Haywire Ranch
Haywire Ranch is a working cattle ranch spanning 2,143 deeded acres near Big Piney in western Wyoming with water rights, practical improvements, and a BLM lease. The Ranch is currently managed as a yearling operation running approximately 500 head from May through early fall. With the potential to irrigate 1,746 acres, five fenced deeded pastures, and seven total fenced pastures, the Ranch supports a balanced blend of irrigated meadow, native rangeland, and facilities ready for a working cattle operation at a competitive price per acre in the desirable area of Wyoming cattle country.
ACREAGE
The Haywire Ranch totals 2,143 deeded acres, complemented by a BLM grazing lease supporting 408 AUMs that expand the working footprint. The property features a mix of cropland, meadow, and native range supported by pivots and surface irrigation systems, offering an opportunity to enhance efficiency ...
The Haywire Ranch totals 2,143 deeded acres, complemented by a BLM grazing lease supporting 408 AUMs that expand the working footprint. The property features a mix of cropland, meadow, and native range supported by pivots and surface irrigation systems, offering an opportunity to enhance efficiency and production. The Haywire Ranch stretches across open meadows and native grasslands with sweeping views of the Wyoming and Wind River Ranges, offering an expansive setting for running cattle on both deeded and leased ground.
RANCH OPERATION
Haywire Ranch combines deeded, irrigated, and leased acreage to support a capable livestock operation. The Ranch currently runs about 500 yearlings through summer and early fall. Strong water rights and a well-designed layout provide a solid foundation for both grazing and hay production. Bordering BLM land, the Ranch offers the versatility and carrying capacity essential for an efficient, self-sustaining cattle operation.
IMPROVEMENTS
The Ranch features a functional set of improvements. The main home, a 2,450 sqft four bedroom and three and a half bathroom log residence built in 1994, was remodeled in 2022 with new appliances, flooring, and fixtures. A second 1,347sqft log home built in 1976 sits adjacent to the main home. Both are served by a shared domestic well.
Outbuildings include a shop, barn, Quonset utility building, poultry house, storage sheds, and working corrals with a Powder River squeeze chute and loading dock. All outbuildings, including the chicken coop, are equipped with electricity.
BLM GRAZING PERMITS
The Ranch holds a BLM grazing permit under Authorization 4900990, distributed across three allotments:
McNinch / Deer Hill Allotment (WY12127): 156 cattle (5/21 6/30) + 20 horses (7/1 8/31) = 252 active AUMs
Section 18 Allotment (WY12128): 100 cattle (10/1 11/30) = 26 active AUMs
West of Ranch Allotment (WY12129): 73 cattle (5/16 8/31) = 130 active AUMs
WATER RIGHTS
Water is one of the Ranchs greatest assets, with the capacity to irrigate about 1,746 acres. Three developed springs and two T&L pivots provide established irrigation infrastructure, drawing from the 67 Reservoir (Permit 3231E) and McNinch No. 1 Reservoir to serve portions of the property.
HUNTING AND WILDLIFE
Haywire Ranchs open meadows of sage and native grasses provide habitat for antelope and mule deer. The property qualifies for two landowner antelope tags.
LOCATION
Haywire Ranch lies near Big Piney, Wyoming, a community long known as one of the states most authentic ranching towns. Big Piney offers essential services, a strong sense of community, and a heritage deeply rooted in ranching. Big Piney is located in Sublette County, which spans from the towering peaks of the Wind River Range to rolling foothills and open basins that support productive ranching, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreation. The Green River, which begins high in the Wind River Mountains and winds through Sublette County, offers some of the states premier trout fishing. In addition to fishing, the county supports extensive hunting, horseback riding, camping, hiking, climbing, biking, golf, rodeos, and a full spectrum of winter activities. This combination of working landscapes, strong western identity, and high-quality recreation makes Sublette County a uniquely strong location for both operating ranches and enjoying outdoor amenities.
CLIMATE
Big Piney has a high-elevation semi-arid to cool mountain climate. In summer, average highs reach about 79 F, while lows stay in the mid-40s F. During winter, average highs are around 25-30 F, and average lows drop near 1-5 F. Annual precipitation is modest, around 811 inches of rain-equivalent, with much of the rest in snow. Snowfall averages about 45-50 inches annually. Due to the high elevation and cold nights, the growing season is short, with the frost-free period estimated at roughly 90-95 days from early May to early August.
SUMMARY
Haywire Ranch is a working ranch offering water, functional improvements, and a mix of deeded and public grazing. With water rights and practical infrastructure, its ideal for a hands-on cattleman seeking productive, affordable ground with room to operate on a meaningful scale in the heart of western Wyoming ranch country.