Wyoming Hereford Ranch
Wyoming Hereford Ranch (WHR) is perhaps the oldest continuously operated registered livestock operation in the United States with a history dating back as far as the early days of Alexander Swan in the late 1880’s. After more than a century of enjoying a worldwide reputation for excellence in the Hereford seedstock business, the WHR headquarters still exist in their original location just minutes from Cheyenne. These historic buildings were once the headquarters of a 60,000 acre ranch. Today the ranch consists of 2,952 ± acres that was the heart of the ranch in the Crow Creek valley. Crow Creek flows through the ranch creating an uncommonly beautiful setting as well as providing water for the ranch’s irrigated hay meadows. These excellent water rights combine with gravel reserves and potential for oil and gas development, to offer a diverse real estate holding. The home and extensive improvements along Crow Creek are a combination of the modern and historic. They evoke the long history associated with the WHR while offering all the comforts of of a present day ranch.
* Some of the outstanding photography herein was provided by Mark Quentin / StudioQphoto.com. (Contact information is available upon request.)
Wyoming Hereford Ranch is located on the eastern edge of Cheyenne. In the southeast corner of Wyoming, Cheyenne is approximately 100 miles north of Denver, Colorado and at the intersection of I-25 and I-80. Cheyenne Regional Airport is located in the center of the city and Great Lakes Airlines offers commercial service to Denver International Airport (DIA). The Campstool Exit from I-80 is just north of the ranch and provides immediate access to the property. The exit sign also indicates “The Wyoming Hereford Ranch”. Cheyenne is the capital of Wyoming and is located in Laramie County. The city was established in 1867 taking its name from the Native American tribe. Cheyenne is also home to the prominent F.E. Warren Air Force Base.
WHR is located in the southeast portion of Wyoming, eight miles north of the Colorado/Wyoming border and approximately 60 miles east of the Nebraska/Wyoming border. This is an area of large reputation grass ranches and has been a center of the livestock business since the late 1800s. Cheyenne, which is virtually adjacent to the ranch, is a dynamic and diverse community with a growing economic base supported by energy, distribution centers, railroad and government.
The area to the north and east of the ranch is a combination of agriculture properties, commercial development and large lot rural residential subdivision. I-80 lies directly north of the ranch with Cheyenne directly to the west. The area south of the ranch is native rangeland with agricultural use.
The ranch was founded in 1883 by Alexander H. Swan. Swan Land & Cattle Company owned much of southeast Wyoming at that time. Other foreign investors owned and operated large ranches in Wyoming during that period. The ranch changed hands several times until 1978 when the current owners bought what is left of the historic Wyoming Hereford Ranch. In 1982 they constructed a wonderful 12,000 square foot manor house and added a 22,000 square foot indoor arena.
The ranch covers 2,952 ± deeded acres and irrigates approximately 480 acres from Crow Creek as it winds through the ranch. The property contains a variety of habitats including riparian corridors along Crow Creek, cottonwood stands and native short grass prairies.
The ridge south of Campstool Road is rich with rock and has been used to quarry and crush gravel for several years. A gravel operation on the ranch has provided additional income for ranch owners. Seller indicated that the lease on the gravel quarry can be terminated or renegotiated.
2,955±
Seller would consider splitting the property with some restrictions along the following:
Tract A: 2,360 ± Acres
Tract B: 200 ± Acres
Tract C: 392 ± Acres
Total Deeded: 2,952 ± Acres
*See enclosed map and pricing section for details.
The owners of the Wyoming Hereford Ranch are very generous in sharing the ranch history by allowing some public access to the historic improvements. Ranch headquarters are visited by interested parties who often spend time in the original office which contains a history of the Hereford cattle that were once part of the ranch.
The Don Ornduff Memorial Library is here in the WHR office, on hand made shelves, with a display cabinet of Don’s personal memorabilia. Current owner Sloan and Anna Marie Hales state “among Hereford people, as I say the name ‘Ornduff’, it is legendary. He spent his lifetime, his adult life, with the American Hereford Association. His tenure as editor approached 40 years. He was a wonderful gentleman, a gifted writer, one who was really in the center of Hereford history for the 20th century at least.” As with many areas of the WHR, this library is open to visitors, and something the Hales hope visitors will enjoy well into the future.
Hardly a week goes by that weddings, meetings and other social gatherings are not occurring on the ranch. Ranch improvements are extensive and very well maintained. They include:
Tract A: Improvements
Private Residence:
Recently remodeled, this 2,400 sq. ft. residence consists of four bedrooms and two baths.
Historic House:
1,055 sq. ft., three bedrooms, one bath, partial basement, detached garage.
Historic House:
1,044 sq. ft., two bedrooms, one bath, 493 sq. ft. basement.
Historic House:
870 sq. ft., two bedrooms, one bath, enclosed porch, 140 sq. ft. basement.
Historic House:
857 sq. ft., two bedrooms, small basement.
Quonset Shop:
2,000 sq. ft., one rest room.
Rental homes south of Campstool Road:
972 sq. ft. three bedrooms, one bath, attached garage, 720 sq. ft. basement.
720 sq. ft., two bedrooms, one bath, attached garage.
1452 sq. ft., four bedrooms, one and ¾ baths, second story added in 1968, two-car detached garage, 840 sq. ft. basement.
880 sq. ft. two bedrooms, one bath, 624 sq. ft. basement.
888 sq. ft., two bedrooms, 644 sq. ft. basement.
888 sq. ft. two bedrooms, one bath, 624 sq. ft. basement.
936 sq. ft. three bedrooms, one bath, detached two-car garage, 608 sq. ft. basement.
608 sq. ft. one bedroom, two baths, full basement with finished room.
Building sizes are all approximate and should be independently verified.
Tract B: Improvements
Hereford Manor:
This impressive and exceptionally well cared for two-story home consists of approximately 12,000 square feet. The home has a large open kitchen, expansive areas for family gathering or entertainment, two office/library rooms, seven bedrooms and five full bathrooms and two half-bathrooms. The manor overlooks Crow Creek valley, the historic buildings and the rolling hills to the south. A well-manicured lawn with underground sprinklers together with mature trees and other landscaping features compliment this site.
Arena:
Approximately 22,000 sq. ft. - the indoor arena includes stalls, basketball court and a bathroom.
Event Center:
The sale barn/event center is often used for chuck wagon dinners or dances. This attractive and functional building includes a kitchen, serving area, stage, and stadium seating.
Tract C:
No significant building improvements.
In Cheyenne, average annual precipitation (1971–2000) was 15.5 inches, most of that falling between March and September. The snowfall in Cheyenne averages 56 inches annually, little of which remains on the ground for more than a few days. Winter days are generally sunny with the coldest month being January with an average high temperature of 37 degrees. Summers consist of warm days and cool evenings. Average high temperature in July is 82 degrees. Growing season is approximately 132 days. Elevation at the WHR headquarters is 5,900 ft.
In recent years WHR has taken in other ranchers’ cattle and raised meadow hay as a cash crop. Approximately 500 acres of hay are put up annually with a yield of one to two tons per acre. The many rental homes contribute significantly to the bottom line.
Rental homes at 100% occupancy would generate approximately $140,000 in gross income with expenses estimated at $40,000. An estimated $25,000 of income has been generated from facilities rental for events.
Current ownership has enrolled portions of the riparian areas along Crow Creek in a wildlife enhancement program with the Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Services and Wyoming Natural Resources Trust. This program covers approximately 40± acres. Program participation is not binding however, in “good faith”, the lands are to be protected for 25 years.
The Crow Creek riparian area hosts a variety of birds as well as providing sanctuary for deer and other wildlife. Antelope frequently traverse the ranch.
Crow Creek holds brown trout which provides for an interesting and challenging fishing experience.
The property is being offered with approximately 8 cubic feet per second of early priority water rights from Crow Creek and 280 acre feet of rights in Wyoming Hereford Reservoir #1.
In addition to the agricultural production, the ranch has gravel resources which in the past have generated royalty income. Owners will reserve a 50% royalty interest in future gravel royalties.
Owners are also offering 50% of their oil, gas and coal mineral rights. Most of these mineral rights have been previously severed, however owners believe they own approximately 160 net mineral acres.
$10,300,000 for the entire ranch.
Tract A may be purchased separately for $5,500,000.
Tract C may be purchased separately for $800,000.
Tract B is only offered if the entire ranch is purchased.
* Some of the outstanding photography herein was provided by Mark Quentin / StudioQphoto.com. (Contact information is available upon request.)
2,952 ± deeded acres including 480± irrigated acres from Crow Creek.
Located outside Cheyenne, WY just eight miles north of the Colorado/Wyoming border.
Easy access to Interstate 80 and the growing community of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
12,000 sq.ft. manor house, 22,000 sq.ft. indoor arena and sale barn/event center.
Manor House includes seven bedrooms, five full bathrooms and two half-bathrooms.
Numerous additional homes and working facilities.
Includes riparian corridors, cottonwood stands and native short grass prairies.
Gravel resources rich with rock used to quarry and crush gravel.
Additional income potential through hay as a cash crop, grazing, and rental income.
50% of their oil, gas and coal mineral rights - approximately 160 net mineral acres.
Approximately 8 cfs of early priority water rights from Crow Creek.
280 acre feet of rights in Wyoming Hereford Reservoir #1.
40± acres enrolled in 2 wildlife enhancement programs.
Varieties of birds, brown trout from Crow Creek and a sanctuary for wildlife.
Available in three tracts or as a whole.
MANAGEMENT SERVICES – Hall and Hall’s Management Division has a very clear mission – To represent the owner and to ensure that his or her experience is a positive one. Services are customized to suit the owner’s needs. They often begin with the recruiting and hiring of a suitable ranch manager or caretaker and are followed by the development of a management or operating plan along with appropriate budgets. Ongoing services include bill paying, ranch oversight, and consulting services as needed. Even the most sophisticated and experienced ranch owners appreciate the value of a management firm representing them and providing advice on local area practices and costs. Wes Oja and Jerome Chvilicek at (406) 656-7500 or Randy Clavel at (303) 861-8282 are available to describe and discuss these services in detail and welcome your call.
RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT SERVICES – Increasingly the value of a ranch is measured by the quality of each and every one of its resources. Coincidentally the enhancement of a ranch’s resources also increases the pleasure that one derives from the ownership of a ranch. Our management services have included the assessment of everything from wildlife habitat to bird habitat to water resources and fisheries and the subsequent oversight of the process involved with the enhancement of these resources. Wes Oja or Jerome Chvilicek at (406) 656-7500 are available to describe and discuss these services in detail and welcome your call.
AUCTIONS - Hall and Hall Auctions offers “Another Solution” to create liquidity for the owners of Investment-Quality Rural Real Estate. Our auction team has experience in marketing farmland, ranchland, timberland and recreational properties throughout the nation. Extreme attention to detail and complete transparency coupled with Hall and Hall’s “rolodex” of over 30,000 targeted owners and buyers of rural real estate help assure that there are multiple bidders at each auction. In addition the unique Hall and Hall partnership model creates a teamwork approach that helps to assure that we realize true market value on auction day. For more information on our auction services contact Scott Shuman at (970) 631-7009.
SPECIALIZED LENDING - Since 1946 Hall and Hall has created a legacy by efficiently providing capital to the intermountain west. In addition to traditional farm and ranch loans, we specialize in understanding the unique aspects of placing loans on ranches where value may be influenced by recreational features, location and improvements and repayment may come from outside sources. Our extensive experience and strong relationships with our lenders allows us to quickly tell you whether we can provide the required financing.
Competitive Pricing • Flexible Terms • Efficient Processing
In-House Appraisals • Common Sense Underwriting
Dave Roddy • (406) 656-7500
Mike Hall, Judy Chirila, or Randy Clavel • (303) 861-8282
Monte Lyons • (806) 698-6882
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Hall and Hall Partners, LLP
(Name of Brokerage Company)
REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE DISCLOSURE
When you select a Real Estate Brokerage Firm, Broker or salesperson (all referred to as "Broker") to assist you in a real estate transaction, the Broker may do so in one of several capacities. In accordance with Wyoming's Brokerage Relationships Act, this notice discloses the types of working relationships that are available to you.
Seller's Agent. (Requires written agreement with Seller)
If a Seller signs a written listing agreement with a Broker and engages the Broker as a Seller's Agent, the broker represents the Seller. On properties listed with other brokerage companies, the Broker may work as an agent for the Seller if the Seller agrees to have the Broker work as a subagent. As an agent or subagent for the Seller, the Broker represents the Seller and owes the Seller a duty of utmost good faith, loyalty, and fidelity in addition to the obligations enumerated below for Intermediaries. Wyo. Stat. § 33-28-303(a). The Seller may be vicariously liable for the acts of the Seller's Agent or Seller's Subagent that are approved, directed or ratified by the Seller.
Customer. (No written agreement with Buyer or Seller)
A customer is a party to a real estate transaction who has established no intermediary or agency relationship with any Broker in that transaction. A Broker may work either as an agent for the Seller treating the Buyer as a customer or as an agent for the Buyer treating the Seller as a customer. Also when a Buyer or Seller is represented by another Broker, a Broker may work with the other Buyer or Seller as a customer, having no written agreement, agency or intermediary relationship with either party. A Broker working with a customer shall owe no duty of confidentiality to a customer. Any information shared with Broker may be shared with the other party to the transaction at customer's risk. The customer should not tell the broker any information which the customer does not want shared with the other party to the transaction. The Broker must treat the customer honestly and with fairness disclosing all material matters actually known by the Broker. The Broker owes the Customer the obligations enumerated below for Intermediaries which are marked with an asterisks. W.S. 33-28-310(a).
Buyer's Agent. (Requires written agreement with Buyer)
If a Buyer signs a written Buyer Agency Agreement with a Broker, the Broker will act as an agent for the Buyer. If so, the Broker represents the Buyer and owes the Buyer a duty of utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity in addition to the obligations enumerated below for Intermediaries. The Buyer may be vicariously liable for the acts of the Buyer's Agent that are approved, directed or ratified by the Buyer. As a Buyer's Agent, Wyoming law requires the Broker to disclose to potential Sellers all adverse material facts, which may include material facts regarding the Buyer's financial ability to perform the terms of the transaction. Wyo. Stat. § 33-28-304(c). As a Buyer's Agent, Broker has duties to disclose to the Buyer certain information; therefore, the Seller should not tell Broker any information which the Seller does not want shared with the Buyer.
Intermediary. (Requires written agreement with Seller and/or Buyer)
The Intermediary relationship is a non-agency relationship which may be established between a Broker and a Seller and/or a Broker and a Buyer. A Seller may choose to engage a Broker as an Intermediary when listing a property. A Buyer may also choose to engage a Broker as an Intermediary. An Intermediary shall not act as an agent or advocate for any party and shall be limited to providing those services set forth below. Wyo. Stat.§ 33-28-305.
As an Intermediary (Non-Agent), Broker will not represent you or act as your agent. The parties to a transaction are not legally responsible for the actions of an Intermediary and an Intermediary does not owe the parties the duties of an agent, including the fiduciary duties of loyalty and fidelity. Broker will have the following obligations to you:
- perform the terms of any written agreement made by the Intermediary with any party or parties to the transaction;
- exercise reasonable skill and care;
- advise the parties to obtain expert advice as to material matters about which the Intermediary knows but the specifics of which are beyond the expertise of the Intermediary;
- present all offers and counteroffers in a timely manner;
- account promptly for all money and property Broker received;
- keep you fully informed regarding the transaction;
- obtain the written consent of the parties before assisting the Buyer and Seller in the same real estate transaction as an Intermediary to both parties to the transaction;
- assist in complying with the terms and conditions of any contract and with the closing of the transaction;
- disclose to the parties any interests the Intermediary may have which are adverse to the interest of either party;
- disclose to prospective Buyers, known adverse material facts about the property;
- disclose to prospective Sellers, any known adverse material facts, including adverse material facts pertaining to the Buyer's financial ability to perform the terms of the transaction;
- disclose to the parties that an Intermediary owes no fiduciary duty either to Buyer or Seller, is not allowed to negotiate on behalf of the Buyer or Seller, and may be prohibited from disclosing information about the other party, which if known, could materially affect negotiations in the real estate transaction.
- disclose Buyer's intent to occupy property as primary residency.
As Intermediary, Broker will disclose all information to each party, but will not disclose the following information without your informed consent:
- that you may be willing to agree to a price different than the one offered;
- the motivating factors for buying or selling the property;
- that you will agree to financing terms other than those offered; or
- any material information about you, unless disclosure is required by law or if lack of disclosure would constitute dishonest dealing or fraud.
Change From Agent to Intermediary -- In-House Transaction
If a Buyer who has signed a Buyer Agency Agreement with Broker wants to look at or submit an offer on property Broker has listed as an agent for the Seller, the Seller and the Buyer may consent in writing to allow Broker to change to an Intermediary (non-agency) relationship with both the Buyer and the Seller. Wyo. Stat. § 33-28-307.
An established relationship cannot be modified without the written consent of the Buyer or the Seller. The Buyer or Seller may, but are not required to, negotiate different commission fees as a condition to consenting to a change in relationship.
Designated Agent. (requires written designation by the brokerage firm and acknowledgement by the Buyer or Seller)
A designated agent means a licensee who is designated by a responsible broker to serve as an agent or intermediary for a Seller or Buyer in a real estate transaction. Wyo. Stat. § 33-28-301 (a)(x).
In order to facilitate a real estate transaction a Brokerage Firm may designate a licensee as your agent or intermediary. The Designated Agent will have the same duties to the Buyer and Seller as a Buyer's or Seller's Agent or Intermediary. The Broker or an appointed "transaction manager" will supervise the transaction and will not disclose to either party confidential information about the Buyer or Seller. The designation of agency may occur at the time the Buyer or Seller enters into an agency agreement with the Brokerage Firm or the designation of agency may occur later if an "in house" real estate transaction occurs. At that time, the Broker or "transaction manager" will immediately disclose to the Buyer and Seller that designated agency will occur.
Duties Owed by An Agent But Not Owed By An Intermediary.
When acting as the agent for one party (either buyer or seller), broker has fiduciary duties of utmost good faith, loyalty, and fidelity to that one party. A broker engaged as an intermediary does not represent the buyer or the seller and will not owe either party those fiduciary duties. However, the intermediary must exercise reasonable skill and care and must comply with Wyoming law. An intermediary is not an agent or advocate for either party. Seller and buyer shall not be liable for acts of an intermediary, so long as the intermediary complies with the requirements of Wyoming’s brokerage relationships act. Wyo. Stat. § 33-28-306(a)(iii).
This written disclosure and acknowledgment, by itself, shall not constitute a contract or agreement with the broker or his/her firm. Until the buyer or seller executes this disclosure and acknowledgment, no representation agreement shall be executed or valid. Wyo. Stat. § 33-28-306(b).
No matter which relationship is established, a real estate broker is not allowed to give legal advice. If you have questions about this notice or any document in a real estate transaction, consult legal counsel and other counsel before signing.
The amount or rate of a real estate commission for any brokerage relationship is not fixed by law. It is set by each Broker individually and may be negotiable between the Buyer or Seller and the Broker.
On (date), I provided (Seller) (Buyer) with a copy of this Real Estate Brokerage Disclosure and have kept a copy for our records.
Brokerage Company; Hall and Hall Partners, LLP
BY_____________________________________
I/We have been given a copy and have read this Real Estate Brokerage Disclosure on (date) ________________ time _______________ and hereby acknowledge receipt and understanding of this Disclosure.
Seller's Signature _______________________________
NOTICE: Offering is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, potential profits, etc., are intended only as general guidelines and have been provided by sources deemed reliable, but whose accuracy we cannot guarantee. Prospective buyers should verify all information to their satisfaction. Prospective buyers should also be aware that the photographs in this brochure may have been digitally enhanced.
Wyoming Hereford ranch is an intriguing mix of history and modern ranch resources. The agricultural components of the ranch in terms of grazing and hay production are viable for the foreseeable future. Combined with potential oil, gas, gravel and valuable water resources the property holds many possibilities. Not to be overlooked are its location and easy access to Interstate 80 and the growing community of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The ranch is truly unique in the preservation of an important part of Wyoming ranching history and the Hereford Livestock industry contained at the WHR headquarters site.