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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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STRAND RANCH
11 Miles to Geyser<br />
2 Miles to Geraldine
Genuine. Devoted. Proven.<br />
866.999.7342 | WWW.SWANLANDCO.COM | INFO@SWANLANDCO.COM