The Julia Gamblin Estate

Description

West of Valentine, Nebraska – Cherry County

Welcome to the Julia Gamblin Estate, a rare opportunity to own 958± acres in the Nebraska Sandhills—a property that blends productive organic farmland, irrigated cropland, and well-watered native grass pasture with the scenic beauty and rich heritage of Cherry County. This versatile operation supports both strong agricultural returns and premier recreational use in one of the most respected ranching regions in the Midwest.

Property Highlights:

Total Acres: 958±

Certified Organic Farmland: 230 acres

Irrigated Organic Cropland: 135 acres under a Valley 8000 series pivot

Irrigation Wells: Two three-phase, 60 hertz, 50-horsepower electric wells supplying water to the Valley pivot (combined 190 HP system capacity)

Additional Irrigation/Alfalfa Acres: 145 acres currently in alfalfa with irrigation potential or transferable rights

Sandhills Pasture: 570 acres of native grassland, fenced and well-watered

Water Resources: One traditional windmill and three electric stock wells distributed across pastures

Homestead Site: 13± acres with barns, small shops, corrals, and a residential well

Optional Trailer Home: Available at additional cost

Access: Convenient county road frontage and short drive to Valentine, Nebraska

Property Overview:

The Julia Gamblin Estate combines certified organic cropland, irrigated farmland, and prime Sandhills pasture in a contiguous and well-balanced layout. The 230 acres of certified organic cropland are a cornerstone of this property’s value, ideal for producing high-demand organic grains and forages. Approximately 135 acres are irrigated under a Valley 8000 series pivot, supported by two three-phase, 60 hertz, 50 HP electric wells delivering consistent, high-pressure water supply to the system (combined output equivalent to a 190 HP setup). This irrigation infrastructure provides reliability and efficiency while maintaining the organic certification requirements of the cropland.

An additional 145 acres currently planted in alfalfa offer irrigation development potential, transferable water rights, or continued high-yield hay production. The flexibility in land use allows an owner to operate multiple income streams, organic row crops, alfalfa production, and cattle grazing, all from one property.

The remaining 570 acres of Sandhills pasture provide outstanding grazing capacity and natural forage diversity. These pastures are well-watered by one windmill and three electric wells, with tanks strategically placed across the range to support rotational grazing. The native grasses here, supported by the Ogallala Aquifer, are known for exceptional quality and resiliency, making this land ideal for a cow-calf or yearling operation.

Homestead & Improvements:

The 13-acre homestead site features barns, small shops, and storage buildings suitable for machinery, feed, or workshop use. The site includes a residential well, electrical service, and established windbreaks and corrals for livestock handling. A trailer home is currently located on the property and may be purchased separately, providing immediate living space or housing for staff. The site’s layout makes it functional as an operational headquarters and ideal for building a future home overlooking the rolling Sandhills.

Recreational & Lifestyle Value:

In addition to its agricultural productivity, this property offers exceptional recreational opportunities. The combination of cropland, grassland, and water resources creates habitat for whitetail and mule deer, wild turkey, prairie grouse, pheasants, and other upland birds. It’s an ideal setup for both ranching and hunting, providing year-round enjoyment and long-term value.

Just west of Valentine, Nebraska, the property benefits from proximity to the Niobrara National Scenic River, offering world-class canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and tubing. Valentine, known as “The Heart City,” provides a strong agricultural community, quality schools, healthcare, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, making it one of the most desirable areas in the Sandhills to live, work, and ranch.

Investment Perspective:

The Julia Gamblin Estate offers a rare combination of certified organic farmland, proven irrigation infrastructure, and premium Sandhills grazing ground. The dual-well irrigation system and Valley pivot provide reliable production capacity, while the organic certification and alfalfa base enhance market flexibility. Together with its grazing and recreational appeal, this property represents both immediate income potential and long-term stability in one of Nebraska’s most resilient agricultural regions.

Directions:

From downtown Valentine, head west on U.S. Highway 20 for approximately 8 miles. Turn south onto County Road 378 (also known locally as Drive 378) and continue for about 4 miles to the main entrance of the property. The Julia Gamblin Estate will be located on both sides of the road, with the irrigated organic cropland and homestead area to the south and native Sandhills pastureland extending to the west. For mapping and navigation, the property lies approximately 12 miles west-southwest of Valentine, within Cherry County, Nebraska.