Who Owns Australia’s Farms 2020 — The full list
Uncertainty about the global economy and trade seems to be doing little to slow investment in Australian agriculture — see the list of who owns almost 1000 of the nation’s farms.
UNCERTAINTY about the global economy and trade seems to be doing little to slow the investment pouring in to Australian agriculture.
The Weekly Times’ annual investigation into Who Owns Australia’s Farms shows both foreign and domestic investors are looking beyond the current coronavirus crisis, snapping up valuable farming as agriculture positions itself well as a producer of staple products.
The investigation found that when it comes to value, Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investments is the single biggest investors in Australian agriculture with a land and water portfolio valued at more than $3 billion.
PSP — which manages the superannuation of Canada’s famed mounted police force among others — has become a major force on the Australian farming landscape in recent years. In the past year alone it has been involved in two of the biggest deals in the nation’s history, each worth more than $850 million.
The Macquarie Bank operated funds of Lawson Grains, Paraway Pastoral and Viridis Ag come in at No.2 with assets valued at $2.7 billion while US-based TIAA-CREF rounds out the top three with investments worth an estimated $1.7 billion.
According to latest figures from the Federal Government, foreign interests owned 52.6 million hectares of Australian farmland in 2016-17. The UK was the biggest investor with 10.24 million hectares followed by China (9.17 million hectares) and the US (2.66 million).
AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE’S BIG PLAYERS
AAM INVESTMENT GROUP
Managers and operators of the Regional Livestock Exchange. In 2019 raised $60 million-plus for a new agriculture fund. Has investments in poultry assets in South Australia.
• Legune Station, Kununurra NT – 285,270 hectares.
• Round Cowal, Forbes NSW – 1640 hectares. Purchased in conjunction with Sunshine Aggregation in 2020 for $16 million.
• Sunshine Aggregation, Forbes NSW – 4820 hectares. Purchased in conjunction with Round Cowal in 2020 for $16 million.
• Terrick Terrick, Blackall QLD – 55,000 hectares. Purchased in 2020.
AAAW GROUP – AUSTRALIA AULONG AUNIU WANG GROUP (CHINA)
Owned by large Chinese retailer Dashang Group which operates department stores and supermarkets.
• Brindley Park, Merriwa NSW – 2002 hectares.
• Calthorpe Orchard, Sidmouth TAS – 94 hectares of established cherry, apple and pear trees
• Clear Hills, Captains Flat NSW – 1100 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Glenrock Station, Hunter Valley NSW – 30,868 hectares. Purchased for $45 million.
• Millers Orchard, Hillwood TAS - 30 hectares of established cherry, apple and pear trees. Purchased in 2017.
• Oak Park, Charleville QLD – 78,000 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $13.5-$15.5 million.
• Wootton/Kuro Kin Wagyu, Hunter Valley NSW – 3439 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
Source: pinnaclefinefoods.com.au
ACE FARMING-MERRICKS CAPITAL
Founded by Jeremy Bayard, Ace Farming is the largest dairy farming business on the Australian mainland with a portfolio of more than 20 dairy farms.
• Balboora Farm, Finley NSW – 800 hectares.
• Blighty Farm, Blighty NSW – 518 hectares.
• Little Moe River Rd, Darnum VIC – 240 hectares. Purchased in 2006.
• Malmo Farm, Cobram VIC – 500 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Melro Park, Heywood VIC – 470 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Oxdale, Cobram VIC – 400 hectares. Purchased in 2014 for about $5 million.
• Shelley, Cobram VIC – 270 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $4 million.
• Tarraville, Yarram VIC – 668 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Yarramundi, Cobram VIC – 970 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $7 million.
ACTON LAND & CATTLE COMPANY-AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHOICE
Australian Country Choice, a third-generation vertically integrated beef company owned by rich-lister Trevor Lee and his family, owns a 51 per cent stake in Acton Land and Cattle, which controlled extensive landholdings in central and northwest Queensland. The operation now spans more than two million hectares.
• Babbiloora Station, Augathella QLD – 237,325 hectares.
• Barkly Downs, Camooweal QLD – 942,499 hectares.
• Brindley Park aggregation and feedlot, Darling Downs QLD – 20,450 hectares.
• Brisbane Valley feedlot, Brisbane Valley QLD – 123 hectares.
• Croydon Station, Rockhampton QLD – 58,419 hectares.
• Dungowan, Dungowan QLD – 22,293 hectares.
• Gladys Downs, Augathella QLD – 20,025 hectares. Purchased in 2020.
• Hay Roma, Roma QLD – 789 hectares.
• Iffley, Moranbah QLD – 41,529 hectares.
• MB9+, Darling Downs QLD – 1335 hectares.
• Millungera Station, Julia Creek QLD – 342,000 hectares.
• Moray Downs, Clermont QLD – 117,000 hectares.
• Opal Creek and feedlot, Cecil Plains QLD – 3116 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Redford Station, Mungallala QLD – 48,400 hectares.
• Rugby Run. Mackay QLD – 11,776 hectares.
• Toarki, Roma QLD – 5099 hectares.
• Wellclose Station, Adavale QLD – 159,832 hectares.
Source: accbeef.net.au
AMBURLA NOMINEES
Owned by Tony and Pam Davis. Sold the Narwietooma, Derwent and Glen Helen properties in 2020.
• Amburla Station, Alice Springs NT – 202,000 hectares.
• Hamilton Downs Station, Alice Springs NT.
ANGUS PASTORAL COMPANY
Family-owned beef company founded in 1960 and run by Blair and Josie Angus. Covers four properties totalling 161,875 hectares in central and north Queensland.
• Carpentaria Downs, Einasleigh QLD. Purchased in 2005.
• Chesterfield Station, Clermont QLD. Purchased in 1996.
• Kimberley Station, Clermont QLD. Purchased in 1978.
• Sondella feedlot, Clermont QLD. Purchased in 1991.
AN VIEN PASTORAL HOLDING & AGRICULTURE (VIETNAM)
Owned by Vietnamese businessman Pham Nhat Vu.
• Vermelha Station NT – 200,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $13.6 million.
ARRABURY PASTORAL COMPANY
Run by the Daley family and operating across six properties and 1.32 million hectares of Queensland. The properties are strategically located in the Channel Country as well as around Blackall, Meandarra and Condamine and are used for beef production.
• Arrabury Station, Betoota QLD – 418,000 hectares.
• Binda, Condamine QLD
• Cluny Station, Bedourie QLD – 546,000 hectares.
• Mineeda Station, Blackall QLD – 13,057 hectares.
• Mt Leonard Station, Betoota QLD – 337,000 hectares.
• Tarves Station, Blackall QLD – 10,567 hectares.
Source: arrabury.com.au
AUSCOTT
Owned by Californian-based JG Boswell and Company. Owns and leases significant cotton farming land in the NSW Namoi, Gwydir, Macquarie and Murrumbidgee valleys. Also operates six ginning facilities. Sold its Midkin vertically integrated aggregation at Moree in northern NSW for $300 million in 2019.
• Widgen, Narrabri NSW – 11,038 hectares.
AUSTON CORPORATION (CANADA)
Australian arm of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board which was established in 1991 and administers pensions for 183,000 teachers. It owns about $500 million worth of almond and avocado farms in South Australia and Victoria.
• Jasper Farms, Busselton WA – 360 hectares. Australia’s second-biggest avocado grower. Purchased in 2017.
• Margooya/Canarvon, Robinvale VIC – 2878 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $115 million.
AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY
Founded in 1824, Australian Agricultural Company or AACo runs about 400,000 cattle across 6.4 million hectares of land. It is listed on the ASX with UK billionaire businessman Joe Lewis the biggest investor with a more-than-45 per cent stake.
• Anthony Lagoon/Eva Downs, Tennant Creek NT – 934,900 hectares.
• Avon and Austral Downs, Camooweal QLD – 863,100 hectares.
• Brunette Downs Station, Tennant Creek NT – 1,221,200 hectares.
• Camfield Station, Victoria River NT – 279,000 hectares.
• Canobie Station, Cloncurry QLD – 492,100 hectares.
• Carrum Station, Julia Creek QLD – 50,613 hectares.
• Dalgonally Station, Julia Creek QLD – 128,000 hectares.
• Delamere Station, Victoria River NT – 300,300 hectares.
• Glentana Station, Springsure QLD.
• Goonoo Farm, Feedlot and Station, Emerald QLD.
• Headingly Station, Mt Isa QLD – 1,003,200 hectares.
• La Belle, Batchelor NT – 61,000 hectares.
• Montejinni Station, Victoria River NT – 485,623 hectares.
• Pell and Tortilla, Darwin NT – 5473 hectares.
• South Galway Station, Windorah QLD – 487,600 hectares.
• Wondoola Station, Normanton QLD – 252,500 hectares.
• Wylarah Station and Farm, Surat QLD – 40,468 hectares.
AUSTRALIAN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
A privately owned company whose investors include Colin Bell of Bell Securities. Owns 225,405 hectares of land in the Coonamble, Deniliquin and Hay districts of NSW. Also owns about 54,693 megalitres of water licences in the Murray and Murrumbidgee irrigation areas.
• Barratta, Deniliquin NSW.
• Boonoke, Deniliquin NSW.
• Burrabogie, Hay NSW.
• Kolora, Hay NSW.
• Mulberrygong, Hay NSW.
• Netherway, Coonamble NSW.
• North Cobran, Hay NSW.
• Peppinella, Deniliquin NSW.
• Wahwoon, Hay NSW.
• Wanganella, Deniliquin NSW.
• Warriston, Deniliquin NSW.
• Wingadee, Coonamble NSW.
• Zara, Deniliquin, NSW.
AUSTRALIAN FRESH MILK HOLDINGS
A partnership between Chinese agriculture group New Hope, the Perich Group and ASX-listed Freedom Foods. Has significantly increased its investments in the past two years.
• Coomboona Farms, Goulburn Valley VIC. Purchased in 2018 for about $46 million.
• Moxey Farms, Gooloogong NSW – 2700 hectares. Purchased for $100 million in 2015.
• Torrumbarry Estate aggregation, Torrumbarry VIC – 3500 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $40 million.
AUSTRALIAN GREEN PROPERTIES PTY LTD (PHILIPPINES)
Owned by Filipino banker and property developer Romeo Roxas.
• Cobar aggregation, Cobar NSW.
• Murray Downs, Barkly Tablelands NT – 265,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
AUSTRALIAN PASTORAL LAND COMPANY
Headed by AWX labour hire firm boss Tom Strachan. Holdings include:
• Lighthouse Station, Roma QLD – 7365 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $14 million.
• Lorraine, Roma QLD.
BASS CATTLE COMPANY
Owned by David and Suzanne Bassingthwaite.
• Epenarra, Barkly Tablelands NT – 265,000 hectares. Purchased in 2019.
• Muldoon Station, Augathella QLD.
BC WATER PTY LTD
Hong Kong-based company that owns farming country on Queensland’s Darling Downs, also:
• Harcourt, Moura QLD – 1587 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $10.3 million.
BETTINI BEEF
Owned by the Bettinni family.
• De Grey Station, Port Hedland WA – 1,214,100 hectares. Earliest pastoral lease in WA dating back to 1862.
• Mallina Station, Port Hedland WA.
• Pyramid Station, Port Hedland WA.
• Sherlock Station, Port Hedland WA.
• Warrambie Station, Port Hedland WA.
BILLA KALINA PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by Colin Greenfield and family.
• Billa Kalina, Woomera SA – 500,000 hectares. Runs 4000 Shorthorn breeding cows.
HARVEY BLACK
Former owner of Queensland motor vehicle dealer network Black Toyota.
• Mt Enniskillen, Blackall QLD – 135,200 hectares. Purchased in 2020 from Clark and Tait for more than $40 million.
NICO BOTHA-SAWA PASTORAL COMPANY
Businessman, Kimberley cattleman and former owner of Moola Bulla Station.
• Ban Ban Springs, Darwin NT – 187,300 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $10 million.
BOUNDARY BEND LIMITED
Established in 1998, now Australia’s leading producer of premium extra-virgin olive oil. Operates over 6278 hectares of land with property, water and 2.2 million trees valued at $163 million. ASX listed.
• Boort Estate, Boort VIC – 2550 hectares of olive groves, comprising 900,000 trees.
• Boundary Bend Estate, Boundary Bend/Wemen VIC – 3500 hectares of olive groves, comprising 1.3 million trees.
BRETT BLUNDY RETAIL CAPITAL (SINGAPORE)
The beef division of retail king Brett Blundy’s private investment company owns 2.43 million hectares across four cattle stations in the Northern Territory.
• Amungee Amungee, Elliot NT – 316,900 hectares.
• Beetaloo Station and OT Downs, Elliot NT – 707,800 hectares.
• Mungabroom Station, Elliot NT – 346,900 hectares.
• Walhallow/Cresswell Downs, Tennant Creek NT – 999,700 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
Source: bbrcbeef.com
BRIDGELANE PASTORAL
Investment company established by entrepreneur Markus Kahlbetzer in 2009. Owns and operates a number of grazing properties, centred on the NSW Southern Tablelands.
• Bundarbo Station, Jugiong – 2400 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $30 million.
BRIG-O-DOON CATTLE COMPANY
Operated by Bill and Gretchen Speed and family.
• Mount Marlow Station, Blackall QLD – 73,100 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $5.25 million.
• Retreat Station, Jundah QLD – 142,600 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $20 million.
TA&PA BRINKWORTH-CAPARRA PTY LTD
One of Australia’s wealthiest grazing families, headed up by Tom and Patricia Brinkworth. Operates over one million hectares of land spread across 100 properties, including:
• Banff Station, Salt Creek SA.
• Cortina Station, Kingston SA.
• Didicoolum Station, Kingston SA.
• Frome Downs, Yunta SA. 607,899 hectares. Purchased in 2010 for $3.8 million.
• Kaladbro Station, Strathdownie VIC. 2632 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Ninga Ninga Station, Kingston SA.
• SFM Australasia aggregation, Padthaway SA. Six properties from the receivers of the failed timber company in 2010, and reverted back to grazing.
• Uardry Station, Hay NSW. 35,000 hectares. Purchased in 2012 for $28 million.
• Watervalley Station, Kingston SA.
ROBERT & JULIE BROADHURST
• Boodanoo and Narndee Stations, Paynes Find WA – 226,624 hectares.
BROOK PROPRIETORS
Organic beef pioneers David and Nell Brook and their family run about 3.5 million hectares in southern Queensland and South Australia, including:
• Adria Downs, Birdsville QLD. 870,000 hectares.
• Alton Downs, via Birdsville SA.
• Cordillo Downs, Innamincka SA.
• Kamaran Downs, Bedourie QLD.
• Murnpeowie Station, Marree SA.
BUNDABERG SUGAR
One of Australia’s largest sugarcane growers. It owns more than 9000 hectares which produce roughly 550,000 tonnes of cane annually.
Source: bundysugar.com.au
STERLING BUNTINE-BALDY BAY
At one point ran about 2.5 million hectares of cattle properties in northern Australia. Was part of a five-member syndicate that made a last-minute bid for S Kidman and Co in 2016.
• Alroy Downs Station, Tennant Creek NT. 400,000 hectares. Purchased in 2008 for $70 million.
• Bedford Downs Station, Kimberley WA.
• Comely and Mapala Stations, Bauhinia QLD. 23,000 hectares. Purchased from Consolidated Pastoral Company in 2019 for almost $50 million.
• Dalmore Downs Station, Tennant Creek NT.
• Landsdowne Station, Kimberley NT.
• Lissadell Station, Kimberley WA.
• Mimong Station, Kyuna QLD. 79,970 hectares. Purchased from Consolidated Pastoral Company in 2019 for about $20 million.
• Tulmur, Tranby and Owens Creek, Winton QLD – 74,620 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $7.8 million.
BURATOVICH FAMILY (ARGENTINA)
• Manbullo Station, Katherine NT – 379,130 hectares. Purchased from Consolidated Pastoral Company for $23.4 million in 2019 in a sale and leaseback deal.
• Scott Creek, Katherine NT – 101,850 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for about $12 million.
• Sturt Downs, Katherine NT – 67,840 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $6.8 million.
CAASON GROUP-AILERON PASTORAL HOLDINGS
Melbourne-based private investor group with a focus on natural resources, mining and telecommunications.
• Aileron Station, Alice Springs NT. 408,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
Source: aileronpastoral.com.au
CAMM AGRICULTURAL GROUP
Headed by father and son David and Bryce Camm. Sold the 390,600-hectare Natal Downs, Longton and Narellan stations to Rural Funds Group for $53 million, then leased them back. Also own three central Queensland breeding and backgrounding properties and a breeding property in Queensland’s South Burnett region.
• Morooco, St George QLD – 900 hectares of irrigation. Purchased in 2006.
• Wonga Plains Feedlot, Bowenville QLD.
CARRINGTON COTTON CORP-RMI PTY LTD
Owned by one of Queensland’s richest families, the Marchants. Operates a diverse farming business including beef, grains and cotton.
• Carrington Farms, Goondiwindi QLD – 57,370 hectares spread across 16 cotton, grain and grazing properties, including Oonavale, Kildonan, Murragoran and Lagoona. Failed to sell in 2010 with offers of $300 million expected.
CK LIFE SCIENCES (CHINA)
Hong Kong-listed company, backed by Hong Kong’s richest person Li Ka-shing. Australia’s second-largest vineyard owner. Also has citrus and grape growing properties in Victoria’s Sunraysia region as well as grain, cotton, mango and berry investments.
• Balranald Vineyard, Balranald NSW – 463 hectares of vines.
• Bussorah Vineyard, Padthaway SA – 165 hectares of vines.
• Dalmeny Vineyard, Padthaway SA – 213 hectares of vines.
• Hanwood Vineyard, Hanwood NSW – 394 hectares of vines.
• Lionels Vineyard, Margaret River WA – 42 hectares of vines.
• Miamba Vineyard, Lyndoch SA – 131 hectares of vines.
• Nangiloc Colignan Farms, Mildura VIC – 700 hectares of citrus and table grape orchards. Purchased for $50 million in 2018 (including $16 million of water entitlements).
• Nicoletti Farms, Merredin and Geraldton WA – 88,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Old Land Vineyard, Margaret River WA – 24 hectares of vines.
• Qualco East Vineyard, Riverland SA – 171 hectares of vines.
• Qualco West Vineyard, Riverland SA – 415 hectares of vines.
• Rowe Road Vineyard, Margaret River WA – 120 hectares of vines.
• Schuberts Vineyard, Lobethal SA – 73 hectares of vines.
• Sirens Vineyard, Margaret River WA – 44 hectares of vines.
• Station and Kirkgate vineyards, Coonawarra SA – 256 hectares of vines.
• Stephendale Vineyard, Yenda NSW – 629 hectares of vines.
• White Road Vineyards and Orchards, Tharbogang NSW – 490 hectares of vines.
• Whitton Vineyard, Whitton NSW – 97 hectares of vines.
Source: ck-lifesciences.com
CLEAN AGRICULTURE & INTERNATIONAL TOURISM (VIETNAM)
Purchased almost 733,000 hectares of land from Consolidated Pastoral Company in 2019 as part of a deal worth $135 million.
• Argyle Downs, Kununurra WA – 72,000 hectares.
• Auvergne Station, Katherine NT – 414,200 hectares.
• Newry Station, NT – 246,700 hectares. Purchased in 2019 from Consolidated Pastoral Company as part of a $135 million deal.
COLINTA HOLDINGS
Owned by Glencore – the parent company of South Australian Viterra grains business – running about 50,000 beef cattle across 1.1 million ha of leased mining country in NSW and Queensland.
CONSOLIDATED AUSTRALIAN PASTORAL HOLDINGS (CHINA)
An Australian-Chinese venture backed by Beijing investment group Archstone. Purchased a 51 per cent stake in one of Australia’s largest processors, the Bindaree Beef Group, for $120 million in 2017.
• Beefwood Park Station, Fitzroy Crossing WA – 206,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 as part of $100 million deal.
• Moola Boola Station, Kimberley WA – 395,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 as part of $100 million deal.
• Mt Amhurst Station, Fitzroy Crossing WA – 260,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 as part of $100 million deal.
• Shamrock Station, Fitzroy Crossing WA – 178,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 as part of $100 million deal.
CONSOLIDATED PASTORAL COMPANY
British investor Guy Hands is leading a consortium to buy the remainder of Consolidated Pastoral Company that was once one of Australia’s biggest pastoral empires. The portfolio has reduced dramatically in size in recent years but even the slimmed-down version is still valued at $600-$700 million.
• Allawah, Biloela QLD – 3069 hectares. Purchased in 1989.
• Bunda Station, Victoria River NT – 178,800 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Carlton Hill and Ivanhoe Station, Kununurra WA – 475,709 hectares. Purchased in 1992.
• Dungowan Station, Katherine NT – 445.400 hectares.
• Isis Downs Station, Isisford QLD – 246,057 hectares. Purchased in 1987.
• Kirkimbie Station, Victoria River NT – 230,400 hectares. Purchased in 1986.
• Manbullo Station, Katherine NT – 379,130 hectares. Sold to Buratovich family for $23.4 million in 2019 in a sale and leaseback deal.
• Newcastle Waters Station, Newcastle Waters NT – 1,033,101 hectares.
• Wrotham Park Station, Cairns QLD – 596,880 hectares. Purchased in 2009.
COOLONG PASTORAL AUSTRALIA
London-based Australian agribusinessman and former Lumley Insurance chief executive Anthony Crichton-Brown. Properties include:
• Merrilla, Goulburn NSW – 388 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Natue Station, Hay NSW – 16,200 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Toronga Station, Hay NSW – 34,000 hectares. Purchased in 2010.
CC COOPER & CO
Based in Jamestown, South Australia and run by Leith and Averil Cooper and their sons Seth and Tom. Mixed cropping and livestock business with properties in South Australia, Western Australia and western NSW, including:
• Cropping farm, Narrung SA – 5500 hectares.
• Jamestown SA.
• Madura Plains, Nullarbor Plain WA. 708,200 hectares running 56,000 Merino sheep. Purchased from Jumbuck Pastoral in 2016 for $10 million.
• Wonga Station, Broken Hill NSW.
CORISH FARMS PTY LTD
Owned by former National Farmers’ Federation president Peter Corish and sons Simon and Nigel. Significant irrigated cropping interests in southern Queensland.
• Mundine, Goondiwindi QLD.
• Yambocully, Goondiwindi QLD – 4800 hectares.
• Yattlewondi, Mungundi QLD.
COSTA GROUP
Australia’s largest grower, packer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables. Founded by the Costa family of Geelong. Listed on the ASX, it has property, plant and equipment valued at $498 million.
• Amaroo Citrus Farm, Murtho SA.
• Atherton Berry Farm, Atherton QLD.
• Atherton Avocado Farm, Atherton QLD.
• Casuarina Mushroom Farm, Casuarina WA.
• Childers Avocado Farm, Childers QLD.
• Colignan Citrus Farm, Colignan VIC.
• Comboyne Avocado Farm, Comboyne NSW.
• Corindi Berry Farm, Corindi NSW.
• Dunorlan Berry Farm, Dunorlan TAS.
• East Devonport Berry Farm, East Devonport TAS.
• Gingin Berry Farm, Gingin WA.
• Guyra Tomato Glasshouse, Guyra NSW.
• Kangara Citrus Farm, Kangara SA.
• Lebrina Berry Farm, Lebrina TAS.
• Lindsey Point Citrus Farm, Lindsey Point VIC.
• Mernda Mushroom Farm, Mernda VIC.
• Monarto Mushroom Farm, Monarto SA.
• Mundubbera Grape Farm, Mundubbera QLD.
• Pike Creek Citrus Farm, Lyrup Lyrup SA.
• Rosewood Berry Farm, Rosewood NSW.
• Solora Citrus Farm, Loxton SA.
• Sulphur Creek Berry Farm, Sulphur Creek TAS.
• Tolga Berry Farm, Tolga QLD.
• Tully Banana Farm, Tully QLD.
• Tumbarumba Berry Farm, Tumbarumba NSW.
• Walkamin Banana Farm, Walkamin QLD.
• Walkamin Berry Farm, Walkamin QLD.
• Wesley Vale Berry Farm, Wesley Vale TAS.
• Yandilla Citrus Farm, Yandilla SA.
• Yarrambat Mushroom Farm, Yarrambat VIC.
Source: costagroup.com.au
COWAL AGRICULTURE
Australian company affiliated with US-based Global Endowment Management.
• Nogoa River aggregation, Emerald QLD. Comprising eight properties and 5000 hectares of cropland irrigated by the Fairbairn Dam.
CROWN POINT PASTORAL COMPANY
Run by northern cattle producers Viv Oldfield and Donny Costello. Operation is spread over more than five million hectares.
• Andado Station, Horseshoe Bend and New Crown, Alice Springs NT – 1,085,000 hectares.
• Clifton Hills Station, Birdsville Track SA – 1,650,000 hectares.
• Crown Point, Birdsville Track SA – 209,000 hectares.
• Maryvale Station, Alice Springs NT. 324,000 hectares. Purchased in 2018.
• Pandie Pandie Station, Birdsville Track SA – 662,500 hectares.
DOWFORD INVESTMENTS
Subsidiary of animal protein business Milne Agri Group.
• Liveringa Station, Looma WA – 265,000 hectares. Purchased 50 per cent share in 2014.
• Nerrima Station, Leopold WA – 203,000 hectares. Purchased 50 per cent share in 2014.
DUNKELD PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by prominent Melbourne barrister Allan Myers QC. Operates more than 10,000 hectares of land in Victoria’s Western District. Produces about 370,000kg of lamb and 230,000kg of beef annually.
• Blackwood Station, Dunkeld VIC – 2405 hectares. Purchased from Chinese-owned Rifa Salutary in 2019 for about $14.5 million.
• Dunkeld Station aggregation, Dunkeld VIC – 8800 hectares. Established in 1976.
• Doongan/Theda Stations, Kimberley WA – 610,000 hectares.
• Tipperary Group: Tipperary East, Tipperary West, Litchfield and Douglas West (in partnership with Booloomani Pty Ltd) NT – 386,001 hectares.
Source: dunkeldpastoral.com.au
TIM & EMILY EDMUNDS-HALE RIVER HOLDINGS
Former owners of Northern Territory stations Ambalindum and Numery.
• Kadlunga, Mintaro SA. Purchased as part of a five-farm aggregation in 2017.
• Napperby Station, Alice Springs NT – 550,000 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $20 million.
• Narwietooma, Derwent and Glen Helen, Alice Springs NT – 550,000 hectares. Adjoins Napperby. Purchased in 2020.
TIM FAIRFAX
Member of the Fairfax publishing family. Reportedly owns about 10 pastoral properties throughout QLD, including several around Biloela. Sold the 8228-hectare Rawbelle property at Biloela in 2013 for $4.5 million.
GRANT FARRIS
Founder of Darwin’s Broadsword Marine contracting business.
• Bullo River Station, Timber Creek NT. 162,700 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $10 million.
J&F FENNELL
Central Australian pastoralists.
• Wintinna, Coober Pedy SA – 372,500 hectares.
TA FIELD ESTATES
Owned by the Field family, one of Australia’s biggest wool growers. Headed up by Michael Field and his wife Angela.
• Aberfeldy, Holbrook NSW – 1771 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for more than $22 million.
• Benangaroo Station, Jugiong NSW – 3000 hectares.
• Congi Station, Woolbrook NSW – 9987 hectares.
• Doughboy Mountain and Mirrugalee, Ebor NSW – 2000 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $10.3 million.
• Mobinbry and Wilby, North Star NSW – 6100 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Wyvern Station, Carrathool NSW – 52,000 hectares.
FIRST STATE SUPER
Superannuation group established in 1992 for NSW public sector employees and their families. Currently manages about $89 billion on behalf of 770,000 members.
• Amaroo, Paringa SA – 1700 hectares of almonds. Purchased from Select Harvests in 2015.
• Mendook Farm, Euston NSW – 2000 hectares of almonds. Purchased from Select Harvests in 2015.
• Mullroo, Cullulleraine VIC – 300 hectares of almonds. Purchased from Select Harvests in 2015.
ANDREW ‘TWIGGY’ FORREST (MINDEROO GROUP/HARVEST ROAD)
West Australian mining magnate and one of Australia’s richest persons. Operates across 1.24 million hectares. Also leases the 56,000-hectare Urala Station just north of Minderoo Station.
• Brick House Station, Carnarvon WA. 225,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Koojan aggregation, Moora WA. 7000 hectares. Purchased in 2018.
• Minilya Station, Coral Bay WA. 273,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Minderoo Station, Onslow WA. 240,000 hectares. Purchased in 2009.
• Nanutarra/Uaroo, Onslow WA. 490,000 hectares. Purchased in 2012.
Source: minderoo.com.au
FUCHENG GROUP (CHINA)
Chinese automotive interior company. Also owns feedlots in Queensland and has plans to build a $100 million abattoir.
• Eilan Donan and Breadalbane, Sutton Grange VIC – 2177 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Nerowie Farm, Melton VIC – 1100 hectares.
• Woodhouse Station, Melton VIC – 5000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for about $100 million.
• Woodlands, Roma QLD – 31,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
GIBSON GRAZING
Owned by cattle producers and lot feeders Mick and Declan Gibson from Dalby in Queensland. Reportedly run 73,000 cattle across more than two million hectares in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
• Darran Aggregation, St George QLD – 12,095 hectares.
• Manners Creek Station, Alice Springs NT. 687,900 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
GLENTHOMPSON PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by the Mann family and boasts sheep, cattle, dairy, cropping and horticulture enterprises.
• Bakers Bridge Farm, Gheringhap VIC. Purchased in 1996.
• Brie Brie, Glenthompson VIC. Purchased in 1936. Expanded in 2006 to include the neighbouring Bilpah Hills.
• Doonaree, Camperdown VIC. Purchased in 2006. Runs about 500 Holstein cows.
• Larra, Derrinallum VIC. Purchased in 1984.
Source: glenthompsonpastoral.com.au
GODWIN GRAZING COMPANY
Operated by Sid and Tricia Godwin in western Queensland.
• Deearne, Taroom QLD – 7120 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $22.5 million.
• Tanderra Station, Springsure QLD.
• Welcome, Springsure QLD.
goFARM
With a portfolio of land and water assets exceeding $500 million, goFarm is a Melbourne-based, Australian-owned agriculture investor and manager. Its assets include more than 44,000 hectares of prime agricultural and horticultural land growing grain, oilseeds and pulses, citrus, berries, wine grapes, avocados and nut crops. Last year, goFarm’s Akuna Trust began raising $100 million to purchase 28 dairy farms on the Murray Valley Katunga deep lead aquifer, in a bid to convert them to almond blocks.
GOREY FAMILY
• Yambah Station, Alice Springs NT – 231,000 hectares. Offered for sale in 2019 but later withdrawn.
GROWTH FARMS
• Cygnet Park Farms, Kangaroo Island SA – 7821 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for about $25 million.
GRUMMIT & REDDAN FAMILIES
• Boolbie and Archervale, Winton QLD – 219,676 hectares.
GUNN AGRI PARTNERS/CUNNINGHAM CATTLE COMPANY
Fund established by Bill Gunn, son of late pastoralist Sir William Gunn. Has separate managed accounts for beef, cropping and dairy.
• Abingdon Downs, Georgetown QLD. 484,000 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for more than $40 million.
• Ballaroo, Roma QLD. 11,463 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Ekari Park, Roma QLD. 13,239 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Esmeralda Station, Richmond QLD. 406,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for about $40 million.
• Fairview, Roma QLD. 11,393 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Goodar Station, Goondiwindi QLD. 18,400 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for about $20 million.
• Katandra/Illalong, Hughenden QLD. 51,620 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for about $17 million.
HAILIANG GROUP (CHINA)
One of China’s top 500 groups, controlled by Feng Hailiang – China’s 90th richest man.
• Hollymount Station and Mt Driven, St George QLD. 50,000 hectares. Purchased for $40 million in 2015.
HANCOCK AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT GROUP (UNITED STATES)
Founded in 1990, Boston-headquartered Hancock Agricultural Investment Group manages about US$3.1 billion worth of farmland globally. It Australian investments, including 43,875 hectares of land, are worth an estimated $600 million. Last year it sold a portfolio of macadamia orchards near Bundaberg in Queensland for almost $60 million.
• Cowl Cowl and Wyadra, Hillston NSW – 19,877 hectares. Purchased in 2020 for more than $120 million.
• Norman Farming aggregation, Toobeah QLD – 18,000 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for more than $100 million.
HANDBURY GROUP
Headed up by Paddy Handbury, son of Geoff and the late Helen Handbury. Sold Collinsville Merino stud and property in 2014.
• Arcoona Station, Woomera SA. 343,000 hectares. Purchased in 2008.
• Swinging Shovel, Lucindale SA.
• The Rises, Balmoral VIC.
PETER & JANE HARRIS (P&J HARRIS AND SONS)
Member of the well-known Harris family. One of Australia’s biggest private irrigated and dryland cropping farmers.
• Bemmery, Janbeth and Latoka, Bourke NSW – 33,000 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Brewon Station, Walgett NSW. Purchased in 2009 from Clyde Agriculture.
• Kindamindi, Moree NSW.
• Miralwyn, Carinda NSW.
• Moomin, Rowena NSW.
• Rumleigh, Brewarrina NSW.
MALCOLM HARRIS-CLEVELAND AGRICULTURE
Member of the well-known Harris family. Was part of a five-member syndicate that made a last-minute bid for S Kidman and Co in 2016.
• Benmara Station, Elliott NT – 450,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for about $12 million.
• Gogo Station, Fitzroy Crossing WA – 370,000 hectares.
• Nockatunga Station, Thargomindah QLD – 852,000 hectares. Purchased from Consolidated Pastoral Company in 2018 for about $50 million.
• Ucharonidge Station, Elliott NT – 245,550 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $28.5 million.
RON HARRIS-RAVENSWORTH AGRICULTURE COMPANY
Significant land and water interests throughout NSW.
• Lake Marimley Station, Balranald NSW.
• Ramps Ridge (Ravensworth) feedlot, Hay NSW.
Source: ravensworthag.com.au
SCOTT HARRIS
Queensland cattleman. Also owns country around Tambo, near Blackall.
• Kingvale, Cape York QLD.
• Strathmore, Croydon QLD – 931,000 hectares. QLD’s single-biggest pastoral lease. Purchased in 2004 for about $20 million.
TONY & JULIE HARROWER
Large-scale Northern Territory cattle producers.
• Dorisvale Station NT.
• Old Mt Bundey, Darwin NT – 380,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $4.5 million.
GERRY HARVEY-HARVEY NORMAN
Retail king and co-founder of Harvey Norman. Has significant farming interests and considered one of the world’s biggest thoroughbred racehorse breeders.
• Ardgour, Bundella NSW. 1750 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Baramul, Hunter Valley NSW.
HENBURY UNIT TRUST PTY LTD
Owned Ashley and Neville Anderson, Ted and Sheri Fogarty and David Rohan.
• Henbury Station, Alice Springs NT. 527,300 hectares. Formerly owned by RM Williams Agricultural Holdings.
HENWOOD FAMILY
Run about 70,000 cattle on 26 properties, including at Carrathool, Coleambally, Grong Grong and Hillston in the NSW Riverina.
HEYTESBURY CATTLE COMPANY
Owned by the Holmes a Court family, the Heytesbury Cattle Company holds 2.45 million hectares across the Northern Territory and the eastern Kimberley in Western Australia. Its portfolio includes the iconic Victoria River Downs Station.
• Birrindudu Station, Katherine NT – 673,000 hectares.
• Flora Valley, Kimberley WA – 824,400 hectares.
• Humbert River Station, Victoria River QLD – 108,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Moolooloo, Victoria River NT – 203,600 hectares.
• Mt Sanford NT – 249,700 hectares.
• Pigeon Hole NT – 180,000 hectares.
• Victoria River Downs, Victoria River NT – 282,400 hectares.
Source: heytesburycattle.com.au
KEITH HOLZWART
Well-known North Territory cattleman.
• Avago Station, Daly Waters NT – 157,800 hectares. Listed for sale in 2019 but later withdrawn.
HO MYOUNG FARM (KOREA)
Backed by the Korean Young An Group. Owns about 500,000 hectares around Bourke in western NSW.
HUGHES PASTORAL GROUP-GEORGINA PASTORAL COMPANY
Hughes Pastoral Group and its sister Georgina Pastoral Company operate more than 2.8 million hectares across nine stations in Queensland, NSW and the Northern Territory.
• Caldervale, Carwell and Mt Lindsay, Tambo QLD – 160,000 hectares.
• Cardowan, Doreen (leased) and Main Camp, Nebo QLD – 133,000 hectares.
• Cawnpore Station, Boulia QLD – 121,400 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $11 million.
• Colomendy and Adelong, Bundara NSW – 2500 hectares.
• Grassdale Feedlot, Dalby QLD.
• Keeroongooloo and Yeppera, Cooper Creek QLD – 700,000 hectares.
• Lake Nash, Georgina and Argadargada Stations, Barkly Tableland NT – 1,600,000 hectares.
• Sirram, Main Range and Joe Lodges, Nebo QLD.
• Tierawoomba, Mt Scott, Atinla and Snake Creek, Nebo QLD – 140,000 hectares.
• Tumbar and Marsden, Jericho QLD – 80,000 hectares.
• Waitara, New Yard, Mr Whyte and Urani, Nebo QLD.
Source: hughespastoral.com.au
INDIGENOUS LAND CORPORATION
Runs about 66,000 cattle and 9800 sheep on 2.15 million hectares of farms across Australia. Properties include:
• Bulimba Station, Chillagoe QLD – 279,298 hectares. Purchased in 1999.
• Cardabia Station, Coral Bay WA – 199,808 hectares. Purchased in 1999.
• Crocodile/Welcome Station, Cape York QLD – 124,000 hectares.
• Gunbalanya Station, Gunbalanya NT – 80,000 hetares.
• Merepah Station, Coen QLD – 186,479 hectares.
• Murrayfield, TAS.
• Roebuck Plains Station, Broome WA – 276,000 hectares.
• Warrigundu Station/Hodgson Downs, NT.
Source: ilc.gov.au
JACKSON AGRICULTURE
Large-scale beef producers from the NSW New England with the ability to turn off 15,000 steers annually.
• Suaramez, Armidale NSW.
• Braeside, Ben Lomond NSW.
• Lakeside, Walcha NSW.
• Oakholme, Ben Lomond NSW – 415 hectares. Purchased in 2020 for $4.8 million.
• Winston Park, Ben Lomond NSW.
JUMBUCK PASTORAL COMPANY
Founded by the MacLachlan family in 1888, it is now one of Australia’s biggest sheep and cattle producers with 11 stations spanning 4.94 million hectares.
• Blina Station, Fitzroy Crossing WA – 254,648 hectares.
• Bulgunnia, Coober Pedy SA – 309,600 hectares.
• Commonwealth Hill, Coober Pedy SA – 1,000,000 hectares.
• Gunbar Station, Gunbar NSW – 112,000 hectares.
• Killarney Station, Katherine NT – 541,400 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• McCoys Well, Yunta SA – 58,680 hectares.
• Meda Station, Derby WA – 505,857 hectares.
• Mobella, Coober Pedy SA – 413,200 hectares.
• Mt Victor, Yunta SA – 199,914 hectares.
• Mulgathing, Coober Pedy – 530,700 hectares.
• Rawlinna Station, Rawlinna WA – 1,011,714 hectares.
KAHMOO PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by fourth-generation farmer Kym Thomas and family.
• Kahmoo Station, Cunnamulla QLD – 32,275 hectares.
• Rockleigh Station, Inverell NSW – 1538 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $5.4 million.
Source: kahmoo.com
KEATS FAMILY PASTORAL
Family owned and operated pastoral company running across four farms in outback Queensland.
• Belford Station, Richmond QLD – 48,562 hectares.
• Gleeson/White Hills, Cloncurry QLD – 75,676 hectares.
• Kiama, Mackay QLD – 324 hectares.
KILTER RURAL
Has about $440 million invested in Australian agriculture assets, particularly farmland and water. Founded in 2004 supported by an initial $175 million investment by VicSuper, the business has put together large parcels of land, including several in the Swan Hill, Kerang and Lake Boga districts of northern Victoria, to grow crops that maximise water efficiency.
KIMBERLEY AGRICULTURE & PASTORAL COMPANY
Made up of four indigenous-owned pastoral stations in northern Western Australia.
• Bohemia Downs Station WA – 141,000 hectares.
• Frazier Downs Station, Broome WA.
• Mt Anderson Station, Broome WA.
• Myroodah Station WA.
Source: kapco.com.au
KUMARINA HOLDINGS
Owned by West Australian pastoral and businessman Brent Smoothy
• Hillside Station, Pilbara WA.
• Karamarra, Dingo QLD – 7230 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $25-$30 million.
LAGUNA BAY PASTORAL COMPANY
Has significant interests in Australian farming assets. Through its major backer, Swiss funds manager Adveq Almond Trust, sold the Australia’s biggest almond portfolio at Robinvale in northern Victoria late last year to Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Also owns:
• Banongill Station, Skipton VIC. 6880 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $50 million.
• Tasmanian dairy aggregation, Smithton TAS. Eight dairy farms. Purchased in 2018 for more than $80 million.
Source: lagunabaypastoral.com.au
LANGENHOVEN FAMILY-RALLEN AUSTRALIA
Sydney-based South African family with a growing pastoral presence in northern Australia.
• Big River Station, Roper Valley NT – 70,800 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $5.5 million.
• Forrest Hill Station, NT – 54,000 hectares. Purchased with Tanumbirini in 2020 for about $70 million.
• Kalala Station, Daly Waters NT – 376,000 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $58 million.
• Mt McMinn Station, Roper Valley NT – 81,000 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $7.5 million.
• Tanumbirini Station, NT – 500,000 hectares. Purchased with Forrest Hill in 2020 for about $70 million.
LEPPINGTON PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by the NSW-based Perich family, primarily focused on dairy. Milks about 2000 cows. Perich family also involved in Australian Fresh Milk Holdings (see separate listing).
• Billabong Station, West Wyalong NSW. 10,000 hectares
• Greenway, Bringelly NSW. 1280 hectares. Purchased in 1980.
• Karoola Park, Bringelly NSW. 358 hectares. Purchased in 1975.
• Lake Cowal, Marsden NSW. 1500 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Linton, Bringelly NSW. 242 hectares. Purchased in 1963.
• Stoneleigh, Wilberforce NSW. Purchased in 1991.
Source: lpcmilk.com
PETER LITCHFIELD & FAMILY
South Australia organic livestock producers farming across 600,000 hectares.
• Mount Lyndhurst Station, Leigh Creek SA – 348,900 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for more than $7 million.
• Mundowdna Station, Leigh Creek SA.
• Wilpoorinna Station, Leigh Creek SA.
LORD CATTLE-LORD & PENNA GRAZING BUSINESS
Lord Cattle is owned and operated by James and Marjorie Lord with Lord and Penna a partnership with Kacie and Ardie Lord and Gerard and Linda Penna.
• Bayrick, Tambo QLD – 14,574 hectares.
• May Downs, Mt Isa QLD – 234,000 hectares. Purchased in 1986.
• Nottingham Downs/Wick, Hughenden QLD. Purchased in 2005.
• Woolthorpe, Aramac QLD – 45,730 hectares.
MACQUARIE AGRICULTURE
The Macquarie Bank funds of Paraway Pastoral Company, Lawson Grains and more recently Viridis Ag are ranked as Australia’s second-biggest agriculture investor with assets worth $2.7 billion. Macquarie Agriculture has an additional US$250 million invested in agriculture in Brazil.
- LAWSON GRAIN
One of Australia’s leading grain farmers, operating 10 aggregations totalling 88,425 hectares.
• Borambil, Rand NSW – 8270 hectares.
• Grassmere, Oaklands NSW – 10,052 hectares.
• Gunnadoo, Jerramungup WA – 11,259 hectares.
• Hakea, Esperance WA – 12,734 hectares.
• Jerry South, Jerramungup WA – 5983 hectares.
• Kealandi, Moree NSW – 7490 hectares.
• St Leonards, Wongan Hills WA – 5698 hectares.
• Uah, Forbes NSW – 10,549 hectares.
• Walyoo, Yathroo WA – 5620 hectares.
• Wongan, Wongan Hills WA – 10,770 hectares.
– PARAWAY PASTORAL
One of Australia’s biggest livestock producers with 4.46 million hectares spread over 28 aggregations. The properties produce 30,000 tonnes of beef, 1460 tonnes of wool and 170,000 surplus sheep for sale annually.
• Aberbaldie, Walcha NSW – 3894 hectares.
• Armraynald Station, Burketown QLD – 214,090 hectares.
• Barton, Moyston VIC – 8244 hectares.
• Beckworth Court, Clunes VIC – 3024 hectares.
• Borambil Station, Condobolin NSW – 14,442 hectares.
• Burindi Station, Barraba NSW – 8380 hectares.
• Burmah Station, Graman NSW – 4187 hectares.
• Buttabone, Warren NSW – 28,783 hectares.
• Clonagh Station, Cloncurry QLD – 214,270 hectares.
• Cooinbil Station, Coleambally NSW – 89,040 hectares.
• Davenport Downs, Winton QLD – 1,510,000 hectares.
• Gregory Downs Station, Mt Isa QLD – 266,425 hectares.
• Malvern Hills Station, Blackall QLD – 50,070 hectares.
• Merrimba Station, Warren NSW – 19,097 hectares.
• Moira Runda, Condamine QLD – 4855 hectares.
• Mungadal Station, Hay NSW – 116,994 hectares.
• Newstead Station, Inverell NSW – 4964 hectares.
• Old Bundemar, Trangie NSW – 22,370 hectares.
• Oxley Station, Warren NSW – 35,249 hectares.
• Paradise Station, Inverell NSW – 6434 hectares.
• Pier Pier, Coonamble NSW – 31,603 hectares.
• Pooginook Station, Jerilderie NSW – 19,656 hectares.
• Rocklands, Camooweal QLD – 677,964 hectares.
• Steam Plains Station, Conargo NSW – 46,395 hectares.
• Tanbar Station, Windorah QLD – 1,021,904 hectares.
• The Bulls Run, Narrandera NSW – 6880 hectares.
• Urawilkie, Coonamble NSW – 25,944 hectares.
• Wiranya, Barraba NSW – 2923 hectares.
– VIRIDIS AG
Has put together 100,800 hectares in 11 districts of Western Australia, NSW, Queensland and South Australia in addition to a 49 per cent stake in Australia’s largest cotton farm – Cubbie Station at Dirrinbandi in Queensland
• Amarinya, Jerramungup WA – 11,500 hectares.
• Arawa, Eneabba WA – 17,400 hectares.
• Bindana Downs, Bindi Bindi WA – 9100 hectares.
• Cubbie Station, Dirranbandi, QLD – 93,000 hectares (49 per cent share).
• Cummins, Port Lincoln SA – 2600 hectares.
• Englefield Plains, Junee NSW – 7500 hectares.
• Gindurra, Canowindra NSW – 4400 hectares.
• Oodnadatta Farms, Moree NSW – 15,200 hectares.
• Tantanoola, Jerramungup WA – 8000 hectares.
• The Grange, Dongara WA – 16,700 hectares.
• Yupiri, Beaumont WA – 8400 hectares.
AJ&PA McBRIDE
Based in South Australia, the sixth-generation AJ&PA McBride and Co operates across 1.1 million hectares and boasts assets of between $300 and $400 million. The company is now owned by 102 McBride family shareholders with a strong focus on wool.
• Ashmore, Kingston SE SA – 6920 hectares. Purchased in 1937.
• Braemar Station, Burra SA – 131,213 hectares. Purchased in 1907.
• Brooklyn/Omar, Lucindale SA – 3596 hectares. Purchased in 1952.
• Faraway Vineyard, Naracoorte SA – 34 hectares. Purchased in 2003.
• Konetta Station, Millicent SA – 5171 hectares. Purchased in 1974.
• Nepowie, Naracoorte SA – 2665 hectares. Purchased in 1955.
• North Well, Kingoonya SA – 403,943 hectares. Purchased in the 1980s.
• Teetulpa, Yunta SA – 70,173 hectares. Purchased in 1905.
• Telopea Downs aggregation, Telopea Downs VIC – 47,677 hectares. Purchased in 2018.
• Wilgena Station, Tarcoola SA – 474,194 hectares. Purchased in 1924.
ROBERT MCBRIDE
Owns three properties in NSW Western Division spanning 250,000 hectares. Director of Australian Wool Growers Association and family company AJ & PA McBride (see above).
• Peppora Station, Menindee NSW. Purchased in 1998.
• Tolarno Station, Menindee NSW. Purchased in 1997.
• Wyoming Station, Menindee NSW. Purchased in 2011.
Source: tolarnostation.com.au
MCCORMACK FAMILY
Mt Skinner Station, Alice Springs NT – 303,605 hectares.
MCCOY FAMILY, RICHMOND
• Prospect Station, Croydon QLD. 90,900 hectares.
MCDONALD HOLDINGS
Family owned and operated, McDonald Holdings runs about 175,000 cattle on 3.36 million hectares across 14 properties in Queensland, from the Cape York Peninsula to the Darling Downs.
• Brightlands Station, Cloncurry QLD. Purchased in 1946.
• Chatsworth Station, Cloncurry QLD.
• Clearwater Station, St George QLD.
• Devoncourt Station, Cloncurry QLD.
• Dunbar Station, Normanton QLD.
• Iffley Station, Normanton QLD.
• Kierawonga/Leitrim, Rockhampton QLD.
• Mt Windsor, Charters Towers QLD.
• Nangram, Toowoomba QLD.
• Rutland Plains, Normanton QLD.
• Stradbroke Station, Dajarra QLD.
• Verdun Valley, Boulia QLD.
• Wallumba Feedlot, Toowoomba QLD.
Source: mdh.net.au
ROB MCGAVIN
• Barcaldine Downs, Barcaldine QLD – 46,735 hectares. Purchased in 2019 from Clark and Tait for $21 million.
ANGUS & KIMBERLEY MCKAY
• Idracowra Station, Alice Springs NT – 462,800 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $10.1 million.
• Umbearra Station, Alice Springs NT.
JOHN & KATE MCLOUGHLIN
Sold the 147,000-hectare Aroona Station in Northern Territory to Hancock Prospecting and Gina Rinehart in 2017 for $13.5 million.
• Rainbow Downs, Rolleston QLD.
• Roxborough Downs, Mt Isa QLD.
• Thornhill aggregation, Hughenden QLD – 46,975 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for about $13.7 million.
McMILLAN PASTORAL COMPANY
Well-known north Australian cattle producers
• Calvert Hills, Borroloola NT – 481,000 hectares. Purchased in 2013 for $15 million.
• Corella Park Station, Cloncurry QLD.
• Inorunie Station, Cloncurry QLD.
• Wollogorang/Wentworth, Gulf of Carpentaria QLD – 705,198 hectares. Purchased in 2020.
MH PREMIUM FARMS
Owned by UK-based Australian billionaire Sir Michael Hintze, MH Premium Farms was founded in 2007 and now operates across more than 72,000 hectares and 40 properties in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
• Boolarwell, Talwood QLD – 7706 hectares.
• Burrangong, Young NSW – 3568 hectares.
• Canomodine, Canowindra NSW – 3651 hectares.
• Cheviot Hills, Penshurst VIC – 2793 hectares.
• Delta Farms, Ayr QLD – 457 hectares.
• Deltroit Station, Adelong NSW – 2573 hectares.
• Enfield North, Yarrowitch NSW – 1550 hectares.
• Gunedra-Redcamp, Wee Waa NSW – 3940 hectares.
• Haughton Farms, Giru QLD – 772 hectares.
• Marshmead, Walgett NSW – 12,548 hectares.
• Meadowbank, Koorawatha NSW – 1282 hectares.
• Mourable, Walgett NSW – 8130 hectares.
• Rippling Water, Tumbarumba NSW – 2105 hectares.
• Sylvania, Boggabri NSW – 2550 hectares.
• Springfield, Boorowa NSW – 4917 hectares.
• Warrane, Armidale NSW – 7690 hectares.
• Watson Park, Yarra NSW – 4788 hectares.
MIDFIELD GROUP (POMALA PTY LTD)
Midfield Meats boss Colin McKenna owns about 7284 hectares across eight properties in southwest Victoria and South Australia’s South East, including:
• Kuleah/Quamby East, Woolsthorpe VIC – 1894 hectares.
• The Union Station, Warrnambool VIC – 3237 hectares.
MILLINGTON FAMILY
Headed by former Adelaide businessman George Millington.
• Cappedee, Hallett SA – 2040 hectares. Purchased in 2010.
• Callawonga Hill, Parawa SA – 616 hectares.
• Collinsville Station, Burra SA – 56,090 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Kadlunga, Mintaro SA – 3923 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for about $22 million.
MILLS FAMILY
Large-scale croppers between Moree in northern NSW and Goondiwindi in Queensland. Also own pastoral company in western Queensland.
• Cropping land, Moree NSW – Crop about 10,120 hectares.
• Myendetta, Charleville QLD – 16,261 hectares.
• Hythe, Charleville QLD – 4171 hectares.
• Mangalore, Charleville QLD – 7221 hectares.
MILLY MILLY PASTORAL
• Beringarra Station, Murchison WA – 140,323 hectares.
• Milly Milly Station, Murchison WA – 308,641 hectares.
MINNAMURRA PASTORAL COMPANY
Established at Mudgee NSW in 1974 by Bruce Reid. Runs 18,000 cattle, 25,000 sheep and 5000 hectares of cereal crops across owned and leased country in NSW and Queensland.
• Ardgour North, Bundella NSW – 2630 hectares.
• Cortina aggregation, Wollar NSW – 11,000 hectares.
• Mia Mia, Purlewaugh NSW – 3440 hectares.
• Mount Mill, Coolah NSW – 2525 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
Source: minnamurra.com.au
MOONLAKE INVESTMENTS (CHINA)
Backed by Chinese businessman Lu Xianfeng.
• VDL Farms (formerly Van Diemen’s Land Company), Cape Grim TAS – 17,800 hectares. Australia’s biggest dairy. Purchased in 2016.
MRA MERROWIE PTY LTD (US)
US-based investment institution.
• Merrowie Station, Hillston NSW – 32,730 hectares. Purchased from Twynam Agricultural Group in 2018.
MORELLA AGRICULTURE
Owned by the Goondiwindi-based Coulton family. Grows about 5500 hectares of irrigated cotton, 7000-8000 hectares of cereals and runs 3500 Angus breeding cows on a number of properties throughout Queensland and northern NSW.
• Alcheringa, Goondiwindi QLD.
• Morella, Boggabilla NSW.
• Nappa Merrie Station, Thargomindah QLD – 720,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $16 million.
• Neilo, Toobeah QLD.
• Tandawanna North, Bungunya QLD.
MSF SUGAR
Australia’s largest sugarcane farmer with a corporate office at Gordonvale, just south of Cairns, in Queensland. Owns about 13,700 hectares of land as well as 23,850 megalitres of water from the Lower Mary and Mareeba Dimbulah Sunwater irrigation schemes.
• Far North aggregation QLD – 8000 hectares.
• Maryborough aggregation, Maryborough QLD – 5500 hectares.
• Mary Harbour, Maryborough QLD – 174 hectares.
Source: msfsugar.com.au
MUTOOROO PASTORAL COMPANY
Established in 1968, Mutooroo Pastoral Company covers about 1.95 million hectares in South Australia’s northeast. It consists of five main station and is owned and operated by the Morgan and Wells families.
• Muttooroo Station, via Broken Hill SA – 250,300 hectares.
• Mulyungarie Station, Cockburn SA – 336,600 hectares.
• Quinyambie Station, Broken Hill NSW – 1,206,500 million hectares.
• Lilydale and Manunda Stations, Yunta SA – 161,100 hectares.
Source: mutooroopastoralcompany.com.au
NAPIER PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by Greg and Sharon Vickers from Keith in South Australia.
• Delmore Downs, Alice Springs NT.
• Delny, Alice Springs NT.
• Pine Hill Station, Alice Springs NT – 270,000 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for about $12 million.
NATURE CONSERVANCY AUSTRALIA
• Juanbung and Boyong Stations, Balranald NSW – 33,000 hectares. Purchased in 2019 in partnership with Tiverton Agriculture.
NORTH AUSTRALIAN PASTORAL COMPANY
The purchase of the 135,000-hectare Mantuan Downs Station in central Queensland earlier this year has taken the North Australian Pastoral Company’s investments in farmland to more than six million hectares worth about $650 million.
• Alexandria Station, Camooweal NT – 1,641,416 hectares.
• Boomara Station, Cloncurry QLD – 108,000 hectares.
• Coolullah Station, Cloncurry QLD – 214,000 hectares.
• Coorabulka Station, Boulia QLD – 637,000 hectares.
• Cungelella Station, Springsure QLD – 21,870 hectares.
• Glenormiston Station, Boulia QLD – 692,000 hectares.
• Goldsborough Station, Roma QLD – 11,600 hectares.
• Kynuna Station, Julia Creek QLD – 140,563 hectares.
• Mantuan Downs Station, Springsure QLD – 135,000 hectares. Purchased in 2020 from Clark and Tait for more than $60 million.
• Marion Downs Station, Boulia QLD – 1,287,000 hectares.
• Mittiebah Station, Camooweal NT – 695,500 hectares.
• Monkira Station, Windorah QLD – 373,000 hectares.
• Portland Downs Station, Isisford QLD – 100,000 hectares.
• Wainui Feedlot and Farm, Bowenville QLD – 5000 hectares.
NORTH STAR PASTORAL
Privately owned company operating over almost 750,000 hectares.
• Hodgson River Station, Katherine NT. 111,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for more than $6.5 million.
• Limbunya, Katherine NT – 520,000 hectares.
• Maryfield Station, Katherine NT – 140,000 hectares. Purchased in 2013.
• Venture/Kui Downs, Gordonstone QLD – 3440 hectares.
• Wubalawun Station, Mataranka NT.
Source: northstarpastoral.com.au
ONE TREE AGRICULTURE-PROTERRA INVESTMENT PARTNERS
Spin off of Cargill’s Black River Asset Management, Sold the 7350-hectare Kinbeachie aggregation in January 2019.
• Calrossie, Kirewa and Marlow, North Star NSW. Purchased in 2018 from Sustainable Agriculture Fund.
• Calmyle, Maclister QLD – 996 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $5.6 million.
• Darling Downs aggregation, Jandowae QLD – 7000 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Hylton Park, Mackay QLD – 3244 hectares.
• Marwood Farm, Mackay QLD.
• Vaucluse, Conara TAS – 2654 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
OPTIFARM PTY LTD (NETHERLANDS)
Dutch investment fund with a strong focus on irrigation assets.
• Gundaline Station, Carrathool NSW – 15,000 hectares of crops. Purchased from Southern Agricultural Resources in 2018.
• Jemalong and Jemalong Citrus, Forbes NSW – 13,387 hectares (citrus orchard comprises 170,000 orange trees). Purchased from Twynam Agriculture Group in 2018.
• Uri Park, Darlington Point NSW – 4000 hectares. Purchased in 2017.
ORIENT AGRICULTURE (CHINA)
Shanghai-based private company.
• Undabri, Goondiwindi QLD. 11,935 hectares. Purchased in 2014 for $30 million.
GARY OVERTON
• Mulka Station, Marree SA. 560,000 hectares.
PACKER FAMILY-ELLERSTON PTY LTD
Headed up by billionaire and former Crown executive chairman James Packer. Sold Consolidated Pastoral – covering five million hectares and then Australia’s second-largest cattle owner – in 2009.
• Ellerston Station, Scone NSW. 30,000 hectares.
PALGROVE HOLDINGS PTY LTD (NEW ZEALAND)
Beef operation operated by Prue and David Bondfield. Comprises the Palgrove Charolais, Charbray and Ultrablack studs. Teamed with the New Zealand Superannuation Fund in 2017 to grow the business.
• Gilgal, Cootamundra NSW – 3618 hectares. Purchased in 2019.
• Killaloo, Drillham QLD – 2025 hectares.
• Macintyre Station, Bukkulla NSW.
• Mountview, Ben Lomond NSW – 2225 hectares
• Rhodesia, Emerald QLD – 2025 hectares.
• Strathgarve and Palgrove, Dalveen QLD – 4050 hectares.
PARDOO BEEF CORPORATION (SINGAPORE)
Formed in 2015 by Singaporean business Bruce Cheung with a vision to produce ultra premium Wagyu beef for Asian markets.
• Boden’s Westerly Ranch, Bullsbrook WA – 173 hectares.
• Chedaring Farm, Wundowie WA – 430 hectares.
• Lake Glesna, Perth Hills WA – 500 hectares.
• Pardoo Station, Port Hedland WA – 200,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
Source: pardoo.com
PASPALEY PASTORAL
Pearling company Paspaley’s rural arm. Run prime lambs, cattle, Merinos and run one of the oldest Poll Hereford studs in Australia.
• Bunnamagoo, Rockley NSW – 2030 hectares. Purchased in 1992.
• Dry River Station, Katherine NT – 65,000 hectares.
• Eurunderee, Mudgee NSW – 485 hectares.
• Kurrajong Park, Liverpool Plains NSW – 19,000 hectares.
• Melaleuca Station, Darwin NT – 45,000 hectares.
• South Tahara, Wagga Wagga NSW – 2666 hectares.
• Thornthwaite, Scone NSW – 6666 hectares.
Source: paspaleygroup.com
PASSCHENDAELE CATTLE COMPANY
Run by Matthew Braitling, established by William and Doreen Braitling in 1932.
• Mount Doreen Station, Papunya NT. 733,700 hectares. Offered for sale in 2012 but later withdrawn from market.
PEMBROKE RESOURCES
Australian-based resources company.
• Iffley, Deveril and Twenty Mile, Moranbah QLD. 41,500 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $50 million.
PSP INVESTMENTS (CANADA)
Manages the superannuation funds of the Canadian public sector and armed forces in addition to the 30,000 member-strong Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The biggest investor in Australian agriculture with more than $3 billion in assets through direct investment and joint ventures.
– AUSTRALIAN FOOD AND FIBRE JV
In conjunction with David Robinson’s Australian Food and Fibre, paid $132.7 million for the Bengerang and Darling Farms properties in northern NSW in in 2018 and $300 million for Auscott’s vertically integrated Midkin cotton aggregation in 2019.
• Bengerang, Garah NSW – 9593 hectares.
• Darling Farms, Bourke NSW.
• Midkin aggregation, Moree NSW – 17,300 hectares.
– BFB
Paid $208 for a majority stake in the southern NSW vertically integrated cropping business in 2018.
• BFB aggregation, Temora NSW – 44,167 hectares.
– BLUE SKY ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS
• Millewa vineyard, Cullulleraine VIC – 519 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $16 million.
– DAYBREAK CROPPING
Owns seven properties covering 75,220 hectares. Managed by Warakirri Asset Management (see separate listing).
• Bodallin Farms, Bodallin WA – 12,570 hectares.
• Caringbah Farms, Temora NSW – 11,600 hectares.
• Catumnal Farms, Boort VIC – 7300 hectares.
• Erregulla Plains, Mingenew WA – 18,000 hectares. Purchased in 2020 for $97 million.
• Kinbeachie Farms, Toobeah WA – 7350 hectares.
• Orana Farms, Weethalle NSW – 11,900 hectares.
• Waddikee Farms, Ravensthorpe WA – 6500 hectares.
– HEWITT CATTLE AUSTRALIA
Backer of the Hewitt family business, which is run across 868,896 hectares in Queensland, the Northern Territory and NSW. Also a shareholder in the Arcadian Organic and Natural Beef business.
• Alpha Station, Alpha QLD – 21,300 hectares.
• Ambalindum, Alice Springs NT – 331,000 hectares.
• Coolreagh, Julia Creek QLD – 25,000 hectares.
• Fork Lagoon/Jaydena, Emerald QLD – 21,000 hectares.
• Kangerong, Charters Towers QLD – 22,400 hectares.
• Mount Cooper, Charters Towers QLD – 87,000 hectares.
• Numery, Alice Springs NT – 202,200 hectares.
• Oakleigh, Maryborough QLD – 19,200 hectares.
• Oakwood, Augathella QLD – 28,300 hectares.
• Pegunny Aggregation, Moura QLD – 26,100 hectares.
• Pony Hills Aggregation, Roma QLD – 58,700 hectares.
• Warilba, Narrandera NSW – 1696 hectares.
• Yorkshire, Julia Creek QLD – 25,000 hectares.
– OLAM ORCHARDS AUSTRALIA
• Almond orchards, Robinvale VIC – 12,000 hectares. Paid more than $850 million for the land and almost 90,000 megalitres of high-security water in one of the biggest deals in Australia’s agriculture history.
– SIMPSON FARMS
• Avocado orchards, Childers QLD – 840 hectares.
– STAHMANN FARMS
• Trawalla, Moree NSW – 700 hectares.
– WEBSTER (100%)/KOOBACO (49.9%)
In February 2020 finalised its $854 million takeover of the ASX-listed Webster Limited – Australia’s fourth-oldest company and one of the nation’s biggest landholders with 340,000 hectares and 153,000 megalitres of water.
• Avondale Orchard, Griffith NSW
• Bringagee/Benerembah, Carrathool NSW – 40,000 hectares.
• Kooba Station, Darlington Point NSW.
• Leeton orchard, Leeton NSW.
• Motspur Park, Tabbita NSW – 250 hectares.
• Packsaddle Station, Broken Hill NSW.
• Pevensey/Glenmea/South Farm, Hay NSW.
• Sandy Valley Orchard, Griffith NSW.
• Swansea Orchard, Swansea TAS.
• Tandou Station, Menindee NSW – 127,377 hectares.
ALAN PYE (NEW ZEALAND)
One of New Zealand’s richest farmers, having made his fortune in potatoes.
• Rushy Lagoon, Red Hills and East Wyambie TAS – 22,000 hectares running 4000 dairy cows, 8000 beef cattle and 7000 sheep. Purchased in 1997. Listed for sale with expectations of about $70 million.
WEN QUIGNAN (CHINA)
Chinese businessman, Tianyu Wool Industries president.
• Lal Lal Estate, Yendon VIC – 2025 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Mawallok Estate, Stockyard Hill VIC – 2349 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for more than $25 million.
REARDON FARMS
Family farming business owned by Robert and Jennie Reardon in 1969 and operating in the Goondiwindi, Mungindi and Moree districts of northern NSW and southern Queensland. Grow dryland crops such as wheat, sorghum, barley, chickpeas, cotton and sunflowers as well as irrigated opportunity crops. Also runs a cattle breeding program and has a licensed feedlot.
• Baalgamman, Moree NSW. Purchased in 1979.
• Delina Downs, Bungunyah QLD. Purchased in 2008.
• Kotaki, Moree NSW. Purchased in 1975.
• Mirreyah, Talwood QLD. Purchased in 1999.
• Riverside, Talwood QLD.
• Tandawanna, Talwood QLD.
• Willarie, Talwood QLD. Purchased in 1995.
• Wolonga, Talwood QLD. Purchased in 2002.
• Worral Creek, Talwood QLD. Purchased in 1990.
• Yarramildi, Talwood QLD.
Source: reardonfarms.com.au
GINA RINEHART
One of Australia’s richest persons, Gina Rinehart is one of the nation’s biggest landholders with more than 9.7 million hectares of land worth $700-$800 million.
– HANCOCK PROSPECTING
• Aroona Station, Katherine NT – 150,000 hectares.
• Beef, dairy and peanut farms, South Burnett QLD – 35,000 hectares.
• Boogadah/Kagan, Mendooran NSW – 4600 hectares.
• Fossil Downs Station, Fitzroy Crossing WA – 400,000 hectares.
• Glencoe Station, Dubbo NSW – 10,000 hectares.
• Glendon Park, Armidale NSW – 3234 hectares.
• Holyrood, South Maffra, Forestvale and Polana, Roma QLD – 21,000 hectares.
• Inverway and Riveren Station, Victoria River NT – 550,000 hectares.
• Liveringa Station, Looma WA – 265,000 hectares.
• Maydan Feedlot, Warwick QLD.
• Mulga Downs Station, Pilbara WA – 384,451 hectares.
• Nerrima Station, Looma WA – 203,000 hectares.
• Sundown Valley, Kingstown NSW – 17,800 hectares.
• Phoenix Park Feedlot, Katherine NT – 3443 hectares.
• Willeroo Station, Katherine NT – 171,000 hectares.
• Warrabah Station, Manilla NSW – 3900 hectares. Purchased in 2019.
– S KIDMAN AND CO
Gina Rinehart is the majority owner of the iconic S Kidman and Co business which has 12 stations spread across 7.2 million hectares.
• Brunchilly Station, Tennant Creek NT – 457,200 hectares.
• Durham Downs Station, Eromanga QLD – 891,000 hectares.
• Durrie Station, Birdsville QLD – 660,000 hectares.
• Glengyle Station, Birdsville QLD – 550,000 hectares.
• Helen Springs Station, Tennant Creek NT – 570,000 hectares.
• Innamincka Station, Leigh Creek SA – 1,355,000 hectares.
• Macumba Station, Oodnadatta SA – 1,100,000 hectares.
• Morney Plains Station, Windorah QLD – 623,000 hectares.
• Naryilco Station, Tibooburra QLD – 751,000 hectares.
• Rockybank Station, Roma QLD – 14,600 hectares.
• Ruby Plains Station, Halls Creek WA – 480,000 hectares.
• Sturt Creek Outstation, Halls Creek WA – 3150 hectares.
• Tungali Feedlot, Sedan SA – 1700 hectares.
• Woomanooka Outstation, Eromanga QLD.
ROBERTSON CHOWILLA PTY LTD
Run by the Robertson family.
• Chowilla Station, Renmark SA – 123,000 hectares.
ROCHE GROUP
Large-scale property developers, with interests in marinas, holiday parks and hotels.
• Jeogla Station, Armidale NSW – 13,340 hectares running 16,000 cattle.
• Wallamumbi Station, Armidale NSW.
Source: rochegroup.com.au
JOHN & ROBYN ROGER
• Brackenburgh aggregation, Middleton QLD – 182,481 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $22.25 million.
• Hatchem Downs, Taroom QLD.
ROMANI PASTORAL COMPANY (UK)
Owned by Zurich-born Urs Schwarzenbach, one of Britain’s richest men.
• Brawlin Springs, Cootamundra NSW.
• Garangula, Harden NSW.
• Mandeville, Premer NSW.
• Windy Station, Quirindi NSW – 13,700 hectares. Purchased for $19 million in 1996.
Source: romanipastoral.com.au
SIMON & ANDREA ROWE (PRINCESS ROYAL)
Own 14 South Australian properties, including 500,000 hectares of station country and 40,500 hectares of farming land.
• Burra Creek Wines, Burra SA.
• Mackerode Station, Burra SA.
• Princess Royal Station and feedlot, Burra SA. Purchased in 2002.
• Wertaloona Station, Blinman SA – 257,000 hectares.
• Wooltana Station, Blinman SA.
RURAL FUNDS GROUP
The ASX-listed Rural Funds Group has large-scale investments in almonds, beef, cotton, macadamias and vineyards across 692,182 hectares in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
• Bonmac, Bundaberg QLD – 25 hectares of macadamias.
• Caroona feedlot, Quirindi NSW – 23,500-head capacity with 1387 hectares of cropping.
• Cerberus, Rockhampton QLD – 8280 hectares. Beef cattle breeding and backgrounding.
• Cobungra Station, Omeo VIC – 6488 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $35 million.
• Comanche, Glenroy QLD – 7600 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $15.7 million.
• Dohnt vineyard, Coonawarra SA – 30 hectares of vines.
• Dyamberin, New England NSW – 1728 hectares. Beef cattle breeding and backgrounding.
• Geier vineyard, Barossa Valley SA – 243 hectares of vines.
• Hahn vineyard, Barossa Valley SA – 49 hectares of vines.
• Kerarbury/Kamelda, Darlington Point NSW – 7756 hectares. Purchased in October 2015 for $19.25 million. 1282 hectares of almonds under development.
• Kleinig vineyard, Barossa Valley SA – 206 hectares of vines.
• Lynora Downs, Rolleston QLD – 4880-hectare cotton property. Purchased in 2016.
• Mayneland, Queensland – 2942 hectare cotton property. Purchased in 2018.
• Mooral, Hillston NSW – 3841 hectares. 808 hectares of almonds planted.
• Mundy vineyard, Adelaide Hills SA – 26 hectares of vines.
• Murphy vineyard, Adelaide Hills SA – 30 hectares of vines.
• Mungindi feedlot, Mungindi NSW – 12,000-head capacity with 409 hectares of cropping.
• Mutton Hole, Carpentaria QLD – 140,300 hectares. Beef cattle breeding.
• Natal Downs, Longston Station and Narellan, Charters Towers QLD – 390,660 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $53 million.
• Oakland Park, Croydon QLD – 85,500 hectares. Beef cattle breeding.
• Petro, High Hill and Willara, WA – 6000 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $22.6 million.
• Prime City feedlot, Yanco NSW – 35,000-head capacity with 4021 hectares of cropping.
• Rewan Station, Rolleston QLD – 17,500 hectares. Beef backgrounding and finishing.
• Rosebank vineyard, Grampians VIC – 82 hectares of vines.
• Swan Ridge and Moore Park, Bundaberg QLD – 234 hectares of macadamias.
• Tocabil, Hillston NSW – 6900 hectares. 600 hectares of almonds planted and under development.
• Woodburn, New England NSW – 1062 hectares. Beef cattle breeding and backgrounding. Purchased in 2019.
• Yilgah, Hillston NSW – 6400 hectares. 1006 hectares of almonds planted.
SAMPSON FAMILY
Wellbourn Hill, Marla SA – 338,700 hectares.
SANDOVER PASTORAL COMPANY
Operated by Stewart and Anna Weir running 25,000 cattle on 1.2 million hectares.
• Ammaroo Station, Sandover NT.
• Derry Downs Station, Sandover NT.
• Dneiper Station, Sandover NT. Purchased in 2016.
• Old MacDonald Station, Sandover NT.
SARAWALK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MALAYSIA)
• Carmor Plains, Point Stuart NT – 41,500 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $20 million-plus.
SAUDI AGRICULTURAL & LIVESTOCK INVESTMENT COMPANY
• Nicoletti Group, WA. 76,000 hectares freehold and 134,000 hectares of leased country. Purchased in 2019 for about $60 million.
RUSSELL SAVAGE & FAMILY
• Suplejack Downs, Alice Springs NT – 381,700 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $21 million.
SCOTT CATTLE COMPANY
Run by former Meat and Livestock Australia director George Scott. Owns several properties.
• McDonald Downs NT – 207,000 hectares. Purchased for $8.6 million.
• Thylungera Station, Quilpie QLD.
SELECT HARVESTS
Operates 7696 hectares of almond orchards in Victorian Mallee, the South Australian Riverland and NSW Riverina.
• Lake Cullulleraine orchard, Lake Cullulleraine VIC.
• Robinvale/Euston orchards VIC/NSW – 1688 hectares.
• Griffith/Hillston orchards NSW – 671 hectares.
• Loxton/Paringa orchards SA – 637 hectares.
Source: selectharvests.com.au
SEVERIN FAMILY
• Curtin Springs Station, Alice Springs NT. 416,400 hectares. Purchased in 1956.
SHANDONG RUYI (CHINA)
Chinese textile group.
• Cubbie Station/Anchorage/Aspen, St George QLD – 90,000 hectares including 30,000 hectares of cotton. Purchased in 2012 for $240 million.
• Larundel Estate, Ballarat VIC – 1012 hectares. Purchased in 2011 for $14 million.
SHANGHAI ZENITH (CHINA)
Australian operating arm of Shanghai CRED. Operates more than 1.2 million hectares in Western Australia’s Goldfields region.
• Jeedamya, Melita and Kookynie stations, Kimberley WA. Purchased in 2016.
• Marvel Loch WA – 14,000 hectares of farming land.
• Mertondale Station, Leonora WA.
• Mt Elizabeth Station, Fitzroy Crossing WA – 200,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Perrinvale Station, Menzies WA. Purchased in 2016.
• Riverina Station, Menzies WA. Purchased in 2016.
• Yakka Munga, West Kimberley WA – 189,000 hectares. Purchased in 2009.
SHANGHAI ZHONGFU/KIMBERLEY AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT (CHINA)
One of Shanghai’s largest private real estate developers
• Carlton Hill Station, Kununurra WA – 475,745 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Ord Stage 2 project, Ord River WA – 15,200 hectares of sugar and sorghum.
PETER SHERWIN
Once one of Australia’s largest private landholders. Former owner of Victoria River Downs, Alroy Downs and Walhallow stations.
• Broadmere, Borroloola NT – 259,000 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $7 million.
SIMMONS CATTLE COMPANY
Run by Queensland cattle producers Richard and Robyn Simmons.
• Avon Downs, Clermont QLD.
• Bungobine, Mt Coolon QLD – 36,900 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Whynot, Mt Coolon QLD – 45,600 hectares.
CHRIS SKELTON
Roma QLD beef producer.
• Eildon Park, Winton QLD – 249,800 hectares.
PAUL & JO SMITH
• Tieyon Station, Kulgera SA – 652,730 hectares.
STANBROKE PASTORAL
Integrated beef and cattle company owned by the Menegazzo family. Operate eight cattle stations covering 1.6 million hectares in the Gulf region of QLD. Stanbroke beef is exported to more than 35 countries.
• Augustus, Cloncurry QLD.
• Donors Hill, Cloncurry QLD.
• Fort Constantine, Cloncurry QLD.
• Glenore, Normanton QLD.
• Kamilaroi, Cloncurry QLD.
• McAllister, Normanton QLD.
• Miranda, Normanton QLD.
• Warren Vale, Normanton QLD.
KERRY STOKES (AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL EQUITY)
Australian businessman and Seven Network chairman. Last year sold a 7821-hectare aggregation on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island for about $25 million.
• Balquhidder Station, Parawa SA – 3000 hectares. Purchased in 2007 for $30 million.
• Mt House Station, Halls Creek WA. Purchased in 2016 for more than $20 million.
• Mt Scrub, Fleurieu Peninsula SA – 660 hectares. Purchased in 2009 for about $5 million.
• Napier Downs Station, Derby WA – 400,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
STONE AXE PASTORAL COMPANY
Venture between cattleman Matthew Walker and investment bank Moelis.
• Alfreda, Ebor NSW – 784 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $4 million.
• Cheviot Hills, Kojonup WA – 3080 hectares. Proposed 20,000 head feedlot and integrated abattoir.
• Cobungra Station, Cobungra VIC – 31,000 hectares. Leased from Rural Funds Management (see separate listing).
• Glen Alvie aggregation, Ebor NSW – 2145 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for about $17.5 million.
Source: stoneaxepastoral.com.au
SUNDOWN PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by the Statham family of northern NSW since 1964. Focused on beef cattle, irrigated cotton, wheat, sorghum, pulse crops, lucerne and other forage crops.
• Keytah, Moree NSW – 25,042 hectares. Purchased in 1984.
• St Ronans, Mt Garnet QLD – 44,000 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $18 million.
• Wathagar, Moree NSW. Purchased in 1986.
Source: sundownpastoral.com.au
SUNLIGHT HOLDINGS
• Drysdale River Station, Kununurra WA – 404,686 hectares.
SWISS AUSTRALIA FARM HOLDINGS
Operates farms in NSW, South Australia and Queensland.
• Glenstrae, Willalooka SA – 5876 hectares.
• Naweena, Padthaway SA – 7433 hectares.
• Netley Station, Broken Hill NSW – 73,299 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $10.6 million.
• Neumayer Valley Station, Normanton QLD. 143,000 hectares carrying 20,000 Brahman cows.
TBG AGRI HOLDINGS (CHINA)
Australian arm of Tianma Bearings Group, owned by Chinese billionaire Xingfa Ma.
• Balfour Downs, Roy Hill WA – 639,500 hectares. Purchased in 2014 for $18 million.
• Emu Downs Station, Cervantes WA. 8000 hectares.
• Ferngrove Wine Group, Great Southern WA.
• Wananya Station, Roy Hill WA.
CAROLINE THOMAS & JOHN KNIGHT
• Evelyn Downs, Coober Pedy SA – 234,500 hectares.
TIAA-CREF/NUVEEN (UNITED STATES)
One of the biggest investors in Australian agriculture, the New York-based Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund, through its asset management subsidiary Nuveen, owns a whopping 286,371 of cropping country over 71 properties or aggregation. Its land and water portfolio is worth an estimated $1.7 billion.
• Bellata NSW – 13,550 hectares.
• Blackville NSW – 720 hectares.
• Boggabilla NSW – 3275 hectares.
• Boggabilla NSW – 1142 hectares.
• Boggabri NSW – 4636 hectares.
• Breeza NSW – 780 hectares.
• Burren Junction NSW – 8549 hectares.
• Cecil Plains QLD – 3967 hectares.
• Coleambally NSW – 2033 hectares.
• Collie NSW – 3110 hectares.
• Condamine QLD – 2761 hectares.
• Condingup WA – 7625 hectares
• Condobolin NSW – 1413 hectares
• Corrigan WA – 6184 hectares.
• Cressy VIC – 1509 hectares.
• Culcairn NSW – 1093 hectares.
• Dalby QLD – 3797 hectares.
• Dalby QLD – 785 hectares.
• Darling Downs QLD – 702 hectares.
• Darlington Point NSW – 870 hectares.
• Darlington VIC – 1350 hectares.
• Derrinallum VIC – 688 hectares.
• Dowerin WA – 3208 hectares.
• Galore NSW – 3713 hectares.
• Garah NSW – 4755 hectares.
• Gnowangerup WA – 8869 hectares.
• Gnowangerup WA – 3641 hectares.
• Goondiwindi QLD – 6315 hectares.
• Grass Patch WA – 6276 hectares.
• Grong Grong NSW – 1979 hectares.
• Gunnedah NSW – 841 hectares.
• Gunnedah NSW – 1954 hectares.
• Gunnedah NSW – 1809 hectares.
• Hay NSW – 8245 hectares.
• Henty NSW – 479 hectares.
• Henty NSW – 249 hectares.
• Jondaryan QLD – 4034 hectares.
• Lake King WA – 8388 hectares.
• Lismore VIC – 2781 hectares.
• Moree NSW – 8867 hectares.
• Moree NSW – 1477 hectares.
• Moree NSW – 3339 hectares.
• Moree NSW – 3795 hectares.
• Moree NSW – 3550 hectares.
• Moree NSW – 1946 hectares.
• Moree NSW – 3137 hectares.
• Mt Madden WA – 1602 hectares.
• Mullaley NSW – 3526 hectares.
• Munglinup WA – 14,391 hectares.
• Mungundi QLD – 3053 hectares.
• Nabawa WA – 4518 hectares.
• Nabawa WA – 2942 hectares.
• North Star NSW – 7198 hectares.
• Northampton WA – 6006 hectares.
• Ongerup WA – 5502 hectares.
• Quairading WA – 1683 hectares.
• Quairading WA – 4485 hectares.
• Three Springs WA – 3378 hectares.
• Three Springs WA – 3040 hectares.
• Varley WA – 9612 hectares.
• Wagin WA – 4909 hectares.
• Walbundrie NSW – 1953 hectares.
• Warren NSW – 3261 hectares.
• Warren NSW – 3966 hectares.
• Warren NSW – 3705 hectares.
• Watheroo WA – 3642 hectares.
• Watheroo WA – 13,710 hectares.
• Wee Waa NSW – 4945 hectares.
• Wee Waa NSW – 2884 hectares.
• West Coorow WA – 5528 hectares.
• Wongan Hills WA – 2748 hectares.
TIVERTON AGRICULTURE
• Juanbung and Boyong Stations, Balranald NSW – 33,000 hectares. Purchased in 2019 in partnership with Nature Conservancy Australia.
TODMORDEN CATTLE COMPANY
• Todmorden Station, Oodadatta SA – 716,860 hectares.
TRT PASTORAL GROUP
Owned by Melbourne businessman Tim Roberts-Thompson. Sold the 33,700-hectare Juanbung Station near Hay NSW in 2019 for about $60 million.
• Boongara, Dinibili, Longford and Reekara Park, King Island TAS – 6785 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $45 million.
• Howquadale Station, Mansfield VIC – aggregation of five properties totalling 2024 hectares.
ULUPNA PASTORAL COMPANY
A partnership between large-scale West Australian farmer John Nicoletti and CBRE Agribusiness regional director Danny Thomas. Have purchased more than 4000 hectares of land in northern Victoria in recent years.
UNION AGRICULTURE (CHINA)
Subsidiary of Hebei-based Jiahe Brewery. Sold Mt Falcon Station in the NSW Upper Murray last year for more than $13.2 million.
• Bobbara Station, Galong NSW – 4500 hectares. Purchased for $13.8 million in 2011.
• Glenrowan aggregation, Gunnedah NSW – 11,500 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for about $38 million.
• Kyabra Station, Tamworth NSW – 5260 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Leandah/Wyangan aggregation, Gunnedah NSW. Purchased in 2017 for $11.4 million.
USHER PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by Phil Usher of Brisbane. Operate over about 1.2 million hectares in southwest QLD, with additional properties around Taroom and Wandoan.
• Kyee Station, Eromanga QLD – 164,255 hectares. Purchased with Mt Margaret in 2017 for about $20 million.
• Mount Margaret and Berellem, Eromanga QLD – 470,504 hectares. Purchased with Kyee in 2017 for about $20 million.
• Orient and Norley, Channel Country QLD.
VELLA FAMILY
• Bald Hills Station, Marlborough QLD.
• Faust Family Farms, Prosperpine QLD – 3134 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $20.5 million.
VIC SUPER
Melbourne-based superannuation and pension fund with $256 million invested in farming, particularly in northern Victoria around Swan Hill, Kerang and Lake Boga. Includes 9000 hectares spread across 38 farms growing irrigated cotton, organic wheat, organic barley, organic soy beans, lucerne hay, tomatoes and stone fruit, including nectarines peaches and plums.
WARAKIRRI ASSET MANAGEMENT
Warakirri Asset Management is another of Australian agriculture’s multi-million dollar behemoths, overseeing about $800 million in assets under the separate banners of Aurora Dairies, Warakirri Cropping and Daybreak Cropping (which is backed by Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board – see separate listing)
– AURORA DAIRIES
• Bangalay, Rosedale VIC – 340 hectares.
• Bonney View, Millicent SA – 460 hectares.
• Canunda Park, Millicent SA – 250 hectares.
• Coradjil Place, Simpson VIC – 310 hectares.
• Glenfarm, Cobden VIC – 180 hectares.
• Maritana, Echuca VIC – 1010 hectares.
• Orford Wells, Port Fairy VIC – 360 hectares.
• Patricks Day, Hawkesdale VIC – 400 hectares.
• Peneplain, Rosedale VIC – 450 hectares.
• Poorinda, Simpson VIC – 285 hectares.
• Warwillah, Hawkesdale VIC – 340 hectares.
• Wellbourne, Simpson VIC – 260 hectares.
– WARAKIRRI CROPPING
• Baingarra, Minyip VIC – 5600 hectares.
• Boolavilla, Croppa Creek NSW – 4900 hectares.
• Bullarto Downs, Hopetoun VIC – 5900 hectares.
• Cowabbie-Mukoora, Ardlethan NSW – 10,500 hectares.
• Lobethal, Beaumont WA – 13,600 hectares.
• Mawarra, Merredin WA – 10,950 hectares.
• Myola, Dalby QLD – 3000 hectares.
• Orange Park, Lockhart NSW –8800 hectares.
• Willaroo, Goondiwindi QLD – 13,700 hectares.
• Wyobie, Dalby QLD – 2800 hectares.
– DAYBREAK CROPPING
• Bodallin Farms, Bodallin WA – 12,570 hectares.
• Caringbah Farms, Temora NSW – 11,600 hectares.
• Catumnal Farms, Boort VIC – 7300 hectares.
• Erregulla Plains, Mingenew WA – 18,000 hectares.
• Kinbeachie Farms, Toobeah QLD – 7350 hectares.
• Orana Farms, Weethalle NSW – 11,900 hectares.
• Waddikee Farms, Ravensthorpe WA – 6500 hectares.
WAVERLEY STATION
Owned by Sydney businessman Michael Crouch. Runs a herd of about 30,000 Angus cattle on about 24,300 hectares.
• Waverley Station, Gunnedah NSW.
• Waverley Station, King Island TAS.
• Waverley Station, Scone NSW.
WENTWORTH CATTLE COMPANY
Owned and operated by Richard and Dyan Hughes.
• Bluevale, Nebo QLD – 3251 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $5.6 million.
• Strathalbyn, Collinsville QLD.
• Wentworth Station, Clermont QLD – 40,500 hectares.
WESTERN GRAZING COMPANY-GAMBAMORA INDUSTRIES PTY LTD
Owned by the Oxenford family, Western Grazing started as a family-run dairy business before turning to large-scale beef production in the 1990s. Today it operates across almost two million hectares in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
• Allendale Station, Augathella QLD – 21,000 hectares.
• Eurella Station, Muckadilla QLD – 22,000 hectares.
• Magowra Station, Normanton QLD – 294,000 hectares.
• Morstone Downs, Camooweal QLD – 176,000 hectares.
• Oban Station, Mt Isa QLD – 261,000 hectares.
• Wave Hill Station, Victoria River NT – 1,200,000 hectares.
Source: westerngrazing.com.au
WESTERN ROSELLA FARMING (HARVARD ENDOWMENT FUND) – US
The endowment fund of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Harvard, at Boston in the US state of Massachusetts. Sold Hillston NSW Cowl Cowl and Wyadra Stations in 2020 to Hancock Agriculture in a deal worth $120 million. Assets include:
• Newmarket Station, Hay NSW – 11,617 hectares. Listed for sale in April 2019.
WHARTON CAPITAL
In 2019 launched the Wharton Pastoral Fund to invest in livestock and value-adding opportunities with the view to become vertically integrated.
• Kumarina Station, Newman WA – 305,929 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $3-$4 million.
• Marymia Station, Newman WA – 367,836 hectares. Purchased in 2019.
WILLIAMS CATTLE COMPANY
Owned by South Australia’s Williams family, Williams Cattle Company’s 4.65 million hectares include what is considered the world’s largest cattle station, Anna Creek, which it bought from S Kidman and Co in 2016. Owns seven pastoral properties in the north of South Australia as well as grazing and cropping land in the Flinders Ranges.
• Anna Creek Station, Coober Pedy SA – 1.57 million hectares. Purchased from S Kidman & Co in 2016.
• Arckaringa Station, Coober Pedy SA – 274,500 hectares. Purchased in 1989.
• Connibar/Carieton, Carieton SA – 11,400 hectares.
• Hamilton Station, Coober Pedy SA – 701,000 hectares.
• Mt Barry Station, Coober Pedy SA – 492,000 hectares.
• Mt Sarah Station, Coober Pedy SA – 224,800 hectares.
• Nilpanna Station, Coober Pedy SA – 565,800 hectares.
• The Peake Station, Coober Pedy SA – 813,000 hectares. Outstation to Anna Creek, purchased in 2016.
Source: williamscattlecompany.com.au
HUI WING MAU (CHINA)
Hong Kong-based billionaire and property developer. Also owns a majority stake in Bindaree Beef.
• Bulka, Kimberley WA – 273,163 hectares. Purchased in 2017 as part of three-property deal for about $70 million.
• Margaret River, Kimberley WA – 214,483 hectares. Purchased in 2017 as part of three-property deal for about $70 million.
• Yougawalla, Kimberley WA – 843,800 hectares. Purchased in 2017 as part of three-property deal for about $70 million.
WYADRIGAH PASTORAL COMPANY
Operated by Anthony, Mervyn, Fred and Margaret Barlow with significant cropping and grazing interests in northern NSW and Queensland. Operate across a reported 110,000 hectares, including 23,472 hectares of dryland cropping, 2025 hectares of irrigation and 83,770 hectares of grazing land (including three properties at Cunnamulla in Queensland).
• Wyadrigah, Mungindi NSW.
YADLAMALKA PASTORAL
Owned by South Australian pastoralist Andrew Doman.
• Beltana Station, Flinders Ranges SA – 154,100 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $8.4 million.
• Yadlamalka Station, Flinders Ranges SA.
YEEDA PASTORAL COMPANY
Owned by West Australians Jack and Vicki Burton. Operates over a reported 1.62 million hectares.
• Alice Downs Station, Halls Creek WA. Purchased in 2003.
• Kilto Station, Broome WA. Purchased in the early 1990s.
• Mabel Downs Station, Halls Creek WA. Purchased in 2003.
• Mt Jowlaenga Station, Broome WA. Purchased in 2001.
• Springfield Station, Halls Creek WA. Purchased in 2003.
• Spring Park, Geraldton WA.
• Texas Station, Halls Creek WA. Purchased in 2003.
• Yeeda Station, Broome WA. Purchased in 1999.
• This list was compiled from industry sources, websites and media reports. The Weekly Times, publisher of AgJournal, accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of this list.
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