Raised on a ranch south of Buffalo, Mike became passionate about agriculture and the outdoors at an early age. He worked in many facets of the operation, including farming and irrigation, commercial hay production, and cattle raising. Today, he enjoys sharing his heritage with his family. Mike graduated from Texas Tech University in 1994. Soon after graduation, the call of the Rocky Mountains brought Mike back to Wyoming as an agriculture instructor in Meeteetse, Wyoming. His entrepreneurial nature soon led Mike to own and run a commercial weed spraying and range management business. Returning to Buffalo in 1999, he bought a Farm Bureau Financial Services office. After a successful ten years in the insurance business, Mike’s love of the land caused him to turn his attention to the ranch brokerage business. It was a natural fit for Mike, and he quickly established himself as one of the top ranch brokers in Wyoming.
Click HERE to read a story about Mike and one of many successful buyer and seller transitions.
Cross F Ranch is perfectly Wyoming, combining solid production with outstanding recreational amenities. Totaling 2,838± acres, with 1,358± deeded and 1,480± state leased acres, the ranch lies in an elongated, contiguous block taking in both sides of Piney Creek, just 20 miles southeast of Sheridan.
At the heart of the ranch is Piney Creek and the fertile, alluvial bottom ground that flanks the stream. Piney Creek is one of the premier trout fishing streams in Wyoming and this particular stretch, below Lake DeSmet, is most desirable. It is a tailwater to the lake and benefits from lake water supplementing the flow in the late summer when the stream tends to start tapering off. The additional flow keeps the creek healthy and grows some nice sized trout; truly a fly fisherman and angler’s dream. In addition to the quality fishing, the ranch holds multiple species of big game and upland birds.
In addition to the recreational amenities, Cross F Ranch is productive. Excellent territorial water rights are utilized through a newly implemented pipeline irrigation system. There are 300± acres being irrigated under three pivots, five side roll sprinklers, and several K-Line sprinklers. Beyond the lush riparian areas and irrigation of the Piney Creek Valley, are the higher elevations of the ranch with prominent bluffs and brushed draws that comingle large expanses of densely sodded native rangelands. These areas provide key summer grazing for both livestock and wildlife and provide ample room to explore by hiking, horseback riding, and exploring on ATVs.
Cross F Ranch is a fully operational ranch with a historic home, barn, corrals, shop, and hanger. Currently supporting 275 pairs May through October, wildlife and livestock flourish with excellent grazing and water throughout. In addition to Piney Creek, there are four reservoirs and four solar wells evenly distributed. The ranch has all the needed ingredients for a fully functioning operation with strong recreational amenities.
Mike's ranching background, thoughtfulness and attention to detail all made for a smooth and successful closing.
Working with Mike Fraley to sell our family ranch was truly a pleasure throughout the process. He handled everything with skill and integrity, from family emotions and interfacing with ranch hands, to managing showings without interfering with ranching operations and expertly handling all the...
Located 15 minutes outside of Sheridan, consisting of 45± acres. Dramatic mountain views, extreme privacy, and a main home within an equine-rich area. Short drive to the Big Horn Equestrian Center.
Located 15 miles east of Laramie, this premier elk hunting ranch is adjacent to the Medicine Bow National Forest. Offering extreme privacy, world-class improvements, and recreation in a diverse landscape.
This 13,980± total acre contiguous ranch offers a balance of timbered ridges and canyons, complementing exceptional grasslands. All the needed improvements, excellent grazing, and some of the best big game hunting in the state.
Located 38 miles north of Cody, the 1,268± deeded acre homestead sits against the Beartooth Mountains surrounded by public land. Immaculate improvements include a main house, guest house, and garage office.
A well-balanced 1,180± acre cattle and recreational ranch including 700± acres of irrigated hay ground, modest improvements, miles of creeks, alpine lake frontage, and national forest boundary.
