At stake is a large and strategically situated parcel of prime mixed farming land in a secure rainfall region, with a long history of successful sheep and cattle breeding and finishing, fodder and grain production.
The property has been listed for sale with Meares and Associates of Sydney and will be offered by online auction on November 23-25.
Situated 15 kilometres north-west of Holbrook with Hume Highway frontage, “Stonehaven” is equidistant (75km either way) between the major regional centres of Wagga Wagga and Albury.
The property comprises mostly open valley country ringed by low hills, timbered by remnant shade and shelter trees of yellow, white and grey box and river red gum, augmented by planted shelter woodlots.
Soils are mainly of granite origin with alluvials lining the flats, and about 75 per cent of the total area is considered arable. Of this, about 2000ha has been farmed.
About 1200ha has been established to improved pastures (principally phalaris and clovers), most of which was topdressed this year, leaving some 400ha of native pasture country and about 140ha of shelter timber.
Present management revolves around a winter cropping program of about 800ha centred on wheat and canola, supplemented by sheep and agisted cattle, although a number of alternative production mixes are possible.
The owner estimates an overall carrying capacity of about 20,000 DSE, which could support a cattle breeding operation of 1000 cows rearing calves to yearling stage, plus an 800ha cropping program.
In earlier times the property has carried 14,000 sheep and 400 breeding cows, and the key infrastructure is in place for either enterprise.
