Ash Creek Ranch

Ash Creek Ranch is a well-managed cattle outfit spanning 8,939.37± continuous acres of rolling native range south of Broken Bow, Nebraska. Extensive water development, pivot-irrigated alfalfa, and a well-kept headquarters provide the backbone of the operation. Years of sound management show in the condition of the range and improvements, with the rolling hills and open views that define this part of Custer County.

Land

Ash Creek Ranch offers the size and continuity of a large central Nebraska cattle operation that has remained intact over the years. Its 8,939.37± deeded acres lie in a single, nearly continuous block, with no scattered tracts or long hauls between pastures. The ranch includes approximately 8,470 acres of native grass, 166 acres of irrigated cropland and 286 acres of dryland crop and hay ground.
Native grass is the foundation of Ash Creek Ranch. Set in the heart of central Nebraska’s Loess Hills, the ranch’s deep silty soils hold moisture well and support some of the state’s most productive hardland grass. The mixed-grass prairie includes big and little bluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass, sideoats grama and blue grama to carry summer grazing, while western wheatgrass greens up early in the spring. Together, these grasses provide quality forage from spring through fall. With proper management and timely rest, the grass takes grazing well and comes back strong. Gently rolling hills keep nearly every acre usable, and in a region where cedar trees have taken over many pastures, the ranch’s clean, open grass stands out.
The irrigated ground lies along the Ash Creek valley floor on rich silty loam soils, primarily rated Class II and III. The dryland acreage is divided among several fields, including a 132-acre field on a high bench at the north end overlooking the ranch. Highway 21 frontage along the west side and county roads serving other portions of the property provide easy, year-round access.

Improvements

Main residence: A single-story ranch-style home with an attached two-car garage and 1,560 square feet on the main floor, including three bedrooms and two baths. The finished basement provides three additional bedrooms and another bath, offering plenty of room for family or guests. The home is heated by a heat pump.
Second residence: The second home offers approximately 1,300 square feet, with three bedrooms and one bath on the main floor. A partially finished basement adds two bedrooms and another bath, providing flexible space for hired help, extended family or a ranch office.
Livestock barn: The 58′ x 130′ pole barn has steel siding and roofing, with a vet room, calving stalls, and working chutes inside. Adjoining corrals keep cattle handling and calving facilities together in one practical setup.
Machine shed: Built in 2004, this 5,000-square-foot steel building provides equipment storage and an insulated shop for maintenance and repairs, with an overhead door for equipment access.
Irrigation: Three Reinke center pivots, including two 7-tower units and one 4-tower unit, are supplied by a single well drilled in 2003. The well is certified for 222 acres, exceeding the acreage currently irrigated, and is powered by an Isuzu diesel unit. Valves at the pump site control water delivery to all three pivots.
Water and fencing: Several submersible wells supply a network of pipelines and livestock tanks throughout the pastures. Perimeter and cross-fences are in excellent condition, consisting primarily of 4- to 6-wire barbed wire with some electric fencing for flexibility in pasture management. Well-distributed water and solid fences make cattle rotation easier and help keep the grass productive from one grazing season to the next.

Recreation

Ash Creek Ranch offers excellent hunting in central Nebraska, with good numbers of both mule deer and whitetails. Timbered draws and the Ash Creek bottom provide cover for whitetails, while the open hills are classic mule deer country. Hay fields along the valley draw deer to feed in the evenings, wild turkeys roost in the creek timber, and the native grass provides habitat for upland birds and coyotes. The acreage gives an owner room to keep hunting pressure low and manage for mature bucks.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Seller to reserve all owned mineral rights.  All owned water rights shall be transferred to buyer.
Irrigation Well Information:  Registration #G-122377, Lower Loup NRD, Acres 222, Pump Rate 1,450 GPM, Pump Depth 150′, Total Depth 480′, Static Water 34′, Pumping Water Level 100′, Registration Date July 10, 2003.

General Operations

Ash Creek Ranch has an estimated carrying capacity of 900 to 950 animal units on deeded ground, placing it among the larger grazing operations in central Nebraska. The acreage and improvements are well suited to cow-calf pairs, summer yearlings or a combination of both, giving an owner flexibility to adjust cattle numbers and classes as markets and grass conditions allow.
Rotational grazing is supported by more than 20 pastures ranging from a quarter section to a full section, allowing for timely moves and adequate rest to keep the native grass productive year after year. Livestock water is a particular strength, with a well-developed system serving every pasture. Reliable water throughout the grazing unit encourages cattle to use the available grass more evenly. Most cross-fencing is permanent, with some electric fencing providing flexibility to divide pastures as needed.
The ranch raises much of its own winter feed, with pivot-irrigated ground in the Ash Creek valley producing several tons of quality alfalfa per acre each year. Regrowth after the final cutting provides fall grazing close to headquarters. Dryland hay fields supply additional grass hay or can be grazed as conditions and feed needs dictate. Raising feed on-site reduces the need to buy and haul hay, while the hay ground’s proximity to headquarters and the cattle facilities keeps winter feeding and calving convenient to manage.

Region & Climate

Ash Creek Ranch lies in central Nebraska cattle country, where rolling native range, hay meadows, and fertile valleys support a long-established ranching and farming community. The region has four distinct seasons, with warm summers, cold winters and average annual precipitation of approximately 23 inches. The climate supports native grass and hay production, with a seasonal rhythm that lends itself to summer grazing and raising feed for winter.

Location

Ash Creek Ranch lies approximately 12 miles south of Broken Bow and 6 miles from Oconto, among the rolling hills of Custer County, Nebraska. State Highway 21 and a well-maintained county gravel road provide straightforward access to the property.