Otero County Irrigated Farm

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, Fry-Ark 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, high-value water rights and long-term ag viability.