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Who owns Australia’s farms? Nation’s biggest landholders revealed

WHO owns Australian farms? Check out The Weekly Times’ list of more than 500 properties and their owners.

Heads up: Cattle muster time on Anna Creek Station in South Australia, owned by S. Kidman & Co.
Heads up: Cattle muster time on Anna Creek Station in South Australia, owned by S. Kidman & Co.

WHO owns Australian farms?

That’s the question on many lips as the debate over foreign investment in Australian agriculture continues to rage.

The Weekly Times has compiled a list of more than 500 properties and their owners, who range from family partnership and domestic pastoral groups to international business people and conglomerates.

The big players are a mix of foreign and domestic entities.

With its more than 10 million hectares, Australian pastoral giant S Kidman and Co has the most land. But foreign funds such as US teacher superannuation entity TIA-CREFF are rapidly building a profile with a reported investment of $1 billion in prime farming country.

The list provides a platform for debate about investment in Australian agriculture. Where is it needed and where should it come from?

 

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Agriculture’s big players

 

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ACE FARMING (GERMANY)

European-pension fund backed. One of mainland Australia’s largest dairy farmers.

Shelley, Cobram
Northern Victoria
270ha. Purchased in 2015.

Malmo Farm, Cobram
Northern Victoria
500ha. Purchased in 2014.

Melro Park, Heywood
Western Victoria
470ha. Purchased in 2014.

Oxdale, Cobram
Northern Victoria
400ha. Purchased in 2014.

Tarraville, Yarram
South Gippsland
668ha. Purchased in 2015.

Yarramundi, Cobram
Northern Victoria
970ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

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ACTON LAND AND CATTLE COMPANY

Owned by the family of the late Graeme Acton. Run about 1.57 million hectares of land. In 2015 sold a controlling interest to Australian Country Choice (see listing) to form a joint venture.

Barkly Downs, Camooweal
Queensland
1,000,000ha.

Croydon Station, Rockhampton
Queensland

Moray Downs, Clermont
Queensland
121,000ha. Sold in 2012 but leased back.

Millungera Station, Julia Creek
Queensland
404,600ha.

Paradise Lagoons, Rockhampton
Queensland

Rugby Run, Mackay
Queensland

 

Pastoral icon: The late Graeme Acton.
Pastoral icon: The late Graeme Acton.

 

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ADVEQ REAL ASSETS (SWITZERLAND)

Private equity firm founded in Switzerland in 1997.

Olam aggregation, Robinvale
Northern Victoria
18,000ha. Purchased in 2014.

 

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ANGUS PASTORAL COMPANY

Family-owned beef company founded in 1960. Runs over 161,875ha in central and north Queensland.

Carpentaria Downs, Einasleigh
Queensland

Chesterfield Station, Clermont
Queensland

Kimberley Station, Clermont
Queensland

Sondella feedlot, Clermont
Queensland

 

Mooving forward: Blair and Josie Angus and their children.
Mooving forward: Blair and Josie Angus and their children.

 

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ARCHIPELAGO BEEF TRUST

Owned by controversial businessman Luke Butler.

Ban Ban Springs, Darwin
Northern Territory
187,300ha. Purchased in 2016 for $10 million.

Riveren/Inverway, Victoria River
Northern Territory
550,000ha. Purchased in 2016 for more than $60 million.

 

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AUSCOTT LIMITED (US)

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.

Midkin, Gwydir Valley
Northern NSW
Purchased in 1979.

 

New venture: Auscott's cotton gin at Hay in the NSW Riverina.
New venture: Auscott's cotton gin at Hay in the NSW Riverina.

 

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AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY

Established in 1824, Operates across seven million hectares of land in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Anthony Lagoon/Eva Downs
Northern Territory
934,900ha.

Aronui Feedlot, Dalby
Queensland
Purchased in 2002.

Avon/Austral Downs, Camooweal
Queensland
863,100ha.

Brunette Downs, Tennant Creek
Northern Territory
1,221,200ha. Purchased in 1979.

Camfield Station, Victoria River
Northern Territory
279,000ha.

Canobie/Alcala/Lyrian, Cloncurry
Queensland
492,100ha

Carrum Station, Julia Creek
Queensland
50,613ha. Purchased in 2004.

Dalgonally Station, Julia Creek
Queensland
128.000ha.

Delamere Station, Victoria River
Northern Territory
300,300ha.

Glentana Station, Springsure
Queensland

Goonoo feedlot, Emerald
Queensland.
Established in 1990.

Headingly/Wolgra/Carandotta, Mt Isa
Queensland
1,003,200ha.

Labelle Downs/Welltree, Batchelor
Northern Territory
61,000ha.

Montejinni Station, Victoria River
Northern Territory

Pell/Tortilla, Darwin
Northern Territory
5473ha. Purchased in 2014.

South Galway Station, Windorah
Queensland
487,600ha.

Thorner Station, Mt Isa
Queensland
48,600ha. Purchased in 2015.

Wondoola Station, Normanton
Queensland
252,500ha.

Wylarah Station, Surat
Queensland
40,468ha.

Prized holding: Australian Agricultural Company’s Brunette Downs Station in the Northern Territory.
Prized holding: Australian Agricultural Company’s Brunette Downs Station in the Northern Territory.

 

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AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHOICE

Own, lease and manage 54 Queensland properties totalling 662,500ha, turning off 150,000 cattle a year. Also in partnership with Acton.

Babbiloora Station, Augathella
Queensland

Black Mountain/Gifford. Adavale
Queensland

Boomerang, Roma
Queensland

Brindley Park Feedlot, Darling Downs
Queensland

Bundilla, Roma
Queensland

Chesterton Station, Augathella
Queensland

Dungowan, Dungowan
Queensland

Listowel Valley, Adavale
Queensland

Mooga Hills, Roma
Queensland

Mooga West, Roma
Queensland

Mooga South, Roma
Queensland

Niella, Roma
Queensland

Opal Creek, Cecil Plains
Queensland
3116ha with feedlot. Purchased in 2015.

Redford Station, Mungallala
Queensland

Wellclose Station, Adavale
Queensland

 

Value chain: Australian Country Choice’s Brindley Park Feedlot.
Value chain: Australian Country Choice’s Brindley Park Feedlot.

 

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AUSTRALIAN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Owned by the Bell family of Bell Securities. Operate over 224,138ha of land in NSW. Properties include the FS Falkiner Merino studs in the Riverina.

Barratta, Boonoke, Peppinella, Wanganella, Warriston and Zara, Conargo
NSW Riverina
122,934ha.

Burrabogie, Kolora, Mulberrygong, North Cobran and Wahwoon, Hay
NSW Riverina
57,023ha.

Wingadee/Netherway, Coonamble
Central NSW
44,181ha.

Heads up: Australian Food and Agriculture’s Boonoke Station at Conargo in NSW.
Heads up: Australian Food and Agriculture’s Boonoke Station at Conargo in NSW.

 

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AUSTRALIAN PASTORAL GROUP

Founded in 2012 primarily as a beef operation and operates over 151,500ha in Queensland and southern NSW.

Deltroit Station, Wagga Wagga
Southern NSW
2548ha. Purchased in 2013 — FOR SALE.

Neumayer Valley, Gulf of Carpentaria
Queensland
142,854ha. Purchased in 2013 — FOR SALE.

 

Prized property: The Deltroit Station homestead near Wagga Wagga.
Prized property: The Deltroit Station homestead near Wagga Wagga.

 

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AUSTRALIAN PASTORAL LAND COMPANY

Headed by AWX labour hire firm boss Tom Strachan. Holdings include:

Lighthouse Station, Roma
Queensland
7365ha. Purchased in 2015 for $14 million.

Lorraine, Roma
Queensland

 

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ANTONY AND SYBIL BAILLIEU

Members of the renowned Baillieu family. Sold Mount Elephant Station at Derrinallum for more than $20 million in 2010.

Eynesbury Station, Eynesbury
Central Victoria
8094ha. Purchased in 1947.

Yarram Park, Willaura
Western Victoria
9700ha. Purchased in 1948.

Victorian holdings: Antony Baillieu.
Victorian holdings: Antony Baillieu.

 

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BOUNDARY BEND LIMITED

Established in 1998, is now Australia’s leading producer of premium extra-virgin olive oil. Operate over 6070ha of land. Shareholder-owned.

Boort Estate, Boort
Northern Victoria
2550ha of olive groves, comprising 900,000 trees.

Boundary Bend Estate, Boundary Bend/Wemen
Northern Victoria
3500ha of olive groves, comprising 1.3 million trees.

 

Tree believers: Olive trees at Boundary Bend Estate in northern Victoria.
Tree believers: Olive trees at Boundary Bend Estate in northern Victoria.

 

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BRETT BLUNDY RETAIL CAPITAL (SINGAPORE)

Private investment company founded by retail king Brett Blundy in 1980.

Amungee Amungee, Elliott
Northern Territory
328,500ha.

Beetaloo Station, Elliott
Northern Territory
1,050,000ha.

Mungabroom/OT Downs
Northern Territory
1,000,000ha.

Walhallow/Cresswell, Tennant Creek
Northern Territory
999,700ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

Business plan: Retail king Brett Blundy.
Business plan: Retail king Brett Blundy.

 

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LYN BRAZIL

Wealthy businessman and philantropist

Vermelha Station
Northern Territory
200,000ha. FOR SALE (2016)

 

 

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BRINKWORTH FAMILY

One of Australia’s wealthiest graziers. Operates over one million hectares of land spread across 100 properties, including:

Uardry Station, Hay
NSW Riverina
35,000ha. Purchased in 2012 for $28 million.

Watervalley Station, Kingston
South Australia

 

Massive landholder: South Australia’s Tom Brinkworth.
Massive landholder: South Australia’s Tom Brinkworth.

 

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BROOK PROPRIETORS

Birdsville Hotel owners and major shareholders in OBE Organics David and Nell Brook and family run about 3.5 million hectaresin southern Queensland and South Australia, including:

Adria Downs, Birdsville
Queensland

Alton Downs, via Birdsville
South Australia

Cordillo Downs, Innamincka
South Australia

Kamaran Downs, Bedourie
Queensland

Murnpeowie Station, Marree
South Australia

 

Big gun: David Brook on Adria Station near Birdsville in southwest Queensland.
Big gun: David Brook on Adria Station near Birdsville in southwest Queensland.

 

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BYDAND PASTORAL COMPANY

Private investment company with a diverse portfolio across a range of asset classes.

Cooplacurripa Station, Gloucester
Northern NSW
22,548ha.

Noorama aggregation, Cunnamulla
Western Queensland
104,000ha

 

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CAASON GROUP/AILERON PASTORAL HOLDINGS

Private investor group with a focus on natural resources, mining and telecommunications.

Aileron, Alice Springs
Northern Territory
408,000ha. Purchased in 2015

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CARGILL/BLACK RIVER ASSET MANAGEMENT/ONE TREE AGRICULTURE (US)

Owned by Cargill Inc, the largest privately held corporation in the US. Holdings include:

Billabong Station, Wagga Wagga
Southern NSW
1875ha. Purchased in 2012.

Darling Downs aggregation, Dalby
Queensland
7000ha. Purchased in 2014.

Kinbeachie Aggregation, Goondiwindi
Queensland
5993ha. Purchased in 2016 for more than $15 million.

Marwood Farm, Mackay
Queensland

Temora aggregation
Southern NSW
Owns about 12 grain properties.

Vaucluse, Conara
Tasmania
2654ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

Historic holding: Billabong Station near Wagga Wagga.
Historic holding: Billabong Station near Wagga Wagga.

 

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CK LIFE SCIENCES (CHINA)

Hong Kong-listed company, understood to be backed by Hong Kong’s richest person Li Ka-shing. Owns Nicoletti Farms, one of Western Australia’s biggest grain growers with 68,000ha around Merredin and north of Geraldton.

McWilliam Wines vineyards, Griffith and Coonawarra
NSW and South Australia
650ha. Purchased in 2015.

Nicoletti Farms, Merredin and Geraldton
Western Australia
68,000ha. Purchased in 2016.

 

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CLARK AND TAIT

Large-scale Queensland graziers, founded by Peter Tait and James Clark in the early 1900s.

Barcaldine Downs, Barcaldine
Queensland

Bimerah, Longreach
Queensland

Mantuan Downs, Springsure
Queensland

Boongoondoo/Hobartville, Jericho
Queensland

Powella, Aramac
Queensland

Mt Enniskillen, Blackall
Queensland

 

 

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CONSOLIDATED PASTORAL COMPANY (UK)

Australia’s largest privately owned beef producer. Runs about 375,000 cattle over 20 properties covering more than 5.7 million hectares. The majority shareholder is UK-based Terra Firma Capital.

Allawah Brahman, Biloela
Queensland
3069ha. Purchased in 1989.

Argyle Downs, Kununurra
Western Australia
72,022ha.

Auvergne Station, Kimberley
Western Australia
414,200ha.

Bunda Station, Victoria River
Northern Territory
178,800ha. Purchased in 2015.

Carlton Hill Station, Kununurra
Western Australia
475,745ha.

Comely/Mapala, Moura
Queensland
23,159ha.

Cooinda Station, Winton
Queensland
24,308ha. Purchased in 2010.

Dungowan Station, Katherine
Northern Territory
445,400ha.

Gowan Station, Blackall
Queensland
18,077ha. Purchased in 2011.

Isis Downs, Isisford
Queensland
237,602ha.

Kirkimbie Station, Katherine
Northern Territory
230,400ha. Purchased in 1986.

Manbulloo Station, Katherine
Northern Territory
379,131ha. Purchased in 1994.

Mimong Station, Julia Creek
Northern Territory
79,971ha. Purchased in 2010.

Mt Marlow, Isisford
Queensland
73,100ha. Purchased in 2004.

Newcastle Waters, Barkly
Northern Territory
1,033,100ha. Purchased in 1983.

Newry Station, Kununurra
Western Australia
246,700ha. Purchased in 1992.

Nockatunga, Thargomindah
Queensland
852,300ha. Purchased in 1990.

Ucharonidge, Tennant Creek
Northern Territory
247,920ha. Purchased in 2008.

Wrotham Park, Cairns
Queensland
596,430ha. Purchased in 2009.

Northern gem: Consolidated Pastoral Co’s Carlton Hill Station.
Northern gem: Consolidated Pastoral Co’s Carlton Hill Station.

 

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COSTA GROUP

Australia’s largest grower, packer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables. Listed on the ASX.

Casuarina Mushroom Farm, Casuarina
Western Australia

Corindi Berry Farm, Corindi
Northern NSW

Euston DC Grapes, Euston
Northern Victoria

Gingin Berry Farm, Gingin
Western Australia

Glen Aplin Mushroom Farm, Glen Aplin
Queensland

Guyra Tomato Glasshouse, Guyra
Northern NSW

Mernda Mushroom Farm, Mernda
Victoria

Monarto Mushroom Farm, Monarto
South Australia

Mundubbera Grape Farm, Mundubbera
Queensland

North Maclean Mushroom Farm, North Maclean
Queensland

Tully Banana Farm, Tully
Queensland

Solora Avocado Farm, Solora
South Australia

Tumbarumba Berry Farm, Tumbarumba
Southern NSW

Walkamin Berry Farm, Walkamin
Queensland

Yandilla Citrus Farm, Yandilla
South Australia

 

 

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COWAL AGRICULTURE

Australian company affiliated with US-based Global Endowment Management

Nogoa River aggregation, Emerald
Queensland
Comprising eight properties and 5000ha of cropland irrigated by the Fairbairn Dam.

 

 

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ANTHONY CRICHTON-BROWN/COOLONG PASTORAL AUSTRALIA

London-based Australian agribusinessman. Former Lumley Insurance chief executive. Properties include:

Merrilla, Goulburn
Southern NSW
388ha. Purchased in 2015.

Natue Station, Hay
NSW Riverina
16,200ha. Purchased in 2016.

Toronga Station, Hay
NSW Riverina
34,000ha. Purchased in 2010.

Expat businessman: Anthony Crichton-Brown.
Expat businessman: Anthony Crichton-Brown.

 

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DASHANG GROUP (CHINA)

Large Chinese retailer which operates department stores and supermarkets

Clear Hills, Captains Flat
Southern NSW
Purchased in 2015.

Glenrock Station, Hunter Valley
Central NSW
Purchased for $45 million.

Wootton/Kuro Kin Wagyu, Hunter Valley
Central NSW
3439ha. Purchased in 2016.

 

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DUNKELD PASTORAL COMPANY

Owned by prominent Melbourne barrister Allan Myers QC.

Dunkeld Station, Dunkeld
Western Victoria
10,120ha. Purchased in 1976.

Kimberley aggregation
Western Australia
770,000ha.

Tipperary Group
Northern Territory
400,000ha.

Legal eagle: Allan Myers of Dunkeld Pastoral Company.
Legal eagle: Allan Myers of Dunkeld Pastoral Company.

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TIM FAIRFAX

Member of the Fairfax publishing family. Reportedly owns 10 pastoral properties throughout Queensland.

 

Media players: Tim and Gina Fairfax.
Media players: Tim and Gina Fairfax.

 

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GRANT FARRIS

Founder of Darwin’s Broadsword Marine contracting business

Bullo River Station, Timber Creek
Northern Territory
162,700ha. Purchased in 2015 for $10 million.

Deck hand: Grant Farris.
Deck hand: Grant Farris.

 

 

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FERRERO GROUP (ITALY)

Italian-based global chocolate company.

Dellapool, Narrandera
Southern NSW
2000ha of hazelnut plantations

 

Nutty future: Ferrero Group’s $70 million orchard under construction at Dellapool near Narrandera in southern NSW.
Nutty future: Ferrero Group’s $70 million orchard under construction at Dellapool near Narrandera in southern NSW.

 

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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
Southern NSW
3000ha.

Congi Station, Woolbrook
Northern NSW
9987ha.

Doughboy Mountain, Armidale
Northern NSW
1350ha. Purchased in 2015.

Mobinbry, North Star
Northern NSW
6100ha. Purchased in 2014.

Wyvern Station, Carrathool
NSW Riverina
52,000ha.

Family affair: Michael and Angela Field of TA Field Estates.
Family affair: Michael and Angela Field of TA Field Estates.

 

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ROGER FLETCHER

Founder of Fletcher International Exports and former Australian Wool Innovation board member.

Kiargathur Station, Condobolin
Central NSW
32,000ha.

Lightning Ridge
Northern NSW
40,000ha.

Export boss: Roger Fletcher.
Export boss: Roger Fletcher.

 

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ANDREW TWIGGY FORREST/MINDEROO GROUP

West Australian mining magnate. One of Australia’s richest persons.

Brickhouse Station, Canarvon
Western Australia
225,315ha. Purchased in 2015.

Minilya Station, Coral Bay
Western Australia
275,000ha. Purchased in 2015.

Minderoo Station, Onslow
Western Australia
240,000ha. Purchased in 2009.

Nanutarra/Uaroo, Onslow
Western Australia
163,000ha. Purchased in 2012.

Hands dirty: Andrew Twiggy Forrest on his Minderoo property at Onslow.
Hands dirty: Andrew Twiggy Forrest on his Minderoo property at Onslow.

 

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FORSTA AP-FONDA (SWEDEN)

One of Sweden’s biggest pension funds. Invested in 15 rural properties in Australia during 2012, including:

Merri Meric, Henty
Southern NSW
16,000ha. Purchased in 2012 for $7 million.

 

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FUCHENG GROUP (CHINA)

Chinese automotive interior company.

Woodlands, Roma
Queensland
31,000ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

 

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GREENTREE FARMING

Owned by former GrainCorp and Grain Growers Limited chairman Ron Greentree. One of Australia’s biggest crop producers, operating over 115,000ha. Investments include:

Milton Downs/Boolcarrol, Bellata
Northern NSW
47,500ha. I
n partnership with Greentree Farming. Listed for sale 2014 for $200 million.

 

Big player: Ron Greentree.
Big player: Ron Greentree.

 

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GLENCORE GRAIN (SWITZERLAND)

Owns more than 30,000ha of land in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, including:

Grenfell aggregation, Grenfell
Southern NSW

Hopetoun aggregation, Hopetoun
Western Victoria

Border aggregation
South Australia-Victoria

 

 

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GREAT GIANT LIVESTOCK (INDONESIA)

An offshoot of PT Great Giant Pineapple, one of the large pineapple growing and processing company in the world.

Willeroo Station, Katherine
Northern Territory
Purchased in 2014.

 

 

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GUNN AGRI PARTNERS

Fund established by Bill Gunn, son of late pastoralist Sir William Gunn.

Ballaroo, Roma
Queensland
11,463ha. Purchased in 2015.

Ekari Park, Roma
Queensland
13,239ha. Purchased in 2015.

Esmeralda Station, Richmond
Queensland
406,000ha. Purchased in 2016 for about $40 million.

Fairview, Roma
Queensland
11,393ha. Purchased in 2015.

Goodar Station, Goondiwindi
Queensland.
18,400ha. Purchased in 2016.

 

 

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GREGORY HADJIELEFTHERRIADIS (GREECE)

Greek shipping tycoon

Bolaro Station, Adaminaby
Southern NSW

 

Monaro made: Greek shipping tycoon Gregory Hadjieleftheriadis at Bolaro Station in 2002.
Monaro made: Greek shipping tycoon Gregory Hadjieleftheriadis at Bolaro Station in 2002.

 

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HAILIANG GROUP (CHINA)

One of China’s top 500 groups, controlled by Feng Hailiang — China’s 90th richest man.

Hollymount Station, St George
Queensland
50,000ha. Purchased for $40 million in 2015.

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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
South Australia
343,000ha. Purchased in 2008.

Swinging Shovel, Lucindale
South Australia

The Rises, Balmoral
Western Victoria

 

Big operator: Paddy Handbury.
Big operator: Paddy Handbury.

 

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HARRIS FAMILY, MOREE

Include brothers Ken and Ron Harris. Significant interests in cropping land around Moree in NSW, as well as:

Bemmery/Janbeth/Latoka, Bourke
Northern NSW
30,000ha. Purchased in 2014.

Boolcarrol/Milton Downs, Bellata
Northern NSW
50,000ha. In partnership with Greentree Farming. Listed for sale 2014 for $200 million.

Gogo Station, Fitzroy Crossing
Western Australia

Strathmore, Croydon
Queensland
931,000ha. Purchased in 2004 for about $20 million.

 

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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
Northern NSW
1750ha. Purchased in 2015.

Baramul, Hunter Valley
Central NSW

Coomboona Holdings (49.9%)
Northern Victoria

Ag focus: Gerry Harvey and wife Katie Page-Harvey.
Ag focus: Gerry Harvey and wife Katie Page-Harvey.

 

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HASSAD AUSTRALIA (QATAR)

Qatar sovereign wealth fund. Established in 2009, owns 14 farming aggregations totalling about 300,000ha.

Amarinya, Jerramungup
Western Australia
14,672ha. Purchased in 2012.

Barton Station, Moyston
Western Victoria
8244ha. Purchased in 2011.

Bindana Downs, Bindi Bindi
Western Australia
8483ha. Purchased in 2012.

Clover Downs, Cunnamulla
Queensland
125,292ha. Purchased in 2010.

Englefield Plains, Wagga Wagga
Southern NSW
7448ha. Purchased in 2012.

Gindurra, Canowindra
Central NSW
8516ha. Purchased in 2010.

Kaladbro Station, Strathdownie
Western Victoria
2632ha. Purchased in 2010.

Manilla, Burra
South Australia
3263ha. Purchased in 2014.

Old Bundemar, Trangie
Central NSW
22,562ha. Purchased in 2011.

Raby Station, Warren
Central NSW
9782ha. Purchased in 2010.

Tapleys/Garra, Eyre Peninsula
South Australia.
7106ha. Purchased in 2014.

Telopea Downs Station, Telopea
Western Victoria
47,677ha. Purchased in 2012.

Urawilkie, Coonamble
Central NSW
25,932ha. Purchased in 2014.

Yupiri, Esperance
Western Australia
8340ha. Purchased in 2012.

In charge: Hassad Australia chief executive John McKillop.
In charge: Hassad Australia chief executive John McKillop.

 

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HAZELDEAN LITCHFIELD

Run by fifth-generation of the Litchfield family, Jim, and his wife Libby. Home to Hazeldean Angus and Merino studs. Sold the 26,300ha Rosevale Station near Hay to Paraway Pastoral Company in 2015.

Hazeldean/Myalla, Cooma
NSW Monaro
13,760ha. Settled in the 1860s.

Adelong
Southern NSW
1012ha. Purchased in 2013.

 

Home base: Hazeldean’s headquarters near Cooma in NSW.
Home base: Hazeldean’s headquarters near Cooma in NSW.

 

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HEILONGJIANG FENG AGRICULTURAL (CHINA)

A subsidiary of Heilongjiang Beidahuang Rice Industry Group. Owns and leases about 85,000ha of farms in the West Australian wheatbelt.

Joyce farms, Lake King
Western Australia
23,336ha.

Ongerup farm, Ongerup
Western Australia
6500ha.

 

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HENWOOD FAMILY

Run about 70,000 cattle on 26 properties, including at Carrathool, Coleambally, Grong Grong and Hillston in the NSW Riverina.

 

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HEWITT CATTLE AUSTRALIA/PUBLIC SECTOR PENSION INVESTMENT BOARD (CANADA)

Run by Queensland pastoralists the Hewitt family. Operates over about 300,000 hectares, including:

Oakleigh/Stoodleigh, Marlborough
Queensland
13,650ha. Purchased in 2015.

Pegunny aggregation, Moura
Queensland
31,000ha. Purchased in 2015.

Pony Hills, Injune
Queensland
22,662ha.

Scotts Creek, Strathblane and Wybara, Roma
Queensland
41,084ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

 

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HEYTESBURY CATTLE COMPANY

Owned by the Holmes a Court family and part of the Heytesbury Group of Companies, headquartered in Perth.

Birrindudu Station, Katherine
Northern Territory
673,000ha.

Flora Valley, Kimberley
Western Australia
824,400ha.

Humbert River Station, Victoria River
Queensland
108,000ha. Purchased in 2016.

Moolooloo, Victoria River
Northern Territory
203,600ha.

Mt Sanford
Northern Territory
249,700ha.

Pigeon Hole
Northern Territory
180,000ha.

Victoria River Downs, Victoria River
Northern Territory
282,400ha.

Family affair: Paul Holmes a Court on Victoria River Downs in the Northern Territory.
Family affair: Paul Holmes a Court on Victoria River Downs in the Northern Territory.

 

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MICHAEL HINTZE PREMIUM FARMS (UK)

British-Australian businessman with a net worth of about $1.8 billion. Owns about 49,200ha in NSW valued at about $107 million. Farms are managed by Growth Farms Australia, including:

Boorowa aggregation, Boorowa
Southern NSW
4600ha.

Breadelbane farm, Breadelbane
Southern NSW
Purchased in 2007 for $12.5 million.

Gunedra/Redcamp, Wee Waa
Northern NSW
2200ha

Horseshoe Lagoon farms, Horseshoe Lagoon
572ha
Northern Queensland

Malabar, Young
Southern NSW

Rippling Waters, Jingellic
Southern NSW
1733ha. Purchased in 2010.

South Tallwood, Goondiwindi
Queensland
7800ha. Purchased in 2014.

Warrane, Armidale
Northern NSW
7700ha. Purchased in 2007.

Wollogorang, Goulburn
Southern NSW

Big player: Michael Hintze owns about 50,000ha of farmland.
Big player: Michael Hintze owns about 50,000ha of farmland.

 

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HO MYOUNG FARM (KOREA)

Backed by the Korean Young An Group. Owns about 500,000ha around Bourke in western NSW

 

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HUGHES PASTORAL GROUP/GEORGINA PASTORAL COMPANY

Run by Peter and Jane Hughes and their sons Sam and Fred. Operates more than 2.25 million hectares in Queensland, the Northern Territory and NSW, including:

Argadargada Station
Northern Territory

Lake Nash Station, Barkly Tableland
Northern Territory
1,200,000ha.

Tierawoomba, Nebo
Queensland
140,000ha

 

Vast property: The Hughes family’s 1.2 million hectare Lake Nash Station.
Vast property: The Hughes family’s 1.2 million hectare Lake Nash Station.

 

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INDIGENOUS LAND CORPORATION

Owned by the Federal Government. Runs about 100,000 cattle on 2.15 million hectares of farms across Australia. Properties include:

Banka Banka West, Tennant Creek
Northern Territory
154,300ha.

Bulimba Station, Chillagoe
Queensland
279,298ha. Purchased in 1999.

Cardabia Station, Coral Bay
Western Australia
199,808ha. Purchased in 1999.

Carranya, Halls Creek
Western Australia
354,241ha

Durack River Station, Durack
Western Australia
365,208ha.

Fish River Station, Darwin
Northern Territory
182,500ha.

Home Valley, Kimberley
Western Australia
248,939ha.

Karunjie, Kimberley
Western Australia
273,941ha.

Merepah Station, Coen
Queensland
186,479ha.

Middle Park, Richmond
Queensland
133,246ha. Purchased in 2000.

Mount Clarence Station, Manguri
South Australia
178,390ha. Purchased in 1998.

Mount View Station, Northampton
Western Australia
12,463ha. Purchased in 2002.

Mount Willoughby Station, Coober Pedy
South Australia
479,608ha. Purchased in 1999.

Mulgul Station, Meekatharra
Western Australia
279,883ha. Purchased in 2003.

Myroodah/Luluigui, Kimberley
Western Australia
402,769ha.

Ooratippra Station, Alpurrurulam
Northern Territory
432,036ha. Purchased in 2000.

Roebuck Plains Station, Broome
Western Australia
282,823ha.

Silver Plains Station, Coen
Queensland
167,231ha. Purchased in 2001.

Strathgordon Station, Cape York
Queensland
121,000ha. Purchased in 2000.

Wanarie Pastoral Station, Mt Magnet
Western Australia
112,048ha.

 

Vast holding: Oomaloo Falls, which form part of the Durack River Station, in Western Australia.
Vast holding: Oomaloo Falls, which form part of the Durack River Station, in Western Australia.

 

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JUMBUCK PASTORAL

Owned by the MacLachlan family. Has 12 properties in South Australia, Western Australia and NSW, totalling more than 5.75 million hectares and employing 135 staff.

Blina/Ellendale, Fitzroy Crossing
Western Australia
404,685ha. Purchased in 1991.

Bulgunnia, Coober Pedy
South Australia
320,000ha.

Commonwealth Hill, Coober Pedy
South Australia
1,000,000ha.

Gunbar/Tiarra Station, Hillston
NSW Riverina
58,000ha.

Killarney/Birrimba, Katherine
Northern Territory
541,400ha. Purchased in 2014.

Madura Plains, Nullarbor Plain
Western Australia
708,200ha.

Meda Station, Derby
Western Australia.
505,850ha

McCoys Well, Yunta
South Australia
58,680ha. Purchased in 1970.

Mobella, Coober Pedy
South Australia
413,200ha.

Mt Victor/Plumbago, Yunta
South Australia
200,000ha.

Mulgathing, Tarcoola
South Australia
530,000ha

Rawlinna, Kalgoorlie
Western Australia
1,011,714ha. Purchased in the 1960s.

 

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KEATS FAMILY PASTORAL

Family owned and operated pastoral company running over four farms in outback Queensland.

Belford Station, Richmond
Queensland
48,562ha.

Gleeson/White Hills, Cloncurry
Queensland
75,676ha.

Kiama, Mackay
Queensland
324ha.

 

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S KIDMAN AND CO

One of Australia’s largest beef producers with a herd of 185,000 cattle. Owns pastoral leases covering 101,000 square kilometres in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Anna Creek Station
South Australia
2.4 million ha. Australia’s biggest cattle property.

Durham Downs Station, Eromanga
Queensland
891,000ha.

Durrie Station, Birdsville
Queensland
660,000ha.

Glengyle Station, Birdsville
Queensland
554,000ha.

Helen Springs, Tennant Creek
Northern Territory
1,019,800ha.

Innamincka Station, Leigh Creek
South Australia
1,355,200ha.

Macumba Station, Oodnadatta
South Australia
1,106,300ha.

Morney Plains Station, Windorah
Queensland
624,000ha.

Naryilco Station, Tibooburra
Queensland
751,000ha.

Rockybank Station, Roma
Queensland
14.600ha.

Ruby Plains, Halls Creek
Western Australia
950.100ha.

Tungali Feedlot, Sedan
South Australia
1700ha.

 

Kidman country: Cattle being loaded at Helen Springs Station near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
Kidman country: Cattle being loaded at Helen Springs Station near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.

 

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LAWSONS GRAIN

Macquarie Bank-backed agricultural fund operating over eight aggregations in NSW and Western Australia with about 74,400 arable hectares.

Borambil, Balldale
Southern NSW
8270ha. Purchased in 2013.

Grassmere, Urana
Southern NSW
10,037ha. Purchased in 2014.

Gunnadoo, Jerramungup
Western Australia
11,178ha. Purchased in 2013.

Hakea, Esperance
Western Australia
12,762ha. Purchased in 2012.

Kealandi, Moree
Northern NSW
7381ha. Purchased in 2012.

Uah, Forbes
Central NSW
8460ha. Purchased in 2014.

Walyoo, Yathroo
Western Australia
5541ha. Purchased in 2014.

Wongan, Wongan Hills
Western Australia
10,772ha. Purchased in 2014.

Piece of the puzzle: Lawson Grain’s Grassmere at Urana in southern NSW.
Piece of the puzzle: Lawson Grain’s Grassmere at Urana in southern NSW.

 

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LEPPINGTON PASTORAL COMPANY

Family company based in NSW, primarily focused on dairy. Milks about 2000 cows.

Billabong Station, West Wyalong
Southern NSW
10,000ha

Greenway, Bringelly
Central NSW
1280ha. Purchased in 1980.

Karoola Park, Bringelly
Central NSW
358ha. Purchased in 1975.

Lake Cowal, Marsden
Southern NSW
1500ha. Purchased in 2014.

Linton, Bringelly
Central NSW
242ha. Purchased in 1963.

Moxey Farms, Gooloogong
Central NSW
2700ha. Purchased in partnership in 2015.

Stoneleigh, Wilbeforce
Central NSW

In check: Michael Perich at the Leppington Pastoral Company's dairy.
In check: Michael Perich at the Leppington Pastoral Company's dairy.

 

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LI FAMILY (CHINA)

Eilan Donan, Sutton Grange
Central Victoria
1460ha. Purchased in 2015.

Breadalbane, Sutton Grange
Central Victoria
540ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

 

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AJ & PA McBRIDE PTY LTD

Family-owned company established in 1920 operating over 1.1 million hectares. One of Australia’s largest wool growers.

Ashmore, Kingston SE
South Australia
6920ha. Purchased in 1937.

Braemar Station, Burra
South Australia
131,213ha. Purchased in 1907.

Brooklyn/Omar, Lucindale
South Australia
3596ha. Purchased in 1952.

Faraway Vineyard, Naracoorte
South Australia
34ha. Purchased in 2003.

Konetta Station, Millicent
South Australia
5171ha. Purchased in 1974.

Nepowie, Naracoorte
South Australia
2665ha. Purchased in 1955.

North Well, Kingoonya
South Australia
403,943ha. Purchased in the 1980s.

Teetulpa, Yunta
South Australia
70,173ha. Purchased in 1905.

Wilgena, Tarcoola
South Australia
474,194ha. Purchased in 1924.

 

 

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ROBERT McBRIDE

Owns three properties in NSW Western Division spanning 250,000ha. Director of Australian Wool Growers Association and family company AJ & PA McBride (see above).

Peppora Station, Menindee
Western NSW
Purchased in 1998.

Tolarno Station, Menindee
Western NSW
Purchased in 1997.

Wyoming Station, Menindee
Western NSW
Purchased in 2011.

 

Family affair: Robert McBride, with his children Kate and James, on Tolarno Station.
Family affair: Robert McBride, with his children Kate and James, on Tolarno Station.

 

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McCOY FAMILY, RICHMOND

Prospect Station, Croydon
Queensland
90,900ha.

 

 

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DUNCAN McDONALD

Sydney businessman.

Tom Groggin Station, Khancoban
Southern NSW
810ha. Purchased in 1994.

 

High country holding: Tom Groggin Station near Khancoban in NSW.
High country holding: Tom Groggin Station near Khancoban in NSW.

 

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McDONALD HOLDINGS

One of Australia’s largest beef cattle operations, running about 175,000 cattle over 3.36 million hectares.

Brightlands Station, Cloncurry
Queensland
Purchased in 1946.

Chatsworth Station, Cloncurry
Queensland

Devoncourt Station, Cloncurry
Queensland

Dunbar Station, Normanton
Queensland Gulf

Iffley Station, Normanton
Northern Queensland

Kierawonga/Leitrim,
Queensland

Mt Windsor, Charters Towers
Queensland

Nangram
Queensland

Rutland Plains, Normanton
Queensland Gulf

Stradbroke Station, Dajarra
Queensland

Verdun Valley, Boulia
Queensland

Wallumba Feedlot
Queensland

 

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MIDFIELD GROUP-POMALA PTY LTD

Midfield Meats boss Colin McKenna owns about 7284ha in southwest Victoria and South Australia’s South East, including:

The Union Station, Warrnambool
3237ha.

 

Mooving forward: Colin McKenna.
Mooving forward: Colin McKenna.

 

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MILLINGTON FAMILY

Headed by former Adelaide businessman George Millington.

Cappedee, Hallett
South Australia
2040ha. Purchased in 2010.

Callawonga Hill, Parawa
South Australia
616ha.

Collinsville Station, Burra
South Australia
56,090ha. Purchased in 2014.

 

Stud shape: Adelaide businessman George Millington.
Stud shape: Adelaide businessman George Millington.

 

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MILLS FAMILY

Large-scale croppers between Moree and Goondiwindi in northern NSW. Also own pastoral company in western Queensland.

Cropping land, Moree
Northern NSW
Crop about 10,120ha.

Myendetta, Charleville
Queensland
16,261ha — FOR SALE

Hythe, Charleville
Queensland
4171ha — FOR SALE

Mangalore, Charleville
Queensland
7221ha — FOR SALE

 

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MINNAMURRA PASTORAL COMPANY

Established at Mudgee NSW in 1974 by Bruce Reid. Now runs 18,000 cattle, 25,000 sheep and 5000ha of cereal crops across 150,000ha in NSW and Queensland.

Cortina aggregation, Wollar
Central NSW
11,000ha.

Glenrowan aggregation, Gunnedah
Northern NSW
11,500ha.

Noorama aggregation, Cunnamulla
Queensland
105,000ha.

Oinmurra, Dirranbandi
Queensland
12,000ha.

Old Boorooma, Walgett
Northern NSW
10,000ha.

 

Beefed up: Minnamurra Pastoral Company manager Dennis Power and owner David Reid.
Beefed up: Minnamurra Pastoral Company manager Dennis Power and owner David Reid.

 

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MOONLAKE INVESTMENTS (CHINA)

Backed by Chinese businessman Lu Xianfeng.

Van Diemen’s Land Company
Tasmania
17,800ha. Australia’s biggest dairy. Purchased in 2016.

 

Milky way: Businessman Lu Xianfeng, owner of Van Diemen's Land Company.
Milky way: Businessman Lu Xianfeng, owner of Van Diemen's Land Company.

 

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NANGWARRY PASTORAL COMPANY

Owned by former Defence Minister and Australian Wool Innovation chairman Ian McLachlan. Interests in South Australia and NSW, including:

Tupra Station, Oxley
NSW Riverina

 

Pollie pedal: Former Defence Minister and Australian Wool Innovation chairman Ian McLachlan.
Pollie pedal: Former Defence Minister and Australian Wool Innovation chairman Ian McLachlan.

 

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NAPIER PASTORAL COMPANY

Owned by Greg and Sharon Vickers from Keith in South Australia

Delmore Downs, Alice Springs
Northern Territory

Delny, Alice Springs
Northern Territory

 

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NEW HOPE (CHINA)

Chinese agriculture group with annual sales of about $8.8 billion.

Moxey Farms, Gooloogong
Central NSW
2700ha. Purchased in partnership for $100 million in 2015.

 

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NORTH AUSTRALIAN PASTORAL COMPANY

Runs a herd of about 200,000 cattle across 13 stations totalling 5.8 million hectares in Queensland and the Northern Territory. An 80 per cent shareholding sold to Queensland Government-owned Queensland Investment Corporation for $400 million in 2016. QIC fund includes a small amount of foreign money. Remaining 20 per cent owned by the Foster family.

Alexandria Station, Camooweal
Northern Territory
1,611,800ha.

Boomarra Station, Cloncurry
Queensland
108,000ha. Purchased in 1989.

Coolullah Station, Cloncurry
Queensland
214,000ha. Purchased in the 1990s.

Coorabulka Station, Boulia
Queensland
637,000ha.

Cungelella Station, Springsure
Queensland
21,870ha.

Glenormiston Station, Boulia
Queensland
692,000ha. Purchased in 1968.

Goldsborough Station, Roma
Queensland
11,660ha. Purchased in 2000.

Gordon Downs Station, Emerald
Queensland
11,729ha. Purchased in 2003 (leased).

Kynuna Station, Julia Creek
Queensland
140,563ha. Purchased in 1986.

Landsborough Station, Nebo
Queensland
12,168ha. Purchased in 2008.

Marion Downs, Boulia
Queensland
1,246,000ha. Purchased in 1934.

Mittiebah Station, Camooweal
Queensland
695,500ha.

Monkira Station, Windorah
Queensland
373,000ha. Purchased in 1939.

Wainui Feedlot, Bowenville
Queensland
5000ha. Purchased in 1985.

Road north: Cungelella Station at Springsure, in northern Queensland.
Road north: Cungelella Station at Springsure, in northern Queensland.

 

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NORTH STAR PASTORAL

Privately owned company operating over almost 750,000 hectares.

Limbunya, Katherine
Northern Territory
520,000ha.

Maryfield Station, Katherine
Northern Territory
140,000ha. Purchased in 2013.

Venture/Kui Downs, Gordonstone
Queensland
3440ha.

 

 

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ONTARIO TEACHERS’ PENSION PLAN BOARD (CANADA)

Established in 1991, administers for pensions of 183,000 teachers. Had $171.4 billion in assets in 2014.

Margooya/Canarvon, Robinvale
Northern Victoria
2878ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

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ORIENT AGRICULTURE (CHINA)

Shanghai-based private company.

Undabri, Goondiwindi
Queensland
11,935ha. Purchased in 2014 for $30 million.

 

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PARAWAY PASTORAL COMPANY

Macquarie Bank-back pastoral fund founded in 2007. Now owns 32 properties — or 17 aggregations — totalling 4.1 million hectares.

Armraynald Station, Burketown
Northern Qld
214,090ha. Purchased in 2009.

Beckworth Court, Clunes
Western Victoria
2400ha. Purchased in 2016.

Borambil Station, Condobolin
Central NSW
12,935ha. Purchased in 2008.

Burindi Station, Barraba
Northern NSW
8328ha. Purchased in 2008.

Buttabone Station, Warren
Central NSW
28,783ha. Purchased in 2010.

Clonagh Station, Cloncurry
Northern Queensland
214,270ha. Purchased in 2009.

Cooinbil Station, Coleambally
NSW Riverina
89,040ha. Purchased in 2010.

Davenport Downs, Winton
Western Queensland
1,510,000ha. Purchased in 2009.

Gregory Downs Station, Mt Isa
Western Queensland
266,425ha. Purchased in 2009.

Malvern Hills Station, Blackall
Western Queensland
50,070ha. Purchased in 2011.

Merrimba Station, Coonamble
Central NSW
19,097ha. Purchased in 2011.

Mungadal Station, Hay
NSW Riverina
116,994ha. Purchased in 2010.

Oxley Station, Warren
Central NSW
35,249ha. Purchased in 2011.

Pooginook Station, Jerilderie
NSW Riverina
19,656ha. Purchased in 2007.

Pier Pier Station, Coonamble
Central NSW
31,603ha. Purchased in 2011.

Rocklands Station, Camooweal
Queensland
675,000ha. Purchased from Western Grazing Company in 2016.

Steam Plains Station, Conargo
NSW Riverina
45,834ha. Purchased in 2008.

Tanbar Station, Windorah
Queensland
830,000ha. Purchased from Western Grazing Company in 2016.

The Bulls Run, Wagga Wagga
NSW Riverina
7497ha. Purchased in 2007.

Large holding: Mungadal Station near Hay in the NSW Riverina.
Large holding: Mungadal Station near Hay in the NSW Riverina.

 

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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
Central NSW
2030ha. Purchased in 1992.

Dry River Station, Katherine
Northern Territory
65,000ha

Eurunderee, Mudgee
Central NSW
485ha.

Kurrajong Park, Liverpool Plains
Central NSW
19,000ha

Melaleuca Station, Darwin
Northern Territory
45,000ha.

South Tahara, Wagga Wagga
Southern NSW
2666ha.

Thornthwaite, Scone
Central NSW
6666ha.

Prime holding: Paspaley Pastoral Company’s South Tahara near Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Prime holding: Paspaley Pastoral Company’s South Tahara near Wagga Wagga, NSW.

 

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DEAN PHILLIPS (US)

Pioneer of cotton growing in Australia.

Koramba, Moree
Northern NSW
14,166ha. FOR SALE.

 

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RICK PISATURO

Italian-born former Sydney real estate agent.

Clifton, Young
Southern NSW
225ha. Purchased in 2016 for more than $3 million.

Yarrow Station, Mendooran
Central NSW
2023ha. Home to Mandalong cattle studs.

 

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WEN QUIGNAN (CHINA)

Chinese businessman, Tianyu Wool Industries president.

Lal Lal Estate, Yendon
Victoria
2025ha. Purchased in 2014.

 

Foreign affair: Lal Lal Estate owner Qingnan Wen and farm manager Matt Hodge.
Foreign affair: Lal Lal Estate owner Qingnan Wen and farm manager Matt Hodge.

 

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GINA RINEHART/HANCOCK PROSPECTING

One of Australia’s richest persons and daughter of the late mining magnate Lang Hancock. Has invested significantly in agricultural land in recent years.

Boogadah/Kagan, Dubbo
Central NSW
Purchased in 2014

Fossil Downs, Fitzroy Crossing
Western Australia
400,000ha. Purchased in 2015.

Glencoe Station, Dubbo
Central NSW
10,000ha. Purchased in 2015.

Liveringa Station, Looma
Western Australia
265,000ha. Purchased 50 per cent share in 2014.

Nerrima Station
Western Australia
203,000ha. Purchased 50 per cent share in 2014.

Rich list: Gina Rinehart.
Rich list: Gina Rinehart.

 

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ROMANI PASTORAL COMPANY (UK)

Owned by Zurich-born Urs Schwarzenbach, one of Britain’s richest men.

Brawlin Springs, Cootamundra
Southern NSW

Garangula, Harden
Southern NSW

Mandeville, Premer
Central NSW

Redbank, Harden
Southern NSW

Windy Station, Quirindi
Northern NSW
13,700ha. Purchased for $19 million in 1996.

 

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ROMEO ROXAS (PHILIPPINES)

Filipino banker and property developer.

Epenarra, Barkly Tablelands
Northern Territory
265,000ha. Purchased in 2015.

Murray Downs, Barkly Tablelands
Northern Territory
265,000ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

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KEITH AND ROSIE ROUS

Earl and Countess of Stradbroke

Mt Fyans Station, Dundonnell
Western Victoria
5900ha. FOR SALE — asking $35-$40 million

 

Earldom earth: Keith Rous at Mt Fyans Station near Dundonnell.
Earldom earth: Keith Rous at Mt Fyans Station near Dundonnell.

 

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RURAL FUNDS GROUP

Listed company. Owns a diversified portfolio of farms and agricultural assets, which are leased to high-quality tenants.

Dohnt vineyard, Coonawarra
South Australia
30ha of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.

Geier vineyard, Barossa Valley
South Australia
243ha of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.

Hahn vineyard, Barossa Valley
South Australia
49ha of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.

Kerarbury/Kamelda, Darlington Point
NSW Riverina
7756ha. Purchased in October 2015 for $19.25 million. 1500ha of almonds under development. Leased to Olam Orchards.

Kleinig vineyard, Barossa Valley
South Australia
206ha of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.

Mooral, Hillston
NSW Riverina
3841ha. 808ha of almonds planted.

Mundy vineyard, Adelaide Hills
South Australia
26ha of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.

Murphy vineyard, Adelaide Hills
30ha of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.

RFM Poultry, Griffith/Lethbridge
NSW Riverina and Central Victoria
Seventeen poultry growing farms comprising 154 sheds.

Rosebank vineyard, Grampians
Central Victoria
82ha of vines. Leased to Treasury Wine Estates.

Tocabil, Hillston
NSW Riverina
6900ha. 600ha of almonds planted and under development. Leased to Olam Orchards.

Yilgah, Hillston
NSW Riverina
6400ha. 1006ha of almonds planted, leased to Select Harvests.

Crop top: Rural Funds Group’s Kerarbury station near Darlington Point in NSW.
Crop top: Rural Funds Group’s Kerarbury station near Darlington Point in NSW.

 

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SELECT HARVESTS

Own 2996ha and lease 3770ha of almond orchards in Victorian Mallee, the South Australian Riverland and NSW Riverina.

Robinvale/Euston orchards
Northern Victoria/southern NSW
1688ha.

Griffith/Hillston orchards
NSW Riverina
671ha.

Loxton/Paringa orchards
South Australia
637ha.

 

 

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SHANDONG RUYI (CHINA)

Chinese textile group

Larundel Estate, Ballarat
Western Victoria
1012ha. Purchased in 2011 for $14 million.

Cubbie Station, St George
Queensland

 

Top crop: Cubbie Station chief executive Paul Brimblecombe.
Top crop: Cubbie Station chief executive Paul Brimblecombe.

 

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SHANGHAI ZENITH (CHINA)

Australian operating arm of Shanghai CRED

Yakka Munga, West Kimberley
Western Australia
189,000ha. Purchased in 2009.

Mt Elizabeth Station, Fitzroy Crossing
Western Australia
200,000ha. Purchased in 2016.

 

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SHANGHAI ZHONGFU (CHINA)

One of Shanghai’s largest private real estate developers

Ord Stage 2 project, Ord River
Western Australia
15,200ha of sugar and sorghum.

 

Water way: KAI general manager Jim Engelke beside the Ord River stage 2 irrigation channel.
Water way: KAI general manager Jim Engelke beside the Ord River stage 2 irrigation channel.

 

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SIMMONS FAMILY

Avon Downs, Clermont
Queensland

Bungobine, Mt Coolon
Queensland
36,900ha. Purchased in 2015.

Whynot, Mt Coolon
Queensland
45,600ha

 

 

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SOUTHERN AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES (UK)

London-based investment fund

Gundaline Station, Carrathool
NSW Riverina
15,000ha of crops. Purchased in 2014 for $25 million

 

 

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STANBROKE PASTORAL

Owned by the Menegazzo family. Operates over about 1.6 million hectares of prime cattle country in northern Queensland.

Augustus Station, Mt Isa
Queensland

Donors Hill Station, Julia Creek
Queensland

Fort Constantine, Cloncurry
Queensland

Glenore Station, Mt Isa
Queensland

Kamilaroi Station, Cloncurry
Queensland

Miranda Station, Normanton
Queensland

 

Round ‘em up: Mustering time for Stanbroke Pastoral Company.
Round ‘em up: Mustering time for Stanbroke Pastoral Company.

 

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KERRY STOKES

Australian businessman and Seven Network chairman. Has expanded his agricultural interests significantly in recent years, including:

Balquhidder Station, Fleurieu Peninsula
South Auustralia

Clifton Downs, Kangaroo Island
South Australia

Long Hill Station, Kangaroo Island
South Australia
1600ha

Mt Scrub, Fleurieu Peninsula
South Australia

Napier Downs Station, Derby
Western Australia
400,000ha. Purchased in 2015.

Woodlana Station, Kangaroo Island
South Australia
2800ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

Media boss: Kerry Stokes.
Media boss: Kerry Stokes.

 

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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. Is one of Australia’s largest water holders.

Boorondarra Station, Moree
Northern NSW
Purchased in 1986.

Cudgidool, Moree
Northern NSW

Gunnee Feedlot, Delungra
Northern NSW
1607ha. Capacity of 10,000 cattle. Joint venture with Mort and Co.

Keytah, Moree
Northern NSW
25,042ha. Purchased in 1984.

Newstead, Inverell
Northern NSW
4848ha.

Sundown Valley, Kingstown
Northern NSW
20,000ha.

Paradise, Inverell
Northern NSW
6500ha.

Wathagar, Moree
Northern NSW
Purchased in 1986.

 

 

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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FUND

Owns and operates grain, cotton, beef and dairy farms across five aggregations in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.

Cradle Coast aggregation
Tasmania
1145ha. Purchased in 2010.

Darlington Point aggregation, including Tubbo Irrigation
Southern NSW
4926ha. Purchased in 2010.

North Star aggregation
Northern NSW
9710ha. Purchased in 2009.

King Island aggregation
Tasmania
6786ha. Purchased in 2010.

Western Victoria aggregation
Western Victoria
5425ha. Purchased in 2011.

 

 

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SWISS AUSTRALIA FARM HOLDINGS

Operates farms in western NSW and South Australia’s South East, including:

Glenstrae, Willalooka
South Australia
5876ha.

Naweena, Padthaway
South Australia
7433ha.

 

 

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TIANMA BEARINGS GROUP (CHINA)

Owned by Chinese billionaire Xingfa Ma.

Wollogorang/Wentworth, Gulf of Carpentaria
Queensland-Northern Territory border
705,700ha. Purchased in 2015.

 

 

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TWYNAM AGRICULTURE GROUP (ARGENTINA)

Once Australia’s biggest wool growers, has been downsizing in recent years. Owned by the Kahlbetzer family from Argentina. Operate over 50,000ha, including:

Jemalong Station, Forbes
Central NSW

Johnniefields, Goulburn
Southern NSW

Merrowie/Brooklyn, Hillston
NSW Riverina

The Mount, Forbes
Central NSW

Wingello, Goulburn
Southern NSW

 

Downsizing: Twynam's Johnny Kahlbetzer.
Downsizing: Twynam's Johnny Kahlbetzer.

 

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UNION AGRICULTURE (CHINA)

Subsidiary of Hebei-based Jiahe Brewery. Owns more than 12,000 hectares in NSW.

Bobbara Station, Galong
Southern NSW
4500ha. Purchased for $13.8 million in 2011.

Mt Falcon Station, Tooma
Southern NSW
2840ha. Purchased for $6 million in 2011.

Kyabra Station, Tamworth
Northern NSW
5260ha. Purchased in 2016.

 

China owned: The historic homestead on Mt Falcon Station at Tooma.
China owned: The historic homestead on Mt Falcon Station at Tooma.

 

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COUNT CARL GUSTAV WACHTMEISTER

Chairman of Danish-based Ingleby Farms and Forests

Mt Elephant Station, Derrinallum
Western Victoria
3310ha. Purchased in 2010.

 

Prized holding: Mt Elephant Station at Derrinallum in Victoria’s Western District.
Prized holding: Mt Elephant Station at Derrinallum in Victoria’s Western District.

 

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WARAKIRRI ASSET MANAGEMENT

Private investment company established in 1993.

Warakirri Cropping
Own and operate 77,000ha of cropping farms in Victoria, southern and northern NSW, southern Queensland and Western Australia.

Warakirri Dairies
Own and operate about 4600ha across 11 dairy farms in Victoria and South Australia’s South East. Milks 8500 cows and 4500 heifers.

 

Whey forward: Warakirri boss Ben James on one of the company’s farms.
Whey forward: Warakirri boss Ben James on one of the company’s farms.

 

 

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WAVERLEY STATION

Owned by Sydney businessman Michael Crouch.

 

Waverley Station King Island
Tasmania
6000ha spread over three properties.

Waverley Station Scone
Central NSW
Large holding in the Hunter Valley home to the Waverley Station Angus herd.

 

High steaks: Michael Crouch.
High steaks: Michael Crouch.

 

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WEBSTER LIMITED

Australia’s fourth oldest company. Runs Walnuts Australia, which 2200ha of walnut operations in Tasmania and NSW. Purchased Tandou land and water company last year. Operations include:

Bengerang aggregation, Garah
Northern NSW
8177ha.

Bundygoola, Hay
NSW Riverina
7450ha.

Fort Bourke/Darling Farms, Bourke
Northern NSW
15,771ha.

Glenmea, Hay
NSW Riverina
6223ha.

Kooba/Bringagee/Benerembah, Darlington Point
NSW Riverina
40,000ha. Purchased in 2014.

Lakeland Downs, Condamine
Queensland
1684ha.

Pevensey, Hay
NSW Riverina
2397ha.

Tandou Farm/Willotia, Hay
NSW Riverina
127,337ha.

 

In charge: Webster Australia chief executive Chris Corrigan.
In charge: Webster Australia chief executive Chris Corrigan.

 

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WELLARD GROUP

Live export shipping company. Listed on the ASX. Includes foreign money.

Bobawina/Westwood/Gunyidi, Watheroo
Western Australia
11,050ha

Hyfield/Crossburn/Doen Langi/Yaralla, Kojonup
Western Australia
7831ha.

La Bergerie sheep feedlot, Baldivis
Western Australia

Lansdown, Townsville
Queensland

2300ha.

The Grange/Mt Horner/Tabletop, Dongara
Western Australia
16,500ha.

Turkey Heath, Strathdownie
Victoria
1200ha.

Woolner Flood Plain, Darwin
Northern Territory
64,700ha.

Ship shape: Wellard chief executive Mauro Balzarini.
Ship shape: Wellard chief executive Mauro Balzarini.

 

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WESTCHESTER AG/TIAA-CREF/GLOBAL AG PROPERTIES (US)

US teacher superannuation fund owns a reported $1 billion worth of farms in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, including:

Belah Park/Merriot/Yattlewondi, Goondiwindi
Queensland
5000ha. Purchased from former PrimeAg boss Peter Corish in 2016 for $35 million.

Bengalala, Gunnedah
Northern NSW

Bulgary, Galore
Southern NSW

Burradoo/Wilga/Warrina/Ivanhoe, North Star
Northern NSW
Purchased from PrimeAg Australia Limited in 2012.

Cobran Station, Carrathool
NSW Riverina
17,200ha. Purchased in 2013.

Glenfine Station, Skipton
Victoria

Grass Patch, Western Australia
8000ha

Macintyre Downs, Goondiwindi
Queensland
3012ha, Purchased in 2013.

Milchengowrie, Gunnedah
Northern NSW.
6952ha. Purchased from PrimeAg Australia Limited in 2013 as part of a three-property deal for $126 million.

North Gunnible, Gunnedah
Northern NSW

St Ruth/Colonsay/Prentices, Darling Downs
Queensland
Purchased from PrimeAg Australia Ltd in 2012.

Yeovil, Gunnedah
Northern NSW

White way: Cotton harvest on TIA-CREF’s Cobran Station near Hay.
White way: Cotton harvest on TIA-CREF’s Cobran Station near Hay.

 

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WESTERN GRAZING COMPANY

One of Australia’s largest beef producing companies, owned by the Oxenford family. Operates across almost 1.8 million hectares. Sold two properties comprising 1.7 million hectares to Paraway Pastoral Company in 2016.

Allendale Station, Augathella
Queensland
21,000ha.

Eurella Station, Muckadilla
Queensland
22,000ha.

Magowra Station, Normanton
Queensland
294,000ha.

Morstone Downs, Camooweal
Queensland
176,000ha

Oban Station, Mt Isa
Queensland
261,000ha.

Wave Hill Station, Victoria River
Northern Territory
1,200,000ha

 

Air time: Helicopter mustering on Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory.
Air time: Helicopter mustering on Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory.

 

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WESTERN ROSELLA FARMING-HARVARD ENDOWMENT FUND (US)

The endowment fund of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Harvard, in Boston.

Booberoi Station, Condobolin
Central NSW

Cowl Cowl, Hillston
NSW Riverina

Newmarket Station, Hay
NSW Riverina

Wyadra Station, Hillston
NSW Riverina
10,413ha.

 

Uni blues: Harvard University’s endowment fund owns significant farmland in Australia.
Uni blues: Harvard University’s endowment fund owns significant farmland in Australia.

 

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WILLIAMS CATTLE COMPANY

Owned by South Australia’s Tony and Jackie Williams. Poised to buy Anna Creek Stationfrom S Kidman and Co if Kidman’s remaining stations sold to Chinese-backed consortium.

Arckaringa Station, Coober Pedy
South Australia
274,500ha. Purchased in 1989.

Carrieton farming land
South Australia

Hamilton Station, Coober Pedy
South Australia

Mt Barry Station, Coober Pedy
South Australia

Mt Sarah Station, Coober Pedy
South Australia

Nilpinna Station, Coober Pedy
South Australia

 

Huge spread: Anna Creek Station in South Australia.
Huge spread: Anna Creek Station in South Australia.

 

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XINYANGFENG FERTILISER COMPANY (CHINA)

Established in 1998,manufacturers of phosphate and compound fertilisers.

Kendorwal, Bunnaloo
NSW Riverina
2300ha. Purchased in 2016.

 

 

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YIANG XIANG ASSETS (CHINA)

Chinese private sector company.

Elizabeth Downs, Douglas Daly
Northern Territory
205,000ha. Purchased in 2014 with 9000 cattle for $12 million.

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ZHEJIANG RIFA HOLDING GROUP (CHINA)

Chinese beef importer also involved in sheep production in northwest China.

Blackwood, Dunkeld
Western Victoria
2400ha.

Cooplacurripa Station, Gloucester
Northern NSW
22,550ha. Purchased in 2015.

Kerriki/Number One, Gloucester
Northern NSW
1457ha. Purchased in 2015.

Minjah aggregate, Woolsthorpe
Western Victoria
2850ha.

Prized home: Blackwood Station near Dunkeld in Victoria’s Western District.
Prized home: Blackwood Station near Dunkeld in Victoria’s Western District.

 

This list was compiled from industry sources, websites and media reports. The Weekly Times accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of this list.

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Original URL: https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/agribusiness/who-owns-australias-farms-nations-biggest-landholders-revealed/news-story/e314bb8e11ee4b95ca50e518f0aafef3