Southern Cross Farms SA includes 29 poultry sheds with the capacity to rear almost 950,000 birds per growing cycle. Photo: Colliers

ONE of Australia’s largest free-range broiler chicken farming operations, Southern Cross Farms SA, has been bought by a joint venture between Queensland-based poultry infrastructure specialist Santrev and a group of private investors.

The transaction was negotiated by Colliers Agribusiness national directors of transaction services Jesse Manuel and Duncan McCulloch.

Located near Owen in SA’s Lower North, the portfolio spans approximately 206ha across four contiguous farms and includes 29 climate-controlled free-range poultry sheds with the capacity to rear almost 950,000 birds per growing cycle.

The operation also features more than 61,000m2 of poultry infrastructure, a 500kW solar installation, a large-scale desalination plant and approvals for a further eight poultry sheds, providing scope for significant future expansion.

“Southern Cross Farms is one of the most significant poultry assets to transact in Australia in recent years,” Mr Manuel said.

“Its scale, high-quality infrastructure and strategic position within Australia’s poultry supply chain attracted strong interest from strategic buyers and investors throughout the campaign.

“The result demonstrates continued demand for large-scale agricultural assets that combine immediate production capability with genuine long-term growth opportunities.”

The sale follows Southern Cross Farms SA entering voluntary administration with Glenn Franklin of accounting firm PKF appointed administrator.

It provides a positive outcome for stakeholders while ensuring the continued operation of a major food production asset within South Australia’s agricultural sector.

“This transaction reflects the strength of investor confidence in South Australia’s agribusiness sector and the long-term fundamentals underpinning Australia’s poultry industry,” Mr McCulloch said.

The portfolio has been progressively developed into one of Australia’s leading free-range poultry enterprises, underpinned by significant investment in poultry infrastructure, water security and renewable energy.

Santrev’s industry expertise will also see Southern Cross Farms SA further enhance its production capacity which will support the long-term growth of Australia’s poultry industry.

Source: Colliers