PC: Nebraska Examiner
The Gottsch family became involved with the ranch in 1985, initially leasing the property before eventually purchasing it. In a statement following the sale, the Gottsches said the ranch had been part of their family for 41 years and recalled three generations participating in spring branding, summer grazing and autumn and winter calf backgrounding. The Nebraska purchase follows their acquisition of Flathead Ridge Ranch in Montana in 2021, a 125,000-acre property that the couple describes as a family legacy investment.
Langston said a new manager would be recruited to replace the existing manager, who is leaving with the Gottsch family. He also described the purchase as a “long-term commitment to the area” and said the owners intended to hire local workers where possible, work with neighbouring landowners and contribute to the local community. Mark Jones told the Nebraska Examiner that the Nebraska operation “will be a platform we can build on”, with the couple looking towards further investments in Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming and Montana. He also said the opportunity for their grandchildren to work on the ranch was an important attraction of the purchase.
The family subsequently operated it as part of its wider agricultural business, which has interests across Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Texas. They also thanked the Boeshart family caretakers and neighbouring ranchers who helped during branding season. The transition will include retaining the three cowboys who currently live and work on the property. The couple does not plan to live in Nebraska but expects to maintain an active presence in the area. Their approach to that ranch has focused on conservation, forest restoration and maintaining public recreational access across most of the property. By contrast, Pawnee Springs Ranch is intended to serve as a commercial agricultural enterprise.