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STRAND RANCH<br />

Geyser, Montana | Judith Basin & Chouteau Counties<br />

Genuine. Devoted. Proven.<br />

LISTED EXCLUSIVELY BY<br />

866.999.7342 | WWW.SWANLANDCO.COM | INFO@SWANLANDCO.COM


TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

INTRODUCTION1<br />

LOCATION & ACCESS2-3<br />

PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION4-5<br />

AREA RECREATION 6<br />

IMPROVEMENTS7-9<br />

WATER RIGHTS 12<br />

CONSERVATION EASEMENT13<br />

AREA HISTORY15<br />

ELEVATION & CLIMATE17<br />

REAL ESTATE TAXES 19<br />

FENCES & BOUNDARY LINES 19<br />

UTILITIES & SERVICES 19<br />

MINERAL RIGHTS 19<br />

SUMMARY STATEMENT20<br />

OFFERING PRICE & CONDITIONS OF SALE 21<br />

CONTACT INFORMATION22<br />

STATE & RANCH MAPS23-25


INTRODUCTION<br />

Nestled at the base of the Highwood Mountains of north central Montana, the Historic <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> is comprised of 30,974± total acres of which<br />

28,894± are deeded, 1,760± acres are State of Montana lease and 320± acres are BLM lease. Situated between the small towns of Geraldine and<br />

Geyser, the <strong>Ranch</strong> has good access to Geyser via Geyser Road on a<br />

year-round basis.<br />

Solid senior water rights totaling about 33.24 cubic feet per second<br />

(CFS) provide water flow to the approximately 1,050 acres of irrigated<br />

meadows and sub-irrigated bottom land. Historically, the <strong>Ranch</strong> has<br />

irrigated about 600 acres of meadows along Cottonwood Creek for<br />

native grass-hay production yielding between 1.75 to 2.0 tons of grass<br />

hay per acre on one cutting. With the efficient utilization of the grass<br />

resource and the abundant water sources, the <strong>Ranch</strong> comfortably<br />

carries 1,100 head of mother cows.<br />

Round Butte, a notable landmark in the region, is completely within<br />

the confines of the deeded acreage and provides an idyllic ecosystem<br />

for about 30 head of native mountain goats. The iconic Square Butte<br />

adjoins the <strong>Ranch</strong> on the northeast border. The timbered foothills<br />

of the Highwood Mountains harbor good populations of elk, deer<br />

and upland game birds including sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian<br />

partridge. Cottonwood Creek runs through the length of the <strong>Ranch</strong><br />

providing a cottonwood-lined riparian corridor creating additional<br />

habitat for wildlife and upland birds. Six creeks, dozens of springs,<br />

ponds and developed water provide an abundant water resource for<br />

livestock and wildlife. Water developments have been strategically<br />

located throughout the <strong>Ranch</strong> providing numerous fresh water sources<br />

in each pasture.<br />

The improvements consist of several sets of functional working corrals,<br />

calving barns, a horse barn, several equipment storage sheds, a good working shop and four modest but well-maintained homes. The absence of poorlydesigned,<br />

outlandish residential structures provides an equally rare opportunity to execute exactly what feels best to the next owner.<br />

A portion of the <strong>Ranch</strong> is under a conservation easement with the Montana Land Reliance, and is described in greater detail later in this prospectus.<br />

Offered for sale for the first time since 1944, the Historic <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> is a step back in time and provides privacy and solace in one of the best ranching<br />

and recreational areas the West has to offer. The <strong>Ranch</strong> is being offered for sale to settle the estate of the late Leroy <strong>Strand</strong>. It is the desire of the<br />

Trustees of the Estate to transition the <strong>Ranch</strong> to a buyer who will appreciate and enjoy the <strong>Ranch</strong> and the surrounding community as much as Mr. <strong>Strand</strong><br />

had for all his years of ownership.<br />

— 1 —


LOCATION & ACCESS<br />

Lying along the eastern slope of the Highwood Mountains, <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> is located in central Montana approximately 16 miles south of the small<br />

town of Geraldine and north east of the small community of Geyser. The <strong>Ranch</strong> is about 60 miles east of Great Falls and about 50 miles to the west of<br />

Lewistown. The <strong>Ranch</strong> headquarters are accessible via Geyser-Geraldine Road, and Geyser Road, an all-weather gravel county road that is maintained<br />

year round.<br />

Both Geyser, with a population of around 87, and Geraldine, with a population of about 260, offer a couple of grocery stores and gas stations, a bar and<br />

grill, as well as limited farm supplies and services.<br />

FORT BENTON<br />

Established in 1846 as an American Fur Company Trading Post, Fort Benton, steeped in history, is one of the oldest communities in the American West.<br />

Situated on the west bank of the Missouri River with a population of just under 1,500, Fort Benton was named by Forbes as one of America’s Top 15<br />

Prettiest Towns. Fort Benton offers all of the necessary amenities of a small town – agricultural supplies, hardware, restaurants and healthcare facilities,<br />

to name a few. In addition, Fort Benton has a multitude of recreational amenities.<br />

— 2 —


LOCATION & ACCESS<br />

LEWISTOWN<br />

Lewistown, the county seat of Fergus County with a population of approximately 5,900, offers all the necessary amenities and then some. The town<br />

provides two machinery dealerships, grocery stores, sporting-goods stores, clothing and specialty shops, coffee bars, fine dining, arts and crafts, and<br />

appliance and furniture stores through the tree-lined streets of the revitalized historic downtown. In close proximity to downtown just off of Main<br />

Street, the Calvert Hotel, built in 1872, provides fine lodging with a historic and elegant ambiance.<br />

Exceptional medical care is available at Central Montana Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewistown, which offers a full-expertise range of physicians and<br />

consulting-specialty doctors in partnership with the Billings Clinic.<br />

GREAT FALLS<br />

The <strong>Ranch</strong> is about 62 miles from Great Falls, the third largest city in Montana. Known as the “Electric City” for its hydroelectric dams, Great Falls<br />

is the commercial and banking hub of north central Montana. With a population of approximately 60,000, Great Falls offers a complete and diverse<br />

array of retail, dining, and supply and equipment services. Great Falls Clinic Medical Center and Benefits Health System both provide quality health<br />

care and surgical services. It is also home of the University of Providence, formerly University of Great Falls, a private, Roman Catholic liberal-arts<br />

university.<br />

AIRPORTS<br />

The Lewistown Municipal Airport (LWT) is located two miles southwest of Lewistown and is served by Newton Aviation, Central Air Service and Gulf<br />

Stream International Airline. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during WWII, the airfield was utilized to train U.S. Army Air Force airmen in<br />

the Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” before being assigned to air combat missions in Europe and North Africa. The main 6,100’ x 100’ asphalt runway,<br />

which is lighted, is in good condition. There are two additional asphalt runways, one of 5,600’ x 100’ which is in poor condition, and one 4,102’ x 60’<br />

which is in good condition. The airport sits at an elevation of 4,170’ above sea level and can be contacted on CTAF frequency 123.0 and WX ASOS<br />

118.375 or by telephone at (406) 538-2653.<br />

Stanford also has a very nice smaller paved strip available to the public. The main 4,200’ x 75’ asphalt runway, which is lighted, is in good condition.<br />

The airport sits at an elevation of 4,327’ above sea level and can be contacted on CTAF frequency 122.8, the FAA identifier is S64. For additional<br />

information contact Biggerstaff Field by telephone at (808) 754-1639.<br />

The Great Falls International Airport serves Alaska, Allegiant Air, Delta and United Airlines. Currently, direct flights are available to Denver, Las<br />

Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Seattle. For up-to-date flight schedules and airport information, please refer to the airport website:<br />

www.gtfairport.com.<br />

Approximate distances to other Montana cities and points of interest from the <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> Headquarters:<br />

Geraldine, MT<br />

16 miles<br />

Geyser<br />

16 miles<br />

Stanford<br />

32 miles<br />

Fort Benton<br />

44 miles<br />

Lewistown<br />

50 miles<br />

Great Falls<br />

60 miles<br />

— 3 —


<strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> encompasses approximately 30,974 total acres, including:<br />

PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION<br />

• 28,894± Deeded Acres<br />

• 1,760± State of Montana Leased Acres (599 AUMs)<br />

• 320± Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Acres (36 AUMs)<br />

Solid senior water rights totaling about 33.24 CFS provide good flows to irrigate the approximately 1,050 acres of irrigated meadows and sub-irrigated bottom land.<br />

Historically, the <strong>Ranch</strong> has irrigated about 600 acres of meadows along Cottonwood Creek for hay production yielding between 1.75 to 2.0 tons of grass hay per<br />

acre on one cutting of hay. Typically, cattle will consume between 1.25 to 1.5 tons of hay per head during a typical winter.<br />

Cattle are summered in the foothills of the Highwoods and about 134 pairs are moved onto the USFS Highwood Common 415 Permit in the adjoining Lewis and<br />

Clark National Forest. The permit allows for 134 pairs to graze from July 1st to October 1st each year and is referred to as a common use permit. The <strong>Ranch</strong> cattle<br />

run with several other permitees; however, bulls are not allowed to run on the permit. The permitees employ a rider to move and manage cattle during the summer<br />

grazing season, which costs each permitee about $14.00 per head. The base cost for the permit is approximately $1.69 per head per month. The USFS cattle are<br />

trailed up the Merrill Creek Basin and turned out to the National Forest directly from the <strong>Ranch</strong> in early July.<br />

The summer pastures on the <strong>Ranch</strong> are extensively<br />

watered with natural springs, stock tanks, springfed<br />

ponds and creeks. In most pastures, consistent<br />

clean-water sources are located within a half mile<br />

of each other. Historically, the cattle have been<br />

moved from pasture to pasture by utilizing the<br />

water sources. Once pastures have been grazed,<br />

pasture gates are opened and stock water turned<br />

on in the adjoining pastures, the cattle then drift<br />

to fresh grass. The rolling terrain and abundant<br />

water sources allow for efficient utilization of the<br />

grass resource. It is evident that the resource has<br />

been well managed with a significant amount of<br />

grass remaining for the following grazing season.<br />

The <strong>Ranch</strong> also utilizes a small 320-acre Bureau<br />

of Land Management Allotment which can be<br />

used for about 36 Animal Unit Months and can be<br />

grazed from June 1st to October 31st annually.<br />

The cattle are brought out of the USFS in early<br />

October and to the upper mountain pastures<br />

— 4 —


PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION<br />

on the deeded ground. On a typical year the <strong>Ranch</strong> holds the heifer calves until February and steer calves ship in late August. The cattle are<br />

wintered in the coulees and draws, which comprises the eastern third of the <strong>Ranch</strong> just to the east of Round Butte in the Ole Coulee drainage. The<br />

native grasses are high protein and abundant, maintaining good condition on the cows through the winter months and calving season. Water tanks<br />

are strategically located throughout the winter grazing range as well. With consistent water flows, these tanks stay open even during the January<br />

and February cold snaps.<br />

— 5 —


AREA RECREATION<br />

The recreational attributes both on the <strong>Ranch</strong> and in the surrounding vicinity are remarkable. The hunting on the <strong>Ranch</strong> is abundant for big game, as<br />

well as upland game birds. In addition to deer and elk, Round Butte, a unique feature on the <strong>Ranch</strong>, is home to mountain goats. Although Montana<br />

requires special licensing to hunt goats, it does provide the opportunity to hunt them privately and exclusively if a permit is drawn. There is an old barn<br />

on the northern portion of the <strong>Ranch</strong> that has been restored and is used as a hunting cabin.<br />

Due to the fact that the <strong>Ranch</strong> borders Lewis and Clark National Forest, numerous recreational opportunities are<br />

available directly from the property. Situated at the northern end of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, the<br />

Highwood Mountains, an island sub-range of the Rockies entirely surrounded by prairie that covers approximately<br />

1,799 square miles, offers fishing, hunting, backpacking as well as cross country skiing in the winter months.<br />

According to Cory Loecker at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Great Falls, the draw for elk in this district is<br />

typically as follows:<br />

For the rifle hunter, this is a draw district for bull elk. FWP issues about 100 permits either sex with<br />

landowner preference receiving 15 of those tags annually. If drawn, these landowner tags must be<br />

used by the landowner in this hunting district. Historically, about 30 names are submitted for the 15<br />

available tags.<br />

Archery tags are handled differently – for archery hunters, 3,700 permits are available statewide for 23 districts outside the Missouri Breaks. Selecting<br />

district 447 first choice draw is virtually guaranteed, for second choice it’s about a 50% draw. Non-residents get up to 10% of the rifle tags, in 2018<br />

only two were actually drawn. In the archery bundle, 15% of the tags go to landowner preference, only 20 landowners put in for first choice and all 20<br />

were drawn. For the non-resident landowners, up to 10% can be drawn. In 2018, 16 non-resident landowners put in and all 16 were drawn.<br />

Elk hunting in this area is outstanding! The <strong>Ranch</strong> harbors healthy populations of elk as they move from the dark timber cover of the Highwoods to<br />

the lush riparian bottoms and hay ground of the <strong>Ranch</strong>. Good numbers of six-point bull elk are prevalent, including Boone and Crockett rated 350 to<br />

360 class bulls.<br />

Situated in the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Hunting District 447, the <strong>Ranch</strong> has been outfitted for about the past 22 years by the current <strong>Ranch</strong><br />

Manager. The <strong>Ranch</strong> Manager’s agricultural and hunting lease expired on December 31, 2018. This is a draw district with 100 permits available for<br />

bull elk. For further information contact Cory Leocker with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks - Region 4 at 406‐454-5840. Additional information is<br />

also available online at https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/planahunt.<br />

The diverse ecosystem supplies prime habitat for a variety of bird species. Plentiful numbers of sharptailed grouse and Hungarian partridge make<br />

their home in the brush lined coulees and grassy savannas of the <strong>Ranch</strong>. Good numbers of pheasant populate the Cottonwood Creek bottoms as well.<br />

A notable Helena based outfitter contracted with the <strong>Ranch</strong> for many years bringing high-end clients to <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> to experience it’s beauty and<br />

abundant bird populations.<br />

Venturing off the <strong>Ranch</strong>, one need not go far to experience the blue-ribbon waters of the stunning Big Spring Creek which flows through Lewistown and<br />

sustains a strong population of rainbow and brown trout. Big Spring Creek is one of the largest fresh water springs in the United States. It originates<br />

southeast of Lewistown and provides devoted anglers with 26 miles of pristine water to enjoy.<br />

— 6 —


AREA RECREATION<br />

— 7 —


— 8 —


The majority of the improvements are situated in a central location<br />

near the center of the <strong>Ranch</strong> just off of the Geraldine-Geyser Road.<br />

Water is supplied to the ranch homes on a gravity-flow system from<br />

a buried cistern supplied by several springs originating in the Libby<br />

Hills. Each of the homes have individual septic systems.<br />

Owner’s Home<br />

The one-story owner’s home, which was built in 1979 of frame<br />

construction, is approximately 2,068 square-feet with an attached 576<br />

square-foot garage. The home, with wood-siding and a metal roof,<br />

has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living room has a woodburning<br />

fireplace and large windows to provide plenty of natural<br />

light. The Owner’s Home is situated away from the Headquarters<br />

about a quarter of a mile and just off Cottonwood Creek.<br />

HEADQUARTERS<br />

The Headquarters, which is conveniently located just off of the<br />

Geyser-Geraldine Road, offers a manager’s house plus two additional<br />

houses for hired help. In addition, there is a main shop, several<br />

sheds and storage facilities. The Headquarters has electrical power,<br />

phone and fiber optic services. The houses and shop are heated with<br />

propane as well as electric heat, depending on the structure.<br />

Manager’s House<br />

The 2,240 square-foot manager’s home is a one-and-a-half story<br />

frame house. The 1950s four-bedroom, one-bathroom house, with<br />

wood siding and a tin roof, is surrounded by mature trees and a wellmaintained<br />

lawn.<br />

Fleetwood Double-Wide<br />

The 26’ x 50’ manufactured single-story home has three bedrooms<br />

and two full bathrooms. The home is heated with propane. Additional<br />

storage space is in the crawl space. Located near the home is a single<br />

bay garage with a concrete floor and a tin roof. The 20’ x 40’ garage,<br />

which does have power, is used for storage.<br />

IMPROVEMENTS<br />

— 9 —


Hired Man’s House<br />

The 1980s one-story frame home with approximately 1,276 square feet<br />

has three bedrooms and one bathroom with an attached garage.<br />

Garage for Hired Man’s House<br />

The 30’ x 55’ three-bay garage has a steel roof and concrete floor. The<br />

garage has power, and one of the bays has an electric heater. The upstairs<br />

of the building is utilized for storage. This building appears to be in fair<br />

condition.<br />

Steel Equipment Storage<br />

The 5,000± square-foot Behlen building is primarily used for equipment<br />

storage. Made of steel-girder construction with a metal roof, the 50' x100'<br />

structure, built in 1971, has two 24' x 14' sliding doors. The building has<br />

a dirt floor and is not insulated.<br />

Main Shop<br />

The 1,500± square-foot Behlen shop of steel-girder construction with a<br />

metal roof was built in 1972. The 30' x50' insulated building with 220<br />

power is heated with gas-forced air and has two overhead Reznor heaters<br />

and a wash sink. The shop is easily accessible with a 16' x 12' and 12' x<br />

12' roll-up doors.<br />

— 10 —


Quonset<br />

The 1986 Behlen Quonset is approximately 2,800 square feet. The 40’ x<br />

70’ steel structure has concrete floor and two 16’ x 12’ roll-up doors. The<br />

Quonset, which does have electricity, appears to be in very good condition.<br />

Historic Horse Barn<br />

The 30' x 100' historic horse barn, with a corrugated tin roof, has six stalls,<br />

an alley with a dirt floor and a tack room with a wood floor. The historic<br />

barn was constructed in the early 1900s and appears to be in fair condition.<br />

Working Corrals<br />

The working corrals are situated along the Cottonwood Creek drainage<br />

about a half mile south of the owner’s home. The corrals allow for efficient<br />

management during calving season and shipping. The corrals are made of<br />

post-and-rail construction and appear to be well-maintained.<br />

Two wood-framed calving sheds, adjoining the working corrals have<br />

electricity and are utilized on an as needed basis during calving season. In<br />

addition, there is a 20,000-pound Fairbanks Morse scale certified in 2018,<br />

a Silencer chute, and a circular tub-and-alley system.<br />

— 11 —


WATER RIGHTS<br />

IRRIGATION RIGHTS<br />

Water Right Number Priority Date Flow (cfs) Acres Source<br />

41R 118661 00 February 25, 1898 1.86 49 WILLOW CREEK<br />

41R 129667 00 September 10, 1903 5 2317 COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 129668 00 August 25, 1900 3 2317 COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 129669 00 September 7, 1899 6 2317 COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 129670 00 April 30, 1897 0.38 2317 COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 129671 00 June 8, 1896 4 2317 COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 129672 00 July 1, 1883 6.07 2317 COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 129673 00 June 3, 1896 2.93 2317 COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 129674 00 May 20, 1911 2 53 WARREN CREEK<br />

41R 129675 00 June 5, 1900 2 53 WARREN CREEK<br />

STOCK RIGHTS<br />

According to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the <strong>Ranch</strong> has filed on 129 stock water rights. These stock water rights<br />

are sourced from developed springs, creeks reservoirs and stock ponds.<br />

DOMESTIC WATER RIGHTS<br />

Water Right Number Priority Date Flow (cfs) Acres Source<br />

41R 118657 00 December 31, 1948 0.06 4 SPRING, UNNAMED TRIBUTARY OF COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 118658 00 December 31, 1948 0.06 4 SPRING, UNNAMED TRIBUTARY OF COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 118659 00 December 31, 1948 0.06 4 SPRING, UNNAMED TRIBUTARY OF COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

41R 118660 00 December 31, 1948 0.06 4 SPRING, UNNAMED TRIBUTARY OF COTTONWOOD CREEK<br />

A complete water right report is available to qualified buyers by contacting our Bozeman office.<br />

All water rights in Montana are subject to eventual re-adjudication by the Montana Water Court and, as a result of that process, may be changed as to<br />

validity, amount, priority date, place of use and other such changes as the Court determines. The Sellers have made all of the filings currently required<br />

and will transfer the water rights as they currently stand with no warranty of future viability.<br />

— 14 —


CONSERVATION EASEMENT<br />

In 2001, the Seller placed a conservation easement on approximately 13,380 acres of the <strong>Ranch</strong> with Montana Land Reliance. The easement<br />

encompasses the current headquarters and allows for a total of five residences within the conserved area. It also allows for two rustic cabins or trailers<br />

with limitations; no residential rights or cabin rights can be conveyed in the event of a transfer of the <strong>Ranch</strong>. Furthermore, it prohibits opening up<br />

additional acres for farming but provides for farming in the historically farmed areas. To receive a complete copy of the conservation easement<br />

document, please contact our Bozeman Office.<br />

— 15 —


— 16 —


RANCH HISTORY<br />

What is now known as <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> was originally established in the 1860s by Henry MacDonald, a sheep farmer, who at a young age followed<br />

the mantra “Go west, young man, go west.” In 1887 MacDonald sold his holdings – squatters rights, improvements and his sheep, to L & M <strong>Ranch</strong><br />

Company. MacDonald’s range consisted of about 230,400 acres.<br />

Ole Osnes, a sailor from Norway, made his way to Montana and in 1882 began working for Henry MacDonald. After five years of working for<br />

MacDonald and learning the sheep business, he filed for a homestead between Square Butte and Round Butte. Within five years he was granted a patent<br />

for the land and bought his own sheep. Over the next few years, he acquired many more acres including 1,463± acres from L & M <strong>Ranch</strong> Company,<br />

the original MacDonald holdings on Cottonwood Creek. Ole was astute at acquiring land through Acts that were passed, such as the Stock Raising<br />

Homestead Act of 1916 and the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934, as well as purchasing homesteads that were too small to ranch. By 1937, he had the deeds<br />

to over 23,000 acres, and he never had a mortgage. That year<br />

Ole, who was very well known throughout the state, was killed<br />

in a car accident. In 1944, Osnes Cattle Company sold the ranch<br />

to the <strong>Strand</strong> family.<br />

The <strong>Strand</strong>s had been in the cattle business since 1902, when<br />

Oswald <strong>Strand</strong>, at the age of 16, bought his first two steers.<br />

Although one of them died, he did not lose his dream of working<br />

in the cattle business. By the time he was 20 years old, he and his<br />

brother bought the family farm in Iowa. Oswald married Maude<br />

Peshak in 1911 and the couple had six children. Oswald <strong>Strand</strong> &<br />

Son was established in 1940 when his son Leroy joined him in the<br />

livestock business. And in 1944, Oswald along with his wife and<br />

two of their sons, Leroy and Dean, bought the 22,500-acre Osnes<br />

<strong>Ranch</strong> in Montana. In 1954 they bought the adjoining 9,100-acre<br />

Stillwell <strong>Ranch</strong>. Cattle from the <strong>Ranch</strong> were sold each year at the<br />

<strong>Strand</strong> Cattle Sale in Iowa, which was one of the largest auction<br />

sales of privately-owned feeder cattle in the country. In 1951,<br />

over 4,000 cattle were sold for over $1,000,000.<br />

In 1964 the <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> partnership dissolved, and Leroy<br />

became the sole owner of <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>. Although Leroy spent much of his time in Iowa helping his father, in 1967 he bought a mobile home for the<br />

<strong>Ranch</strong> in Montana, and by 1975, when he retired, he began spending the majority of his time on the <strong>Ranch</strong>. In 1981, Leroy married Claris Loberg,<br />

who started working with the cattle on <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> in 1973. Claris’s son, Gary was hired in 1982 as a foreman and worked on the <strong>Ranch</strong> for several<br />

years. Leroy operated and managed the <strong>Ranch</strong> until 1998, when he leased the <strong>Ranch</strong> and cattle to Tony and Tanara Martin. Leroy continued to live<br />

on the <strong>Ranch</strong> and remained an active partner, friend and advisor to the Martins. In 2000, Leroy, an avid environmentally-focused advocate, received<br />

the first runners-up award for environmental stewardship from the Montana Stockgrowers Association. In 2016 at the age of 97, Leroy <strong>Strand</strong> passed<br />

away. His legacy lives on through his selfless philanthropic gestures to the local community.<br />

— 17 —


— 18 —


ELEVATION & CLIMATE<br />

The majority of the property is at an elevation of around 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level. The highest point on the <strong>Ranch</strong> is the peak of Round<br />

Butte, located near the center of the <strong>Ranch</strong>, sitting at about 5,370 feet above sea level; the lowest portion sits around 3,240 feet in the southeast portion.<br />

The average annual precipitation in Geyser is approximately 17 inches of rain and 118 inches of snow. Average maximum temperatures in June,<br />

July and August range from 75° to 85° Fahrenheit. In December, January and February average maximum temperatures are between 35° and 40°<br />

Fahrenheit. Summer nights average about 51° Fahrenheit. Winter average minimum is between 14° and 18° Fahrenheit. This is an area that receives<br />

a good amount of sunshine throughout the year with an average of 186 sunny days.<br />

— 19 —


— 20 —


The real estate taxes for 2018 were approximately $30,050.06.<br />

REAL ESTATE TAXES<br />

FENCES & BOUNDARY LINES<br />

The Seller hereby makes known that there may be variations between the deeded property lines and the location of the existing fence boundary lines<br />

on <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>. The Seller makes no warranties with regard to the location of the fence lines in relationship to the deeded property lines, nor does<br />

the Seller make any warranties or representations with regard to specific acreage within the fenced property lines.<br />

The Seller is selling <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> in its “as is-where is” condition which includes the location of the fences as they now exist. Boundaries shown on<br />

any accompanying maps are approximate. The maps are not to scale and are for visual aid only. The accuracy of the maps and information portrayed<br />

thereon is not guaranteed nor warranted.<br />

UTILITIES & SERVICES<br />

Electricity is supplied through Fergus<br />

Electric. Telephone and internet are<br />

provided by Three Rivers. Propane service<br />

is provided by Mountain View Co-Op or<br />

Woodhall Distributing. There is limited<br />

cell coverage available through Verizon on<br />

certain locations of the <strong>Ranch</strong>. Bulk fuel<br />

is provided by Joyce Fuel and Feeds.<br />

MINERAL RIGHTS<br />

The Seller will convey with the <strong>Ranch</strong><br />

100% of whatever mineral, oil, gas,<br />

geo-thermal, hydro-carbon and gravel<br />

rights which they actually own, subject<br />

to reservations by previous owners. The<br />

Seller makes no representation as to the<br />

quantity or quality of any mineral or other<br />

subsurface rights appurtenant to the <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />

— 21 —


SUMMARY STATEMENT<br />

<strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong> represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine operating ranch with remarkable big-game hunting, and with enough size, scale and<br />

carrying capacity to make some business sense even in today’s tumultuous economic climate. The <strong>Ranch</strong> is ideally located in one of Central Montana’s<br />

most desirable and appealing areas. The Geyser-Geraldine area affords all of the resources for successful ranching and enjoyment of an unsullied<br />

lifestyle and privacy away from metropolitan America.<br />

The <strong>Ranch</strong> is in fine operating condition with good improvements but not overdone. The pastures are in superb condition. In managing the grass<br />

resource, every effort has been made to carry over ample feed for the following grazing season – a testimony to the conservative grazing practices<br />

implemented over the many years of ownership.<br />

The success of many Central Montana ranches hinges on the quality and quantity of grass. One of the key components making this <strong>Ranch</strong> so attractive<br />

to a rancher, is the combination of a good hay base, ample spring pasture and solid summer pasture to carry cattle through all seasons. The hard grass<br />

country of Judith Basin and Chouteau Counties has traditionally generated solid weight gains at a low cost.<br />

Prospective Buyers with an interest in portfolio diversification and a desire to own one of Montana’s true working outfits should seriously consider<br />

<strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>. It is rare to find a large contiguous land holding with such strong operating resources and sense of history.<br />

— 22 —


OFFERING PRICE & CONDITIONS OF SALE<br />

<strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>, as Previously Described Herein, is Offered at $35,250,000 Cash. The Conditions of Sale as of November 2020 Are as Follows:<br />

1. All offers to purchase must be in writing and accompanied by an earnest money deposit check in the amount of 3.00% of the<br />

Purchaser’s offering price;<br />

2. Each offer must also be accompanied with the name and telephone number of the Purchaser’s private banker to assist the Sellers and<br />

their agents in ascertaining the Purchaser’s financial ability to consummate a purchase;<br />

3. All Purchasers must demonstrate to the Seller’s satisfaction unquestioned financial capability to purchase the <strong>Ranch</strong> prior to<br />

scheduling an inspection;<br />

4. Earnest money deposits will be placed in escrow with First American Title Company of Great Falls, Montana;<br />

5. The Sellers will provide and pay for a standard owner’s title insurance policy. Any endorsements requested by the Buyer or any<br />

lender will be at Buyer’s expense. Title to the real property will be conveyed via a deed;<br />

6. All of the <strong>Ranch</strong>’s water rights will be transferred to the Purchaser and all of the mineral rights which the Sellers actually own will<br />

be conveyed to the Purchaser at Closing.<br />

7. Buyers’ Brokers are welcome and cordially invited to contact Listing Broker Mike Swan, for information regarding Cooperation<br />

Policies and Commission Splits.<br />

The equipment, machinery, livestock and miscellaneous shop tools and supplies would also be available for purchase via a separate Bill of Sale<br />

and negotiated separately from the real estate transaction making this a turn-key operation for the next owner. Please contact our Bozeman<br />

Office for a complete inventory and pricing.<br />

This entire <strong>Offering</strong> is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by the Seller.<br />

Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, crop yields, potential profits, etc., is intended only as general<br />

guidelines and have been obtained from sources deemed reliable; however, accuracy is not warranted or guaranteed by the Seller or Swan<br />

Land Company. Prospective Buyers should verify all information to their sole and complete satisfaction.<br />

— 23 —


Swan Land Company has been authorized by the Seller to act as their Exclusive Real Estate Broker on the sale of <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />

Since 2002, we have primarily focused on the brokerage of significant ranches, farms and recreational properties throughout the<br />

Rocky Mountain West.<br />

This <strong>Offering</strong> is based on information believed to be correct; however, it is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale and change or<br />

withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein has been provided by the Seller or obtained from other sources deemed<br />

reliable. The Agent does not, however, guarantee accuracy and recommends that any Prospective Buyer conduct an independent<br />

investigation.<br />

For more information or to make an appointment to inspect the <strong>Ranch</strong>, please call:<br />

Michael S. Swan — Managing Broker/Owner<br />

1185 North 14th Avenue – Suite One<br />

Bozeman, Montana 59715<br />

Office 406.522.7342<br />

Toll Free 866.999.7342<br />

Mobile 406.570.4897<br />

Fax 406.522.0769<br />

mike@swanlandco.com<br />

www.swanlandco.com<br />

A 48-hour notice is requested to make proper arrangements for an inspection of <strong>Strand</strong> <strong>Ranch</strong>.<br />

— 24 —


STRAND RANCH


11 Miles to Geyser<br />

2 Miles to Geraldine


Genuine. Devoted. Proven.<br />

866.999.7342 | WWW.SWANLANDCO.COM | INFO@SWANLANDCO.COM

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