Property Overview
Premium Irrigated Hay Operation with Water Rights, Infrastructure, and Income Potential
Offered for the first time in nearly three decades, this highly functional 260± acre hay and livestock operation—comprised of two 130± acre farms—offers exceptional production capacity, senior water rights, and well-maintained infrastructure in the desirable Swink School District.
North Farm: 130± acres total, with 119± acres under Zimmatic pivot (2014) and a 15± acre-foot collection pond. Water rights include 109 shares of Catlin Canal and 109 shares of Larkspur Ditch. A conservation easement covers 64± acres and 64± Catlin shares, while 66± acres and 45± shares remain unencumbered. Two headgates (one gravity-fed, one pump-fed with a 12” Fischer lift pump and 20 HP electric motor) directly pull from Catlin Canal—no lateral ditches needed. Water can also be pumped to the South Farm. A domestic tap from South Swink water serves the winter cattle pasture. Producing high-quality alfalfa and grass hay for 28 years, yields average 5 tons/acre for grass (3 cuttings/year) and four alfalfa cuttings/year. Corn and wheat base included. Excellent access from paved County Road 24.
South Farm: 141± acres with 100 acres irrigated by a 2018 Zimmatic pivot and supplied by a 10± acre-foot pond. Water rights include 120 shares of Otero Canal, with additional Catlin water transferable from the North Farm via a 12” underground pipeline. Pivot corners are irrigated with a concrete ditch and risers. Re-seeded to alfalfa in 2024, this field has historically yielded 3 tons/acre of alfalfa/grass hay. Corn and wheat base included. Access from paved County Roads Z and 24.
Water Overview:
- Catlin Canal: Premier Arkansas Valley water with average 5 AF/share, ~2.4 AF CU/share, winter storage access, Fry-Ark project allocations, and augmentation/lease programs.
- Otero Canal: 2.5 AF/share, ~0.875 AF CU/share, strong reliability, Fry-Ark allocations.
- Larkspur Ditch: Transmountain water, no return flow restrictions.
Otero County Irrigated Farm presents a rare opportunity to own a well-irrigated, productive farm with transferable, high-value water rights and long-term ag viability.
Property Facts
- 271± acres
- 109 shares of Catlin Canal, 109 shares of Larkspur Ditch, 120 shares of Otero Canal
- North Farm has a 15± acre collection pond, a Zimmatic Pivot installed in 2014, and historically grows alfalfa/ grass hay, producing 5 tons/acre
- South Farm has a 10± acre collection pond, Zimmatic Pivot installed in 2018, and historically grows alfalfa/grass hay, producing 5 tons/acre
- 2,140± square foot 4-bed, 2-bath home
- 120’ x 65’ steel hay barn built in 2023
- Cattle scales and scale house
- 500 bushel grain bin + 5,000 bushel grain bin
- 220’ x 120’ Pipe roping arena and horse pens
- 4± acre irrigated grass trap for horses
- 1,480± square foot calving barn
- 800-head pipe grow yard with concrete bunks
