Elko Regional Information

Elko County has long been recognized as the cattle production center of Nevada. For a number of years the County ranked as third in cattle numbers in the United States. Ranch sizes in the area vary, ranging from small family-owned ranches of 250 to 1,000 head to large ranches running in excess of 5,000 head.

In recent years there has developed a demand for large ranches to be used as spring, summer and fall grazing with either owned cattle or cattle under lease or pasture rental agreements. In a number of instances, the operator maintains a number of brood cows over the winter and these cattle, combined with pasture cattle use the available range during the grazing season. There are all variations of operations in the area, and this property can be tailored to match an owner's goals and objectives.

Farming is minimal in the area due to high elevations and relatively short growing season (approximately 90 days) in the lower elevations. Grass hay is the primary crop, and is usually fed to resilient cattle in the winter.

The County has a moderate climate and clean air environment. Summers are sunny and warm with light dry air and temperatures rarely exceed 100° Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and sunny, also with light and dry air, with moderate low temperatures with occasional extremes of-20 to -30 degrees. Seasonal averages are:

Annual precipitation	9.78"
Annual snowfall	38"
Summer temperature	85 high/45 low
Winter temperature	38 high/14 low
Humidity	afternoon 35%/ early morning 67%
Wind Velocity	6 MPH from the SW
Annual sunshine	time wise 80%
Wettest month	January 1.16"
Driest month	September .34"

The primary industries in the area is mining, tourism and ranching. Due to the favorable location as to highways, railroads and a large airport, the County is receiving serious consideration for industrial development. J. R. Simplot Co. had plans for a large ammonia nitrate plant near the ranch which was dropped, supposedly because of the high cost of a gas pipeline. However, recently (September, 1998) a company is investigating the possibility of a gas line with a subsequent contraction of a gas-fired electrical generation plant.

The County experienced a population explosion with the development of the gold mining industry increasing from 13,950 in 1970 to an estimated 45,630 in 1997. This resulted in a number of subdivisions in rural areas, with limited development to date. The effect of these developments inn existing grazing areas has not been determined.

The County and the State provides a favorable tax climate. There is a personal use tax (sales tax) of 6.50% and a business tax on each employee of a partnership or corporation. Currently, the property tax, on other than agricultural lands, is $3.1065 per $100 assessed value, which is 35% of market value. Ad valorem tax rate is limited to $3.64 per $100 assessed value by statute Agricultural lands are not assessed at 35% of market value, but at an agricultural rate set by the Nevada Tax Commission which results in all qualified agricultural lands having a modest tax. Taxes on cattle as of 1998, is 28¢ per head.

The City of Elko was founded in 1868 during construction of the transcontinental ribbon of rails. Legend indicated that Charles Crocker, one of San Francisco's Nob Hill magnates, made it a practice of naming the Central Pacific's locomotives and railroad towns after big game animals. .. thus Elk plus an "o" for style.

Elko is located on the Humboldt River and is about halfway between Reno (290 miles west) and Salt Lake City (235 miles miles east) on Interstate 80. Boise is 227 miles north on State Highway 225.

In the opinion of many, Elko is one of the most complete, progressive and people-oriented livestock towns in the West. In earlier days the county seat was the hub of commerce, education, social life and medical care. Elko truly maintains that position with the following complement of services:

POPULATION: 19,670 in the City and 34,550 in the Elko Township which includes City and the Spring Creek development east of the City.

BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: Wells Fargo Bank, U. S. Bank, Great Basin Bank, Bank of America, Nevada Bank & Trust, Elko Federal Credit Union. Six (6) home mortgage companies. Branch office of Farm Credit Services.

Elko: 4 Elementary schools.1 Junior High,1 High School, Great Basin Community College, which is becoming accredited to provide a 4 year degree.

TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES: J. C. Hams Municipal Airport - 5,060' elevation 7,200' departure runway 6,400' main runway Skywest Airlines with Delta Link 4 daily flights each to both Reno and Salt Lake City El Aero Charter Aviation Services with helicopters.

TRUCKING: 5 major firms including

Elko has rich heritage and some of its major annual events have gained national renown, growing in attendance with each year: Cowboy Poetry Gathering in January - has enjoyed tremendous acceptance by both wearers of boots and oxford shoes. National Basque Festival on July 4th Weekend - a celebration of one of the West's unique peoples and their unique culture. The Elko County Fair and Livestock Show on 2 weekends the last over Labor Day weekend, - offering a true country fair with 5 days of exciting horse racing and a week of stock horse competition.
In addition, Elko has machinery and implement dealers, livestock supply and hardware stores, saddlemakers, mechanics and welders, large-animal veterinarians, attorneys and title companies, U. S. Forest Service Headquarters Office and Bureau of Land Management District Offices, Department of Agriculture Service Center, Extension Service and branchy office of the Nevada Department of Agriculture for brand inspection, animal disease laboratory and weights and measures.

Elko had the title of the "Best Little City in the United States" in 1996, and the facilities available in the City are an asset to the ranch and its operations.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: 2 Workout Clubs/Facilities, Ruby View Municipal Golf Course, 2 Multipurpose Baseball Complexes, 1 Recreational Field, 2 Babe Ruth fields, 1 Little League field, 7 Soccer fields, 2 Softball fields, 1 Indoor/Outdoor Municipal Swimming Pool, 8 Tennis Courts, 1 8-Lane Bowling Alley, 2 Movie Complexes with a total of 9 theaters, 1 BMX track, 3 Jr. Football fields, 4 Basketball courts 2 Horseshoe Pit Arenas 1 Rifle Range 1 Handball Court, Elko County Fairgrounds with Race Track 4 Parks (totaling 120 acres). Nationally recognized youth programs in Boy and Girl Scouting, Little League sports, 4-H and FFA, riding and rodeo clubs with 148 clubs and organizations.

CULTURAL FACILITIES: Civic Auditorium, 926 seats, high-tech acoustics and lighting

RELATED MEDICAL SPECIALTIES: Elko Clinic - primary care, 20 physicians, 5 Chiropractors, 15 dentists, 1 orthodontist, 4 optometrists,
3 physical therapy facilities, 2 senior care services. State Rehab services.