OWNER of Holbrook property “Ravenswood”, Jim Heriot, believes ease of management has been a highlight throughout his ownership.
And with extensive improvements carried out for the past 12 years, this feature has only been enhanced for an incoming purchaser.
Mr Heriot first bought a portion of the existing 473-hectare (1169-acre) property 12 years ago; that initial purchase was of about 150ha (380ac).
Six years after purchasing the first block of land, he followed that up with a larger purchase of about 323ha (about 800ac).
Mr?Heroit and his wife Bridie have decided to sell to focus on other pursuits and possibly look for a larger property elsewhere to cater for their expanding cattle operation.
“Ravenswood” has been principally used to trade and finish cattle, as well as for backgrounding to the feedlots.
The property is capable of running 800 cattle.
In addition, they have also run cattle on a number of other properties on long-term agistment.
Improvements have been a major focus for the Heriots, and have included enhancements to water, fences and other infrastructure.
Among the improvements has been the renovation of the four-bedroom weatherboard homestead, including a new kitchen and bathroom, and additional reverse cycle air conditioning.
New electric fencing has also been added, half the property has also received a new water system, and a new gravel road was installed throughout “Ravenswood” to connect the two bitumen roads which run on either side of the property.
“Ravenswood” is situated about 10 kilometres west of Holbrook, offering the convenience of being close to town.
On top of this, Mr Heriot considered the property to represent low maintenance farming, and said it was also suited to fodder production, or even as a stud enterprise.
He said “Ravenswood” would appeal to a range of buyers, including those from the Riverina seeking a versatile finishing property, a buyer looking for additional land in the area to help set up a family member, those from other parts of the State seeking a better climate and easier management, as well as city investors.
Topography on “Ravenswood” is mostly level, while 75pc consists of alluvial creek flats on the Billabong creek system, in addition to granite based loam soils.
The property has a 3km double frontage to Ten Mile creek.
Pasture varieties extend to phalaris, rye and clovers.
Last year, about 265ha of Winter Star ryegrass was sown, and about 100ha of Silverado lucerne has been put in over the past few years.
“Ravenswood” has received annual applications of superphosphate, applied at 200 kilograms per hectare.
Average annual rainfall is 710 millimetres.
Infrastructure includes a four stand shearing shed, two sets of cattle yards, machinery shed and workshop, and stables.
The property is listed for private sale at $3.3 million with John Oliver, Corcoran Parker Oliver, Wodonga.
Contact John Oliver, 0417 017 722.
Nick Heydon
The Land's property editor.
The Land's property editor.
