April 2025 TRFS Update

ESCAPE TO SOMETHING NEW - OUR LATEST PROPERTIES UPDATES ARE IN...

NEW! Comanche Hay Farm is a 125± acre, family-operated, income-producing property with thoughtful improvements, meticulously maintained and ready for its next owner whether you want to produce and sell hay or run livestock.

REDUCED! Impressive improvements and quality views amongst a beautiful and scenic backdrop – Rancho Cielito Lindo is an 84± acre quintessential Hill Country ranch located 25± miles from downtown Fredericksburg. The headquarters features a beautiful two-bedroom/two-bathroom main residence as the centerpiece. The diverse terrain includes 1,160'± of the seasonal Threadgill Creek, a 10.7± acre coastal Bermuda field, and an elevated hilltop with majestic views of the Doss Valley. Escape and enjoy the peaceful park-like setting of Rancho Cielito Lindo.

JUST SOLD! Spring Branch Ranch is an exceptional 150± acre property located in a prime area close to Spring Branch, New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Canyon Lake amenities, all while enjoying the tranquility of country living. This long-time family-owned land is on the market for the first time and offers easy accessibility and stunning long-range views. With its serene hill country ambiance and numerous mature live oaks, the ranch provides an ideal setting for a permanent residence or weekend getaway.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST TEXAS DROUGHT CONDITIONS!

We're continuing to closely monitor the Texas drought conditions. Texas has seen recent rainfall which has helped the state avoid serious drought concerns. The state is showing 13.76% to have exceptional drought conditions. Extreme drought conditions have increased to 28.69% statewide. Stay informed about current water conditions.

RANCH NEWS ARTICLES!

You can see the latest ranch news articles under “Resources” then go down to the “Ranch Articles” tab. The latest article highlights a Texan's visit to Washington, D.C. to advocate for expanding U.S. beef exports by urging Congress and the Trump administration to open new markets, cut non-tariff barriers, and promote fair global trade. Read more. These articles are also featured in our bi-weekly email newsletter.

STAY INFORMED WITH OUR PROPERTY UPDATES!

Don't miss the latest property listings, articles, and more. Subscribe to our "Stay Connected" newsletter for fresh news and valuable articles. Join by visiting the "Stay Connected" section at the bottom of the page. Please confirm your email after signing up to stay in the loop!

We genuinely value your participation in the TRFS community. We eagerly look forward to sharing upcoming property updates and opportunities with you!

Sincerely,

Examine Hunting Leases, Terms Closely

Landowners should consider taking the steps to establish a proper hunting lease before allowing hunters on their property

Landowners should consider taking the steps to establish a proper hunting lease before allowing hunters on their property.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agricultural Law Specialist Tiffany Lashmet encourages landowners to have the lease in writing.

An official lease document should include all the guidelines for the hunters when using the land.

“I always encourage the landowners to put their lease in writing, it’s really a good way to make sure that everybody’s on the same page,” Lashmet said. “It’s important to identify who can be on the property and then how many folks could be hunting. Some leases are structured on a per gun payment, and so depending on how many hunters you have, that instructs the amount of money that you make.”

Liability wavers are another important component to the lease process, Lashmet noted.

Other logistics to consider include where hunters should enter and exit the property, where carcasses can be cleaned and how to dispose of carcasses.

Ranchers with livestock on the land are encouraged to include a liquidated damage clause.

“For anybody where there’s livestock on the property, I always recommend a liquidated damage clause,” Lashmet said. “That is an upfront agreement that if livestock are killed or injured by the hunters, they’re going to pay an agreed upon amount to compensate the animal owner for those livestock.”

Leases can vary depending on the landowner’s operation and preference. They can be a year-round lease or just for the season.

The lease can also specify what types of weapons may be used on the land and if camping is allowed.

Pricing the lease is also at the landowner’s discretion. There are typically three payment structures: per gun charge, per acre charge and a flat fee.

“You can set it up however you want, but it’s important to make sure everyone’s on the same page,” Lashmet said.

AgriLife has several resources that cover hunting leases, including the Online Ranchers Leasing Workshop, Ranchers’ Agricultural Leasing Handbook: Grazing, Hunting, and Livestock Leases handbook and in-person workshops.

For more information about agricultural laws, visit Lashmet’s blog at agrilife.org/texasaglaw.

Additional resources for farmers and ranchers are available from Texas Farm Bureau at texasfarmbureau.org/advocacy/small-farm-ranch.