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School Valley Ranch

$3,500,000 Okemah, OK 1,271± Deeded Acres

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Overview

Executive Summary

Riverfront acreage of 1,271± with a high bank and minimal encumbrance of floodplain in the rolling timber-lined hills and Canadian River bottom of Okfuskee County. The ranch is approximately one hour east of Oklahoma City near the community of Okemah, Oklahoma. A raw land offering that has desirable and navigable elevation, variety of large timber, sandy soil in the river bottom, and an abundance of water in every sense of the word. The ranch consists of drastic topography that is apparent in every corner of the property. The views and topography set the tone for the character that permeates the rest of the ranch. Timber native to the region includes a variety of oaks, hickory, cedar, cottonwood, and elm trees. School Valley Ranch is bordered by recreational and ranching neighbors of respective size and similar geographic features, mostly comprised of ranching and recreational operations or rural homesteads. The four stock ponds, water well, and roughly a mile of river frontage on the North Canadian River provide an equitable amount of water for the wildlife and livestock. Roughly 70 acres of cultivation are traditionally planted in a winter wheat crop for grazing. There is the possibility of adding irrigation to the cultivation to increase yield. There are multiple vantage points created by the timbered hills rising to elevations of over 980 feet above sea level and local variations of 180 feet within the property boundaries of the ranch. There are trails that intermingle through the checkerboard of native pastures separated by dense wooded areas. Food plots are traditionally planted in these areas and have increasingly helped harbor wildlife on the ranch. This property fits the avid hunter with the desire to have accessible and productive ground for cattle in combination with the recreational aspects and ability to subdivide with multiple access points to the ranch.

Just the Facts

  • Existing 4.5% 30-year fixed loan on the property may be assumed subject to approvable credit and minimum required collateral
  • Over a mile of Highway 62 paved frontage
  • County road frontage and secondary entrance on the south end of the ranch
  • Elevation change of 180 feet within the boundaries of the property
  • One mile of accessible Canadian River frontage
  • 70± acres of cultivation adjacent to the river
  • Checkerboard of 300± acres of native grazing pasture
  • Approximately 900 acres remaining in timber/native brush
  • Electricity available on-site in multiple locations
  • Currently one water well
  • Rural water available – Okfuskee County # 2
  • Four total oil and gas sites, well-kept and nonintrusive
  • No reservations are being made by the seller
  • Seller believes to own no minerals
  • 80± acre peninsula can be accessed by crossing the river
  • Four stock ponds
  • Native American history and old schoolhouse located on the property

General Description

Riverfront is positioned on the higher bank of the river with minimal encumbrance of floodplain in the rolling hills and Canadian River bottom of Okfuskee County. The ranch is approximately one hour east of Oklahoma City, near the community of Okemah, Oklahoma. The ranch consists of navigable yet drastic topography. The timbered hills rise to elevations over 980 feet above sea level and local variations of 180 feet within the property boundaries of the ranch. Timber is primarily a variety of oaks, hickory, cedar, cottonwood, and elm trees. The four stock ponds, water well, and roughly a mile of river frontage on the North Canadian River provide an equitable amount of water for the wildlife and livestock. A substantial flock of turkeys roost and feed on the property. Duck and dove hunting are generally above average and fishing, canoeing and kayaking in the river is directly accessible from the property. Roughly 70 acres of cultivation are traditionally planted in a winter wheat crop for grazing. The cultivated field could be improved by adding irrigation. Existing oil and gas activity on the ranch includes two active wells and two sets of tank batteries currently being operated. The seller believes to own no mineral rights, but makes no reservations to such in the sale of the property. The well sites are kept up and nonintrusive to the usability of the property. There is a main road suitable for any vehicle that travels from the north end of the ranch on Highway 62 to the south end of the property ending at the county road access and it is an all-weather road through the ranch. In addition to the main road, there are trails that intermingle through the property and checkerboard areas of native pastures separated by the dense wooded areas. Food plots are traditionally planted in these open areas and have increasingly improved harboring wildlife on the ranch.  The ranch is bordered by recreational and ranching neighbors of respective size and similar operations with rural homesteads. These combined characteristics make a well-rounded property that fits a multitude of buyers and is a blank slate ready to improve. Less than an hour’s drive from Oklahoma City, approximately forty-five minutes to Tulsa, and three hours and forty minutes to Dallas, Texas. 

Broker's Comments

Land ownership in Oklahoma is attractive at the fundamental level. With little to no building restrictions and affordable property tax rates, Oklahoma is a place to consider investing or land banking money for years to come. In regard to School Valley Ranch, the navigable elevation changes, good road system, surplus of water, and ample amount of road frontage are the highlights that are immediately apparent. Adding the river frontage and recreational aspects that it provides, along with the two road frontages for the potential to subdivide, makes this an attractive investment. These attributes provide a buyer options for purchasing or structuring ownership, as well as future exit strategies. These characteristics are often not imitable or replicated, creating a further degree of value. Being located only an hour from Oklahoma City and less than six miles from Interstate 40 further insulates this property as an investment purchase and has the potential for capital gain in the years to come. Good fencing and necessary cross fencing are in place for livestock. In many cases with a property this size there are houses or other major structural improvements that are overbuilt or often in the wrong place. This property is a blank slate with all the necessary building blocks to create your desired end goal.

Locale

Locale

Located in east-central Oklahoma, Okfuskee County, and according to the most recent census, maintains a population of approximately 12,191 people. The county is bordered by Okmulgee and McIntosh Counties on the east, Lincoln and Pottawatomie Counties on the west, Creek County on the north, and Hughes and Seminole Counties on the south. Formerly part of the Creek Nation Indian Territory, within the Sandstone Hills region of Oklahoma. These hills are mostly formed by the creeks and run off leading to the Deep Fork of the Canadian River in the northeastern part of the county and the North Canadian River, which forms the southern boundary of the county. The petroleum industry contributes to Okfuskee County's economy in addition to the more traditional local production based on agriculture and other related industries of small and local retail businesses. Conveniently located less than an hour from Tulsa and Oklahoma City. 

Climate

Temperature:

Average Annual: 61 degrees

Average Maximum: 73 degrees

Average Minimum: 50 degrees

Highest: 115 degrees (Okemah, August 10, 1936)

Lowest: -10 degrees (Okemah, January 18, 1930)

Days of 90 Degrees or Higher: 75

Days of 20 Degrees or Lower: 19

 

Precipitation:

Average Annual: 41.96 inches

Days With Precipitation: 75

Wettest Year: 64.95 inches in 1992

Driest Year: 19.35 inches in 1936

Greatest Daily Rainfall: 10.65 inches (Okemah, April 14, 1945)

 

Winter:

Average Annual Snowfall: 5.5 inches

Days with snow on the ground: 3

Greatest Seasonal Snowfall: 25.6 inches (1936-1937)

Greatest Daily Snowfall: 15.0 inches (Okemah, January 21, 1937)

Last Freeze in Spring: April 1

First Freeze in Autumn: November 2

Growing Season: 214 Days

  

Other:

Average Wind Speed: 8 miles per hour

Sunshine: 50 to 80 percent

Average Humidity: 70 percent

Thunderstorm Days: 51

Hail Events: 3 per year

Tornadoes (1950 to 2003): 3

Aesthetic Considerations

A good portion of Okfuskee County is rolling timber and native pasture with a low population density and primarily agriculture production properties. School Valley Ranch encompasses the local characteristics to the fullest. The ranch maintains multiple grazeable pastures for agricultural use, separated by usable elevation. Noteworthy views from multiple hilltops on the ranch and rugged habitat allow the deer and wildlife to thrive.

Property Details

Acreage (Deeded & Leased)

Deeded Acres: 1,271±
Total Leased Acres:
Total Acres: 1,271±

Improvements

Perimeter fencing and three cross fences separate the property in pastures for rotational grazing. There are four surface ponds, one of which is spring fed and has recently been cleaned out and enlarged. Existing deer blinds and feeders will convey with the sale of the property. A historic turn-of-the-century rock schoolhouse is located on the property that could be converted into a bunkhouse or charismatic hunter’s cabin. Electricity is close by the site and could be brought to the structure. 

Water Resources

Four ponds are placed equitably across the ranch and co-op water provided by Okfuskee County is available along the road frontage. There is one mile of North Canadian River frontage, and one water well at the south end of the ranch. 

Mineral Rights

The seller does not believe to own any minerals and makes no reservations for any other interests in the land. 

Taxes

Annual property taxes are estimated at $2,132 based upon past years.

Recreational Amenities

Wildlife Resources

Native species, including whitetail deer, pig, turkey, white-wing and mourning dove, and migratory duck. The average mature whitetail bucks range from 140 to 185 inches. The property has produced trophy whitetail year after year, and with the habitat and resources on the property ,it can only be improved upon. An unbelievable amount of turkey feed and roost year-round on the property. Duck hunting on the ponds and river is generally above average for the area, as is the dove hunting in the fall over the cultivated field. 

Recreational Considerations

Being located on the North Canadian River Valley, a wide variety of recreation is available for all outdoor enthusiasts by utilizing the river for fishing and canoeing, or camping on the peninsula across the river. With the drastic elevation and dense wooded areas, hiking and remote camping are viable options. Hunting opportunities are well rounded on the property as well. The whitetail deer herd in this region maintains a good genetic pool and is strong in overall numbers, as well as a population of turkey and feral hogs. There are several areas that have been cleared for sewing food plots and hunting, improving the habitat. With multiple deer blinds and feeders set up, the property is ready to hunt. The cultivated field adjacent to the river is traditionally planted with wheat and makes an excellent food source helping to hold deer on the property. Food plot areas throughout the ranch are also traditionally planted in wheat for deer. In the spring, the cultivation practices produce sunflowers seeding out in the fall and can be prime for dove hunting. 

General Operations

General Operations

The property is currently operated as a recreational retreat and for grazing cattle. Generally 50 to 80 yearlings graze the cultivated ground depending on rain, and the remaining checkerboard of native pasture is grazed with cow-calf pairs. The ranch will generally support 100 to 120± head depending on rainfall and drought conditions. Further opportunities to expand pastures and water sources by constructing more ponds, grubbing, implementing irrigation for the cultivated field, and other brush control to increase the overall yield would improve the agriculture opportunities. 

Leases and Permits

Currently a surface lease for oil and gas production, as of record on title.

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Brett Grier
Real Estate Partner
Weatherford, TX
Client Stories | North Texas

Not only did we feel we had the best in the industry by our side, but we also made a friend for life.

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Brett Grier
Real Estate Partner
Weatherford, TX