LOCATION
This farm is located on the picturesque and well maintained Elandsrivier road approximately 45km from Rockland’s and well within the magical 100km radius of Port Elizabeth.
SIZE
Made up of 1 title, the farm is approximately 430ha in extent.
DESCRIPTION
The bulk of the properties along this stretch of the valley have been cut to incorporate a chunk of the fertile valley itself and then a stretch of the magnificent Stinkhoutberg Mountains that precede the Baviaans range. This farm is no different with it stretching back from the main gravel road to include a magnificent fertile gentle slope followed by a deep valley which intersects the farm into two ridgelines from where the valley soon splits into two forming three ridges that climb steeply up the Southern side of the
Stinkhoutberg reaching the top. In terms of change in elevation the property’s lowest point is +- 433m above sea level whereas the highest point is a towering 912m.
VELD TYPES
Over time, almost the entire stretch of the Elandsrivier valley has been put to the plough. Aerial pictures show the intensive patterns of contoured lands exploiting all but the most inaccessible spots of this fertile stretch of land. Approximately 95h of this property has been developed in the same way with all available fertile land having been extensively contoured. These lands show some sign of encroachment and will respond well to being slashed to improve the available grazing. While these lands have historically been planted to wheat, the current owner has utilised these dry lands as grazing in order to improve the livestock carrying capacity and soil fertility. “Rooigras” (Themeda triandra) grows on those pieces of ground that have escaped the plough, with a blend of Cynodon and Eragrostis Curvula on the disturbed ground. In addition the farm has a 5,5ha irrigated block (can be expanded) that is used for planting crops such as cabbages and butternut. Furthermore there is a 12ha citrus orchard comprised of the following varieties: Nova (3ha/1883 trees planted 1998), Cambria (1.1ha/611 trees planted 1999), Navels (1.99ha/1106 trees planted 1997) and Midknights (6ha/3306 trees planted 1998).
Climbing out of the valley and into the Southern most mountain sections, the grass species change quite abruptly. While the Themeda was still present in healthy densities, the default grasses found were Aristidas with the odd tuft of Merxmuella. The Rooigras provides good summer grazing to both small and large livestock.
There is evidence of a good covering of indigenous bush in the valleys and smaller drainage lines and there is also some useful Blackwood plus then some Black Wattle encroachment. The latter is still at a stage where it could be managed.
RAINFALL / WATER
The farm falls in a transition rainfall area, with an annual average of approximately 600mm / annum. Currently the farm has two fairly large earth dams which are registered for irrigation purposes.
Basic summary of the farms water reticulation:
The property has registered water rights in place for both the extraction and storage of natural water which is gravity fed from the permanent fountain fed stream to a large holding dam and onwards to both the draglines used for the cash crops as well as the drippers (double lines) used to irrigate the previously mentioned 12ha of citrus.
All of the camps on the farm have at least one water point in the form of drinking troughs/earth dams.
There is no need for boreholes on this property since there is ample surface water as per above. However, the owner did indicate that a point has been marked by a water diviner which shows good promise for a strong borehole that could be developed to further expand the citrus operation.
Preliminary studies on the neighbouring farm including soil sampling and analysis as well as soil profiling produced favourable results indicating that the soil in the area is suitable for both citrus and avocadoes.
GAME SPECIES
The valleys and drainage lines are home to a fair density of bushbuck, and some of which seemed totally habituated in that they are at times relatively unfazed by human presence. I was also able to find sign of common duiker and what I’m sure was Cape Grysbok. While I never ventured too far up there, I can guarantee that the mountain section would be home to a number of mountain reedbuck and klipspringer. Lastly, while kudu are not necessarily considered resident on the farm they most certainly do move through the property on a regular basis.
IMPROVEMENTS
The farm has two homesteads offering 4 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms with 1 bathroom respectively. Then there are the usual compliment of living areas and work areas like the large farmhouse kitchens. Both houses have a verandah area and are set in beautiful gardens with lots of mature trees. It is obvious that both houses and surrounding outbuildings are structurally sound but do require some TLC.
The farm also has a large open shed for storing farm vehicles/implements.
The staff compliment consists of 1 permanent worker and 2 casual labourers and housing is provided for in a small cottage.
The boundary fencing as well as the internal camps are mostly of a good standard with only part of the western boundary needing some attention.
The farm is supplied with 3 phase electricity.
CONCLUSION
The intensive agricultural potential in the valley, coupled with the dramatic topography and unspoilt wilderness encompassed by the mountain section offer the best of both, with something to satisfy both the farmer and adventurer. This farm’s fair carrying capacity, coupled with the irrigation mentioned above, translates into the fact that it can be run as a viable and rewarding unit. Any proposed additional citrus production will only catapult the incoming earning potential as citrus can be a real money spinner based on market trends. Add to this the fact that it borders onto the Stinkhoutberg Nature reserve, is a stones throw away from Baviaanskloof, and yet still within comfortable reach of P.E. I feel this makes it a “best of both” for most people. The Elandsrivier Valley is a popular choice amongst farmers and I can state with confidence that this property is one of the top properties in the valley. The owner is VAT registered and the property can, by negotiation be taken over as a going concern.
Price R5 950 000 plus Vat at the applicable rate.
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