From Crops to Conservation: How Latham Schwarz Welcomes Sportsmen to Western Kansas

Who is Latham Schwarz?

Raised in Hoxie, Kansas, Latham grew up immersed in ranch life. After college at Kansas State and a short stint in South Dakota, he returned home to help run the family’s farm and ranch. Alongside managing cattle and crops, he also works as an agricultural pilot — but his true passion remains the land he calls home .

“I’ve always loved it out here,” Latham says. “People think western Kansas is flat and dry, but our place surprises folks. We’ve got hills, trees, creeks, and a mile of river bottom along the Solomon. It’s not what most people picture.”

What Makes Schwartz Ranch Special?

The ranch stretches across 7,300 contiguous acres of native grassland, cropland, timber, and river habitat. Unlike much of the surrounding prairie, the land boasts rolling hills, pockets of forest, and rare live water — features that support a rich variety of wildlife .

For sportsmen, that means opportunity. On any given day, guests might:

• Hunt whitetail and mule deer
  
• Call in Rio Grande turkeys
  
• Walk fields for pheasant, bobwhite quail, and doves
  
• Cast a line for bluegill and bass in ponds or along the Solomon River
  

And if you’re lucky, Latham himself might guide you on a coyote hunt — his personal favorite pursuit.

Why Latham Chose LandTrust

For years, the ranch was leased to an outfitter. It provided income, but it also meant giving up control.

“With an outfitter, deer season meant I couldn’t even be out there,” Latham explains. “It worked, but I wanted more flexibility. With LandTrust, I can block off weekends, go coyote hunting myself, and still welcome guests the rest of the season.”

That balance — earning income while keeping control — is what drew him to the LandTrust model. He also valued the insurance coverage and streamlined booking process, which make hosting safer and easier than handling private leases through platforms like Facebook or Craigslist.

Changing Perceptions of Western Kansas

Latham hopes that opening Schwartz Ranch will not only provide memorable hunts but also reshape how people see his corner of the state.

“Western Kansas is pretty dang beautiful if you take the time to see it,” he says. “I want guests to be surprised by the hills, the terrain, and the wildlife. It’s more than just flat wheat fields.”

For him, the reward isn’t only financial — it’s seeing others discover the land he loves. “Even though I don’t deer hunt, I enjoy seeing big bucks and watching guests experience something new out here.”

Book Your Kansas Adventure

Whether you’re after trophy whitetail, a mixed-bag upland hunt, or a quiet weekend fishing with family, Schwartz Ranch offers a slice of Kansas that’s as unexpected as it is unforgettable.

Book your next hunt or outdoor experience at Schwartz Ranch on LandTrust

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