OTERO COUNTY IRRIGATED FARM
La Junta, Colorado
$3,800,000
271± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Premium Irrigated Hay Operation with Water Rights, Infrastructure, and Income Potential
Offered for the first time in nearly three decades, this highly functional 260± acre hay and livestock operation—comprised of two 130± acre farms—offers exceptional production capacity, senior water rights, and well-maintained infrastructure in the desirable Swink School District.
North Farm: 130± acres total, with 119± acres under Zimmatic pivot (2014) and a 15± acre-foot collection pond. Water rights include 109 shares of Catlin Canal and 109 shares of Larkspur Ditch. A conservation easement covers 64± acres and 64± Catlin shares, while 66± acres and 45± shares remain unencumbered. Two headgates (one gravity-fed, one pump-fed with a 12” Fischer lift pump and 20 HP electric motor) directly pull from Catlin Canal—no lateral ditches needed. Water can also be pumped to the South Farm. A domestic tap from South Swink water serves the winter cattle pasture. Producing high-quality alfalfa and grass hay for 28 years, yields average 5 tons/acre for grass (3 cuttings/year) and four alfalfa cuttings/year. Corn and wheat base included. Excellent access from paved County Road 24.
South Farm: 141± acres with 100 acres irrigated by a 2018 Zimmatic pivot and supplied by a 10± acre-foot pond. Water rights include 120 shares of Otero Canal, with additional Catlin water transferable from the North Farm via a 12” underground pipeline. Pivot corners are irrigated with a concrete ditch and risers. Re-seeded to alfalfa in 2024, this field has historically yielded 3 tons/acre of alfalfa/grass hay. Corn and wheat base included. Access from paved County Roads Z and 24.
Water Overview:
• Catlin Canal: Premier Arkansas Valley water with average 5 AF/share, ~2.4 AF CU/share, winter storage access, FryArk project allocations, and augmentation/lease programs.
• Otero Canal: 2.5 AF/share, ~0.875 AF CU/share, strong reliability, Fry-Ark allocations.
• Larkspur Ditch: Transmountain water, no return flow restrictions.
Otero County Irrigated Farm presents a rare opportunity to own a well-irrigated, productive farm with transferable, highvalue water rights and long-term ag viability.
Otero County Irrigated Farm | La Junta, Colorado
QUICK FACTS
• 271± acres
• 109± shares of Catlin Canal; 109± shares of Larkspur Ditch; 120± shares of Otero Canal
• North Farm has a 15± acre collection pond
• South Farm has a 10± acre collection pond
• North Farm has a Zimmatic Pivot installed in 2014
• North Farm historically grows alfalfa/ grass hay, producing 5 tons/acre
• South Farm has a Zimmatic Pivot installed in 2018
• South Farm historically grows alfalfa/grass hay, producing 5 tons/acre
• South Swink Water Tap is paid for on the North Farm
• Paved Road Access from Road 24
Otero County Irrigated Farm | La Junta, Colorado
• 271± deeded acres
This farm has proven its productivity for decades. The irrigation is turn-key, with automatic sprinklers you can control from your cell phone.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
INCOME OPPORTUNITY
This productive farm has historically grown 5 tons of alfalfa per acre, supported by strong, well-documented consumptive water rights. In addition to its production capacity, the property presents a highly attractive leasing opportunity. Farmground in this area is in steady demand, and lease rates offer the potential for strong, passive income, making it a lucrative option for both owner-operators and investors seeking reliable returns.
Otero County Irrigated Farm | La Junta, Colorado
AREA HISTORY
Swink and La Junta, Colorado, grew with the expansion of the railroad and agriculture in the late 1800s. La Junta, founded in 1875, became a key rail junction for the Santa Fe Railway, spurring economic growth and trade. Swink, established nearby, developed as a farming community known for its melon production and strong agricultural roots. Both towns played vital roles in southeastern Colorado’s development, with La Junta hosting a World War II Army Airfield and contributing to regional military history. Today, they maintain their heritage through farming, local commerce, and historic landmarks like Bent’s Old Fort.
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www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Bent’s Old Fort, Photo credit JayGannett
CLIMATE
La Junta, Colorado, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers, moderately cold winters, low humidity, and moderate precipitation. This climate is ideal for agriculture, with long growing seasons and sunny days.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/La-Junta-Colorado.html
LOCATION
The Otero County Irrigated Farm is located just a few miles from La Junta, Colorado, a charming town with a population of 7,200±. La Junta offers a variety of shopping, dining, and grocery options, along with well-established feed stores and a highly regarded livestock auction. The town also boasts a hospital and a junior college, making it a hub for local services. Additionally, the nearby community of Swink provides easy access to rural living, with additional agricultural resources and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for farming operations. The location offers both convenience and access to essential amenities.
AIRPORT SERVICES
There are several small airports in the towns nearby. Commercial airports are located in Pueblo, Colorado, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Pueblo Memorial Airport, which accommodates private jets and airplanes, also offers a small selection of flights to Denver International Airport.
GETTING THERE
Take Highway 50, west of Swink, to Road 24. Turn south on 24 and follow it for 4 miles. The property is on your right.
WATER RIGHTS
This farm has immense water rights. The amount of consumptive use this farm offers is substantial in Colorado. Due to the varied seasons of water availability and the sheer amount of water for a farm, this size is very desirable.
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
North Farm has a 64 acre/64 shares of water conservation easement with Otero County Land Trust. The remaining 45 shares and 66 acres are unencumbered by the easement. These acres are on the east side of the farm and border County Road 24.
Each of us at Fay Ranches loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
Otero County Irrigated Farm | La Junta, Colorado
SUMMARY
The Otero County Irrigated Farm is a highly functional 271± acre irrigated farm, featuring two productive parcels with 219± irrigated acres under pivot, 10± acre and 15± acre collection ponds, and strong water rights from the Otero Canal, Catlin Canal, and Larkspur Ditch. The fully automated Zimmatic towers make crop irrigation straightforward. The property consistently produces highquality alfalfa and grass hay, averaging multiple cuttings per year. With paved road access and excellent water systems, this turnkey operation combines productivity, infrastructure, and immense water rights.
Otero County Irrigated Farm | La Junta, Colorado
Otero County Irrigated Farm | La Junta, Colorado
PRICE
TERMS CONTACT NOTICE
Please contact Joette Schalla, ALC, at (719) 469-8374 | jschalla@fayranches. com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
$3,800,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
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