Colorado Alfalfa Farm and Waterfowl Duck Hunting Property

Quarter Circle A Farms — 455± Acres South of Monte Vista, Colorado

Tucked into
Colorado’s storied San Luis Valley just south of Monte Vista, Quarter Circle A
Farms is a rare 455±-acre property that pairs productive irrigated alfalfa with
one of the region’s premier waterfowl habitats. With two pivots feeding nearly
200 acres of hay on the north end and a 125±-acre flooded “Swells” wetland
anchoring the south, this is a working farm and a sportsman’s retreat in
one—wrapped in the kind of mountain-framed light and sky the Valley is known
for.

Location & Setting

Quarter Circle
A Farms sits in the heart of the San Luis Valley, a high-altitude agricultural
basin ringed by the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan ranges and recognized as one
of North America’s most important migratory bird corridors. The property lies
just south of Monte Vista—home to the renowned Monte Vista National Wildlife
Refuge and the annual Crane Festival—placing it squarely on the flyway that
draws ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, and shorebirds through the region each
year. It’s a quiet, productive setting with excellent access and uninterrupted
views.

Irrigated Hay Production

The northern
portion of the farm is anchored by two center pivots installed in 2011, each
sweeping roughly 270 degrees—three-quarters of a full circle—across
approximately 90 acres apiece. The northern unit, known as “Circle 8,” has been
in alfalfa production and can be expanded to roughly 120 acres with the
addition of supplemental pond and pump capacity. The southern unit, “Circle 7,”
runs seven towers across 1,298 feet plus a 32-foot end gun. Both pivots are
powered by copper electrical lines and apply about 23 inches of water over a
growing season.

The current
owner purchased the property in 2013 and developed the alfalfa program from the
ground up. The result is roughly 180 acres of irrigated hay producing an
average of three cuttings per year—yielding approximately 6 and 5 tons per acre
across the two circles, or about 990 tons of alfalfa annually. The ground
beneath the pivots is adjudicated, and the operation is well established and
turnkey for an incoming buyer.

Water Resources

Water is the
backbone of this property, and Quarter Circle A is exceptionally well equipped.
Irrigation is supplied by a combination of the Commonwealth Ditch (2 shares)
and multiple agricultural wells, all routed into a central 7 acre-foot settling
pond from which water is pumped to both pivots. When the canal is running,
ditch water and the wells fill the pond underground; the typical cycle runs the
system for roughly two days, then rests and refills the pond.

The property’s
well infrastructure is substantial. A main well on the southern side is drilled
to 1,800 feet and produces approximately 1,846 gallons per minute, complemented
by a 1,000-foot well rated near 2,250 gallons per minute, an additional well allocated
at 600+ gallons per minute, and a further well west of the north pivot that is
currently artesian and could be converted to irrigation. The two pivots carry a
combined allocation of approximately 570 acre-feet of Sub-district 6 water
(approximately $35 per acre-foot). In an average snowpack year, ditch water
alone is sufficient to support a cutting, while roughly 2.5 days of well water
covers the Swells hunting area. (Prospective buyers should verify current well
allocations and adjudication details with the State of Colorado.)

The Swells — Waterfowl Habitat & Hunting

The southern
end of the property is where Quarter Circle A truly distinguishes itself. Known
as “The Swells,” this 125±-acre flooded pasture began as a Ducks Unlimited
project: in the low ground, a series of raised swells were sculpted with
water-filled channels running between them—rippling lines of high and wet
ground that mimic waves left in the sand. The result is prime, purpose-built
waterfowl habitat.

Water flows
from the central pond out into these terraced areas, creating exceptional duck
and goose hunting through fall and winter and outstanding bird habitat year
round. The property hosts ducks and geese in abundance, along with blue heron
and a wide range of other species. It has a proven track record—the area is
hunted heavily and productively, including by the local Amish community, and
one opening day reportedly produced a harvest of around 400 birds. The owner
has also welcomed 20–30 youth hunters annually, making it a meaningful spot for
introducing the next generation to the sport. In spring and summer, the same
ground serves double duty as excellent cattle grazing pasture.

A Rare Combination

Few properties
in the San Luis Valley offer this blend: established, water-secured alfalfa
production with documented yields, robust and redundant well and ditch
infrastructure feeding a central reservoir, and a marquee waterfowl habitat
with a hunting reputation that speaks for itself. Whether the goal is a
cash-flowing hay operation, a recreational waterfowl property, or both, Quarter
Circle A Farms delivers on all fronts.