Romancing the West: beach house? They'll take a Big Sky ranch

Chief Executive, The, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Rebecca Fannin

The cutting horses are another business Leuschen has started on the ranch. The cost of these horses is about $50,000, and with travel and training, the operation costs him several hundred thousand a year. These costs can't be offset by the prize money from this sport, or from breeding and selling the horses. Nonetheless, he has just finished construction on an indoor arena and horse barn for cutting-horse shows.

Finally, Leuschen offers a charitable program for underprivileged children. Each summer, he hosts 10 to 15 kids who are selected from urban schools and gives them an opportunity to experience Western ranch life as it was meant to be. All part and parcel of life under the Big Sky.

RELATED ARTICLE: ADVICE

Owning a Ranch

Here are some tips on operating a cost-effective Western ranch:

* Raise cattle to qualify for a lower tax rate on agricultural land.

* Put your ranch under a conservation easement, which restricts development of the land and lowers its taxable value.

* Subdivide a portion of your land into mini ranches for rental or sale. Rental cabins can help recoup operating costs.

* Use financial losses from your ranch to offset other sources of income.