Mark received his real estate license in 2012 and joined Hall and Hall in 2018. A lifelong resident of Cherry County, Nebraska, which lies in the heart of the renowned Sandhills cattle raising country, Mark received his BS degree from the University of Nebraska in 1995 and then returned to the family ranch. He is currently the owner of the Thirteen Bar Ranch near Valentine, Nebraska, which has been in the family since 1888. Mark has 20 plus years of experience in farming, ranching, land development and is an avid outdoorsman. In addition to his home state, Mark has been involved in agricultural and recreational properties in several neighboring states.
Located in the heart of Nebraska’s famed Sandhills atop the Ogallala Aquifer, the Paramount Valley Ranch presents a rare opportunity to acquire a self-sustaining cattle operation consisting of 13,617± total acres. This year-round ranch, owner-rated to support 885 cow/calf pairs, boasts an ideal combination of sub-irrigated meadows, gently rolling grass-covered dunes, and an extensive infrastructure of livestock water resources.
Key features include a 42-acre freshwater lake, a high-capacity irrigation well permitted for 180 acres, and an underground water pipeline system feeding more than 60 strategically placed tanks. Shelter belts of mature trees offer wind protection for livestock and exceptional wildlife habitat. Though primarily a cattle operation, the ranch also supports populations of deer and upland birds, with opportunity for migratory waterfowl hunting near the lakes and ponds.
Set within the expansive eastern Sandhills, the terrain on Paramount Valley Ranch consists of gently undulating, grass-covered dunes interspersed with broad, sub-irrigated meadows. These low-lying meadows support seasonal and perennial water features, including ponds, a creek, and a spring-fed 42-acre lake. The grasslands host a mix of warm- and cool-season perennial species, ideal for both summer grazing and hay production. The planted tree shelter belts provide critical windbreaks for wintering livestock while enhancing wildlife habitat. The ranch is extensively cross-fenced and features an underground water pipeline network with over 60 livestock tanks. The combination of all the ranch's features supports an owner-rated capacity of 885 head of cow-calf pairs on a year-round basis.
Paramount Valley Ranch offers a rare opportunity to own a productive cattle operation located in one of the most renowned and water-rich regions in the United States for livestock production. With its combination of sub-irrigated meadows, shallow water table, and abundant native grasslands, the Sandhills are widely recognized as one of the premier cow/calf production regions in the country. Paramount Valley Ranch promises not just operational value, but a chance to participate in the legacy of Sandhills ranching — a region where tradition, natural beauty, and practicality intersect.
Paramount Valley Ranch is situated approximately 20 miles south of Ainsworth, along Highway 7. From there, the route continues east on Raven Road for eight and a half miles to Johnson Corner, then an additional two miles east on Cattleman Road to the Paramount Valley Road junction. The ranch entrance lies two miles south along Paramount Valley Road, where the county road terminates at the ranch. Ainsworth, a well-equipped community, is home to an airport with a 6,800-foot runway capable of accommodating jet aircraft. While in a remote setting, the property is accessible by highway and maintained gravel roads.
The Paramount Valley Ranch lies in a historically agricultural region defined by its strong ranching heritage. The southern portion of Brown County is characterized by cattle operations, while the northern sector includes fertile farmland and the scenic Niobrara River Valley. The ranch sits within the eastern Sandhills, a unique and ecologically significant region of stabilized grassland dunes. Ainsworth, the nearest town, provides full amenities, including schools, healthcare, retail, and an airport with a 6,800-foot runway. The surrounding area supports a tight-knit ranching community with a deep respect for land stewardship and a sustainable ranching lifestyle.
The Paramount Valley Ranch lies within a semi-arid region, experiencing a continental climate, featuring warm, clear summers and cold, dry winters with average annual precipitation ranging from 20 inches to 24 inches. Temperatures typically range from 15°F to 87°F throughout the year, with extremes rarely dipping below -4°F or rising above 97°F. This climate supports a strong growing season and is well-suited to cattle operations and hay production, particularly given the shallow water table and sub-irrigated meadows.
The Paramount Valley Ranch comprises 12,979± deeded acres and a total of 13,617± acres, including a 638-acre Nebraska school land lease. Of the total, approximately 1,140± acres are in sub-irrigated meadows, and 180± acres are supported by a registered, high-capacity irrigation well. A spring-fed 42-acre lake adds to the property’s surface water inventory and recreational potential. The land is composed primarily of native rangeland and meadows, with excellent grazing capacity and supplemental forage production.
Offered in cooperation with April Good of Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers.
There are currently no structural improvements on the Paramount Valley Ranch. However, the ranch benefits from extensive infrastructure development, particularly in water management and fencing. An elaborate buried water pipeline services over 60 stock tanks, ensuring consistent water availability across the operation. Cross-fencing enhances pasture rotation and grazing efficiency. The 180-acre irrigation system is not currently in use but could provide flexibility for forage production and potential future development. Despite the absence of buildings, the property is operationally ready and self-contained, offering a clean slate for the next owner to develop facilities tailored to their needs.
Water is one of Paramount Valley Ranch’s most critical assets. The property sits above the Ogallala Aquifer, the largest freshwater aquifer in the United States, with saturated depths reaching up to 1,000 feet. Surface water features include several ponds and a spring-fed 42-acre lake. An extensive buried water pipeline services more than 60 stock tanks across the ranch. Additionally, the property includes a registered high-capacity irrigation well permitted for 180 acres, which is not currently in use but provides flexibility for future use.
All seller-owned mineral rights will convey with the sale of the property.
The annual property taxes for Paramount Valley Ranch are approximately $69,002 based on recent assessments.
The ranch supports a wide array of wildlife, owing to its natural water features, shelter belts, and open prairie. Mule and whitetail deer are common, and the meadows and lakes offer habitat for upland game birds and migratory waterfowl. While not managed as a dedicated hunting property, the land provides substantial opportunities for recreational hunting within a natural, undisturbed setting.
Paramount Valley Ranch functions as a self-sustaining cow/calf operation, owner-rated at 885 head on a year-round basis. Sub-irrigated meadows provide hay for winter feeding, and extensive pastureland offers consistent grazing supported by ample water. Cross-fencing and a wide water tank distribution system facilitate rotational grazing and livestock management. The abundant water resources, nutrient-rich grasses, and shelter belts make this a highly functioning and efficient cattle enterprise.
[We] are forever grateful to you for your support and trust, as well as your professionalism that did not waiver.
I have not forgotten the “Dream Team”. I would like to thank you both for going above and beyond what I know any of us thought would happen. You pulled off a feat that, I know, put that whole community in a tailspin. Jackie and I are forever grateful to you for your support and trust,...
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