Benson Farm and Ranch: History
Benson Farm and Ranch began in May 1963 with the purchase of 300 acres. Fences were made of short cedar post with square and barb wire. There were 2 houses, a barn, a rickety old garage, a goat shed, a horse shed and small corral, 2 water wells, a tractor and a horse named "buckshot". The ranch now consists of 2600 acres divided by 15 miles of deer-proof fence.
The main ranch house was built in the 1930's. It has been added onto over the years with the most recent renovation in 1983. It now has 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and large living areas.
The oldest building is the Homestead House originally built in the 1880's. Raccoons and rattlesnakes lived there before we renovated it in 1986.
Benson Farm and Ranch entered throughbred racing in 1976 with the purchase of a filly named "Si Cima" for $ 6500. She won her first race as a two year old in May 1977 and went on to become a stakes winner with a total career earning of $ 145,098. Since then we have purchased, bred and/ or raced over 100 horses.
The weather can change drastically in the hill country. Rainfall can come in heavy downpours with very long droughts in between. Temperatures may drop 50 degrees in less than 24 hours. The average 35 degrees for the low 60 degrees. In the summer the lows are 70 degrees and 110 degrees for the high.
We began raising angus cattle in 1983 with the 6 cows. Now our herd of registered Aberdeen Black ranges from 150-250 head. To improve our herd we record each animal's birth, wean, year, and current weight. Physical measurements as well as genetic traits are also important to constantly refine the herd.
In the Mountain pasture, a beautiful view can be seen from the ranch's highest point. Saddle Mountain, with an elevation of 1700 feet. On the southwest side of Saddle Mountain lies an old stagecoach road that ran between Austin and Fredericksburg between 1850 and 1900.
Exotics were introduced to the ranch in 1977 and flourished in the lush native habitat that surrounded them. The ranch has evolved over the years into a renowned Trophy Hunting Ranch. In 1987 the first paided hunt was sold to a lady that harvested a beautiful 6x6 Red Stag named Big Red. Since that day the Benson Ranch's name has been passed along as the premier Ranch for trophy exotics and whitetail. Benson Farm and Ranch is excited about your opportunity of taking trophy exotics and whitetail. From corporate groups to family hunts to old friends getting together for a good time. First class Facility and first class guides make it a memorable time each and every time year after year people just can't get enough.
