One of SA’s largest cattle feedlots, Wanderribby, is back on the market after a failed contract.
An Australian and Chinese cattle company signed a contract in September last year for the Coorong feedlot, which was first put up for sale in September 2016.
The contracted party had significant development hopes but were unable to go through with their plans for the 8000-head feedlot and more than 2000 hectares of grazing land, due to regulatory issues.
The company had planned to double the size of Wanderribby feedlot and install sophisticated grain processing technology, which would have been the first of its kind in the world.
The feedlot, which is now for sale by private treaty for about $9.5 million, has an outstanding track record of producing high quality grainfed cattle.
In the past 25 years it has fed cattle for a range of clients and programs including European Union, Jap Ox and Certified Australian Angus Beef.
Wanderribby’s owner Perry Gunner said there had been a number of enquiries during the time it was under contract, and agents were now contacting all the interested parties.
“It’s a good time to take the property back to market given the lack of grass feed available across southern Australia that’s resulting in an increase in demand for intensive feeding”, Mr Gunner said.
Wanderribby feedlot is currently operating close to maximum capacity, with the majority of cattle on feed destined for live export.
Colliers International’s Jesse Manuel and Tim Altschwager are handling the sale of the 2311-hectare property, which is situated about seven kilometres south of Meningie.
“Wanderribby is strategically positioned to take advantage of favourable climate conditions, an abundant supply of grain and hay, access to a broad catchment area for the sourcing of livestock and access to highly qualified staff,” Mr Manuel said.
He says the location and its favourable climatic conditions are a key attraction for potential buyers.
“The Southern Ocean, Lake Alexandrina and the Coorong, provide a maritime climate with mild summers and winters, ideal for cattle health and performance,” he said.
“Wanderribby benefits from a large catchment area for very high quality cattle coming out of the South East of SA and Victoria’s Western District, with less competition compared to other regions.”
Mr Manuel said there was a trend towards higher slaughter rates to satisfy international demand, but the only way this could be achieved was through putting more cattle through feedlots.
“This places increasing reliance on facilities like Wanderribby, which is very well placed to benefit from this market trend,” he said.
