A COMMERCIAL piggery in South Australia has been sold for $2.7 million amid increased interest in the sector driven by a rise in pork prices.
Colliers International’s Jesse Manuel and Tim Altschwager have sold the GROWventure piggery at Brownlow, near Eudunda in South Australia to an existing SA-based piggery operator.
“The increase in the pork price over the past six months has resulted in surge of enquiry for piggeries, particularly farrow-to-finish assets that have long term contracts with processors,” Mr Manuel said.
“An increase in the consumption of both pork and chicken as people move to these more affordable meats is the main reason for the price increase and this is flowing on to farm values as demand for the assets has also increased.”
With its regular and consistent cash flow, existing management structure and possible expansion potential through the acquisition of a neighbouring property, Mr Manuel said the GROWventure asset represented an attractive prospect for operators looking to expand within the sector.
He said the GROWventure piggery was a high quality intensive livestock operation with efficient systems and procedures that complied with industry and government regulations. It has been described by an industry auditor as “the cleanest piggery in Australia”.
It is within close proximity to the major regional centre of Gawler and is approximately an hour’s drive from Adelaide.
“The chance to acquire a piggery of this size and quality is rare in South Australia,” Mr Manuel said.
“GROWventure comprises both breeder and grower complexes in a substantial operation, with a combined total land area of approximately 228.48ha.
“The two operations are in close proximity of one another and produce high quality porker and baconer pigs under contract with one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains.”
The breeder complex is a 500-sow operation consisting of a farrowing shed, weaning shed, mating shed, three dry-sow sheds, feed mixing shed, AI laboratory and effluent ponds. Accommodation on the property includes a four-bedroom stone cottage, an added attraction for a manager.
The grower complex consists of four grow-out facilities and ancillary improvements with the capacity to hold up to 3600 pigs.
Construction of the sheds was completed in 2001 and the design has been in conjunction with international standards to produce the highest quality porker and baconer pigs possible.
“The GROWventure farm was ideal for existing producers looking to add to their portfolio or investors seeking a quality agribusiness investment showing consistent profit and with immediate and regular income stream,” Mr Altschwager said.
“The farm is modern compared to many other piggeries recently offered to the market, and is very well located within close proximity to the Port Wakefield Primo abattoir.”
