15,115 Acres in Pecos, TX - $3,500,000
Pecos Ranch & Farm
Pecos County, Texas
Pecos Ranch & Farm consists of 15,115 acres, more or less, in northeastern Pecos County and includes 3292+/- acres of deeded cropland, 6703+/- acres of deeded native rangeland and 5120+/- acres of " free-use" native rangeland. The ranch/farm is approximately 14 miles north of Interstate 10 and 2 miles from US highways 67 & 385. There is a paved county road running through the ranch/farm and a state highway along one side. There is also a railroad running through the property.
The ranch/farm is in fairly open country with less than 150' variation in elevation. Most of the cropland has been fall ow for several years and has been invaded by mesquite and other brushy species. There are approximately 300 acres of the cropland, including 160 acres that have been laser leveled, planted to improved grasses such as Jose Wheat and Gala and flood irrigat...
The ranch/farm is in fairly open country with less than 150' variation in elevation. Most of the cropland has been fall ow for several years and has been invaded by mesquite and other brushy species. There are approximately 300 acres of the cropland, including 160 acres that have been laser leveled, planted to improved grasses such as Jose Wheat and Gala and flood irrigated. The cropland qualifies for direct and counter cyclic payments under the current farm bill and these payments totaled over $200,000 in 2004.
Water is abundant under the entire ranch/farm with water quality adequate for crop production. There are 9 wells that were drilled to 400' and cased with 16" pipe and pumped from about 180' to 220' for irrigation purposes at approximately 1200 gpm. Irrigation water was delivered to the cultivated fields via concrete and earthen ditches and siphoned from these ditches for furrow or flood irrigation. Only three wells are currently being used for irrigation and are equipped with submersible pumps with one sized for 1250 gpm and two sized for 650 gpm. There are 8 other wells equipped with submersible pumps being used for livestock water including 5 that were drilled in 1997 to a depth of 110' to 138' and cased with 5" PVC. Another well is being used to supply a water station from which the owner sells fresh water to various oil drilling companies. An analysis of the irrigation water in 2001 showed total dissolved solids at approximately 4000 to 5000 mg/l with sulfate, chloride, sodium and calcium as the major component of these solids. The manager of the adjoining farm reports that their pecans groves require only nitrogen fertilization for excellent production, which he attributes to minerals in the irrigation water.
Most of the cropland has soil of the Reagan-Hodgins Association type. These soils are deep (approximately 32" ), nearly level, friable, moderately alkaline, brown silty clay loam. They are well drained, surface runoff is slow, permeability is moderate and the water holding capacity is moderately high. With an abundant supply of irrigation water, productivity is high.
The ranch/farm has an abundance of both Desert Mule and Whitetail deer, quail (mostly Blues with a few Bobwhites) and turkey. With proper management, hunting could become an important economic or recreational component of the ranch/farm.
There are no buildings of value on the property. The perimeter fencing is barbed wire on cedar posts with many areas also having net wire. Much of this fencing is relatively new and appears to be in good repair. Previous owners have reserved all minerals; however, one section does have State Classified minerals. There are three weak oil wells on the ranch/farm but no new development has taken place in years.
There are many possibilities for increasing the productivity and value of this property. The fallow cropland could be developed as improved, irrigated pastures and combined with the rangeland to support a large livestock operation. Alternatively many high-value crops including pecans, grapes, melons, cantaloupe and alfalfa are produced in this area and offer tremendous opportunity for the cropland. In addition, there are a number of choice dairy locations on the property.