ANTELOPE PEAK CATTLE RANCH
Antelope Peak Cattle Ranch located near Wells, NV (Elko County) sits at the base of a group of mountains dominated by Antelope peak at 8700 feet elevation to the north. Ranch operations generally face south towards the Ruby Mountain ranges, in gently sloping terrain through irrigated fields bounded by Trout Creek to the east and Burnt Creek on the western perimeter.
The Ranch, at 6000 elevation, can comfortably support 600 cow-pairs with summer grazing and winter hay. Grazing is divided among two BLM permits and several sprinkler irrigated pastures.
The 5000 deeded acres and 5000 BLM acres are contiguous with minor exceptions. Temperatures and growing seasons are typical for the elevations (6000 to 8000) and 41° latitude.
Virtual Tour of Antelope Peak Ranch, more photos below.
AntelopePeakRanch BLM permits.pdf
Antelope Ranch Map
The following sections describe the ranch with details and photographs:
A. Specifications
B. Water Rights & Irrigation
C. Grazing and Haying
D. Improvements
E. Equipment
F. Annual Fixed Expenses
G. Projects & Future growth
H. Problems
A. Antelope Peak Ranch Specifications State ID# 14599
· Capacity - 600 cow pairs
· Location: Metropolis Rd, Wells, NV 89835
§ GPS Coordinates - N 41°, 16.4, W 115° 1.3
§ Elevation irrigated fields 6000
· Area - Deeded 5000 Acres
BLM 5000 Acres
· Irrigation 5 pivots 585 Acres (130 Acres XX)
Flood 28 Acres 613 Acres total
· Grazing Grass 350 pairs (irrigated & not irrigated)
BLM 250 Pairs (15 April to 30 September)
· Water Rights 720 acres at 3 Ac-Ft/acre per year
(720 x 3 = 2160 Ac-Ft. per year)
28 acres flood (0.33 cfs)
· Hay potential (2 tons/acre x 613 acres) = 1200 Tons
· Water Sources
§ 280 Well 250 Hp pump VFD (Mitsubishi Variable Freq. Drive) up to 2200 gpm
§ 160 Well 100 Hp pump Standard GE Panel 550 gpm
§ Spring flowing 2 cfs year round
· Improvements most with outdoor lighting fencing
· Special Features
§ Two Ponds, 2.7 acres & 1.4 acres, fed by above spring water source and stocked with Large Mouth Bass and Bream
· Potential Growth
§ 2 or 3 pivots (on 263 acres)
§ New well sited by two dimensional electric survey
(Stratek Ground Water Imaging Survey)
B. WATER RIGHTS & IRRIGATION
WATER RIGHTS The State of Nevada has appropriated under the following permits the use of water not to exceed 2160 acre feet annually:
75409, 62774, 25138, Certificate 8422
From time to time, application has been made to change points of diversion and places of use. The object for The Ranch is to use the adjudicated water efficiently with back-up provisions.
Currently, application numbers 80645, 80646 and 80647 are awaiting approval. In addition to the change in place of use is a request for change in location of a new well. The new location reflects additional data obtained from a two dimensional image test conducted in May 2010.
In addition to the above, there exists a permit for 0.33 CFS of water from a free flowing spring, permitting the flood irrigation of approximately 28 acres.
IRRIGATION The Ranch uses 4 quarter mile Reinke Pivots at 130 acres each and a 65 acre pivot. The last (130 acres) pivot was installed in May 2010. All of the pivots are 3 phase electrically driven and inter connected with mostly 8 160 psi PVC buried pipe. The water sources are:
WELL | PUMP | DRIVE | CAPACITY |
280 | 250 Hp | Mitsubishi Var. Freq. | Up to 2200 gpm |
160 | 100 Hp | Standard GE Panel | 550 gpm |
There are flow meters and pressure gauges for each pivot. The water line to the western most pivot incorporates a 30 Hp close-coupled centrifugal pump to boost the pressure. It is controlled by a separate panel.
Irrigation usually begins in the latter part of May (after we have vaccinated and branded the calves) and extends into September.
C. GRAZING & HAYING
Grazing on The Ranch usually begins on the west side in April.
· Section 2 - Grass
· Along Burnt Creek - Crested Wheat grass, Basin Wild Rye, native grasses
· BLM native grasses, Crested Wheat grass
BLM grazing consists of two allotments:
· 03202 Antelope 155 cattle 1 May 30 Sept. 476 AUMS
· 03228 Metropolis 106 cattle 16 Apr. 28 Sept. 301 AUMS
261 cattle 777 AUMS
GRAZING NON-IRRIGATED:
Cows and calves are put on crested wheat grass as soon as possible, after calving, in Section 2 and along Burnt Creek. Section 2 was seeded by helicopter with a pasture mix in 2007.
The Hepworth fire in July 2007 burned much of the non-irrigated acreage on the west side, along Burnt Creek and up the BLM allotments. Grazing the allotments was not allowed until 2010.
GRAZING IRRIGATED FIELDS: (See maps)
After branding and vaccinating, the non-BLM hers are moved onto other fields in Section 1.
Fertilizer is applied to the irrigated fields in early May. Irrigation commences thereafter. Cow pairs are moved as required.
The west pivot is in Section 1. The north and south pivots are in Section 7. The XX field pivot is on the east side of Section 7.
Stock water is fed to tanks from each pivot: 4 tanks at the north pivot, 2 at the south pivot, 3 at the west pivot, and 1 in the XX field. The tanks are plumbed using buried 1 Ό polyethylene hose and Hudson Valves.
Portable electric fences are used to separate cattle from potions of the hayed fields. Pivot towers have been modified with 2 PVC pipe to permit the tires to pass over electric wires. Grazing occurs simultaneously with pivot irrigation.
HAYING:
The first cutting usually starts the end of June in the XX field. A second XX cut is expected in early August. In 2011 the first cut produced 320 6x5 round bales. At 0.7 tons/bale the harvest was 224 tons.
Cutting the south pivot grass started on 12 July 2011. The expected hay yield is 2 tons per acre, generally more is harvested. Not all the fields are cut since some are grazed.
There are three large stack areas on the ranch; one for XX and two others for grass bales.
D. IMPROVEMENTS:
Aside from the fences, gates and corrals, the major improvements involve buildings:
· A 2 story residence with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Foremans residence
· Shop/garage, heated with propane, overhead door 20 wide x 20 high and 40 deep, concrete floor, back side is 40 deep, covered with gravel floor and open on one side
· Wide trailer with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for hired help when needed.
· Two story cabin with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms owners temporary residence
· 8x20 covered scale (using load cells)
· Calving shed with 8 stalls and a head catch, fluorescent lighting, spring water
· Storage shed
· Two old cabins
All living quarters are furnished with electricity, heated by propane furnaces and use pumped well water @ 10 gpm.
Night lighting is provided by 5 pole mounted fixtures.
E. EQUIPMENT
Item No. | Description | Year Acquired | Acquisition Cost | |
1 | TRACTOR INTERN HARVESTER MODEL 1066 | 2004 | 10,000 |
2 | TRACTOR MASSEY FERG 230 | 2004 | 3,500 |
3 | TRACTOR MASSEY FERG 8120 | 2004 | 28,000 |
4 | SWATHER HESSTON 8400 | 2004 | 18,000 |
5 | HEDDER 16 | 2004 | 3,500 |
6 | BALER VERMEER 605L | 2004 | 14,000 |
7 | RAKE VERMEER R23A | 2004 | 6,000 |
8 | FEEDER BALE HIGHLAND ER 65P | 2004 | 5,000 |
9 | MOVER BALE HESSTON B M700 | 2004 | 7,000 |
10 | DISC MASSEY FERG 520 | 2004 | 4,500 |
11 | BACKHOE CASE 580 BCK | 2004 | 8,000 |
12 | CHUTE LOADING PORT | 2004 | 1,000 |
13 | BRUSH BEATER KING KUTTER | 2004 | 1,000 |
14 | HARROW 5 TOOTH ALLWAY RTS 1850T | 2004 | 1,000 |
15 | BLADE 6 FOOT KING KUTTER RB 72 4 | 2004 | 1,500 |
16 | DIGGER POST HOLE DAN HSER G2040 | 2004 | 1,000 |
17 | BOX SCRAPER 10 FOOT | 2004 | 500 |
18 | BLADE WOODS 3 AXIS R B 850 | 2004 | 2,000 |
19 | CALF CHUTE POWDER RIVER | 2004 | 750 |
20 | SQUEEZE CHUTE POWDER RIVER | 2004 | 1,500 |
21 | CARGO CONTAINER 8X20 | 2004 | 1,000 |
22 | DRILL SEED MELROSE KIRCHNER | 2004 | 1,000 |
23 | TOOLS TORCH WELDER PRESS WASHER BATT CHARGER | 2004 | 1,000 |
24 | BRANDING IRONS ELEC | 2004 | 250 |
25 | CUTTOFF SAW MAKITA | 2005 | 150 |
26 | SCALE ELEC | 2005 | 2,417 |
27 | HAND TOOLS | 2005 | 200 |
28 | MOISTURE TESTER | 2005 | 259 |
29 | NITROGEN TANK SEMEN | 2005 | 450 |
30 | FRIGS (4) | 2006 | 1,250 |
31 | V DITCHER KIRCHNER K R7 | 2006 | 2,750 |
32 | BALE UNROILLER WORKS AVER MODEL HHU 2045 | 2006 | 859 |
33 | WAGON GRAVEL | 2006 | 600 |
34 | ATV HONDA TRX 350 FE | 2006 | 4,850 |
35 | WATER TANK STEEL (4) | 2006 | 1,716 |
36 | POWER SAW PORT POULA N 19 | 2006 | 142 |
37 | BANDER CALLICRATE | 2006 | 225 |
38 | ROUND BALE FEEFER (4-) | 2007 | 1,281 |
39 | TANK WATER PLASTIC | 2007 | 975 |
40 | WASHING MACHINES | 2007 | 600 |
41 | ELEC FENCE CONTROLLER | 2007 | 700 |
42 | TOOLS | 2007 | 200 |
43 | T POSTS | 2007 | 658 |
44 | CORDLESS DRILL DEWALT | 2007 | 135 |
45 | AIR TANK | 2008 | 50 |
46 | WATER TANK | 2008 | 385 |
47 | 4 GATES | 2010 | 582 |
48 | STOCK TANKS (2) | 2010 | 554 |
49 | 25 GAL ATV SPRAYER | 2010 | 399 |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL: $143,387
F. ESTIMATE OF MAJOR ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2011
FERTILIZER | 24,000. |
DIESEL | 8,000. |
INSURANCE | 8,000. |
LABOR (HIRED) | 37,000. |
REPAIRS (MACHINERY) | 5,000. |
SUPPLIES | 5,000. |
TAXES (ELKO COUNTY) | 4,000. |
ELECTRICITY | 30,000. |
PROPANE | 8,000. |
TIRES | 2,000. |
TOTAL: | $131,000. |
This is a conservative estimate. The ranch has been using $10,000/mo. for planning purposes. Fertilizer, fuel, labor and electric are the pacing items.
G. PROJECTS & FUTURE GROWTH:
· Owners residence
· Stable for 4 horses
· Bathroom facility in garage/shop
· Permanent 120V wiring to scale
· Wash basin with hot & cold running water in calving shed
· Water line (10 PVC buried, 1000) from spring to pump station for stock water when pivots are turned off, requires a head gate
· Re-work one spring on east side and two springs in higher elevation grazing area (BLM)
· Additional seeding to fill in bare patches
H. PROBLEMS:
· Dust
· Weeds
· Irrigation schedule
· Equipment maintenance arrangement with regular mechanic
· Negotiation with NV Division of Natural Resources for use of spring water now deemed a part of the Humboldt Basin surface water system
· Rock in fields rock crusher?
· Water to Stock Tank
Click photos for larger views.
Legal Description for Parcel # 008-140-003 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | BEING PORTIONS OF LANDS LOCATED IN | 2&12 | 39N | 61E | | MDB&M DESC AS FOLLOWS: | | | | | W2E2; E2W2; SE4NE4; E2SE4; | 2 | 39N | 61E | 442.240 | E2SE4; | 12 | 39N | 61E | 80.000 | TOTALING..... 522.24 AC | | | | |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-140-013 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | BEING PORTIONS OF LANDS LOCATED | 2&18 | 39N | 61E | 470.400 | MDB&M DESC AS FOLLOWS: | | | | | W2W2; | 2 | | | 161.060 | N2; | 18 | | | 309.340 | TOTAL: 470.40A | | | | |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-140-027 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | BEING A PORTION OF LAND LOCATED | 1 | 39N | 61E | | MDB&M DESC AS FOLLOWS: | | | | | ALL THAT PORTION OF 1/39/61 LYING E'LY OF THE | | | | | STREAM KNOWN AS BURNT CREEK | | | | | TOTALING................... 502.40A | | | | |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-150-014 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | BEING A PORTION OF LAND LOCATED IN | 25 | 40N | 61E | 520.000 | MDB&M DESC AS FOLLOWS: | | | | | ALL THAT PORTION OF 25/40/61 LYING S'LY | | | | | AND E'LY OF THE C/L OF THE STREAM KNOWN | | | | | AS CURNT CREK, LESS THAT PORTION OF THE | | | | | SE4 LYING SE'LY OF THE LINE BTWN THE | | | | | E 1/4 COR OF SAID SEC 25 AND THE AND | | | | | THE S1/4 COR OF SEC 25. 520.00A | | | | |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-360-003 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | BEING PORTIONS OF LANDS LOCATED IN | 6,7,8 | 39N | 62E | 986.780 | MDB&M DESC AS FOLLOWS: | | | | | SW4;SW4SE4; | 6 | 39N | 62E | 222.430 | ALL; | 7 | | | 684.350 | E2SW4; | 8 | | | 80.000 |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-360-010 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | SW4NW4; SE4NW4; NW4SW4; SW4SW4; | 8 | 39N | 62E | 160.000 | MDB&M | | | | | ALSO DESCRIBED AS: S2NW4;W2SW4; | | | | |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-360-024 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | POR OF 5,8/39/62 | | | | | BEING PORTIONS OF LANDS LOCATED IN | 5&8 | 39N | 62E | 516.620 | MDB&M DESC AS FOLLOWS: | | | | | THAT PORTION OF SECTION 5 LYING W'LY OF | | | | | THE FOLLOWING DESC LINE: | | | | | COMM AT THE S 1/4 COR OF SAID SEC 5; | | | | | TH: S 89 00'01" E 392.96' TO COR 1, THE POB; | | | | | TH: N 18 10'46" E 5301.38' TO COR 2, FROM WHICH | | | | | THE NE COR OF SEC 5 BEARS N 89 35'32" E | | | | 436.620 | N2NW4; 80.00A 8 | | | | | TOTAL: 516.62A | | | | |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-370-003 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | ALL | 21 | 40N | 62E | 640.000 |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-370-011 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | N2; | 33 | 40N | 62E | 320.000 |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-590-004 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | NE4SE4; | 32 | 40N | 63E | 40.000 | MDB&M STATE PATENT #10790 | | | | |
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Legal Description for Parcel # 008-150-002 |
Legal Description | Sect/
Lot | Town/
Block | Range | Acres | BEING PORTIONS OF LANDS LOCATED IN | 26&35 | 40N | 61E | | MDB&M DESC AS FOLLOWS: | | | | | SE4NE4;E2SE4; | 26 | 40N | 61E | 120.000 | ALL THAT PORTION OF SECTION | 35 | | | | LYING E'LY OF THE C/L OF BURNT CREEK **** | | | | 27.560 | ****ACREAGE**PER DIGITIZATION, NOT BASED ON SURVEY | | | | | OR RECORDED DOCUMENTS | | | | | TOTALING .............147.56 AC | | | | |
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