According to the Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, the ranchland market in the Lone Star State has been posting moderate price growth after a period of rapid appreciation. In 2024, the market for rural land stabilized with a 2.36% annual price increase, and the overall sales volume was higher compared to the period between 2020 and 2023. The forecasts for 2025 and beyond suggest that demand for high-quality land and ranching assets will increase. This is certainly good news for Texas ranch owners; nonetheless, it is important to understand what prospective buyers are looking for.
Land purchasing decisions are made after considering various factors. Buyers are often motivated by potential; however, recent buying trends indicate that safety has become a major guiding factor. Ranch owners who invest in making their properties safer are more likely to attract motivated buyers with deeper pockets. With this in mind, let’s look at some strategies Texas ranchers can implement to increase safety in their properties.
Tarp Systems for Work Trucks and Trailers
At ranches where trucks and trailers are used to transport hay, feed, equipment, livestock, and materials, tarp systems become essential. These safety systems are designed to secure loads by protecting them from weather damage; they also prevent debris from falling, thus littering or polluting the land. Keeping tarps on trucks increases security by concealing cargo from view to deter theft and vandalism. There’s also the matter of privacy, which in recent years has been compromised by increased surveillance.
Water Safety and Security
Stock ponds and ground-level tanks for livestock are common water sources on Texas ranches. These property features sometimes have steep sides and depths that can pose a drowning risk to unaware persons. The same can be said about irrigation canals and ditches. Risky water sources should be marked with clear and visible warning signs in multiple languages, indicating the potential dangers. If the water is not safe for drinking, prominent signs should be posted to this effect. Ranchland located near the border is sometimes crossed by exhausted and dehydrated migrants looking for water.
Fire Safety at Texas Ranches
With longer dry seasons that worsen drought conditions, fire prevention has become crucial for ranch owners in Texas. The dangers of wildfires spreading across the land cannot be ignored; property owners should think about all the risks that can spark fires. Prevention begins with clearing brush from the boundaries to the center of the property, ideally forming firebreaks and escape routes. Structures such as homes, shacks, stables, and barns should have fire extinguishers and other fire suppression equipment readily available; plus, all workers must be trained to use it. When drafting and rehearsing fire evacuation plans, it is important to consider how livestock and farm animals would be moved to a safe location.
No matter the size of your ranch or what part of Texas it is located in, you should prioritize safety and take steps to make your ranch a safer place to live and work. The specific steps for safety will vary depending on your ranch, but the three above ideas are a great place to start.