Neighboring ranches are believed to be 500 acres or larger in size, and the general area is comprised of medium to large working/recreational ranches. Primary activities include cattle/sheep/goat/horse ranching, hunting, dryland farming and general outdoor recreation/stewardship. Pecan Creek Ranch has been owned by the same family for over a century, and continuously operated as a cattle ranch by the McDowell family until recent years.

WATER: PCR boasts a superior water system, with underground pipe to troughs in all pastures, supplied by Richland Springs Water Supply. There is also a sweet water well with electric submersible pump at the HQs, depth unknown. In addition, a good spring flows much of the time below the HQs, into a small creek (Live Oak Creek) lined with large pecan trees, with some nice deeper water holes along the way. It appears that this drainage has potential for significant impoundment as well.

Seasonal creeks to the north flow intermittently during wet years, from limestone headers along the edge of the Brady Mts. An existing tank on one of these drainages holds water during wet periods. Larger volume water is probably available from the vast Hickory Aquifer in this area. For more information on area groundwater, contact the Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1. They are always very helpful.

LAND: The ranch lays nicely along the N side of FM 1121, framed up by a couple of fingers of the Brady Mts., with about one mile of highway frontage. The SW portion of the site along the highway is cropland of about 60 acres, with about another 60 acres of clean grass or hay land. The rangeland in the S quarter of the ranch is mostly manicured, with scattered large oaks, and some low to medium regrowth brush (mesquite, agarita, persimmon), overall in good condition.

As one enters PCR, the first impression is that of a clean, horse/cattle-type operation, but as you work your way back, heavily wooded hills dramatically drop off 130 into steep caliche/limestone canyons reminiscent of Mason or Gillespie County. These hills contain much Spanish Oak and shinnery, along with liveoak and cedar, and there are limited areas in which prickly pear is predominant. The draws are scenic and colorful, and the views to the N stretch for 30 miles or more beyond the Colorado River . . .

There are pockets of good clay soils, even in the higher elevations of the N 1/3 of the ranch, and the soils in proximity to the central drainage have a degree of loam to them. Road material is available on site. Overall, the rangeland is in above average condition, and habitat is excellent for whitetail deer, turkey, dove and varmints. Everyone knows that the Brady Buck was the standard for Texas whitetails for many a moon. Wild hog are known to be in the area, and on the ranch. The site will support about 1 bovine AU per 20 acres in average rainfall years, and is rated above average for the area for forage production, while sustaining wildlife as well.

IMPROVEMENTS: The ranch HQs consists of a large, older frame ranch house of 3BR/1BA with garage and storage room, all of which are adjacent to a stock gathering area with good steel pens and a large hay barn/implement shed. These improvements contribute little to value, but are usable and presentable, and are well-positioned near the center of the ranch, where the grass country stops and the forests and brush begins.

The entrance road from FM 1121 to the HQs is improved and crowned, all-weather, and the interior road system is average for the area. The ranch fencing and cross fencing is poor to good, with the N line being game-proof. The aforementioned water system encompasses some 2 miles of underground pipe serving concrete troughs, providing ample water for livestock and wildlife.

FINANCIAL/TITLE: Listing Price is $2,375/acre, cash to sellers, who will provide survey and basic title insurance. Mineral conveyance is negotiable. There are visible electric service lines on site, and there is approx. 4 acres on S side of FM 1121 that will be included in the sale. The ranch is located in the Rochelle ISD, is serviced by Cap Rock Energy (electric) and current ag-exempt taxes are approximately $2,438/year.

SUMMARY: If you seek some of the best variety in McCulloch County, with premier location less than 10 minutes from the Brady Courthouse, then Pecan Creek Ranch should be on your short list. The ranch is in good condition, hasnt been skinned during the drought, and boasts healthy populations of large whitetail deer and wild turkey. It adds the unusual feature of a strong spring flowing thru a private pecan bottom, plus Brady Mt. limestone cliffs and headers, and a good cover of healthy oaks. If this appeals to you, dont hesitate to call for a personal tour or qualified broker preview.