United Country Real Estate 1st Edition 2022

According to a recent study, the top five states to own a ranch are Kentucky, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Texas and Montana. The factors that determined this ranking include issues such as cost of land, property taxes, climate, infrastructure and even mineral production. Anyone looking to buy a cattle/horse, hunting, luxury or recreational ranch will certainly want to consider these factors. However, that doesn’t mean the top 5 (or even top 10) states in this study are the best options for every buyer out there, as of course, preferences, ranching needs, scenery and surroundings vary from state to state. Let’s take a look at how some of these rankings came about, as well as more general views of great ranching states from United Country affiliates. FARM & RANCH LAND PRICES The national average price for farm and B S C S E T PLA E by Angela Smith SOME OF THE TO OWN A RANCH WHAT ABOUT UNITED COUNTRY AFFILIATES’ OPINIONS We asked a handful of United Country’s ranch experts from across the country which state they believed to be the best for owning and operating ranches. Here are some points they made:

ranch land in the U.S. is north of $4,400 per acre, but Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming acreage is anywhere from 20-30 percent of that total. Missouri, Texas and Colorado also fall below the average. Conversely, acreage in New Jersey, California and Arizona is double to triple the national average cost. PROPERTY TAX RATES As with land costs, property tax rates continue to climb. California leads the way on the high end at more than $17,000 per farm on average. Nebraska is up more than 30 percent since 2012 and at more than $16,000, just behind California (per 2017 Ag Census figures). Despite low land costs, South Dakota’s farm rates were more than $9,500, the third-highest total. Collectively, Texas farms paid the second highest total nationally, but split among more than 236,000 farms and ranches, the average was quite low – under $3,000 per farm. MINERAL RIGHTS & PRODUCTION Mineral, gas/oil and water rights are often key selling points for U.S. ranches on the market. As far as the states with the most non-fuel mineral production value in 2021, the top five were Arizona, Nevada, Texas and California. The figure for all 50 states combined? $90.4 billion.

Colorado — Great water resources, national and state grazing land leases, world-class hunting and fishing, and bonus income opportunities on ranches all make Colorado an ideal place for ranching. Idaho — Head north to the Selway, Lochsa and Clearwater rivers, where there’s great fishing and hunting of big game and upland birds. Cattle ranches are productive and hay fields are plentiful. Oklahoma — The waterways, prairies and woods in Southeast Oklahoma provide incredible scenery for ranchers. There’s a great rodeo circuit, low property taxes and top-notch horse breeders. Research and development resources are also abundant. Missouri — Ample water and grass, favorable private property rights and low land costs all contribute to a really good ranching state. Rolling hills allow more grazing per acre, as well. Texas — Two words: Cattle country. The animals are everywhere and a huge part of the economy. Yet, Texas ranchland is diverse, used for crops, horse boarding, events and recreation. It can also be leased to boost profits. Plus, there are a few helpful tax exemptions and deductions for ag properties. Seeking to buy or sell ranchland? Many of United Country’s premier and luxury ranch listings are at UCRanchesforSale.com , and you’ll find an even wider variety of ranches at UnitedCountry.com . Our expert brokers and agents are available to meet all of your real estate needs!

Sources: www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-states-to-start-a-farm/ www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/livestock/article/2019/04/16/new-ag-census-shows-disparities elements.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-u-s-mineral-production-by-state/ auctions.unitedcountry.com/articles/buyers/best-places-to-own-a-ranch-in-the-u-s