PRESIDIO COUNTY — A highway construction magnate purchased the Lely Ranch — a 66,000-acre ranch in southeast Presidio County — in the last two weeks after the property had been on sale for about six years. The purchase amount has not been disclosed, but the property was listed for $25.9 million.
Johnny Weisman, founder of Hunter Industries, created his wealth through the construction of roads, highways and bridges throughout Texas. The purchase contract was negotiated by Rod Ponton — Presidio County attorney serving as a private attorney — with Dallas real estate firm Icon Global and King Land and Water real estate in Fort Davis.
The ranch abuts Cibolo Creek Ranch on its northwest corner, then skirts south to the east of Shafter east to Big Bend Ranch State Park and on the east side of Highway 67 almost to Presidio. “When exploring this vast country, you will find pictographs on canyon walls, plane crash wreckage and many relics from when Indians and outlaws called this ranch their home,” stated Icon’s marketing materials. “It is the first public availability of the Lely Ranch since being purchased in the 1960’s by a foreign dairy magnate and renowned inventor. It is truly the last frontier.”
Weisman also recently purchased a home in Shafter. He did not return a request for comment.