Description

Ranch For Sale in Eddy and Otero Counties

Sterling Ranch For Sale in Southeastern NM

Sterling Ranch is a large operating cattle ranch totaling over 72000 acres.  Located 65 miles from Carlsbad, NM, in Eddy and Otero Counties.  This US Forest Service ranch located in the Guadalupe Mountains of the Lincoln National Forest  and is alloted to run 806 head year long. Offering 380 deeded acres and approximately 72300 of USFS. Sterling Ranch has nine pastures and four traps.   Eight dirt stock tanks, 2 wells, and a spring provides water by pipeline thru out the ranch. 

Location and Interests

Located in both Eddy County and Otero County, the ranch is located 65 miles west of Carlsbad, N.M. Access to Sterling Ranch from Carlsbad, closest city, is by State Highway 137, a paved two land road thru the community of Queen, to National Livestock Rd, then by county maintained road to the headquarters. 

Queen, NM, is a small community located in Eddy County, New Mexico.  It is about 45 miles west of Carlsbad, NM on Hwy 137. Queen Store Cafe and RV park,  Volunteer Fire Station, Queen Subdivision and Christian Church Camp are located at Queen. Municipal school bus service is provided from the Queen Store and RV Park to the Carlsbad Public School District. 

Carlsbad is located along the banks of the Pecos River and the eastern side of the Guadalupe Mountains. 2020 census reported the population was 32238. Carlsbad would be the closes amenities for the Ranch. 

Vegetation and Topography

Most of the grasses common to the area are grama, muhly, threawns, bluestems, and wheatgrass. You will find different varieties of junipers on this ranch as well.  

The topography varies from loamy areas to rocky hills.  The western side of the ranch looks off the rim road down into dog canyon.  Elevations run from 5000 feet up to 6000 feet. 

Wildlife and Hunting

Barbary Sheep or Auodads, Elk, Turkey, Mule Deer, and Javalinas make up the majority of the wildlife in the area.  Unit 30 Elk hunting has become really popular, with several people taking trophy size elk scoring 350 up to 400 in the last several years. At this time only private land tags are issued by the New Mexico Game Commission. 

Improvements

Corrals and Pens

There is a good set of working pens with loadouts at the headquarters, Rawhide, Powers, and Coon dog.  You will find other sets of wired pens scattered around as well.  

 Headquarters

A 3 bedroom 2 bath 2011 Solitaire home, shop with an apartment, tack barn and corrals are located at the headquarters.

Water

Two wells located at Powers Well.  One is set up on solar and the other on submersible with a generator.  One well is located at Cood Dog.  This well is on submersible with generator.   Last Chance Spring waters the headquarters and several of the southern pastures. 

Improvements

Current owner has done several hundred of thousands of dollars of improvements with putting in miles and miles of new pipeline and fences. Five large stock tanks have been fiberglassed.   Eight stock tanks have been cleaned and can hold lots of water.  

This ranch is one of the largest in the area and is priced to sell quickly.