Thompson Ranch
4,765 AC | MITCHELL COUNTY
OVERVIEW
The Thompson Ranch is a rare offering with over 9 miles of the Colorado River meandering through the property. This ranch maintains a healthy balance of improved B-Dahl fields, lush bottomland, brush and treed cover, and beautiful rock bluffs and outcroppings that engage visitors with exceptional views. Maintained to date as a working cattle and hunting ranch for over 100 years. Thompson Ranch embodies the history and grandeur of a bygone era.
- IMPROVEMENTS -
Residence
As you enter the ranch you are greeted by the headquarters. Enjoy the stately and historic colonial style home that was built around 1891. Over the years the original home front has been added onto with an additional bedroom and study. With the addition, the main home features 3 bedrooms with a study off the master, two-and-a-half baths, two dining areas, and a great living room for entertaining your guest. Former President Lynden B. Johnson was a dear friend of the family and spent many nights at the home as a guest while out on hunting trips.
There are also two guest homes located next to the main house. The first has two bedrooms, one bath, a kitchen, and a living room. The other home features one bedroom, one bath, a kitchen, and a living room. Both are in great condition, and are convenient when having guests stay with you on the ranch.
Fencing & Gates
The entirety of the ranches boundary is fenced. There are also many cross fences creating multiple pastures so you are able to rotate your livestock throughout the year. The front gate providing access from HWY 163 is iconic with "Thompson Ranch" stretched over the entrance. There are additional gates providing access to HWY 163 as you continue south along the western property line.
- LAND & WILDLIFE -
Topography
Thompson Ranch exemplifies what a well-managed, diverse West Texas ranch should be. Picturesque cliffs overlooking parts of the meandering Colorado River running through the property provide breathtaking views of West Texas sunsets. Large mesquite trees, cedar brush, and post oaks make up about 2/3 of the ranch, providing great coverage for wildlife resulting in phenomenal hunting. There are many ridge lines throughout the property that could be used for additional water reservoirs if desired. With it's highest elevation of 2,014', the Thompson Ranch has the highest point in Mitchell County.
Pastures and Cultivation
There are 1,200 acres of improved pastures with B-Dahl grass. Cattle are strategically rotated on these pastures for optimal use. Spade and Miles fine sandy loam soil make up all the improved pastures soil. There is also 400 acres of cultivated ground consisting of wheat. Cattle are strategically rotated on the cultivated pastures as well.
Livestock and Crop Production
The current owner has been running cattle on the Thompson for over 55 years. Currently his cow-calf operation runs approximately 500 pairs through rotational grazing. As the amateur B-Dahl grows over the next year, you could run 600 pairs conservatively. The current estimated stocking rate in the more improved pastures is 1 unit per 2 acres. The crop production could be achievable through all 1,600 acres of improved and cultivated pastures. On the B-Dahl fields you could cut 5-7 bales per acre (12,000-16,800 bales annually). There are two cuttings per year and a third depending on rain fall.
Wildlife
There is a wide variety of wildlife on the property which results in phenomenal hunting opportunities. With all of the water and coverage, the Thompson Ranch provides an oasis for Whitetail deer, quail, dove, and Rio Grande turkey. Predator hunting on the ranch includes feral hogs, coyotes, bobcats, and an occasional mountain lion. There are 8 tower blinds and 5 ground blinds on the property with all of them able to fit at least two hunters in each blind. Included as well is 13 broadcast feeders and 13 protein feeders at each stand.
- WATER -
Water has always been a problem in west Texas due to the lack of rainfall. However, at the Thompson Ranch, water will never have to be a problem. With 13 stocked ponds (3 of them being spring fed) on the property, your livestock will always have a water source. The Colorado River also provides sub-irrigation from the northern part of the ranch to the southern tip. An abundance of native grasses thrive on the river banks providing excellent grazing for livestock.
There will also be some ranch equipment conveying with the sale so be sure and call to find out what that is.
- SUMMARY -
If you are looking for an iconic west Texas ranch then look no further. The Thompson Ranch can not be matched with over 9 miles of the Colorado River, improved pastures, breath-taking views, and wildlife. Give us a call today for more information or to schedule a private tour of the ranch.
Cooperating agents and brokers must make the first contact with the listing agent and be present at all showings to fully participate in commission split.