SA’s Monash Station almond orchard tipped to fetch $30m
85 Golledge Rd, Monash.
A state-of-the-art almond and citrus orchard listed for sale in South Australia’s Riverland is tipped to fetch offers of $30m.
Monash Station, a 600ha orchard located about 20km west of Renmark, is expected to be keenly contested by existing commercial growers, institutional investors and agricultural funds.
Developed by renowned horticultural industry titan John Gallard, the property comprises about 145ha of self-fertile and self-pollinating almond plantings and 80ha of high-density citrus.
There is also additional plantable land, prefitted with main line and submain irrigation infrastructure to allow immediate expansion.
85 Golledge Rd, Monash.
85 Golledge Rd, Monash.
The sale is being handled by Colliers, with national director of agribusiness transactions Jesse Manuel describing Monash Station as an exceptionally well-developed, turnkey horticultural asset designed to target industry leading yields and quality.
“Monash Station is a modern almond and citrus orchard that is underpinned by cutting-edge irrigation infrastructure and systems, advanced ground preparation for optimal health and demonstrated operational efficiency,’’ Mr Manuel said.
“With initial commercial crops already harvested and mature yields approaching over the next few seasons, the property presents a compelling investment proposition backed by institutional-grade infrastructure and prime Riverland growing conditions.’’
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Colliers agent Tim Altschwager said the almond varieties grown at the orchard eliminated the reliance on introduced honey bee hives for pollination, while the plantings allowed for premium harvesting.
“Tree architecture across the almond blocks has been specifically structured for shake-and-catch mechanical harvesters,’’ Mr Altschwager said.
“Catching the crop directly avoids fruit touching the ground, reduces dust, accelerates drying times and protects nut quality.’’
85 Golledge Rd, Monash.
85 Golledge Rd, Monash.
Citrus plantings are in a high-density, double-row diamond configuration that effectively doubles conventional planting densities, while capturing maximum sunlight, simplifying tractor operations and allowing fruit to be picked from ground level without ladders.
Water security is underpinned by direct River Murray extraction via a dedicated private pump station, while a secondary Central Irrigation Trust connection provides additional back up.
Modern structural improvements complement the enterprise, including a main implement shed, dedicated pump and automated fertigation hubs, staff amenities and a three-bedroom manager’s residence.
Expressions of interest for the orchard close on November 25.
The Gallard Group, founded by Mr Gallard, sold 9941ha of Monash Station to RRG Capital Management in 2001.
The Californian-based private equity group went on to develop the state’s largest almond orchard, Koompartu Farms.
That property, which comprises 2505ha of almond tree plantings, was listed for separate sale earlier this year.
– by Lauren Ahwan
