WHEN purchasing "Brush-grove" a little over 10 years ago, Alf Braye saw a lot of potential in the grazing property - something that has been realised during the course of his ownership.
Relocating from Inverell to Uralla, Mr Braye has carried out a series of major improvements since then including extensive fencing as well as pasture improvement.
Initially running sheep on the land, through the years he slowly converted to cattle.
He said the property had been easy to manage in terms of access, and with good granite country it was also an ideal property for horses.
Carrying capacity is estimated at 800 head, although Mr Braye said there was potential to increase those numbers with further improvement.
Property agent Hugh Brownhill, Meares and Associates, Sydney, said the ability for the property to run about 800 cows in a good location close to Armidale was bound to appeal to buyers such as Sydney or even Brisbane investors.
He said some local farmers had been looking to expand their operations, and with the cattle market performing so well it would appeal to farmers seeking to invest more in grazing land.
Mr Brownhill said "Brushgrove" had been well improved, especially in terms of fencing.
Feed prospects for spring also appeared strong, with good rain during the winter and warmer weather arriving now.
Meares and Associates chief execitive Chris Meares said "Brushgrove" had a good strategic location.
"Its location is not just convenient from a services perspective but also agriculturally," Mr Meares said.
"The area has an historically high rainfall and is known for its fine wool, sheep and cattle production.
"With an increase in lamb and cattle prices, the ability to run about 12,000 DSEs or 800- plus breeding cows should make 'Brushgrove' an attractive investment proposition for either existing operators or investors looking to capitalise earnings into rural property."
All up, "Brushgrove" covers 3014ha (7448ac) and has the benefit of 20 dams and access to four creeks.
The property has a five bedroom homestead as well as two three-bedroom manager's cottage, and two further cottages, both with two bedrooms.
Farm infrastructure includes two sets each of sheep and cattle yards, a three-stand shearing shed, stables, two silos and two hay sheds.
Soils are mostly loam and granite while pastures include natives and clovers, and it has been divided into 40 paddocks with a laneway system.
It is 23 kilometres west of Uralla.
"Brushgrove" will be offered at an online auction starting on Monday, September 28, at 11am through to Wednesday, September 30, at 3pm.
n Contact Chris Meares, 0414 770 703; Hugh Brownhill, 0438 643 274.
Nick Heydon
The Land's property editor.
The Land's property editor.
