Moyhu Wagyu agribusiness on the market

Located in the premium King Valley district on a substantial land holding, the agribusiness enterprise is currently available for purchase on a walk-in walk-out basis.

On offer is a three property farm aggregation totalling 847 hectares, a Wagyu and complementary Wagyu Angus herd of about 1300 cattle, multiple homes including the quality Guildford Bell designed six bedroom main homestead, plus all operating equipment and machinery.

The functional and high performing agribusiness has been established over the last 25 years by Emeritus Professor Bob Officer AM.

Now in his 80th year after an extended career in academia, Bob feels it is time to conclude his "completely satisfying" experience in agriculture.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Although he had originally graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science complemented by a Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics at UNE, Bob says his initial investment in farming was pretty much of the hobby farming variety as his career had led him into finance and business roles.

"You could say I initially put my foot in the water with my first farm purchase around 25 years ago," he said.

"I liked the notion of being able to visit and be actively engaged there for breaks of a few days each time."

He was to discover that the local district was uniquely reliable as to seasonal conditions and highly productive for a grazing enterprise.

Then he found other district properties came onto the market largely due to long-term family owners rationalising, so he purchased more proven farm holdings.

He says he was then fortunate to discover Wagyu beef as a specialist animal production enterprise.

"I found that Wagyu beef was not a fad, rather a high value enterprise option that served the increasing community demand for quality beef products that are both healthy and with a uniqueness of taste, and thus satisfaction for the consumer," he said.

Consequently, he invested significantly in the best Japanese Wagyu genetics and in creating a production enterprise and a high value marketing route that has demonstrated its strength over recent years.

What is on offer at Moyhu Wagyu will appeal to a corporate, or high net worth purchaser especially at this time of high returns from cattle and a market that sees auction listings offering only limited numbers of livestock.

Elders Real Estate Wangaratta's selling agent Michael Everard says there are four farm holdings of 847 hectares, all within convenient proximity to each other.

The principal is the Leatam farm holding of approximately 243 hectares, on which is established the six bedroom farm homestead designed by the late and renowned architect Guilford Bell, with inground saltwater swimming pool, extensive gardens and orchards with freshwater and bore supplies.

Established here are intensive feed pad areas, hay, and machinery shedding, farm office, well designed cattle yard infrastructure, plus the three bedroom manager's home, plus other complementary water, and farming infrastructure.

Nearby is the Handcocks property of another 368 hectares also with a three bedroom cottage plus additional cattle infrastructure.

The final two land holdings known as Barton and Simpsons, which adjoin, also feature yard and machinery shed infrastructure.

Together they house a major dam storage with solar pump that support the whole of the holding.

"In addition, there is local district agistment land either under lease or available for lease," Mr Everard said.

Bob Officer notes that all three freehold landholdings (a combined total of 847 hectares) all within a 10 kilometre radius, are visually attractive rolling country with high production efficiency for cattle grazing built-in.

This is a reliable King Valley district for seasonal factors including rainfall (a long-term district average of about 950 millimetres).

Then there is the herd of Wagyu and Wagyu/Angus with current totals of about 600 full blood Wagyu breeders plus another 600 head including weaners, heifers, and bulls, plus another 100 Angus cows used for first cross weaner production and thus another source of cash flow.

Cattle are grown out on the property and sent to external feedlots for finishing.

On the property holdings are around 70 Wagyu bulls of proven, often prime Japanese genetics, and about 50 heifers which are sold through the auction chain or privately.

Importantly, the existing farm manager of 25 years together with the overseer are both residents on the holdings and will continue to provide experienced and effective farm operations.

"Moyhu Wagyu is the right scale, right location, and right enterprise agribusiness that demands consideration by corporate purchasers or high net worth investors," Mr Everard said.

"Moreover, progressive regional town centres like Wangaratta, Benalla, and Myrtleford are all within easy reach, and for city-based buyers there is the freeway access of about three hours from the Melbourne CBD by the dual lane Hume Freeway.

"The properties are also within easy reach of all the noted alpine resorts, wine and food destinations and extensive water sports venues of the historic north-east."

AGENT: Michael Everard on 0408 653 161, Elders Real Estate Wangaratta.