Each spring, the team at Hortenstine Ranch Company (HRC) gathers for its Annual Spring Retreat—an opportunity to reflect on the year behind them, recognize outstanding achievements, and look ahead to the opportunities on the horizon.
While the retreat includes business meetings and market discussions, it also serves as something more meaningful: a time for the HRC team to be under the same roof and reconnect for a few days. The camaraderie among brokers and staff is a defining characteristic of the company’s culture, and the retreat provides a moment to step away from the pace of the market and spend time with colleagues who have become close friends over the years.
That sense of shared purpose—and shared passion for the land—continues to be one of HRC’s greatest strengths.
Recognizing Excellence
This year’s retreat began by recognizing some of the company’s most consistent leaders.
Top Producer of the Year- Bret Polk
Based in Hico, Texas, Bret Polk earned Top Producer of the Year honors once again—marking the seventh time he has received the award in his 13 years with HRC.
Polk’s consistent success reflects both his deep market knowledge and his reputation for integrity and service. Clients frequently note that once they work with Bret, there is no reason to look elsewhere when buying or selling ranch land.
In true Bret Polk fashion, he credited the team rather than himself, stating:
“We have the absolute best team in the ranch brokerage business, and to be honored as Hortenstine Ranch Company’s Top Producer again this year is extremely humbling. The trust our clients place in us as we partner with them to buy, sell, and navigate ranch ownership is never lost on our group, and the relationships we continue to build through the process mean the world to us.”
Top Producer Runner-Up- Chance Turner
After earning the top spot in 2024, Chance Turner finished as Runner-Up Top Producer in a closely contested race.
This marks the fourth time Turner has received the runner-up honor, reinforcing his reputation for market expertise and the strong relationships he has built with landowners across his territory.
In 2025, Chance closed 21 transactions, including eight off-market deals. These off-market transactions highlight the strong network he has built among buyers and sellers and his deep understanding of activity within his territories. Through years of cultivating relationships, Chance often uncovers opportunities before they reach the open market, allowing him to connect buyers and sellers behind the scenes.
Third Place Top Producer- Stephen Schwartz
East Texas–based broker Stephen Schwartz once again ranked among the company’s top producers. Known for his passion for land stewardship, Schwartz has a unique ability to help clients envision the long-term potential of a property. Stephen also has a strong passion for photography, which greatly enhances his ability to showcase his listings. He spends countless hours in the field capturing every aspect of a property through his lens, producing some of the finest ranch photography in the industry. Whether making multiple trips to capture the perfect sunrise over a landscape, the hero shot of a mature buck, or the moment a big bass breaks the surface, Stephen is dedicated to going above and beyond for his clients by presenting each property in its very best light.
This year he also spearheaded the company’s Annual Ranch Gathering, an event that brought together landowners and industry professionals to discuss conservation, land management, and property improvement strategies.
Marketing Excellence Award- Casey Berley, ALC
New for 2025, HRC introduced the Marketing Excellence Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in strategic, client-focused marketing.
The inaugural award was presented to Casey Berley for going above and beyond for his clients, demonstrating innovation, initiative, and an exceptional commitment to exceeding expectations.
A Decade of Service
The retreat also recognized Jennifer Polk for 10 years of service with Hortenstine Ranch Company.
As Director of Marketing, Polk oversees the firm’s marketing initiatives—from email campaigns and digital media to property marketing and brand development—ensuring HRC listings are presented with meticulous attention to detail and professionalism.
A Record-Setting Year
Following the awards, the business meeting opened with a review of the firm’s performance, and the numbers told a compelling story.
In 2025, Hortenstine Ranch Company closed 63 transactions—setting a new company record—representing more than 26,108 acres of land sold. Total sales volume reached over $250 million, bringing the firm’s cumulative ranch sales to more than $2.2 billion across 551,552 acres.
While 2023 remains the company’s strongest year on record, 2025 stands firmly as HRC’s second-best year in its history, reflecting both the resilience of the land market and the strength of the firm’s brokerage team.
Although the year occasionally felt quiet, the final results told a different story. The steady flow of transactions throughout the year underscored the enduring demand for high-quality ranch land across Texas.
At HRC, that success is rooted in a combination of referrals, teamwork, market expertise, and the trust built with clients over decades of service. For the company’s brokers, every transaction represents more than a sale—it reflects the responsibility of helping clients steward and invest in some of the most remarkable land in the state.
Notable Ranch Listings & Transactions
Numerous transactions exceeding the $10 million mark contributed to an exceptional year.
Among the standout ranches listed and sold in 2025:
MT7 Pendleton Pasture — Stephens County
HRC listed and put under contract this prestigious 1,065-acre ranch, which earned statewide recognition for its stewardship, including the Texas Leopold Conservation Award presented by the Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, and Texas Parks and Wildlife—the highest conservation honor awarded to a ranch in Texas. Additional honors include the Lone Star Land Steward Award and multiple Texas Big Game Awards. The property is scheduled to close in Q1 of 2026.
Lazy CK Ranch — Kerr County
HRC listed and sold this premier Texas Hill Country property. The Lazy CK Ranch showcases the natural beauty and distinctive land features characteristic of the region. The expansive headquarters has been thoughtfully designed with a host of amenities and structures that blend functionality with hospitality. Listed at $26.25 million.
Spring Mesa Ranch — Callahan County
Listed the historic Spring Mesa Ranch, spanning 3,173 acres among the high hilltops of the Callahan Divide. Spring Mesa Ranch is a true legacy property offering breathtaking landscapes, first-class accommodations, and rich frontier history. Currently available for $23.5MM.
Henderson County Ranch — 1,199 Acres
HRC represented the seller in a private, off-market transaction involving nearly 1,200 acres of highly desirable East Texas land.
Seven Hills Ranch — Marion County
Listed and sold quickly! Spanning 1,488 acres, Seven Hills features a stunning private lake along with strong agricultural and recreational attributes just minutes from Lake O’ the Pines. It also made one of our favorite photos of all time (below).
In addition to these public transactions, HRC facilitated several confidential transactions (significant deals under strict confidentiality agreements) – an important reminder that discretion remains a cornerstone of the firm’s relationships with clients.
Many of the year’s standout properties also featured substantial lakes and water resources, an area where HRC has developed a strong reputation for expertise. From recreational lakes to large-scale water features, the firm continues to guide buyers and sellers through the complexities of water-focused land transactions.
A Market Finding Its Momentum
Looking at the broader market landscape, HRC Partner and Broker Cash McWhorter described 2025 as a year of recovery and renewed momentum stating,
“Inventory shortages, higher interest rates, and an election year created volatility in 2024,” McWhorter explained. “In 2025 we saw our fastest start compared to the previous five years, and inventory has continued to trend upward.”
For many in the ranch brokerage industry, that gradual increase in inventory has been a welcome development, providing buyers with more opportunities while maintaining strong demand for premium land.
Partner Blake Hortenstine adds,
“This year’s success revolved around high-quality ranch properties and cash buyers. We were fortunate to have some incredible and hard to find ranches listed for sale as well as off-market. Buyers with a high net worth not needing financing were active, but very selective. Pricing had to be reasonable for a transaction to occur.”
A Tradition on the Water
After the business meeting and awards ceremony concluded, the retreat shifted to one of HRC’s most anticipated traditions: the Annual Fishing Tournament.
For the fourth consecutive year, the event was held at Valley Lake Ranch, a remarkable 2,245± acre property featuring a massive private lake of approximately 1,080 surface acres. Nestled just south of the Red River Basin, the ranch offers rolling terrain, hardwood forests, exceptional water clarity, and a proven fishery—making it an ideal setting for friendly competition among colleagues.
This year’s tournament winners included:
• 1st Place: Justin Dubose – Custom Sports Coat
• 2nd Place: Jonathan James – Sitka Rain Suit and Boots
• 3rd Place: Chris Wengierski – Sitka Rain Suit and Field Light
• 4th Place (Tie): Casey Berley & Bret Polk – YETI Cooler (sponsored by American Sport Fish)
Along with prizes, of course, came a full year of well-earned bragging rights.
Looking Toward 2026
With strong early momentum already building in 2026, the outlook for the ranch market remains optimistic. Increasing inventory and shifting interest rates are creating new opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
For the team at Hortenstine Ranch Company, the Annual Spring Retreat serves as more than a business meeting—it is a reaffirmation of the company’s shared vision and commitment to the land and each other.
And if the momentum of 2025 is any indication, the year ahead promises to bring even more milestones for the HRC team.