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.
South Fork Ranch is a 4,045± deeded-acre property 25 miles southeast of O’Neill in Holt County, Nebraska. Positioned along the South Fork of the Elkhorn River, it combines native rangeland, irrigated meadows, reliable water, a strong wildlife habitat component, and the capacity to run approximately 275 head of cattle on a year-round basis.
Land cover includes roughly 3,140 acres of native Sandhills rangeland, 500± acres of sub-irrigated meadow, and 400± acres of river-bottom corridor. The river, mature trees, and wetlands add scenic and recreational value and support deer, turkey, pheasants, grouse, and waterfowl.
The ranch includes a full set of improvements built in 2022, including a home, a shop, and livestock working facilities.
With convenient access to O'Neill and Ewing, productive forage, dependable water, quality improvements, and strong wildlife resources, South Fork Ranch offers a turnkey opportunity for agricultural production, recreation, and long-term stewardship.
The ranch features a diverse landscape consisting of rolling native Sandhills, three and a half miles of river-bottom terrain, irrigated meadows which contain high populations of red top clover, wetlands, and interspersed mature tree-lined corridors associated with the South Fork of the Elkhorn River. The northern portion of the ranch consists primarily of native Sandhills grassland, while lower portions contain productive river-bottom ground and irrigated meadow acreage. Improvements are positioned to take advantage of attractive views and operational efficiency. The ranch is very well balanced and provides many operational considerations for efficient production in one of the most ideal parts of the Nebraska Sandhills.
This ranch offers a compelling combination of productivity, recreation, and location. Featuring approximately three and a half miles of river frontage, abundant wildlife, and new improvements, the property has been exceptionally maintained and is in excellent condition. The well-balanced livestock operation provides strong carrying capacity and operational efficiency, making it a true AUM machine. Combined with its desirable north-central Nebraska location and turnkey nature, the ranch presents an outstanding opportunity for buyers seeking both a high-performing cattle operation and a quality long-term land investment.
South Fork Ranch is located near O’Neill in Holt County, Nebraska. The property is approximately 16 miles south of O’Neill via Highway 281, and then approximately five and a half miles east on County Road 855. All roads from O’Neill to the ranch are paved except for the last two miles, which are gravel-based. The ranch is situated within the Nebraska Sandhills region and benefits from convenient access to nearby communities while retaining a private rural setting.
The property is situated in established ranch country characterized by a strong agricultural heritage and a landscape where the Nebraska Sandhills transition into productive farming country. Surrounding properties are primarily large-scale ranching operations, reflecting the area's longstanding use for livestock production and agricultural enterprise. The South Fork Elkhorn River runs through the heart of the ranch, providing a notable natural feature that contributes to both the visual character and functional utility of the property.
The ranch is conveniently located near O’Neill, Nebraska, a community of approximately 4,000 residents that serves as a regional hub for north-central Nebraska. Often described as a “full-service” community, O’Neill offers a broad range of amenities, services, healthcare, retail, dining, education, and agricultural support businesses that are uncommon for a town of its size. The community is recognized as the Irish Capital of Nebraska and provides convenient access to the commercial, professional, and recreational services necessary for both full-time ranch operations and seasonal ownership. The combination of productive ranching country, the presence of the South Fork of the Elkhorn River, and proximity to O’Neill creates a setting that balances agricultural functionality with access to modern conveniences.
The area receives approximately 25 inches of annual precipitation, with much of the moisture coming as spring and summer rainfall events. May is generally the wettest month, while July is typically the warmest month with average highs near 87 degrees Fahrenheit. February is generally the coldest month with average nighttime temperatures near zero degrees. Summer conditions are generally comfortable, with the primary growing season extending from June through September and average daytime temperatures reaching into the upper 80s. Winters are relatively short, with average daytime temperatures remaining above 40 degrees and periodic cold periods reaching into the teens or lower.
South Fork Ranch consists of 4,045± deeded acres. The acreage includes 3,140± acres of native Sandhills rangeland, 500± acres of irrigated meadow, 400± acres of river-bottom land, and approximately five acres associated with the homesite and improvement area.
The ranch is improved with a residence constructed in 2022 containing approximately 1,440± square feet of living area. The home includes three bedrooms and one bathroom and features an open-concept floor plan designed for comfortable ranch living. Additional residential amenities include underground sprinkler systems and a wood-burning stove. The residence has reportedly never been lived in, offering a new ownership opportunity with minimal prior use.
Supporting ranch infrastructure includes a 40’x63’ steel building with a 10’x63’ attached open front shed. The shop has an electric overhead door and a concrete floor. The property also includes a full set of livestock working facilities, including a tub, an alley chute, and a loadout, that support efficient cattle management. Collectively, the improvements provide a functional combination of residential accommodations, equipment storage, maintenance facilities, and livestock-handling capabilities that complement the property's current ranching operation. The improvements contribute to the ranch's readiness for immediate use while supporting long-term agricultural productivity.
The South Fork of the Elkhorn River flows through the property for approximately three and a half miles, providing a significant and reliable water feature. Water resources include multiple wells, wetlands, and water developments that support both livestock and wildlife. The ranch overlies the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the most significant groundwater resources in North America, and includes sub-irrigated meadow acreage supported by this water source. Livestock are watered via the live water, windmills, and a solar well. The combination of river frontage, groundwater resources, and wetlands contributes to the property's agricultural productivity and ecological diversity.
All seller-owned water rights associated with the property will transfer to the buyer at closing.
All seller-owned mineral rights associated with the property will transfer to the buyer at closing.
Annual property taxes are approximately $19,436, based on the most recent available information.
The ranch provides excellent wildlife habitat through its combination of mature trees, river corridors, wetlands, native rangeland, and sub-irrigated meadows. Species commonly found on the property include white-tailed deer, turkey, pheasants, grouse, and waterfowl. Large native tree stands create bedding and cover habitat for deer, while the mixture of grasslands and wetland environments supports a diverse range of upland birds and migratory waterfowl. The property is considered a strong wildlife area within the region.
[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,...
775± acres featuring a furnished log cabin overlooking the river valley, one mile of river frontage, tree-covered canyons, and hay/alfalfa meadows surrounded by wooded draws and bottomlands.
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The Malles Ranch is located on the western fringes of the iconic Sandhills of western Nebraska and consists of 5,368± acres. The ranch is a solid year-round ranch with a carrying capacity of 325 cow/calf pair and all supporting livestock.
The 15,568± acre Dumbbell Ranch is one of the most historic ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills. It is comprised of native pasture with sub-irrigated meadows and is rated at 900 cows year-round.
