Kelsey Ranch, California
Property Types: Ranches, Recreational

What makes a good ranch is the land and topography. But what makes a great ranch is the water. This ranch has it all. The 7,217.57 +/- acre Kelsey Ranch is located in both Merced and Mariposa Counties in Snelling, California. It is located about 25 miles from the Merced Regional Airport. The ranch consists of mostly gentle to rolling terrain along with some steep topography with a varied elevation of 330-815 ft. Historically, the ranch has been utilized for cattle grazing purposes. Currently, it can run 500 cow/calf pairs year-round. In addition, on a good year, it can run up to 800 steers for a 6-month season. There are irrigated pastures and croplands, dryland farming, and opportunity for permanent plantings. Irrigation water derives from pre-1914 water rights from the Merced River. There are several ponds, creeks, two domestic wells, and the well-known Kelsey Reservoir, providing excellent water on the ranch. Headquarters include multiple barns and outbuildings with the ability to expand and create your own family compound. The ranch is enrolled in the Williamson Act and has a Grasslands Reserve Conservation Easement.

• PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 7,217.57-acres in of native rangeland
  • In the Williamson Act
  • Grasslands Reserve Conservation Easement
    • signed in 2009 for 20 years on 6,000 +/- acres
  • Cattle:
    • Runs 500 cow/calf pair year-round
    • In addition, historically on a good year, can run up to 800 steers for a 6-month season
    • Perimeter fenced and some cross fencing
  • Agriculture:
    • 330 +/- acres of irrigated pasture
    • 110 +/- acres of irrigated cropland, pivot
    • 560 +/- acre dryland farming historically used
    • 90 +/- acre currently used for dryland farming
    • 60 +/- acres former vineyard ground
    • 252 +/- acres of dredger tailings
  • Water:
    • Kelsey Reservoir
    • Multiple ponds & creeks
    • Two domestic wells
    • Pre-1914 Water Rights from Merced River
    • 4 diversions off Merced Irrigation District with 6 pumps
  • Kelsey Reservoir:
    • Incredible fishing
    • 120-acre reservoir
    • Additional 5-acre basin served as a spillway
    • Capacity of 1000-acre ft
    • 2-acre “park” with BBQ
    • Record lake catch of 16lb & 12 oz
  • Ranch Improvements:
    • 1,872 SF Shop
    • 2,400 SF “Dredger” Barn
    • 2,900 SF Hay Barn
    • Chicken Coup
    • (2) Quonsets