Caribou County
Turnkey Ranch With Meadow, Soda Creek, Cropland, And CRP Revenue
2049 Government Dam Road Soda Springs, ID 83276
Description
Set against the wide-open landscapes of southeastern Idaho, the Hilda Thompson Ranch is an expansive, agricultural holding with recreational value and long-term investment potential. Located approximately four and a half miles northwest of Soda Springs, this historic ranch was first established in the early 1900s as a dry farm and has recently evolved into a productive agricultural and cattle grazing operation with established income streams, water resources, and functional infrastructure.
Today, the ranch operates under an efficient rotational grazing system capable of supporting approximately 200 pair head of cattle not in CRP. The perimeter is mostly fenced with extensive cross-fencing dividing productive pastures and allowing for sustainable grazing management. The fencing infrastructure has been upgraded and maintained in very good to excellent condition.
Comprising five contiguous parcels with year-round access and frontage on both sides of Government Dam Road, the property spans a diverse landscape of cropland, open meadow with a meandering creek, and wildlife habitat. According to the USDA, 975.36 acres are designated cropland, with approximately 857 acres currently enrolled in the CRP program, generating about $50,000 annually, with roughly seven years remaining on the contract. The CRP agreement allows grazing twice during the ten-year term, providing additional flexibility for livestock operations.
Water resources are a defining feature of the ranch. Year-round Soda Creek meanders through the property, supporting thriving populations of waterfowl and enhancing both agricultural use and recreational appeal, and ultimately feeding into the canal company system for distribution. The ranch has submitted water rights claims of 3+ CFS on approximately 900 acres, which are currently awaiting adjudication within the Bear River Drainage, which presents a potentially meaningful long-term water value.
Infrastructure is comprised of a 2,400 square foot shop, a 2,340 square foot original barn, a large cattle corral with chute, a three-sided implement and tractor shed, and five aerated grain bins with a combined capacity of 75,000 bushels. A modest farmhouse originally built around 1945 and remodeled in 1990 offers approximately 842 square feet on the main level plus crawl space.
Additional value includes a cinder mine resource and two short-term leases ending December 31, 2026, involving buildings, infrastructure, and select grazing.
For sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts, the ranch borders expansive public ground managed by the Bureau of Land Management, including the renowned 90 Percent Range, an area carefully managed for healthy mule deer populations. The ranch also hosts a 110-acre wetland habitat project developed through a conservation easement with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game through 2030. Sponsored in part by Ducks Unlimited, the project created a 1,100-foot dike and protected habitat for ducks and swans, complete with a viewing station and parking area.
This is an outdoor recreation enthusiast's paradise. Blackfoot and Alexander Reservoirs offer motorized and non-motorized boating, swimming, fishing, ice fishing, and bird watching opportunities. Blackfoot Reservoir is the second largest reservoir in southeastern Idaho, covering 18,000 surface acres when full, and offers a campground and boat ramp managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and is known for an abundance of wildlife. With state land, BLM ground, and Caribou National Forest close by, there are hundreds of miles of dirt roads and trails to explore horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, cruising in ATVs, wildlife viewing, and big game and upland game hunting. Winter access to the public land requires a snow machine and opens the door to a magical winter wonderland adventure snowmobiling, fat tire biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Elk migration is heavy in this area, and mule deer and moose are also plentiful.
Whether your vision is expanding an agricultural portfolio, establishing a productive ranch headquarters, developing a private hunting retreat, or creating a legacy homestead property, the Hilda Thompson Ranch offers a compelling combination of income potential, water, habitat, and scale rarely found in one holding.
Summary
Address
Approximate Distances
Property
Land Details
Pasture
Tillable
Enrolled in Government Program
Grass
Open
Utilities
Improvements/Features
Upland Game, Waterfowl, Wetlands, Irrigation System, Grain Storage
Details
- 5 contiguous parcels
- Year-round access & frontage
- Year-round Soda Creek
- USDA designates 975.36 acres cropland
- 857+/- Acres in CRP
- 3+ CFS Water rights claim submitted for adjudication
- Mostly fenced with cross-fencing
- Cinder mine
- Borders BLM
- Farmhouse built around 1945 and remodeled in 1990 with 842 SF on main level plus crawl space
- 2,400 SF Shop
- 2,340 SF Old Barn
- 5 Aerated grain bins with combined capacity of 75,000 bushels
- 3-Sided implement/tractor shed
- Large cattle coral and chute
- 2 Short term leases ending December 31, 2026 with buildings, infrastructure and some grazing
- Appraisal completed in August 2025
Area Links
Other
Coordinates
Annual Taxes
Nearby Related Properties
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