The Devine Ranch-Tract 1

Land Description

This property is also available as The Devine Ranch Tract 1 Tract one is located just Southwest from Oconto, and consists of 645 acres of hardland pasture, with excellent water sources including four stock tanks located in key areas of the section, and two stock ponds which hold water even in dry years. Tract one also has recreational opportunities including whitetailed deer, mule deer, and wild turkey. Tract one grass conditions at the listing time are in excellent condition. Fence quality is excellent with few cedar trees and a good two track path throughout the section. There is direct county road access. Deeded Acres By County Record Taxes Hardland pasture 644.73 Location/Background Located in South Central Custer County near Oconto, Nebraska, approximately 25 miles North from Lexington, which has one of the largest packing plants in the region. This ranch was homesteaded nearly 130 years ago by John A. Devine who is still considered a very prominent man of Oconto. The current Owners of the Devine Ranch are direct descendants of the original Devine Family that homesteaded it. This is the first time this ranch has been for sale since it was homesteaded in 1889. Rainfall The rainfall belt in the area and location of this ranch ranges from 20 -24 per year with the majority of it falling during the grass growing season. It is generally considered consistent and reliable to the extent that cattle sell downs because droughts are rare. Minerals The current ownership will convey all the owned minerals. Exchanges The current ownership will cooperate with 1031 exchanges. Ogallala Aquifer The Sandhills of Nebraska support the largest fresh water aquifer in the continental U.S. Known as the Ogallala or High Plains Aquifer, it develops fresh water bearing material where this ranch is located. Stock wells and irrigation wells are generally considered shallow by comparison to other cattle producing regions in other states. Landlord Revenue Estimate Tract 1 644.71 acres Total by county record AUMs/AC 516 AUMs 516/12 months - 43 AUs or 15 Ac/Aus 516/5 months/1.6 BWE - 65 Pair or approximately 10 Ac/Pair 65 pair for 5 mos. - Gross Income Real Estate Taxes R & R Misc weed control Net Income, Say Net to landlord Year Around Carrying Capacity Estimate Tract 1 516 AUMs/12 mo-43 AUMs 43 AUs.80 34 Cows Cow Calf, Retaining Replacements, Bulls 645 Ac/43 AUs - 15Ac/Au 645 Ac/34 cows - 19 Ac/Cow Summary Estimate Tract 1 645 Acres Gross Income Net Income History The Devine family has deep seeded roots in the Oconto, Nebraska area dating back to the late 1800'S, John A. Devine settled the South Loup Valley Ranch, The Devine Ranch in the 1880'S. He was a long time stockman and a substantial farmer and leader in the community. John A. Devine has pioneer honors in Custer County and his character was the positive expression of a strong, loyal, and noble nature. John A. Devine made his life count for good in all of its relationships, and helped in the civic and industrial development, and building of Custer County, Nebraska. Frank Bounce Devine served his country with the US Navy from January of 1942, until April 1946 serving on the USS West Virginia. Later the family moved to Oconto, Nebraska. In 1950 he was employed at the Farmers Bank of Oconto for over 40 years, serving as President from 1975-1983. James V. Devine once said the financial interest of any growing community are among the most important, because upon this rests the opportunity for progress or the probability of retrogression. James V. Devine was also devoted to the family farm. In 1889, they located the farmstead near Oconto and settled there. He appreciated the dignity of labor, the value of industry, and the necessity of honesty and integrity. Today the Devine Ranch still exists and is very well maintained by James T. Devine from Colorado and Frank Devine from Arizona who lease the ranch to a tenant that utilizes it. The ranch represents the care and conservation that James T. Devine has provided it over the years of his tenure. Excerpts from the Custer County Historical Society, in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Address Oconto, NE 68860 County Custer