LEADING NSW rural property agent Rob Southwell says strong red meat prices are not necessarily being reflected in corresponding land values.
Mr Southwell, who is the principal of Ray White Rural NSW, said while there was significantly increased demand for livestock and red meat, caution was evident among buyers of grazing country.
His conclusion was partly based on the disappointing response to the prime New England offering, Braeside at Ben Lomond, north east of Guyra.
“Principally interest has been coming from Queensland where the continuing dry conditions are forcing producers to seek feed and high rainfall,” Mr Southwell said.
“This lack of local interest indicates that there may still be bargains to be secured.”
Mr Southwell said Braeside at 1282-hectares (3167-acres) was a larger holding for the district and may be a factor in buyer caution.
The property will be auctioned by Ray White Rural in Sydney on October 14.
Braeside was bought by the Wee Waa based Merced Holdings in 1996. Since that time the property has been transformed into a low cost-of-production holistically managed cattle and sheep operation.
“With the property ranging from 1400m to 1250m in elevation, an annual rainfall close to 1000mm and superior soil types, the elements all add up to an outstanding grazing structure,” Mr Southwell said.
“The 18 years of careful management has lifted the profitability of Braeside, minimising major costs within the grazing system such as fertilizer, drench, spraying, fodder production and labour.”
Braeside has 76 paddocks with 94 dams. There is also a 100 megalitre storage dam with pump and underground mains providing an opportunity for irrigation. The property is particularly suited to beef and dairy cattle as well as meat and wool sheep production.
There is also a five bedroom brick homestead with a granny flat, set in landscaped grounds with a concrete floodlit tennis court.
The property is being sold to allow its Wee Waa based owners to consolidate their farming, grazing and cotton growing interests.
The auction to take place in Sydney will be the first live, online auction of rural property in NSW.
“Everyone can view or take part in this auction wherever they are located provided they have an internet or mobile phone coverage,” Mr Southwell said.
- Contact Rob Southwell, 0419 269 328, Ray White Rural.
