96 Ranch

Lavina, Montana
$1,250,000

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The 96 Ranch is 640± acres offering a two-mile lush riparian corridor on the Musselshell River and a productive balance of irrigated grass and rangeland. Large numbers of whitetail deer, wild turkey and pheasant thrive on this unimproved private river bottom ranch. This portion of the river offers warm-water fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish creating additional recreation throughout the year.

The 96 Ranch is approximately 50 miles north of Billings, Montana, the largest city in the state, with the most complete range of services. The 96 Ranch is accessed via Egge Road for 1.25 miles south, off Highway 12. It is located between Lavina, five miles to the west, and Roundup, 25 miles to the east, in the Musselshell River Valley. Highway 12 continues westward to Helena and eastward to Forsyth. This ranch is very conveniently located – roughly in the center of Montana, with major commercial air service under an hour away in Billings. Minutes from the airport you will find a full range of markets, services and “state of the art” medical facilities.

The Lower Musselshell Valley is comprised of traditional ranching operations and small communities that revolve around ranch families. Even with its proximity to Montana’s largest city, this area has not changed much since the early ranching days particularly when compared to some of the mountainous areas of Montana. Neighbors are important in this community and often help each other with the many tasks of ranching; however independence is still the rancher’s credo. The communities of Roundup and Lavina are enthusiastic about their children’s education, school sports and local events.

The elevation of the ranch is approximately 3,400 feet. The climate for the Musselshell River Valley is best described as semi-arid with approximately 12 inches of precipitation annually with the majority coming in the months of May and June. Summers are warm with temperatures averaging in the high 80s during July and August. Winters are typically “open” with approximately 24 inches of annual snowfall resulting in short-lived snow pack on the valley floor. January is typically the month noted for both the coldest average temperature and receiving the majority of the annual snowfall.

The 96 Ranch sits roughly a third of the way between the river’s origin in the Lewis and Clark National Forest and its outlet into Fort Peck Lake. It is situated on the north bank of the river offering miles of cottonwood bottom and ditch-irrigated grass which transitions into native range and conifers along its northern boundary. The abandoned Northern Pacific Railway bed serves as the primary access road running the entire length of the ranch crossing the river twice with sturdy bridges. Access to the river bottom and hills affords several secluded areas which are private and pastoral giving a new owner several places to build.

There are no improvements on the 96 Ranch.

The lifestyle and hunting components of the ranch are enhanced by the irrigated farm ground. Approximately 200 acres are irrigated by a ditch system which delivers water from both the Musselshell River and Deadman’s Basin. Over the past few years the ranch has not been irrigated or grazed. Currently 150 acres are planted in improved pasture grass and appears to be getting a real nice start.

The ranch has a diverse ecosystem of cottonwood river bottom, lush hay ground, native grass and a spattering of conifers. The riparian corridor offers habitat for whitetail, pheasant, turkey, song birds and waterfowl. Although whitetail are the predominate species on the ranch, mule deer occasionally browse the upper bench and meadow. A focus on wildlife and food-plot management would likely yield impressive results for ring-necked pheasant and whitetail, creating a truly superb sporting property.

Below Harlowton, the Musselshell River begins to warm up, turning into a warm- water fishery. Roughly two miles of the river meanders through the ranch providing good fishing for catfish and smallmouth bass. For those who seek a new angling experience in solitude, there are many worse ways to spend one’s time than fishing for the smallmouth in the eastern half of the Musselshell River. Trout fishing is basically limited on the Musselshell River to the stretch between its origin, near Martinsdale, which is 60 miles from the ranch, downstream to the Highway 191 Bridge at Harlowton. Brown trout in this section average around 12 inches, but many are taken that exceed five pounds.

640±

• Water Right Number: 40A204337-00
• Priority Date : February 10, 1902
• Purpose: Irrigation
• Maximum Acres: 146.40
• Source Name: Musselshell River

There is also a Deadman’s Basin Water Purchase Contract for 150 acre-feet. Further details are available at Hall and Hall upon request.

Property taxes are approximately $1,404 a year.

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.

SPECIALIZED LENDING - Over the past 59 years 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