The Wargin district, to the south of West Wyalong, is rightly renowned as “God’s own” mixed farming country, but it’s this very versatility of the area that has propelled “Fairfield” onto the market.
Since purchasing the 1446 hectare (3573ac) property in 2005, owners Rob and Emma Ford have operated “Fairfield” as a typical mixed farm with a balance of cropping, sheep and cattle production.
But in the process they have become addicted to the cattle component of the mix, so much so that they have decided to sell up and relocate to country where beef production can be their sole focus.
... the Fords have worked at improving the property's productivity.
They have accordingly listed “Fairfield” for sale with Paul Quade of Quade Moncrieff Livestock and Property, West Wyalong, and it will go to auction on August 10 unless sold before.
“Fairfield” is an aggregation of four blocks - “Fairfield” (681ha), “Inverness” (308ha), “Stoneleigh” (330ha) and “Kia-Ora” (127ha) – built up during three generations of previous owners, the Sutcliffe family.
It is situated 17 kilometres south of West Wyalong and a similar distance north-west of Barmedman, in an area of level to gently sloping country of soft, red loam soils.
Timbered originally by kurrajong and cypress pine, the country is now mostly cleared for farming, with the estimated arable areas across the four blocks ranging from 80pc to 95pc.
Since taking over the property, the Fords have worked at improving its productivity, establishing lucerne and clover pastures to complement a rotational winter cropping program.
Under the present enterprise mix, the property carries a self-replacing Merino flock based on 1500 ewes, 60 Angus breeders and 85 steer weaners, alongside 500ha sown to barley.
The weaners are being grown and fattened on pastures supplemented by hay and silage, and the barley crop (not included) is showing promise following much-needed rain in June.
Average rainfall is about 450mm and the property is watered by two bores reticulating to paddock troughs, and upgraded dams.
Structural improvements are extensive, reflecting the property’s build-up history, and include two homesteads, making it an attractive proposition for an extended family.
The main “Fairfield” homestead, occupied by the present owners and well maintained, is of cement rendered construction with a new Colorbond roof.
Set in established lawns and gardens, it has three bedrooms, an in-ground swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area and cool-room, and is complemented by a two-bedroom guests’ cottage.
Working structures on the “Fairfield” block include a four-stand shearing shed with steel sheep yards, new steel cattle yards, a 500-tonne grain shed plus silos (360t), a new hay shed of 1800 big square bale capacity, workshops and other hay and machinery sheds.
“Inverness” boasts a five-bedroom clad home (currently leased to a neighbour) with double lock-up garage, a refurbished four-stand shearing shed with steel sheep yards, a hay shed of 240 bale capacity and 120t of silo storage.
The property is well fenced into 25 main paddocks and detailed paddock histories are available to interested parties.
Local interest in the offering is reportedly strong, with recent sales indicating a likely bidding range upwards of $3400/ha ($1375/ac).