with living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and office. The basement has a recreation room, bathroom and laundry area. The third home is a mobile/modular built in 1993 with three bedroom and two bathrooms.

Additional buildings include an older 1,608 sq. ft. dairy barn in good condition, a 2,866 sq. ft. shed/shop of various depths with a partial concrete floor, and a 1,514 sq. ft. garage with drive through door. There are several loafing sheds and open front livestock sheds, granary, brooder house and a well house/bunkhouse. The ranch has an excellent set of steel pipe corrals. There are two wells that serve the headquarters with several frost free hydrants for stock water.

History and Operational Considerations:
The Prange Ranch has a unique history dating back to the early 1900’s. The remains of an old stage stop can be seen on the south side of the ranch and wagon ruts are still visible where a spur of the Overland Trail ran through on its way West. Historically, the ranch has been know for its’ quality Hereford/Angus cross cattle, running 370 pair with top registered bulls and selling calves on video each fall. Currently, the ranch is running 1,000 yearling cattle through the grazing season. There is great opportunity with this ranch to operate either way. The ranch currently receives additional income from several sources, which more than cover the ranch’s real estate taxes and cattle grazing permits. Contact the listing Broker for further details and breakdown.

Summary and Conclusion:
Historic reputation ranch with ready to go improvements and natural resources making this one of the premier working cattle ranches in north central Colorado. Easy to get to from any Front Range city, the Prange Ranch offers several options in a real western setting with scenery, production, and wildlife.

The Prange Ranch is inclusive of all real estate, less a small parcel owned by the ranch manager which may be for sale, improvements, and seller's cooperation to transfer membership in Crow Valley Grazing Association and all other grazing permits.


Colorado - Weld County - Nunn