Las Vegas Ranch Estates Cattle Grazing Lease
Las Vegas Ranch Estates is included in the property leased by the Barney York Ranch for cattle grazing. While managing a cattle herd can be challenging, especially during drought conditions, Barney York does an excellent job of controlling herd size and distribution, thus avoiding the detrimental effects of overgrazing. The health of our local grass ecosystem benefits from the presence of grazing herbivores in numerous ways: increased plant health and productivity, enhanced biodiversity and species composition, improved nutrient cycling, weed control, and reduced fire hazard.
Another happy but unexpected consequence of owning property on an active cattle ranch derives from Barney York’s generous decision to offer subleases to LVRE owners. While not required by Barney York’s cattle lease, the extension of subleases to owners qualifies each of us who participates for a full or partial agricultural tax status with a commensurate savings in real estate taxes. Collectively, Association members reduced their tax bill about $175,000 last year (and converserly Yavapai tax coffers were reduced by $175,000).
Before an individual parcel is granted an agricultural tax status, the viability of the parcel for cattle grazing is approved by both Barney York and the county tax assessors. The county confirms that a parcel remains viable to cattle grazing through regular, on-site inspections. Building construction, habitat destruction, new fencing, change in land use objectives or attitudes, and grass cutting beyond what is necessary for fire safety zones can affect the agricultural tax status of a particular parcel.
Note: If you are cutting grasses involved in the grazing lease you might consider contacting Barney York prior to cutting any grasses. The cutting of the grasses could jeopardize individual and all cattle leases. The county inspects all the leases once or twice a year.
As more owners build at LVRE, the value of Barney York’s cattle lease on LVRE will diminish and may not justify Barney York’s extra effort to extend subleases to owners. More homes, more roads, more habitat destruction and more fences will reduce grazing habitat, impact cattle movement, and restrict cattle access to water sources. For now, enjoy the tax, ecological, and aesthetic benefits of living on an active cattle ranch.
Got Agricultural Tax Status?
To apply for agricultural tax status, follow these three steps:
Contact Jennifer Lynch of HOAMCO for a sub-lease (grazing) agreement for your parcel.
Complete an Agricultural Land Use Application form.
File this form, along with the completed sub-lease agreement, with the Yavapai County Assessor’s office, located at 1015 Fair Street in Prescott.
You must file by June 1st to be eligible for agricultural classification the following year. If you have questions, contact either Linda Bruner (Linda.bruner@yavapai.us) or Todd Harris (Todd.harris@yavapai.us) at the Yavapai County Agricultural Department (928.771.3220).