Diprose family to sell $35m-plus Simpson dairy aggregation

A Western District farming family is selling its 1670-cow dairy, which spans 1270ha across six farms in southwest Victoria. See the details.

A renowned Western District farming family has listed its 1670-cow southwest Victorian dairy aggregation for sale about three years after acquiring and forming the massive portfolio.

The Caramut-based Diprose family is selling the 1277ha Simpson Dairy Aggregation, located in southwest Victoria near Simpson and Cooriemungle, where it is expected to receive offers worth more than $35 million walk-in walk-out.

John and Helen Diprose, alongside their son Gerard and his wife Kirsten, acquired six properties individually in 2020, diversifying from their traditional sheep and cropping enterprise, which spans more than 2000ha in Victoria’s Western District.

Following their three-year tenure and a significant capital investment, the family has decided to sell the aggregation to pursue other goals and interests.

Caramut-based farmers Kirsten and Gerard Diprose and family are selling their massive southwest Victorian dairy aggregation. Picture: Zoe Phillips.

JLL Agribusiness director Chris Lawlor, Chris Holgar and Jock Grimshaw are handling the sale, with buyer interest expected from private parties, syndicates, corporates or institutions.

“Very rarely does such a sizeable quality dairy aggregation come to the market in Victoria’s most reliable dairy region,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Over the last two seasons, the Diprose family has extensively renovated pastures across the properties and upgraded laneways.

“The farms have been consolidated with a hi-tech rotary dairy at the heart of each hub, providing tangible scope to increase production.”

The Diprose’s dairy aggregation milked 1670 cows last season across three milking platforms, producing 824,000kg of milk solids via two separate hubs, located 25km apart.

The Boorook Road Hub, located north of Simpson, comprises four contiguous properties covering 854ha which include a 50-bail rotary and adjacent feed pad.

The Diprose family’s six-farm aggregation milk 1670 cows last year.

There are also another two 40-bail dairies with automatic cup removers, as well as a range of complimentary operational infrastructure.

The Conveys Road Hub comprises two contiguous properties combined to form a 423ha holding with a 60-bail automated rotary, calving sheds and a centralised laneway system.

Selling agent Chris Holgar said despite its notable capital improvements the Simpson Dairy Aggregation could be developed even more.

The Boorook Road Hub of the aggregation comprises four contiguous properties covering 854ha and a 50-bail rotary.

“It represents an opportunity to acquire a first-class dairy enterprise with scope for further

development and scale that makes it an attractive supply pool for processors,” Mr Holgar said.

“The Simpson Aggregation is underpinned by significant capital investment, purpose-built operational infrastructure, secure water supply and exceptional management.”

The aggregation is available as a complete walk-in walk-out package including all livestock, plant and equipment, management and staff (if required) across both farms.

The aggregation is for sale as a whole or as separate assets with expressions of interest closing Friday, November 3 at 4pm (AEST).

The massive listing by the Diprose family follows award-winning dairy farmers, Matt and Alli Reid, deciding to end their time in the dairy industry by offering their 651ha home of Otway Milk at Carlisle River in Victoria’s southwest.