Gippsland family to sell irrigated farm in dairy heartland

Eight-figure offers are expected for 233ha of tightly held fertile farmland in Gippsland, plus its 1077ML water portfolio.

The Noble family are selling their 233ha dairy farm at Boisdale, in Gippsland.

An emotional decision to exit the dairy industry has brought 233ha of tightly held fertile farmland in Central Gippsland’s milking heartland to the market.

Home to a large-scale irrigated holding located 12km north of Maffra at Boisdale, vendors Stuart and Che Noble are selling their irrigated mixed farming property, set on seven titles totalling 195.2ha, plus three river titles spanning 38.44ha for seasonal grazing across Avon River flats.

Four generations of the Noble family have lived and worked on the Boisdale property since Stuart’s grandfather established the farming property more than 100 years ago.

Stuart and Che took control of the Boisdale dairy properties in 2013, with their son Andrew working alongside them.

During their tenure they have milked an average herd of 410-420 cows, with peaks of about 450 cows, while also growing 2000 bales of silage to supplement their feeding program.

Che said when she and her husband took over more than a decade ago the holding was run as two adjacent farms, but has since been combined into one through the construction of an underpass.

Avon River flats power production on the Boisdale property.

BOISDALE
BOISDALE-VALENCIA CREEK RD
Property: mixed farming
Size: 233ha
Sale: expressions of interest closing May 16
Price: $11-$11.5m (inclusive of water entitlements)
Agent: Wellington Real Estate Maffra
Contact: Kevin Read, 0488 411 026 and Tim Missen, 0488 483 000

A fully renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom, study and open plan kitchen, dining and lounge layout is the main home on the Boisdale property. There is another four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, built in 2023 too.

However, for Stuart and Che the time has come for the couple to leave the industry.

“It tugs on your heartstrings to think about leaving, but now is the right time for us,” Che said.

“Boisdale is a beautiful area. We are at the base of the mountains and so we have some amazing views with sunrises and sunsets.

“The irrigation also keeps everything green and lush. We have grown all our own feed in recent years for our herd, but the property is capable of carrying more cows too.”

Production at the Nobles’ dairy property is supported by 1077 megalitres of water holdings, delivered via six centre pivots (with some mobile integration).

There are also lateral sprays and flood irrigation infrastructure, providing solid milk or vegetable production security.

During their tenure the Boisdale farm has carried an average herd of 410-420 cows, with peaks about 450 cows, while also growing 2000 bales of silage to supplement their feeding program.

Access to 181.2 megalitres of underground water, 609.3ML of high reliability water shares plus 287ML of low reliability water shares comprise the Boisdale farm’s water portfolio.

Dairy production is supported by a 44-stand rotary dairy with generator backup, 10,600-litre vat storage and 40-tonne and 6-tonne silo capacity.

There are also 40, 15 and two 4-tonne silos on the property as well, for extra feeding capabilities for stock.

At the Boisdale farm there are two residences. One is a fully renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom, study and open plan kitchen, dining and lounge layout; plus a near new home completed in Dec 2023, built by local reputable builders being an open plan a four-bedroom, two-bathroom, two living and study layout.

There is also a two-bedroom granny flat, sited near the main residence and a further two-bedroom and three-bedroom dwelling for staff.

Multiple shedding is situated across the property including machinery and hay sheds along with calf shedding as well.