Van Dairy sells part of Woolnorth property to experienced Victorian dairy family

Van Dairy have sold part of their Woolnorth property to experienced dairy family. Also an update on the remaining almost 9,000ha of dairy and grazing land that’s on the market.

Van Dairy’s historic Woolnorth property.

Experienced dairy farmers, Victorian husband and wife Harper and Oonagh Kilpatrick, have purchased 717 hectares of dairy pastures at Woolnorth from Van Dairy.

The sale of Denium Dairy has been labelled the “largest dairy farm at the historic property”, having completed the official purchase on January 30.

Van Dairy’s Woolnorth property went on the market last April in anticipation of the expiration of a long-term milk supply agreement.

On the Denium Dairy sale, which was built in 1997 and includes dairy pastures, three houses and a 50 bail rotary dairy located on the far eastern border of Woolnorth, Van Dairy owner Xianfeng Lu said he was thrilled.

Van Dairy's owner Lu Xianfeng

“This parcel of land is an incredible piece of Woolnorth that is steeped in history and rich in agricultural value,” Mr Lu said.

“I am confident that the new owners will reap great reward not only from the dairy farm, but also from being a part of the remarkable local community.

“It has been an honour to be the owner and custodian of one of Australia’s most important historic agricultural properties. North-West Tasmania will always hold a special place in my heart.”

In a statement, he said the remaining land holding remained on the market, including almost 9,000ha of dairy and grazing land, seven rotary dairies and Van Diemen’s Land Company name and archives.

He said discussions continued with interested parties.

The new owners had a 15-year tenure at their 495ha Nine Mile Creek Dairy at Koroit, near Warrnambool in Victoria, which they sold in early 2023 for an estimated price tag of about $12 million for the land.

Originally published as Van Dairy sells part of Woolnorth property to experienced Victorian dairy family