Blogs

After discussing the ranch market with Fay Ranches brokers in our 10 offices spread across 5 states, I can confirm the following information accurately represents the market. The value of purely recreational ranches has corrected more dramatically than ranches that have agricultural income whose value is entirely or in part commodity driven. Both asset types have stabilized: the income-producing ranches have begun to rebound and the recreational ranches are poised to rebound.

There is an increase in buyers trickling back into the market. Fay Ranches closed more ranch transactions in 2011 than in any previous year in the history of the company. We see a recognition of value in the market by experienced buyers. All these factors point to an excellent time to invest and enjoy both recreational and income-producing ranches.

-Greg Fay

January 17, 2012 - Fay Ranches distributed a news release today about the steady action on ranch sales one of our Wyoming brokers has been part of in recent months. As quoted in the release, broker Mike Fraley gives credit to the fair pricing of the properties, strong agricultural markets, the favorable Wyoming tax structure, and the expanding search for smart places to park some cash. Owning an investment that also provides world-class sporting pursuits and an incomparable family retreat might also be on the checklist for some of those giving ranches a serious look now.

Greg Fay emphasized the role Fraley plays in these completed transactions: “Mike knows farms and ranches. His knowledge of the Wyoming area and expertise in connecting the right ranch with the right owner makes a key difference.”

Earlier this month, Colorado Fay Ranches broker Coble Thurman attended a holiday tradition in wintery Grand County.  Each December family members join together over a snowy weekend for the annual Tree Trimming Weekend.  Located off the beaten path, tucked away hidden in the massive pines quietly sits a private, historic ski lodge reminiscent of the early days of skiing.  Members enjoy ski in/ski out access, private room lodging along with wonderfully chef prepared meals served with festive cheer.  On one afternoon, the older members hike up the property to locate, cut & carry back the Christmas tree back into the cozy, vintage ski lodge.  This year's light snowfall made this a much easier task than in year's past as Colorado has yet to receive it's first big snow storm of the year.  

Bozeman, MT – To begin the new year, Fay Ranches will be showing up at the new terminal of the recently re-named Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, formerly Gallatin Field Airport.

Fay Ranches will be featured in a 30-second spot that rotates with other sponsors during the MontanaPBS programming that will run daily from 5 am to midnight on 15 large HDTV monitors. The new $40 million terminal serves scheduled flights on Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, and United airlines.

Forbes magazine has rated Jackson Hole Mountain Resort the number one ski resort in the United States, which comes as no surprise to those of us lucky enough to live or grow up here.

Long known for its challenging terrain and legendary vertical drop, the masses are now more aware of the resort’s varied terrain for all skill sets, its incredible amenities (Four Seasons, Hotel Terra, Shooting Star) and a new, bigger airport with direct flights from Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Salt Lake City, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fay Ranches Jackson Hole broker Mike Jorgenson grew up in Jackson, and has made both the resort and the many other recreational activities offered in this valley his playground for over 30 years.

From all of the ranch brokers and staff at Fay Ranches, happy holidays. See you in 2012.

Dressage? In Montana?  When I think of dressage, Princess Anne comes to mind, or the rarely-televised event in the Olympics, or the perfectly green and manicured rings found in …. Connecticut??  New York state?  In fact, as a born and bred ranch girl from Montana, I wasn’t even sure what dressage was, until I attended a show this past summer right here in the Gallatin Valley.  Do I know anything more about dressage today than in August?  The answer is no, but it was the most beautiful combination of balletic grace and athleticism on the part of both horse and rider that I have witnessed.

Oregon Ranch Broker, Rob Ezell, reluctantly crawled from beneath the down quilt looking to find a pair of something to put on - his feet already cold from touching the wood floor which feels more like an ice rink. After the coffee pot is warm, three cups of delicious brew chased by a smoothie will tide him over until lunch.

Glen Haven Ranch in Johnson County, Wyoming

Buffalo, WY – Fay Ranches broker Mike Fraley has been involved in several ranch transactions in Wyoming recently. Climbing commodity prices and rising export markets have boosted Wyoming ranch sales. By the close of this year, seven Wyoming properties with which Fay Ranches has been involved will have been sold since May of 2011, totaling just over $17 million in sales.

Fay Ranch's Colorado broker Coble Thurman recently spent a cool fall weekend hunting pheasants with friends and business associates on private Kansas farmland.  Bird numbers were a bit below average this year, but with the help of a few quality hunting dogs working the cornfields, the group enjoyed great success. Their experienced host/guide had local knowledge of where to go to provide the group of 20 hunters with the best opportunities, a must in these parts of the country.