Top cropping potential

Anthony Newbigging has owned the 840-hectare (2074-acre) “Lochiel” for the past two years, he had purchased the property given he already owned land nearby and was seeking to obtain more acreage in the area.

However, given commitments to other work in Mudgee, where he lives, and the demands of the original Narromine property, Mr Newbigging is selling due to time constraints.

He will, however, be retaining his other property at Narromine.

“Lochiel” is listed for private sale at $1,555,500 with Chandelle Woods, Professionals Mudgee.

The previous owners of “Lochiel” had sold given their decision to move into irrigation, and similarly, lack of time had prevented running both properties.

Mr Newbigging said about 10 years ago the property had predominantly operated as a sheep block – with some cropping in the mix – before the balance switched in favour of cropping.

When he purchased “Lochiel” the previous owners had sown canola and wheat, something he continued the following year.

This year, however, he switched canola for chickpeas, coming with the added advantage of a nitrogen fix for the soils.

This year’s crop comprises about 280ha (about 700ac) of chickpeas and about 215ha (about 530ac) of wheat.

A feature, he said, was the potential for new owners to add further cropping land given a portion of land with lightly scattered timber, which could be cleared with minimal input costs.

Currently, about 500ha (1235ac) of the property is arable.

“It is a great property with its developed cropping country,” he said.

Mr Newbigging said it had good crop rotations and from an agronomy point of view this was very favourable.

Soil types were another highlight, and comprise a mix of about 70 per cent black self mulching flood plain soils, while the remaining 30pc consist of deep red loams.

He said he believed the property would be well suited to somebody in a similar situation to him when he purchased two years ago: a farmer already with land in the area seeking to add existing country.

Alternatively, he said “Lochiel” would also be ideal for a young farmer starting out in agriculture – enhanced by proximity to town and being situated in a good rainfall area.

And rainfall is currently a big positive for “Lochiel”.

“There is a full profile of moisture at the moment,” he said.

“You couldn’t get a better start to the season.

“It is developed country, the soil types are fantastic, it hasn’t been farmed for ever and a day and there’s also a good comfortable home.”

The property is situated about 25 kilometres south west of Narromine.

Water extends to six dams, as well as a stock and domestic bore offering plentiful water supply.

Farm infrastructure reflects both the cropping and grazing history of “Lochiel” and includes a 50-tonne silo, a machinery shed and a three-stand shearing shed with sheep yards.

The comfortable timber homestead has four bedrooms, one bathroom and a carport, and offers both indoor and outdoor entertaining options.