The Macneil family has sold Green Park to Lawson Grains. Photo: Elders/Paull & Scollard Nutrien Ag Solutions

CORPORATE grain farmer Lawson Grains has paid in excess of $35 million for the Green Park Aggregation in the Southern Riverina region of New South Wales.

Located 12km west of Rand and 77km north-west of Albury-Wodonga, the versatile 2868ha holding is renowned for producing cereal, legume and oilseed crops, as well as prime lamb and wool production.

Green Park neighbours both Borambil and Mahonga Park which Lawson Grains purchased in 2013, with the aggregation now incorporated into the existing 8255ha Borambil Aggregation spanning nine properties.

For more than 90 years, Green Park has been held by the Macneil family who, under the guidance of the late Angus Macneil, has progressively managed and developed the land.

A long-term contributor to the grains industry and the community of Rand, Mr Macneil died in September last year aged 80.

Green Park consists of five holdings – 1393ha Green Park, 306ha Romani, 316ha Burnleigh, 309ha Karimba and 544ha Moolah.

In February, the aggregation was offered as a whole or as five contingent assets via expressions of interest closing in mid-March, with the sale handled by Elders Rural Services and Paull & Scollard Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Both agencies were unable to disclose the price paid by Lawson Grains, but when Green Park was listed for sale earlier this year, it was anticipated to make in excess of $35M on a walk-in walk-out basis including plant, equipment and around 2500 breeding ewes and lambs.

Nick Myer and Matt Horne from Elders said the competitive sales process attracted multiple buyers from local farming families to a range of institutional investors.

“The large volume of inquiries and inspections was very pleasing, with the property presenting exceptionally well heading into the winter sowing program, which is under way this week.”

Green Park includes improved pastures, shearing sheds and sheep yards. Photo: Elders/Paull & Scollard Nutrien Ag Solutions

Green Park is described as a rare property offering scale and versatility in a highly productive cropping region.

Around 97 percent of the country is arable and features highly productive soil profiles including red and grey loams and heavier grey clays.

It has also carried 4000 breeding ewes, which graze on 712ha of improved pastures.

Situated in a 500mm annual average rainfall area, the property features extensive Billabong Creek frontage, with abundant natural water supplied by multiple catchment dams and bores.

The Green Park Aggregation is supported by extensive infrastructure including 3450 tonnes of grain storage, machinery, hay and shearing sheds and two sets of sheep and cattle yards.

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