The Ow Ranch
Decker, MT 59025
Big Horn County, Montana
Ranch Description
The OW Ranch is the original headquarters of the Kendrick Cattle Company, perhaps the most famous of the cattle empires in the Sheridan area and now one of the best values for a low overhead ranch on the market today. The OW operates on nearly 50,000 contiguous acres, of which 32,428+/- is well blocked deeded land. Grazing units are comprised of foothills range with scattered timber complimented by protected meadows in the surrounding valleys. Significant wildlife resources include deer, elk, antelope, black bear, and upland bird. Three sets of headquarter buildings and well connect roads provide sound throughout of the ranch. The many Kendrick buildings were renovated to their historical splendor under the guidance of well-known Montana architect Jonathan Foote. The ranch stretches across three Montana counties just a one-hour drive northeast of Sheridan, Wyoming. The OW represents the opportunity to own one of the West's most famous ranches.
Going into the winter of 2018 the ranch is carrying in 1,250 bred cows plus bulls, horses, and 150 replacement heifers. The ranch calves beginning late March and relies on cake and grass to get through the winter with hay on hand for emergencies and extreme weather. Approximately 2,000 ton of hay in large round bales, mostly harvested on site, are on the property leading into the 2018 winter. Calves wean in the 525 to 550 range and are sought after by repeat buyers at the Superior Livestock Auction due to the many designations including progressive genetics; source & age certified; and verified natural beef. This is a very good one iron herd of black cows who were raised on the ranch and can be purchased separately with the equipment.
The historic OW headquarters, where John B. Kendrick lived and raised his children remains one of eastern Montana's best open range cattle ranches. A large modern heated equipment shop is located near OW headquarters convenient to the nearby hay ground. On the far west end of the ranch, 35 road miles northeast of Sheridan along Decker Road, is the historic and restored Dalton Headquarters which is home to the ranch manager. East Trail Creek Headquarters lies on the far east end of the ranch near Passaic Road 35 miles north of Clearmont.
The owner has invested annually in upgrades to water, fencing, and working improvements. In addition to miles of new fence and stock water pipeline extensions, windmills have been converted into solar wells. This kind of work takes both finances and fortitude, as well as an attitude that wants to see the ranch grow capacity. Supplementing numerous springs and seasonal streams, there are over 69 stock tank locations (19 solar wells and 10 electric wells) that provide water to approximately 40 cross fenced pastures. The grass has been well managed, and a cattle operator will appreciate the potential for increased stocking rates with continued water development. Another opportunity to build capacity is by bolting on the neighbors 17,500 acres to the east that can be viewed at Upper Otter Creek Ranch. Powers Land Brokerage has a co-listing agreement with Leadbetter Webster Land Company, Inc.
