Introducing a 431-hectare marvel of smart farming, where intelligent technology and generational expertise come together to produce excellence. Set across green rolling hills and stretching into fertile valleys, this dairy farm is a showcase of agricultural mastery.
The land itself is a testament to the farmer’s vision, meticulously cultivated from what once was natural thorn veld, into a dairy powerhouse that churns out the milk we pour in our kitchens each day. The scientific precision behind this transformation is nothing short of awe-inspiring, with every square meter serving a purpose, every season yielding maximum productivity.
The Science Behind the Success:
• Rainfall & Irrigation: With an average annual rainfall of 740mm, 11 registered stream-fed dams, the largest
measuring a massive 6 hectares, supply water to an intricate system of pasture troughs and irrigation, and a borehole for domestic consumption. 42 hectares are under irrigation, with 13 hectares served by a low-pressure pivot, conserving energy, and 29 hectares under dragline to minimize evaporation.
• Seasonal Feeding Strategy: In summer, 160 hectares of lush kikuyu sustain the dairy herd, while 60 hectares of maize and 7 hectares of hay are grown for winter feed.
• Winter Fodder: The cows enjoy maize silage, baled hay, dryland oats, and 42 hectares of nutritious ryegrass pastures replanted after maize harvests.
The Dairy Dynasty:
• 650 Friesland Holstein cattle, known for high milk yield with lower butterfat content, call this farm home. Of these, 350 are milking cows, producing an astounding 2.4 million liters of milk annually with an above average 3.96% butterfat content.
• Milking is performed twice daily using an 18-point, automated side-by-side milking system, during which, the cows receive an average of 7.4kg of concentrates through an ALPRO dairy computer program, linked to each cow’s microchipped ear tag, thereby determining the amount for each specific lady.
- The milk is stored in bulk tanks and through contract, collected every second day by a very reputable producer of dairy products.
• The operation is powered by three Eskom transformers and a 100kVA generator, ensuring no interruption during outages.
Sustainability Meets Smart Technology:
• To further optimize productivity, heat detection patches enhance artificial insemination rates, using only the finest semen imported from the USA, stored at -198°C in liquid nitrogen.
Additional Revenue Streams:
• A 55-unit beef herd supplements cash flow, with Angus and Beefmaster cattle, prized for marbling and growth rates, grazing on the 100-hectare veld.
• 50 hectares registered, with 40 hectares of sugarcane planted, yield 1 800 tons annually, delivered to the Eston Mill just 27 km away for maximum sucrose retention.
Facilities & Machinery:
• A vast array of dairy shelters, sheds, silos, and storerooms, along with R3.5 million worth of machinery and R10 million in livestock ensure the farm’s efficient operation.
• Calves enjoy sheltered rearing pens and sun-soaked open camps, a natural playground designed to promote growth and health.
A Farmhouse to Match:
• The main residence is a classic farmhouse, characterized by the large wrap-around veranda, iron roof and chimneys, high ceilings, Oregon - floorboards, door frames, sash window frames and skirtings, and plenty double thick walls. It provides four 5x5 meter bedrooms with the main boasting a fireplace, walk-in closet area and a full ensuite bathroom! A full family bathroom too. Three spacious open-plan reception rooms with the formal lounge providing a fireplace and another a sunroom. The kitchen is sufficiently fitted and spacious, and also has the convenience of a gas-hob. A sewing room or office finishes off the interior. The yard is most generous, fully electric fenced, spectacular 270° views, a variety of shady trees and an open double garage.
- The three cottages - two provide ample accommodation for a farm mechanic, manager, or tenants, the third is the divine getaway beautifully placed next to the largest dam where bird life is aplenty, and nature transports you to a paradisiacal world.
- Staff are accommodated in an 8 single room compound. and 7 individual, 50m² cottages.
This highly productive and profitable farm has to be viewed to be fully appreciated. A professional valuation of the land, livestock and machinery has been performed and these will form part of the sale as a going concern, priced at R39.5mil. Records of the balance sheets are available to serious and genuine buyers during application phase.
If repurposing is desired for a potential estate development for example, then a sale of the land and immovables alone will be considered.
I welcome the serious and qualified buyers to join me on a tour of this pure ingenuity!
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