Wirribilla offers large scale, AAA grazing opportunity at Walcha
Abundant water, an exceptional development program and ideal location is expected to draw interest from large-scale institutional investors and corporate farming families to Wirribilla at Walcha in the New England region of New South Wales.
Presented to market by LAWD, the 5003-hectare property has a carrying capacity of 73,000DSE. It is currently running both a self-replacing Primeline composite sheep flock producing prime lambs, and an Angus cow herd with progeny finished to heavy feeder weights.
Trade cattle also graze on excess feed in a combination of long-term backgrounding agreements and on capital account.
The property benefits from exceptional improved perennial grass and clover pastures, supported by an annual rainfall of 900mm. It has been managed with a strategic fertiliser strategy with long-term soil test data demonstrating phosphorus levels well above 40mg/kg across most of the holding.
LAWD Senior Director, Col Medway, said Wirribilla presented an opportunity to invest in a high-capacity operation benefitted by consistent rainfall and a long and targeted capital expenditure program.
“Under the current ownership extensive investment has been made in pasture improvement, fencing and laneways, water systems and infrastructure,” Mr Medway said.
“There is an existing management team of five staff in place who are young and energetic and the successful purchaser will also have the option to buy plant, machinery and livestock.
“Wirribilla is equally suited for any combination of beef or sheep production, depending on the purchaser’s preference.”
Wirribilla was considered a ‘AAA’ property when purchased by the Swire Group’s Clyde Agriculture in 2004. The British-based company subsequently sold its agriculture assets, with Wirribilla being purchased independently by the current owner, Sam Swire in 2013.
Greg Hughes, a former Director of Clyde Agriculture and Swire in Australia and now a Director of Wirribilla Farms Pty Ltd, noted that the London businessman had wanted to maintain his interest in Wirribilla and in the Australian agriculture sector.
“Sam wanted to maintain his association with Australian agriculture and his investment in Wirribilla meant that the property continued to benefit from the same levels of investment and improvements that it enjoyed under Clyde Agriculture’s ownership,” Mr Hughes said.
“This is evident in the manner in which the property presents itself, and the fact that Wirribilla has been managed by the same manager for almost 20 years provides real continuity and gives great confidence in the production data provided.”
Wirribilla’s operational efficiencies are enhanced by a laneway system linking livestock hubs across the property, with other infrastructure including a chalet-style homestead and plentiful staff accommodation.