ABOUT JHL RANCH

Environment/History

ENVIRONMENT
The JHL ranch is located in the Southwest corner of what is known as the Nebraska Sandhills. The Sandhills and the ranch were first settled in the 1880s. Previous to that time the 'hills' were thought of as uninhabitable due to the harsh climate and blowing sand. But with gradual climactic changes the last one hundred years (more moisture) and careful grazing practices the Nebraska Sandhills have become one of the premier grazing areas in the United States.

WATER, WATER, WATER
The Sandhills, while semi-arid on the surface, reside over one of the largest underground fresh water reservoirs in the world. The JHL ranch "floats" on over 15,000,000 acre/feet of water. A unique geological attribute is that the headwaters of 12 creeks and streams are located within 15 miles of JHL borders. This is an area that is almost literally a fountain of water.

Between the abundance of groundwater and the approximate 200-250 feet hill height enough pressure is provided to result in "flows" (artesian springs). You had also better be aware of where you dig in our meadows, as you will probably find water in the hole you dig. It could possibly be said the Sandhills are the biggest filtration system in the world.

An added bonus we can make is the meadows and pastures on the JHL have never seen broadcast inorganic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. It is an ideal environment for the raising of naturally grown livestock.

HISTORY

The Family
The first Europeans to venture into this area were ranchers followed by those interested in tilling the soil. What with the Kincaid, Tree Claim, Homesteaders and other Federal acts the soil tillers were eager to stake "free" claims in the "new" area. Unfortunately the fragile sand was less than ideal for un-irrigated row crops and the trees these acts required for ownership. This is still true today as you can yet see where the sod was turned decades ago.

What came and has lasted was what fit - hardy cattle and people.

The family that currently has stewardship is one whose roots in the Sandhills go back to 1885. The cattle bred in those 100+ years have and will fit almost any environment. What our conscious effort has sought to accomplish is to also fit the cattle to our customers.

The Brownlees