, Benavides, TX (Duval County)

This is one of top cattle ranches in South Texas which has been enhanced to maximize stocking capacity while preserving native brush along the Concepción and Aqua Poquita creeks. The creeks traverse the ranch and scattered brush and trees provide wildlife cover and habitat. Because of its deep fertile soils, much of the ranch was cleared many years ago and placed into cultivation. The owner converted the cultivated areas back into grazing. He has improved the ranch into a highly productive cattle-grazing program with emphasis on integrating the cattle operation with recreational hunting. Efficient pasture rotation produces an outstanding turf of buffel grass creating one of the most efficient, laborsaving cattle ranches in the region. Throughout the ranch, scattered trees and most re-growth have been left for quail cover.

There are over 4.7 miles of deep, scenic creek beds crossing the ranch populated by huge elms, hackberry and persimmon (chapote) trees creating many turkey roosting sites. Along the sides of Aqua Poquita and Concepción Creeks a dense cover of granjento, guayacan, colima, ebony, prickly pear, blackbrush and other desirable brush provides outstanding native wildlife habitat. Ridges are composed of reddish soils and are with native brush where selective aerating has enhanced grass while creating more palpable native wildlife forge.

The ranch has been cross-fenced into twenty-two pastures to create multiple rotational grazing systems. Water troughs have been strategically located to maintain equal grazing distribution. Two sets of steel pipe shipping pens and traps have been constructed to gather and ship cattle. Fencing and water facilities are designed for livestock rotation using minimal labor.

The ranch is leased to a major livestock feeder at a price of 26 cents per head per day producing gross revenue of approximately $200,000.00 annually. Additionally, USDA farm set-aside payments will be received. Typically, 1,800 to 2,300 steers (2,000 steers average daily) are present on the ranch. Stocking capacity is enhanced by pasture rotation but is adjusted based on climatic conditions to maintain an excellent turf of buffel grass. Because quail cover is important to the owner, the ranch is never overgrazed.

The ranch has three water wells with electric submersible pumps and there is a working windmill and reservoir on the west side of the ranch. Water pipelines throughout the ranch provide excellent distribution to water troughs and to roughly fifty ground level quail waterings. Average water depth is approximately 140 ft. Concepción and Aqua Poquita Creeks offer many seasonal watering holes and small ponds. Aqua Poquita Creek has been damned to create an 8-acre lake and is stocked with largemouth bass and crappie and frequently teams with ducks. There are also 2 smaller reservoirs located on Aqua Poquita and Concepción Creeks.

Years ago, much of the ranch was under cultivation. When the owner converted the ranch to grazing, he systematically allowed re-growth to build cover for the developing whitetail deer population. The owner is implementing a feeding program to attract more deer and this project is drawing more deer to the ranch.

Aqua Poquita and Concepción Creeks provide some of the best turkey habitat/roosting areas in the region. There is an excellent population of Rio Grande turkey throughout the ranch and a feeding program combined with a network of disked strips has yielded superb quail hunting. The semi-open terrain is ideal for bird dog use which typically follow slow moving custom hunting vehicles. A network of scattered ground level, concealed quail water holes has enhanced the quail population.

There are two one-ton, “drive under” feed bins at headquarters and the sale includes a custom-feeding trailer. Excellent dove hunting, as well as wild hogs, javelinas and white tail deer. There are no deer proof fences on the ranch or its perimeters.

El Chapote is truly a gem which also produces a strong revenue stream from cattle-grazing leases and biannual farm payments. Additional revenue could be added through hunting leases (quail, deer and turkey). On the one hand, it is a real-live continuing cattle operation and at the same time, a recreational ranch in terrific shape with tremendous potential. In a word, a turnkey operation!

The foreman lives on the ranch with his family and has been employed by the owner for ten years.