A unique rural property investment opportunity has hit the market with the sale of Blackwattle Farm, an expansive 4,620-hectare agricultural concern in the highly productive Great Southern region of Western Australia, for $45 million.

Covering approximately 3,413 hectares of arable land, due to the region’s abundant annual rainfall, Blackwattle Farm at 175 Racecourse Road, Frankland River, is listed by Robert Hamersley of Raine & Horne Rural WA.

Located 5 kilometres from the Frankland River township and 120 kilometres from the port city of Albany, this highly sought-after property features prime cropping and grazing land, making it perfect for large-scale agricultural operations.

“With premium soil quality, exceptional infrastructure, and heavy annual rainfall, Blackwattle offers a great opportunity for profitable crop and livestock production,” Mr Hamersley said.

The versatile property includes six freehold titles divided into 12 lots. It also boasts four comfortable brick homes for transitional workers, and a main residence built in 1997 offering five bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Already attracting buyer attention

Moreover, Mr Hamersley has already received interest from various buyers. “Due to the region’s favourable rainfall, there may be an increasing number of people looking to cultivate crops beyond the traditional wheat-sheep farms or raise cattle,” he noted. “You can grow a lot of crops or run a lot of stock on it.

“This property is ideal for prime lamb production and can support 20,000 sheep or run 2,000 head of cattle. Alternatively, you could implement a mixed farming operation, like the current owners, who are cropping the arable land and then running sheep on the pastures.”

Mr Hamersley adds that larger family operations would find this property appealing. “One or two have already expressed interest. Families looking to expand their operations would be keen on this opportunity.”

A multifaceted agricultural gem

Currently, 2,000 hectares of Blackwattle Farm are rotated for canola and cereal crops. Furthermore, it achieves impressive canola yields of 2.2 tonnes per hectare and 4.3 tonnes per hectare for cereals.

Mr Hamersley notes, “There is potential for crop expansion, with up to 300 additional hectares available.”

The property has a livestock capacity that historically supports 7,000 mated ewes and 3,000 Ha of cereal production, according to Mr Hamersley.  “Recent extensive upgrades have been made to the fencing to enhance durability and facilitate more painless livestock movement.

“Additionally, there is a strategically designed network of gravel laneways throughout the property.”

The property offers a reliable stock water supply and features multiple surface dams and two major holding dams with a total capacity of 75 megalitres, complemented by diesel pumps.

There are two shearing sheds, multiple storage facilities and stockyards. Additionally, the farm offers extensive grain storage capabilities. This includes ten 45-tonne silos and two 64-tonne silos on-site, ensuring efficient management of agricultural resources.

A heritage site with a rich history including thoroughbred racing

Blackwattle Farm holds local historical significance, including being the former site of the Frankland River Races. “While parts of the old racetrack are still visible, it is mostly overgrown,” noted Mr Hamersley.

More than twenty years ago, Blackwattle was part of a Blue Gum Managed Investment Scheme, producing wood chips for the Japanese market.  “Blackwattle's inclusion in the scheme marked a significant shift in its land use at the time”, noted Mr Hamersley.  “Once the trees were cleared, the land returned to its original use as a diversified operation supporting both livestock and cropping”.

The sale of Blackwattle Farm includes an option to negotiate the acquisition of plant and equipment, and inspections are available by appointment by calling Robert Hamersley from Raine & Horne Rural WA on 0427 476 455.