Rancholme Ranch - SOLD!

Introduction

Rancholme is large working cattle ranch in Big Horn County, MT near Decker about 30 minutes from the conveniences and services of downtown Sheridan, WY. This beautiful and productive ranch has been in the same family since the early 1930’s, when George Bernard Holmes arrived in Tongue River Basin of south central Montana and quickly recognized what other savvy early pioneer and settlers to the area did and that was the strength of the grass, the mild climate and the abundance of water. Seeing the potential for a sustainable, year-round cattle operation he began putting together the assemblages of what is now, almost 100 years later, Rancholme Cattle.

Ranch Operations

Today, Rancholme is comprised of about 22,000 total acres of grazing land and is owner rated to run 500+ cows and cow/calf pairs annually, and has grass leftover. The land is made up of a mixture of hardy native grasses and a mosaic of sagebrush, juniper, ponderosa pine, and other deciduous trees native to the area. With a majority of the ranch lying within the Deer Creek watershed, it is naturally rich with seasonal flowing water of Deer Creek, plus numerous springs and reservoirs. The ranch has 48 recorded water rights, some of which are surface rights on Deer Creek. The owners have built an extensive well & water pipeline system that serves to provide a dependable source of water to nearly every part of the ranch on a year round basis. This ranch is as well watered as any you will find. With all the water an abundance of grass, it has easily supported 450-500 cows and also run some yearlings and horses for a rodeo stock contractor during the summer. The ranch has good fences with numerous pastures for responsible management of the grass as evidence by the excellent health of the rangeland. With the abundance of watering sites, additional pastures could be easily added for even better grazing management and perhaps increase the stocking rate.

Like other ranches in the area, hay needs are usually supplied by purchasing it, but the ranch does have about 100 acres of crested wheat and native grass meadows that they use for supplemental hay needs. Typical annual yields are about 150 tons.

Recreation & Wildife

Wildlife abound and consist of multiple species, but most notable are mule deer, antelope, elk, black bear and other predators as of course many small game and upland bird species. This area of Montana has gotten a lot of attention from trophy elk hunters because of the quality hunting there, some of which has proved to be record setting. The combination of cover, good grass and water, plus controlled access makes Rancholme a very exciting hunting ranch for all big and small game species known to the area.

Recreation opportunities on the ranch are seemingly unlimited. The ranch also borders Tongue River Reservoir State Park.

Improvements

Homes

Living improvements include two main homes as well a nicely improved trailer house.

Main House

Located at the headquarters, it was originally built in the mid 1800’s and then remodeled and additions in 1942 and more recently remodeled and renovated. With its traditional two-story farm house design and well kept surrounding fenced-in yard and gardens has all the look and feel of a Montana ranch. Details include: 5-bedroom, 3-Baths — 2,217 sf living area – 1.5 Story Farm House

Second Home

Located on the divide overlooking the Deer Creek and Tongue River Valleys, the views of the surrounding area as well as the Bighorn Mountains are spectacular. This barely lived in ranch style home was built in 2016 and has 3 bedrooms and two baths. The contemporary open living spaces, professional appliances, kitchen, master bedroom and bath are all very nice. It has a detached garage/shop and one other outbuilding.

Bunkhouse

Very well cared for inside and out. Located at the headquarters.

Ranch Improvements

Indoor Arena

Rancholme also boasts of its incredible 300′ x 125′ and all steel, clear-span construction indoor arena. It is fully insulated and heated with an air exchange system capable of keeping the arena virtually dust free even for the busiest competitive event, which are held often and year round. Though currently used commercially for ropings and other rodeo and equestrian events, it could also just as easily be used for private ranch needs such as hay storage, calving or just for private use.

Corrals & Working Pens

Outside the arena are a great set of steel working corrals that includes pens, sorting alleys, holding pens and a Silencer hydraulic chute, all of which are large enough to meet the needs of the ranch’s cattle operation and thoughtfully designed to make processing and cattle handling less stressful and more efficient for livestock and people. Maintenance is also easier, as many of the panels can be removed to allow access for cleaning.

More information coming soon. If you need something sooner or would like to be notified when the marketing package is ready, please call, text or email Galen Chase 307-752-5144 or galen@chasebrothersllc.com.