THE well-known New England property Achill West is expected make $8 million to $8.5m when it is auctioned online by Meares and Associates on November 22-23.
Located 39km east of Armidale, the 2216 hectare (5474 acre) property is described as open, undulating but well sheltered country.
Achill West has a long history of carrying both sheep and cattle. At present it is run as a cattle enterprise, carrying more than 800 breeding cows plus followers. It is also described as ideally suited to prime lamb or wool production. The property is rated by the owners to carry at least 15,000 DSE.
A major development program has been implemented over the past five years. This has concentrated on pasture improvement, timber clearing, fencing and laneway construction, water reticulation and sustainability, and a regular fertiliser program. All are aimed at increasing the productivity and performance of the property.
The property is divided into 56 main paddocks, which average 42ha.
The property includes a mixture of rich fertile basalt soils on the western end and loam/trap soils mainly to the east. About 70 per cent of the property is arable and would be suitable for cash or fodder cropping, as well as highly suited to further improved pasture establishment.
An additional 350ha has been established with rye grass, clover, plantain mixes, supporting existing fescue, phalaris and brome species. The balance of the country has native species, which have been top-dressed over time.
Water is a feature of Achill West. In addition to the 826mm average annual rainfall, the property also fronts Saint Helena and Four Mile creeks, 69 dams, and troughs in some paddocks.
Improvements include the main homestead, three bedroom manager’s cottage, three bedroom staff cottage, five stand shearing shed, sheep yards, cattle yards, barn, silo, hay shed and storage shed.
Marketing agent Chris Meares, Meares and Associates, said quality grazing properties were now difficult to buy following improvements in commodity markets.
“Achill West is such a holding which, over the years has been renowned for, not only its beef cattle production, but also for its prime lambs and medium to fine wool clip,” Mr Meares said.
“It is a property with size and scale which is currently undertaking an extensive five year development program, which the new owner will benefit from.”
Mr Meares said the buyer of Achill West would also have the opportunity to purchase the Angus breeding herd and the farm’s plant and equipment.
Contact Chris Meares, 0414 770 703, Hugh Brownhill, 0438 643 274, and Michael Corcoran, 0417 657 589, Meares and Associates.