Shelley Ranch

Shelley Ranch Premier Winter Grazing Ranch Queen Creek, Arizona | 8,000 Acres Arizona State Lease Located in the rich soils of Arizonas East Valley, just outside Queen Creek and easily accessed from Ocotillo Road, the Shelley Ranch represents one of the most established and productive steer operations in the state. With over fifty years of continuous ownership and management by the same operator, this ranch has been a cornerstone of Arizonas winter stocker industry and is widely recognized for its consistency, efficiency, and performance for half a century. The Shelley Ranch comprises approximately 8,000 acres of Arizona State Lease land. Fully fenced and cross-fenced, the property is adequately watered by secured rights from the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal, making it both cost-effective to operate and sustainable in the long term. Historically, the ranch has supported between 1,500 and 2,000 steers through most winters and 50 head year-around. According to the owner, cattle are typically turned out at the beginning of January and taken off around May 15th, allowing for a productive and focused winter grazing season. While this past year experienced particularly dry conditions, the ranch has an excellent history of producing strong winter forage and delivering solid gains on yearling cattle. At the heart of the operation is a comprehensive set of working corrals designed for handling large volumes of cattle efficiently, with shipping corrals capable of handling 1500 head at a time. The certified digital scales on-site allow for accurate weighing and the ability to sell cattle directly from the ranch, eliminating the need for sale barn intermediaries. This not only reduces marketing costs but also gives owners real-time insight into pasture performance and cattle weight gains. Management of the ranch has been carried out with long-term sustainability and control in mind. In cooperation with government agencies, access to the property is highly restricted, particularly motor vehicle access, which has been almost entirely eliminated. This careful oversight, coupled with the ranchs easy access location, supports both strong cattle performance and streamlined day-to-day management. The property includes 10 stock tanks and a designated holding pasture that spans one full section. The ranch is divided into approximately 14 sections in total, with fencing and water placement laid out to support rotational grazing and efficient herd movement throughout the grazing season. The climate in Queen Creek features dry summers and cool, mostly clear winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 41F to 105F and rarely fall below 33F or rise above 110F. The wetter season usually lasts from early July through mid-September, with August averaging the most wet days. When rainfall is adequate, the ranch produces an abundant forage base that supports excellent gains in cattle. With its long-standing reputation, secure lease position, strategic infrastructure, and ideal winter climate, Shelley Ranch offers a unique opportunity to step into a fully operational and highly efficient stocker operation in one of Arizonas most reliable grazing regions.