Who owns Australia’s farms? Nation’s biggest landholders of 2019
AgJournal has compiled a list of almost 1000 properties, and their owners, who range from family farms to domestic and international corporate and investment institutions.
WHEN it comes to Australian agriculture, scale is king.
And nowhere is that trend more evident than in The Weekly Times’ annual investigation into Who Owns Australia’s Farms.
The study of almost 1000 properties, and their owners, who range from family operators to domestic and international corporate institutions, shows the big continuing to get bigger.
In fact, when it comes to scale, the 20 largest Australian landholders — headed by the 7.92-million hectare Outback Beef S Kidman and Co — occupy a combined 70 million hectares. That’s more than France’s 64.4 million hectares and about five times the size of England.
Foreign interests continue to play an important role in the ownership stakes with offshore interests accounting for about 13.4 per cent, or 52.6 million hectares, of Australian farmland.
The UK is the biggest investor with 10.24 million hectares followed by China (9.17 million hectares) and the US (2.66 million hectares).
So precisely just who does own Australia’s farms? It’s time to find out ...
VISION SPLENDID
AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE’S BIG PLAYERS
AAAW GROUP – AUSTRALIA AULONG AUNIU WANG (CHINA)
Owned by large Chinese retailer Dashang Group which operates department stores and supermarkets.
• Brindley Park, Merriwa NSW
2002 hectares.
• Calthorpe Orchard, Sidmouth TAS
More than 94 hectares of established cherry, apple and pear trees. Purchased in 2017.
• 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 (GERMANY)
European-pension fund backed. One of mainland Australia’s largest dairy farmers with more than 15,000 cows.
• Balboora Farm, Finley NSW
800 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $8 million with US investor.
• Blighty Farm, Blighty NSW
518 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $7.5 million with US investor.
• Little Moe River Rd, Darnum VIC
240 hectares. Purchased in 2006. Listed for sale April 2019.
• 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
The joining of Acton Land and Cattle and Australian Country Choice in 2015 was likened to a marriage of two of the nation’s leading beef families. ACC, a third-generation vertically integrated beef company owned by rich-lister Trevor Lee and his family, purchased 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
1,000,000 hectares.
• Brindley Park Feedlot, Darling Downs QLD
20,450 hectares.
• Croydon Station, Rockhampton QLD
58,419 hectares.
• Dungowan, Dungowan QLD
22,293 hectares.
• 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, Cecil Plains QLD
3116 hectares with feedlot. 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
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.
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.
• Widgen, Narrabri NSW
11.038 hectares.
• Midkin, Gwydir Valley NSW
Purchased in 1979.
AUSTON CORPORATION (CANADA)
Australian arm of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board which was established in 1991 and administers pensions for 183,000 teachers. Owns about $400 million in almond and avocado farms in South Australia and Victoria, and plans to expand its agriculture base in Australia by another $600 million.
• Jasper Farms, Bussellton WA
360 hectares. Australia’s second-biggest avocado grower. Purchased in 2017.
• Margooya/Canarvon, Robinvale VIC
2878 hectares. Purchased in 201 for $115 million.
AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY
Australia’s largest beef producer, AACo was established in 1824 with 404,685 hectares. Today the ASX-listed company operates properties and feedlots across seven million hectares in Queensland and the Northern Territory..
• Anthony Lagoon/Eva Downs, Tennant Creek NT
934,900 hectares.
• Aronui Feedlot, Dalby QLD
Australia’s oldest commercial feedlot. Purchased in 2002.
• Avon/Austral Downs, Camooweal QLD
863,100 hectares.
• Brunette Downs, Tennant Creek NT
1,221,200 hectares. Purchased in 1979.
• Camfield Station, Victoria River NT
279,000 hectares.
• Canobie/Alcala/Lyrian, Cloncurry QLD
492,100 hectares.
• Carrum Station, Julia Creek QLD
50,613 hectares. Purchased in 2004.
• Dalgonally Station, Julia Creek QLD
128.000 hectares.
• Delamere Station, Victoria River NT
300,300 hectares.
• Glentana Station, Springsure QLD
• Headingly/Wolgra/Carandotta, Mt Isa QLD
1,003,200 hectares.
• Labelle Downs/Welltree, Batchelor NT
61,000 hectares.
• Montejinni Station, Victoria River NT
485,623 hectares.
• Pell/Tortilla, Darwin NT
5473 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• South Galway Station, Windorah QLD
487,600 hectares.
• Thorner Station, Mt Isa QLD
48,600 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Wondoola Station, Normanton QLD
252,500 hectares.
• Wylarah Station, Surat QLD
40,468 hectares.
Source: aaco.com.au
AUSTRALIAN GREEN PROPERTIES PTY LTD (PHILIPPINES)
Owned by Filipino banker and property developer Romeo Roxas.
• Cobar aggregation, Cobar NSW
• Epenarra, Barkly Tablelands NT
265,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Murray Downs, Barkly Tablelands NT
265,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
AUSTRALIAN FOOD & AGRICULTURE
Owned by Colin Bell and family of Bell Securities fame, Australian Food and Agriculture has more than 220,000 hectares of cropping and grazing country. Its empire includes the historic Boonoke and Wanganella properties north of Deniliquin in NSW.
• Barratta, Boonoke, Peppinella, Wanganella, Warriston and Zara, Conargo NSW
122,935 hectares.
• Burrabogie, Kolora, Mulberrygong, North Cobran and Wahwoon, Hay NSW
57,624 hectares.
• Wingadee and Netherway, Coonamble NSW
44,846 hectares.
Source: austfood.com.au
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
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 BROS
Owned by John, Ethel and Mark Bettinni.
• De Grey Station, Port Headland WA
1,214,100 hectares. Earliest pastoral lease in WA dating back to 1862.
BILLA KALINA PASTORAL
Owned by Colin Greenfield and family.
• Billa Kalina, Woomera SA
500,000 hectares. Runs 4000 Shorthorn breeding cows.
NICO BOTHA
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 6070 hectares of land. Shareholder-owned.
• 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 2.37 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
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
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 8000 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, Kimberley WA
• Comely Station, 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.
CAASON GROUP (AILERON PASTORAL HOLDINGS)
Melbourne-based private investor group with a focus on natural resources, mining and telecommunications.
• Aileron, Alice Springs NT
408,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
Source: aileronpastoral.com.au
CAMM AGRICULTURE GROUP
Headed by father and son Bryce and David 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. FOR SALE
• Wonga Plains Feedlot, Bowenville QLD
CARRINGTON COTTON CORP
Owned by one of Queensland’s richest families, the Marchants, with an estimated fortune of more than $220 million.
• Carrington Farms, Goondiwindi QLD
57,370 hectares spread across 16 cotton, grain and grazing properties. 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 (Belvino).
• Bussorah Vineyard, Padthaway SA
165 hectares of vines (Belvino).
• Dalmeny Vineyard, Padthaway SA
213 hectares of vines (Belvino).
• Hanwood Vineyard, Hanwood NSW
394 hectares of vines. Leased to McWilliams.
• Lionels Vineyard, Margaret River WA
42 hectares of vines.
• Miamba Vineyard, Lyndoch SA
131 hectares of vines (Belvino).
• Nangiloc Colignan Farms, Mildura VIC
700 hectares of citrus and table grape orchards. Purchased for $50 million in 2018.
• 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 (Belvino).
• Qualco West Vineyard, Riverland SA
415 hectares of vines (Belvino).
• Rowe Road Vineyard, Margaret River WA
120 hectares of vines.
• Schuberts Vineyard, Lobethal SA
73 hectares of vines (Belvino).
• Sirens Vineyard, Margaret River WA
44 hectares of vines (Belvino).
• Station and Kirkgate vineyards, Coonawarra SA
256 hectares of vines.
• Stephendale Vineyard, Yenda NSW
629 hectares of vines (Belvino).
• White Road Vineyards and Orchards, Tharbogang NSW
490 hectares of vines (Belvino).
• Whitton Vineyard, Whitton NSW
97 hectares of vines (Belvino).
Source: ck-lifesciences.com
CLARK & TAIT
Large-scale Queensland graziers, founded by Peter Tait and James Clark in the early 1900s.
• Barcaldine Downs, Barcaldine QLD
• Bimerah, Longreach QLD
• Boongoondoo/Hobartville, Jericho QLD
• Mantuan Downs, Springsure QLD
• Mt Enniskillen, Blackall QLD
• Powella, Aramac QLD
CLEAN AGRICULTURE & INTERNATIONAL TOURISM (VIETNAM)
• Argyle Downs, Kununurra WA
72,000 hectares. Purchased in 2019 from Consolidated Pastoral Company.
• Auvergne Station, Katherine NT
414,200 hectares. Purchased in 2019 from Consolidated Pastoral Company.
• Newry Station, NT
246,700 hectares. Purchased in 2019 from Consolidated Pastoral Company.
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)
Owned 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
The once-mighty Consolidated Pastoral Company is loosening its grip as one of the nation’s biggest landholders as its sell-off continues. Runs about 3.36 million hectares and leases the 476,000-hectare Carlton Hill Station in Western Australia. Majority shareholder is UK-based Terra Firma Capital.
• Allawah, Biloela QLD
3069 hectares. Purchased in 1989.
• Bunda Station, Victoria River NT
178,800 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Comely/Mapala, Moura QLD
23,159 hectares.
• Dungowan Station, Katherine NT
445,400 hectares.
• Emu’s Nest, Biloela QLD
3941 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $8.3 million.
• Isis Downs, Isisford QLD
237,602 hectares.
• Kirkimbie Station, Katherine NT
230,400 hectares. Purchased in 1986.
• Manbulloo Station, Katherine NT
379,131 hectares. Purchased in 1994.
• Newcastle Waters, Barkly NT
1,033,100 hectares. Purchased in 1983.
• Ucharonidge, Tennant Creek NT
247,920 hectares. Purchased in 2008.
• Wrotham Park, Cairns QLD
596,430 hectares. Purchased in 2009.
Source: pastoral.com/en
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. Mixed cropping and livestock business with properties in South Australia, Western Australia and western NSW, including:
• 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.
• Amaroo Citrus Farm, Murtho SA
• Atherton Avocado Farm, Atherton QLD
• Casuarina Mushroom Farm, Casuarina WA
• Childers Avocado Farm, Childers QLD
• Corindi Berry Farm, Corindi NSW
• Gingin Berry Farm, Gingin WA
• Glen Aplin Mushroom Farm, Glen Aplin QLD
• Guyra Tomato Glasshouse, Guyra NSW
• Kumbia Avocado Farm, Kumbia QLD
• Mandurah Mushroom Farm, Mandurah WA
• Mareeba Avocado Farm, Mareeba QLD
• Mernda Mushroom Farm, Mernda VIC
• Monarto Mushroom Farm, Monarto SA
• Mundubbera Grape Farm, Mundubbera QLD
• Nagambie Mushroom Farm, Nagambie VIC
• North Maclean Mushroom Farm, North Maclean QLD
• Pike Creek Citrus Farm, Lyrup Lyrup SA
• Solora Citrus Farm, Loxton SA
• Tinaroo Avocado Farm, Tinaroo QLD
• Tully Banana Farm, Tully QLD
• Tumbarumba Berry Farm, Tumbarumba NSW
• Walkamin Banana Farm, Walkamin QLD
• Walkamin Berry Farm, Walkamin QLD
• Yandilla Citrus Farm, Yandilla SA
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.
DAYBREAK CROPPING
Established in 2016 as a national broadacre cropping business managed by Warakirri Asset Management in a joint venture with Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Owns four large-scale cropping aggregations covering over 32,750 hectares in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia and plans to expand.
• Caringbah Farms, Temora NSW
11,600 hectares of cropping. Purchased in 2018.
• Catumnal Farms, Boort VIC
7300 hectares of dryland and irrigated cropping. Purchased in 2017.
• Kinbeachie Farms, Toobeah QLD
7350 hectares of cropping. Purchased in 2019.
• Waddikee Farms, Ravensthorpe WA
6500 hectares of cropping. Purchased in 2018.
Source: daybreakcropping.com.au
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 over 8800 hectares and 16 properties in Victoria’s Western District. Produces about 370,000kg of lamb and 230,000kg of beef annually.
• 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
EASTERN AUSTRALIA AGRICULTURE
Backed by a consortium of investors led by Hong Kong-based fund manager Pacific Alliance Group. Operates across 37,500 hectares. Sold 28,000 megalitres of water to the Federal Government in 2017.
• Kia Ora, St George QLD.
18,783 hectares. Listed for sale in March 2018.
• Clyde, Dirranbandi QLD
18,418 hectares. Listed for sale in March 2018.
TIM & EMILY EDMUNDS
Former owner of Hale River Pastoral Company which owned 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.
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.
TA FIELD ESTATES
Owned by the Field family, one of Australia’s biggest wool growers. Headed up by Michael Field and his wife Angela.
• Benangaroo Station, Jugiong NSW
3000 hectares.
• Congi Station, Woolbrook NSW
9987 hectares.
• Doughboy Mountain, Armidale NSW
1350 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• 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.
ROGER FLETCHER
Founder of Fletcher International Exports and former Australian Wool Innovation board member. Owns about 80,000 hectares of cropping and sheep country in Western Australia, NSW and Queensland.
• Cubbie Station, Dirrinbandi (20 per cent stake) QLD
30,000 hectares of cotton. Purchased share from Lempriere Group.
• Kiargathur Station, Condobolin NSW
32,000 hectares. Has sold a stake.
• Lightning Ridge NSW
40,000 hectares.
STEVEN FOGARTY
NT organic cattle producer.
• Anningie Station, Alice Springs NT
• Coniston Station, Alice Springs NT
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.
• Woodhouse Station, Melton VIC
4953 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 operate across more than three million 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
GOFARM AUSTRALIA
Has 13 properties under its management, covering 43,000 hectares in Victoria and southern NSW.
• Morundah NSW
11,000 hectares across two properties. Grain.
• Piambie and Noraleigh, VIC Mallee
1800 hectares. Almond orchard development.
• Windomal, NSW Riverina and VIC Sunraysia
10,000 hectares. Aggregation of eight properties, five of which join. Set up for permanent horticultural production.
Source: gofarmaustralia.com.au
GREENTREE FARMING
Owned by former GrainCorp and Grain Growers Limited chairman Ron Greentree. One of Australia’s biggest crop producers, operating over 115,000 hectares. Investments include:
• Milton Downs/Boolcarrol, Bellata NSW
47,500 hectares. In partnership with Ken Harris. Listed for sale in 2014 for $200 million with TIAA-CREF (US) purchasing 10,000 hectares.
• Muttama Station, Coonamble NSW
10,000 hectares. Listed for sale in 2017.
GROWTH FARMS
• Cygnet Park Farms, Kangaroo Island SA
7821 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for about $25 million.
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 (US)
Owns about 6680 hectares of almond and macadamia orchards across Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and NSW.
Source: hancockagriculture.com
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
RON HARRIS (RAVENSWORTH AGRICULTURE COMPANY)
Significant land and water interests throughout NSW. Member of the Harris family once described as eastern Australia’s biggest wheat farmers.
• Lake Marimley Station, Balranald NSW
• Ramps Ridge (Ravensworth) feedlot, Hay NSW
Source: ravensworthag.com.au
PETER & JANE HARRIS (P&J HARRIS AND SONS)
Northern NSW farmer with significant interests in irrigated and dryland cropping:
• 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
Northern cattleman. 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
• Nockatunga Station, Thargomindah QLD
852,000 hectares. Purchased from Consolidated Pastoral Company in 2018 for about $50 million.
• Rockhampton Downs, Tennant Creek NT
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
HEILONGJIANG FENG AGRICULTURAL (CHINA)
A subsidiary of Heilongjiang Beidahuang Rice Industry Group. Owns and leases about 85,000 hectares of farms in the West Australian wheatbelt.
• Joyce farms, Lake King WA
23,336 hectares.
• Ongerup WA
6500 hectares.
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.
HEWITT CATTLE AUSTRALIA
Run by Queensland pastoralists the Hewitt family and backed by Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board (see separate listing).
• Alpha Station, Alpha QLD
• Ambalindum and Numery stations, Alice Springs NT
640,000 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for $50 million.
• Fork Lagoon, Emerald QLD
• Kangerong, Charters Towers QLD
• Mt Cooper/Harvest Home, Charters Towers QLD
• Oakleigh/Stoodleigh, Marlborough QLD
13,650 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Oakwood, Augathella QLD
28,000 hectares.
• Pegunny/Anglestone/Roundstone, Moura QLD
31,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Pony Hills, Injune QLD
22,662 hectares.
• Scotts Creek, Strathblane and Wybara, Roma QLD
41,084 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Warilba, Narrandera NSW
1700 hectares.
Source: hewittcattle.com.au
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
MICHAEL HINTZE PREMIUM FARMS (UK)
Owned by Australian-born UK hedge fund manager Sir Michael Hintze, operates more than 40 properties across 16 aggregations and 65,000 hectares in Queensland, NSW and Victoria producing lamb, wool, beef, wheat and cotton. Farms are managed by Growth Farms Australia, including:
• Boolarwell, Talwood QLD
7706 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Burrangong, Young NSW
3568 hectares. Purchased in 2011.
• Canomodine/Elora, Canowindra NSW
4187 hectares. Purchased in 2019 from Viridis Ag for $21 million.
• Cheviot Hills, Penshurst VIC
1951 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $10 million.
• Delta Farm, Ayr QLD
457 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Deltroit, Adelong NSW
2573 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Enfield North, Yarrowitch NSW
1550 hectares. Purchased in 2018.
• Gunedra-Redcamp, Wee Waa NSW
3940 hectares. Purchased in 2011.
• Haughton Farms, Giru QLD
772 hectares. Purchased in 2011.
• Marshmead, Walgett NSW
12,548 hectares. Purchased in 2008.
• Meadowbank, Koorawatha NSW
1282 hectares. Purchased in 2013.
• Mourabie, Walgett NSW
8130 hectares. Purchased in 2011.
• Rippling Water, Tumbarumba NSW
2105 hectares. Purchased in 2010.
• Springfield, Boorowa NSW
4917 hectares. Purchased in 2010.
• Sylvania, Boggabri NSW
2550 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Warrane, Armidale NSW
7690 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Watson Park, Yarra NSW
4788 hectares. Purchased in 2007.
Source: mhpremiumfarms.com
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
With more than 2.8 million hectares across nine stations in Queensland, NSW and the Northern Territory, Hughes Pastoral Group and its sister Georgina Pastoral Company have become a beef powerhouse. The operation is run by Peter and Jane Hughes and their sons, Sam and Fred, and based at the family’s 140,000-hectare Tierwoomba Station at Nebo.
• Caldervale, Carwell and Mt Lindsay, Tambo QLD
160,000 hectares.
• Cardowan, Doreen (leased) and Main Camp, Nebo QLD
133,000 hectares.
• 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, Tasmania
• Roebuck Plains Station, Broome WA
276,000 hectares.
• Warrigundu Station/Hodgson Downs, NT
Source: ilc.gov.au
JUMBUCK PASTORAL
One of Australia’s largest pastoral empires, Jumbuck Pastoral was founded in 1888 by the MacLachlan family. Jumbuck Pastoral has 11 properties across 4.94 million hectares in South Australia, Western Australia, NSW and the Northern Territory, running 237,000 sheep and 85,000 cattle.
• Blina Station, Fitzroy Crossing WA
254,648 hectares. Purchased in 1991.
• Bulgunnia, Coober Pedy SA
309,600 hectares.
• Commonwealth Hill, Coober Pedy SA
1,000,000 hectares.
• Gunbar/Tiarra Station, Hillston NSW
112,000 hectares.
• Killarney/Birrimba, Katherine NT
541,400 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• McCoys Well Station, Yunta SA
58,680 hectares.
• Meda Station, Derby WA.
505,857 hectares.
• Mobella, Coober Pedy SA
413,200 hectares.
• Mt Victor/Plumbago, Yunta SA
200,000 hectares.
• Mulgathing, Tarcoola SA
530,700 hectares
• Rawlinna, Kalgoorlie WA
1,011,714 hectares. Purchased in the 1960s.
Source: jumbuckpastoral.com
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.
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
LAGUNA BAY PASTORAL COMPANY
Manages more than $300 million in Australian farming assets. Major backers include Swiss funds manager Adveq Almond Trust.
• Banongill Station, Skipton VIC
6880 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $50 million.
• Olam aggregation, Robinvale VIC
20,000 hectares with 12,000 hectares of almonds. Purchased in 2018 for $211 million.
• Tasmanian dairy aggregation, Smithton TAS
Eight dairy farms. Purchased in 2018 for more than $80 million.
Source: lagunabaypastoral.com.au
LANGENHOVEN FAMILY-AMANZI PROPERTY GROUP
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.
• Mt McMinn Station, Roper Valley NT
81,000 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $7.5 million.
• Kalala Station, Daly Waters NT
376,000 hectares. Purchased in 2019 for $58 million.
LAWSONS GRAIN
Macquarie Bank-backed agricultural fund operating over 10 aggregations in NSW and Western Australia with about 86,000 arable hectares.
• Borambil, Balldale NSW
8270 hectares. Purchased in 2013.
• Grassmere, Urana NSW
10,052 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Gunnadoo, Jerramungup WA
11,259 hectares. Purchased in 2013.
• Hakea, Esperance WA
12,762 hectares. Purchased in 2012.
• Jerry South, Jerramungup WA
5983 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Kealandi, Moree NSW
7381 hectares. Purchased in 2012.
• St Leonards, Wongan Hills WA
5698 hectares. Purchased in 2017.
• Uah, Forbes NSW
10,549 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Walyoo, Yathroo WA
5620 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Wongan, Wongan Hills WA
10,770 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
Source: lawsonsgrains.com
LEPPINGTON PASTORAL COMPANY
Family company based in NSW, primarily focused on dairy. Milks about 2000 cows.
• 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.
• Moxey Farms, Gooloogong NSW
2700 hectares. Purchased in partnership in 2015.
• Stoneleigh, Wilberforce NSW
Source: lpcmilk.com
LI FAMILY (CHINA)
• Eilan Donan, Sutton Grange VIC
1460 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Breadalbane, Sutton Grange VIC
540 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
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
• 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.
AJ&PA MCBRIDE PTY LTD
Family-owned company established in 1920 operating over 1.1 million hectares. One of Australia’s largest wool growers. Purchased the 47,677-hectare Telopea Downs aggregation in 2018 from Hassad Australia.
• 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 from Hassad Australia.
• Wilgena, Tarcoola SA
474,194 hectares. Purchased in 1924.
Source: ajpamcbride.com.au
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
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
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
• Calvert Hills, Borroloola NT
481,000 hectares. Purchased in 2013 for $15 million.
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.
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.
• Cortina aggregation, Wollar NSW
11,000 hectares.
• Mount Mill, Coolah NSW
2525 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Noorama aggregation, Cunnamulla QLD
105,000 hectares.
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. Both are direct descendants of Peter Waite, a significant figure in opening up South Australia’s pastoral areas during the 1880s.
• 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.
NEW HOPE (CHINA)
Chinese agriculture group with annual sales of about $8.8 billion.
• Moxey Farms, Gooloogong NSW
2700 hectares. Purchased in partnership for $100 million in 2015.
NORTH AUSTRALIAN PASTORAL COMPANY
Founded in 1877, the North Australian Pastoral Company - or NAPCO - is well entrenched in Australian pastoral history. It runs about 200,000 cattle on 13 stations totalling 5.94 million hectares in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
• Alexandria Station, Camooweal NT
1,641,416 hectares.
• Boomarra Station, Cloncurry QLD
108,000 hectares. Purchased in 1989.
• Coolullah Station, Cloncurry QLD
214,000 hectares. Purchased in the 1990s.
• Coorabulka Station, Boulia QLD
637,000 hectares.
• Cungelella Station, Springsure QLD
21,870 hectares.
• Glenormiston Station, Boulia QLD
692,000 hectares. Purchased in 1968.
• Goldsborough Station, Roma QLD
11,660 hectares. Purchased in 2000.
• Gordon Downs Station, Emerald QLD
11,729 hectares. Purchased in 2003 (leased).
• Kynuna Station, Julia Creek QLD
140,563 hectares. Purchased in 1986.
• Landsborough Station, Nebo QLD
15,730 hectares. Purchased in 2008.
• Marion Downs, Boulia QLD
1,287,000 hectares. Purchased in 1934.
• Mittiebah Station, Camooweal QLD
695,500 hectares.
• Monkira Station, Windorah QLD
373,000 hectares. Purchased in 1939.
• Portland Downs, Isisford QLD
100,000 hectares. Purchased from Dutch company GP Cattle in 2018.
• Wainui Feedlot, Bowenville QLD
5000 hectares. Purchased in 1985.
Source: napco.com.au
NORMAN FARMING
One of Australia’s biggest irrigated and dryland cropping operations.
• Kalanga and Mobandilla, Dirrinbandi QLD
18,028 hectares and 71,000 megalitres of water. CK Life Sciences under contract to buy the southern part of Kalanga for $20-$25 million.
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
VIV OLDFIELD-DONNY COSTELLO (CROWN POINT PASTORAL)
Large-scale northern cattle producers overseeing more than five million hectares. Viv Oldfield was part of a five-member syndicate that made a last-minute bid for S Kidman and Co in 2016.
• Andado, Horseshoe Bend and New Crown stations, Alice Springs NT
• Clifton Hills, South Australia
1,650,000 hectares. Purchased in 2018 in partnership with Danny Costello.
• Maryvale Station, Alice Springs NT
324,000 hectares. Purchased in 2018.
• Pandie Pandie, Birdsville Track SA
662,500 hectares. Purchased in 2008.
ONE TREE AGRICULTURE
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)
• 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.
OUTBACK BEEF (S KIDMAN AND CO)
S Kidman and Co properties owned by Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting (66 per cent) and Shanghai CRED (33 per cent) – see separate listings. One of Australia’s largest beef producers with a herd of 171,000 cattle. Owns pastoral leases covering 7.93 million hectares, in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
• 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
554,000 hectares.
• Helen Springs, Tennant Creek NT
562,200 hectares.
• Innamincka Station, Leigh Creek SA
1,355,200 hectares.
• Macumba Station, Oodnadatta SA
1,106,300 hectares.
• Morney Plains Station, Windorah QLD
624,000 hectares.
• Naryilco Station, Tibooburra QLD
751,000 hectares.
• Rockybank Station, Roma QLD
14.600 hectares.
• Ruby Plains, Halls Creek WA
950.100 hectares.
• Tungali Feedlot, Sedan SA
1700 hectares.
Source: kidman.com.au
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
Beef operation operated by Prue and David Bondfield – winners of The Weekly Times Coles 2016 Farmer of the Year. Comprises the Palgrove Charolais, Charbray and Ultrablack studs. Teamed with the New Zealand Superannuation Fund in 2017 to grow the business.
• Killaloo, Drillham QLD
2025 hectares.
• Rhodesia, Emerald QLD
2025 hectares.
• Macintyre Station, Bukkulla NSW
• Mountview, Ben Lomond NSW
2225 hectares
• Strathgarve and Palgrove, Dalveen QLD
4050 hectares. Operation headquarters.
PARAWAY PASTORAL COMPANY
Paraway Pastoral Company hasn’t wasted any time in becoming a major player on Australia’s rural property scene. Since formation in 2007, when its buying spree kicked off with the historic Pooginook Merino stud at Jerilderie in the NSW Riverina, it has put together a portfolio of more than 30 properties totalling 4.2 million hectares.
• Aberaldie Station, Walcha NSW
4092 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Armraynald Station, Burketown QLD
214,090 hectares. Purchased in 2009.
• Barton Station, Moyston VIC
8244 hectares.
• Beckworth Court, Clunes VIC
3024 hectares. Purchased in 2016.
• Borambil Station, Condobolin NSW
14,442 hectares. Purchased in 2008.
• Burindi Station, Barraba NSW
11,000 hectares. Purchased in 2008.
• Burmah, Inverell NSW
4187 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $9.3 million.
• Buttabone Station, Warren NSW
28,783 hectares. Purchased in 2010.
• Clonagh Station, Cloncurry QLD
214,270 hectares. Purchased in 2009.
• Cooinbil Station, Coleambally NSW
89,040 hectares. Purchased in 2010.
• Davenport Downs, Winton QLD
1,510,000 hectares. Purchased in 2009.
• Gregory Downs Station, Mt Isa QLD
266,425 hectares. Purchased in 2009.
• Malvern Hills Station, Blackall QLD
50,070 hectares. Purchased in 2011.
• Merrimba Station, Coonamble NSW
19,097 hectares. Purchased in 2011.
• Moira Runda, Condamine QLD
4855 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for more than $13 million.
• Mungadal Station, Hay NSW
116,994 hectares. Purchased in 2010.
• Newstead and Paradise, Inverell NSW
12,200 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for $78 million.
• Oxley Station, Warren NSW
35,249 hectares. Purchased in 2011.
• Pier Pier Station, Coonamble NSW
31,603 hectares. Purchased in 2011.
• Pooginook Station, Jerilderie NSW
19,656 hectares. Purchased in 2007.
• Rocklands Station, Camooweal QLD
675,000 hectares. Purchased from Western Grazing Company in 2016.
• Steam Plains Station, Conargo NSW
46,395 hectares. Purchased in 2008.
• Tanbar Station, Windorah QLD
1,021,904 hectares. Purchased from Western Grazing Company in 2016.
• The Bulls Run, Wagga Wagga NSW
7497 hectares. Purchased in 2007.
• Urawilkie, Coonamble NSW
25,994 hectares.
Source: paraway.com.au
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.
PUBLIC SECTOR PENSION INVESTMENT BOARD (CANADA)
Pension fund for Canada’s Public Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Owns a stake in Daybreak Cropping and Hewitt Cattle (see separate listings).
• Bengerang and Darling Farms aggregation, Garah and Bourke NSW
9593 hectares. Purchased in a joint venture in 2018 for $132.7 million.
• BFB portfolio, Temora and Wagga Wagga NSW
44,167 hectares. Purchased in 2018 for $208 million.
• Daybreak Cropping, NSW, QLD, VIC and WA
32,750 hectares. Joint venture with Warakirri Asset Management.
• Hewitt Cattle aggregations, NSW and QLD
• Stahmann Farms (Trawalla), Moree NSW
700 hectares. Established in the 1960s and now comprising more than 80,000 mature pecan trees.
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.
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
RIFA SALUTARY
Australian arm of Chinese beef importer Zhejiang Rifa Holding Group also involved in sheep production in northwest China.
• Blackwood, Dunkeld VIC
2400 hectares.
• Cooplacurripa Station, Gloucester NSW
22,550 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Highland Plains/Stonefield/Avondale/Durkin, Warialda NSW.
Purchased in 2016 for $15 million.
• Kerriki/Number One, Gloucester NSW
1457 hectares. Purchased in 2015.
• Kulwin Park/McNicholl’s, Wycheproof VIC
4534 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for about $9 million.
• Middlebrook Park/Apple Tree/Kooroon/Keeva, Nundle NSW
Four farms totalling 8000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for about $60 million.
GINA RINEHART-HANCOCK PROSPECTING
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart continues to expand Hancock Prospecting’s stake in Australian agriculture, last year adding new holdings to her cattle empire which spans about 2.22 million hectares. Also owns a 66 per cent stake in Outback Beef, which bought the majority of S Kidman and Co in 2016 (see separate listing).
• Aroona Station, Katherine NT
150,000 hectares. Purchased in 2017.
• Bannister Downs Dairy, Northcliffe WA
Joint venture with the Daubney family producing seven million litres of milk a year.
• Boogadah/Kagan, Mendooran NSW
4600 hectares. Purchased in 2014 for $25 million.
• Fossil Downs, Fitzroy Crossing WA
400,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $30 million.
• Glendon Park, Armidale NSW
3234 hectares. Purchased in 2018.
• Glencoe Station, Dubbo NSW
10,000 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $30 million.
• Hollyrood, South Maffra, Forestvale and Polana, Roma QLD
21,000 hectares. Purchased in 2017 for more than $40 million.
• Inverway and Riveren stations, Victoria River NT
550,000 hectares. Purchased in 2016 for about $60 million.
• Liveringa Station, Looma WA
265,000 hectares. Purchased 50 per cent share in 2014.
• Maydan Feedlot, Warwick QLD
10,000-head capacity feedlot. Purchased in 2017 for $22 million.
• Mulga Downs, Pilbara WA
384,451 hectares
• Nerrima Station WA
203,000 hectares. Purchased 50 per cent share in 2014.
• Phoenix Park, Katherine NT
3443-hectare export depot. Purchased in 2016 for $14 million.
• South Burnett QLD
35,000 hectares. Purchased a number of beef, dairy and peanut properties in 2014.
• Willeroo Station, Katherine NT
171,000 hectares. Purchased in 2017.
Source: hancockprospecting.com.au
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 company owns a diversified portfolio — including beef stations, almond and macadamia orchards and vineyards which are leased to operators. Its assets are valued at $923.1 million.
• 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.
• 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. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.
• Dyamberin, New England NSW
1728 hectares.
• Geier vineyard, Barossa Valley SA
243 hectares of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.
• Hahn vineyard, Barossa Valley SA
49 hectares of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.
• Kerarbury/Kamelda, Darlington Point NSW
7756 hectares. Purchased in October 2015 for $19.25 million. 1282 hectares of almonds under development. Leased to Olam Orchards.
• Kleinig vineyard, Barossa Valley SA
206 hectares of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.
• 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. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.
• Murphy vineyard, Adelaide Hills SA
30 hectares of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.
• 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.
• 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.
• RFM Poultry, Griffith NSW and Lethbridge VIC
17 poultry growing farms comprising 154 sheds.
• Rosebank vineyard, Grampians VIC
82 hectares of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.
• Swan Ridge and Moore Park, Bundaberg QLD
234 hectares of macadamias.
• Tocabil, Hillston NSW
6900 hectares. 600 hectares of almonds planted and under development. Leased to Olam Orchards.
• Woodburn, New England NSW
1062 hectares. Purchased in 2019.
• Yilgah, Hillston NSW
6400 hectares. 1006 hectares of almonds planted, leased to Select Harvests.
Source: ruralfunds.com.au
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
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.
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
Own 3509 hectares and leases 4180 hectares of almond orchards in Victorian Mallee, the South Australian Riverland and NSW Riverina. Processing facilities at Carina West in the Mallee and Thomastown in Melbourne.
• 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. Required to reduce its interest in Cubbie Station to 51 per cent by late 2018.
• Larundel Estate, Ballarat VIC
1012 hectares. Purchased in 2011 for $14 million.
• Cubbie Station/Anchorage/Aspen, St George QLD
90,000 hectares including 30,000 hectares of cotton. Purchased in 2012 for $240 million. Co-owned by Fletchers International boss Roger Fletcher.
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
STANBROKE PASTORAL
Established in the 1960s, Stanbroke Pastoral Company is a fully integrated beef business operating eight cattle stations covering 1.6 million hectares in Queensland’s Gulf region. The company was once one of Australia’s biggest landholders with 11.6 million hectares.
• Augustus Station, Mt Isa QLD
• Donors Hill Station, Julia Creek QLD
• Fort Constantine, Cloncurry QLD
• Glenore Station, Mt Isa QLD
• Kamilaroi Station, Cloncurry QLD
• McAllister Station, Normanton QLD
• Miranda Station, Normanton QLD
• Warrenvale Station, Normanton QLD
Source: stanbroke.com
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.
• Boorondarra Station, Moree NSW
Purchased in 1986.
• Cudgidool, Moree NSW
• Keytah, Moree NSW
25,042 hectares. Purchased in 1984.
• 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. It arrived dramatically on the Australian rural property scene in 2014 when it paid $18 million for the 639,000-hectare Balfour Downs at Roy Hill in Western Australia.
• 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
• Wandanya Station, Roy Hill WA
• Wollogorang/Wentworth, Gulf of Carpentaria QLD-NT border
705,700 hectares. Purchased in 2015 for $47 million.
THAMES PASTORAL COMPANY (UK)
Australian subsidiary of London-based Insight Global Farmland Fund Pty Ltd.
• Tanumbirini Station, NT
500,000 hectares. Purchased in 2002 for about $35 million. Listed for sale in February 2018.
• Forrest Hill Station, NT
54,000 hectares. Purchased in 2013 for $6.4 million. Listed for sale in February 2018.
TIAA-CREF GLOBAL AG PROPERTIES (US)
North American teacher superannuation fund owns a reported $1 billion worth of farm and water assets, with more than 250,000 hectares of cropping country, in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, including:
• Aaron, Nabawa WA
2942 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Abilene North, Gunnedah NSW
841 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Bedford Harbour, Munglinup WA
14,538 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Bengalala, Gunnedah NSW
1809 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Boonery Park, Moree NSW
3795 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Brooklyn Downs, Quairading WA
4542 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Brookstead, Darling Downs QLD
711 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Bulgandra, Walbundrie NSW
1953 hectares of cropping.
• Bulgary, Galore NSW
3713 hectares of dryland and irrigated cropping.
• Burradoo, Boggabilla NSW
3275 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Burrenda, Wee Waa NSW
2884 hectares of irrigated cropping.
• Cobran Station, Carrathool NSW
8059 hectares of irrigated cropping. Purchased in 2013.
• Coromup, Gnowangerup WA
8927 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Crooble Aggregation, Moree NSW
3137 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Dalawn, Corrigan WA
6184 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Dunolly, Wongan Hills WA
2748 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Dyfed, Moree NSW
1477 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Eraramba, Three Springs WA
3040 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Erlside, Warren NSW
3655 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Five Mile, Breeza NSW
808 hectares.
• Glen Erin, Mullaley NSW
3525 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Gil Gil Ag, Moree NSW
3340 hectares.
• Glenfine, Lismore VIC
2780 hectares of cropping.
• Gorian, Burren Junction NSW
4315 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Grainfields, Moree NSW
1946 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Gregmaun, Lake King WA
8388 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Greylands, Wee Waa NSW
4945 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Hendreff, Watheroo WA
3643 hectares.
• Herbert Valley, Ingham QLD
953 hectares.
• Highbury, Wagin WA
4909 hectares.
• Hoopers, Ongerup WA
5502 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Huddersfield, Darlington Point NSW
1082 hectares.
• Jedburgh, Warren NSW
3967 hectares of irrigated cropping.
• Karingal, Gnowangerup WA
2840 hectares.
• Lindley Downs, Springsure QLD
4080 hectares of cropping.
• Lort River, Grass Patch WA
6275 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Macintyre Downs, Goondiwindi QLD
6315 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Mascott, Bellata NSW
13,482 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Milchengowrie, Boggabri NSW
4636 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Milo, Moree NSW
8868 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Mullala, Boggabilla NSW
1142 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Mullumbimby, Derrinallum VIC
688 hectares of cropping.
• Mumblebone, Warren NSW
3260 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Mumby, Northampton WA
5986 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Myuna, Mt Madden WA
1603 hectares of cropping.
• Pircarra, Darlington VIC
1350 hectares of cropping.
• Prairie Aggregation, Jondaryan QLD
4034 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Rainey Plains, Three Springs WA
3379 hectares of cropping.
• Rosebank, Henty NSW
479 hectares of cropping.
• Sperwill Springs, Quairading WA
1683 hectares of cropping.
• Strathvean, Cressy VIC
1509 hectares of cropping.
• Torokina, Collie NSW
3110 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Toucan, West Coorow WA
2813 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Tubbo Irrigation, Darlington Point NSW
2033 hectares, Purchased in 2017.
• Ulendah, Moree NSW
4746 hectares.
• Varley, Varley WA
9612 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Warra, Dalby QLD
3787 hectares of irrigated and dryland cropping.
• Warrawillah, Culcairn NSW
1093 hectares of cropping.
• Watheroo, Watheroo WA
13,395 hectares of dryland cropping.
• Wedgewoods, Nabawa WA
4518 hectares of cropping.
• Westwood, Henty NSW
250 hectares of cropping.
• Willyama, Condingup WA
7626 hectares.
• Yattlewondi, Mungindi NSW
3053 hectares.
• Yeovil, Gunnedah NSW
1954 hectares of irrigated cropping.
Source: tiaa.org
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.
UNION AGRICULTURE (CHINA)
Subsidiary of Hebei-based Jiahe Brewery.
• 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.
• Mt Falcon Station, Tooma NSW
2840 hectares. Purchased for $6 million in 2011.
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
VIC SUPER
Melbourne-based superannuation and pension fund with $256 million investing 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.
VIRIDIS AG
Supported by Macquarie Agricultural Funds Management. Owns eight properties in NSW, South Australia and Western Australia totalling 81,050 hectares.
• Amarinya, Jerramungup WA
14,600 hectares. Purchased in 2018 from Hassad Australia.
• Arawa, Eneabba WA
14,200 hectares.
• Bindana Downs, Bindi Bindi WA
8500 hectares. Purchased in 2018 from Hassad Australia.
• Cummins, Cummins SA
2600 hectares. Purchased in 2018.
• Englefield Plains, Junee NSW
7500 hectares. Purchased in 2018 from Hassad Australia.
• Gindurra, Canowindra NSW
8500 hectares. Purchased in 2018 from Hassad Australia.
• The Grange, Dongara WA
16,700 hectares. Purchased in 2018 from Wellard Group for a reported $32 million.
• Yupiri, Beaumont WA
8400 hectares. Purchased in 2018 from Hassad Australia.
Source: viridisag.com
WARAKIRRI ASSET MANAGEMENT
Private investment company established in 1993. Manages more than 80,937 hectares for institutional investors. Warakirri Cropping owns and operates 100,000 hectares of cropping farms in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Western Australia. Warakirri Dairies comprises about 4600 hectares across 11 dairy farms in Victoria and South Australia, milking 8000 cows.
• Baingarra, Minyip VIC
5600 hectares (crops).
• Bangalay, Rosedale VIC
340 hectares (dairy).
• Bonney View, Millicent SA
460 hectares (dairy).
• Boolavilla, Croppa Creek NSW
4900 hectares (crops).
• Bullarto Downs, Hopetoun VIC
5900 hectares (crops).
• Canunda Park, Millicent SA
250 hectares (dairy).
• Coradjil Place, Simpson VIC
310 hectares (dairy).
• Cowabbie-Mukoora, Ardlethan NSW
10,500 hectares (crops).
• Glenfarm, Cobden VIC
180 hectares (dairy).
• Lobethal, Beaumont WA
13,600 hectares (crops).
• Maritana, Echuca VIC
1010 hectares (dairy).
• Mawarra, Merredin WA
10,950 hectares (crops).
• Myola, Dalby QLD
3000 hectares (crops).
• Orange Park, Lockhart NSW
8800 hectares (crops).
• Orford Wells, Port Fairy VIC
360 hectares (dairy).
• Peneplain, Rosedale VIC
450 hectares (dairy).
• Poorinda, Simpson VIC
285 hectares (dairy).
• Warwillah, Hawkesdale VIC
340 hectares (dairy).
• Welbourne, Simpson VIC
260 hectares (dairy).
• Willaroo, via Goondiwindi NSW
13,700 hectares (crops).
• Wyobie, Dalby QLD
2800 hectares (crops).
Source: warakirricropping.com.au; warakirridairies.com.au
WAVERLEY STATION
Owned by Sydney businessman Michael Crouch.
• Waverley Station, King Island TAS
6000 hectares spread over three properties.
• Waverley Station, Scone NSW
Large holding in the Hunter Valley home to the Waverley Station Angus herd.
WEBSTER LIMITED
Australia’s fourth-oldest company with cropping (17,670 hectares), livestock (320,000 hectares), orchard (3000 hectares) ventures in southern NSW, South Australia and Tasmania. Assets are valued at $760.4 million.
• Avondale Orchards, Griffith NSW
Walnut farm.
• Bringagee/Benerembah, Carrathool NSW
40,000 hectares. Purchased in 2014.
• Kalabity Station, via Broken Hill SA
Purchased for $12.5 million
• Kooba Station, Darlington Point NSW
Purchased in 2014.
• Leeton orchard, Leeton NSW
Walnut farm.
• Motspur Park, Tabbita NSW
250 hectares of walnuts. Purchased in 2017 for $23.1 million.
• Packsaddle Station, Broken Hill NSW
• Pevensey/Glenmea/South Farm, Hay NSW
• Sandy Valley Orchard, Griffith NSW
Almond farm.
• Swansea Orchard, Swansea TAS
Walnut farm.
• Tandou, Menindee NSW
127,337 hectares.
Source: websterltd.com.au
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. Sold two properties comprising 1.7 million hectares to Paraway Pastoral Company in 2016.
• 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
176,000ha
• 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. Assets include:
• Cowl Cowl, Hillston NSW
11,001 hectares. Listed for sale in April 2019.
• Newmarket Station, Hay NSW
11,617 hectares. Listed for sale in April 2019.
• Wyadra Station, Hillston NSW
9949 hectares. Listed for sale in April 2019.
WILLIAMS CATTLE COMPANY
Owned by South Australia’s Tony and Jackie Williams, 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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