How to Buy a Ranch

Owning a ranch can be a very rewarding experience. If you’re new to ranch buying, the list below should help you get started:

1. Decide what kind of livestock you’d want to raise and check them against zoning restrictions at the local Resources and Management office.
2. Obtain information about the maximum number of animals the property can support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service office.
3. Check that there is a working road to the property you plan to buy. If a road to the property does not exist, you will need to obtain an easement from a neighboring property owner, to allow you to cross their land to get to yours.
4. Check if your deed includes the right to use any body of water on the land or that runs through the property. If riparian rights are not included, you will have to secure a separate deed for this.
5. Check that your property can support a septic system, or that a system exists to move biological waste and waste water away from the property.
6. Check the water quality of any wells in the area. Ensure that the extracted water can be used in your ranching operations.
7. Test the soil to determine whether it will be able to support a reasonable crop.
8. If you can’t fork the entire price of the land upfront, find a lender who can help you cover the cost of ranches or rural properties.