BIG PRICES ASKED FOR U.S. CATTLE RANCHES

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29326, 4 October 1960, Page 17

BIG PRICES ASKED FOR U.S. CATTLE RANCHES

Some examples of the high prices of American cattle ranches are given by Mr H. A. Seifert, a spokesman for the New Zealand* owned freezing companies, in his latest newsletter. In quoting details of four properties advertised in Wyoming, one of the great cattle breeding areas of America, he comments that “it is scarcely to be wondered at that American cattlemen are very sensitive about imports that might reduce their beef values.” For one property of 12,000 acres the price was £125,000. This property had a capacity of 600 cows and w ould carry calves over to yearlings. It was claimed to be well improved and in a good location. The price was for the land alone and worked out at £2OB a cow. This was away above the value of good New Zealand dairy land, said Mr Seifert. On a 6 per cent interest basis each cow had to earn £l2 10s for that item alone. The carrying capacity was 20 acres to the cow.

The next property was of 13.600 acres and was priced at £lOB.OOO. It was described as a “perfect 450-500 cow set-up.” Taking the higher figure this

represented £2lB a cow with 26 acres to carry a beast.

A relatively cheep property was a 400-eow proposition which worked out at £l6B a cow for the freehold, plus scene rentals for leases held to supplement .the grazing. It was said to be well balanced for winter and summer feeding and to have good water rights for 200 acres of irrigated meadow.

There was also a 200-cow ranch priced at £34.000 or £l7O a cow. The description of this read attractively: "Four miles of stream thorugh ranch, good fishing and hunting, warm artesian flowing year round and good improvements.’’ It was also reported that a stud breeder’s property of 601 acres in California had been sold for £192,000 to £279 an acre.