Rising prices boost farmers’ confidence
Local commodities prices have continued to show gains despite some global measures softening, while the beef market can expect further record prices, according to Rabobank. The outlook will provide more confidence for farmers, after its recent quarterly survey showed 2021 is shaping up to be an “instrumental” year in the long-term prosperity of the Australian farming sector, with almost 90% of farmers expecting the strong business conditions to either continue or improve over the year ahead.
Chinese billionaire offers up Emu Downs
Chinese billionaire Xingfa Ma’s Tianma Bearing Group (TBG) has listed the modern feedlot and grazing property Emu Downs for lease, while it continues to shop around Balfour Downs and Wandanya stations in the Pilbara region.
Canadians and Singaporeans target resilient agri sector
A record $8.3 billion in agricultural assets and agribusinesses were purchased by foreign investors during 2019/20, as the sector remained stable heading into the pandemic. The Foreign Investment Review Board approved 174 agriculture, although this was the lowest number recorded in the sector over the past four years, the value was the highest recorded.
Brisbane investor snaps up prized Wagyu station
South East Queensland’s Shamrock Vale Station and its world-class Wagyu operation has been sold to a Brisbane-based buyer for $27 million. Spanning 1,857 hectares in the Kerry Valley area of south east Queensland’s Scenic Rim on the Albert River, the property has fertile alluvial cultivated river flats running to undulating ridges and gullies, with plateaus of sheltered grazing.
American investor hoping for meaty return from Qld aggregation
New York-based investment firm The Rohatyn Group is hoping for more than $55 million from the sale of the 28,000-hectare Kaiuroo Aggregation in Central Queensland’s Mackenzie River district.
Costa forks out $231m for citrus farms
“There are a number of strategic benefits and alignments that will result from what is a financially compelling acquisition, which include greater export supply to key Asian export markets, production scale, increased variety offering, including rights to commercialise varieties with plant breeder rights in certain jurisdictions, access to a proven 30-year proprietary breeding program, expanded geographic footprint and extended season timing,” Sean Hallahan, Costa Group CEO said.
Miranda Downs sells for a record $180m
Peter and Jane Hughes have splashed out a figure believed to be north of $180 million to buy the 438,000-hectare Miranda Downs in Queensland’s Gulf of Carpentaria, setting a new record for a single pastoral holding as the agricultural sector sees a wave of investment demand amid strong trading conditions.
Peter Downie buys Tassie farm in landmark deal
Renowned sixth generation cattle and sheep farmer, and wind farm developer Peter Downie has quietly bought one of the Apple Isle’s historic farms in the largest single asset transaction in Tasmania in recent memory. Industry sources told Australian Property Journal, that Downie has acquired Stonehouse Grazing in Lemont, from farmer Tony Seymour for $46 million.
Farmland returns defy COVID and trade tensions
“Australian agriculture has continued to perform relatively well despite the ongoing disruption of the pandemic, the higher Australian dollar and the trade issues with China. This is reflected in the ongoing uplift in annualised farmland values, as the demand for agricultural property remains high," says Tim Sheridan, Rural Funds Management.
South Korean divests Warragundi aggregation after two years
South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group has quickly exited of the Warragundi aggregation in the NSW Mudgee region, selling the 5,800 hectare property for $25 million just two years after its acquisition.
