Blackbull Station in the NT’s Douglas Daly region features has 188ha under centre-pivot irrigation. Photo: LAWD

SEPARATE investors have listed Blackbull Station and Victoria Downs, both of which offer a foot into cropping as well as cattle in the Northern Territory.

Blackbull Station

One of the Northern Territory’s first major dryland cotton development acquisitions has returned to the market, with Australian Agricultural Growth Partners listing Blackbull Station for sale.

The 14,342ha cotton and cattle operation is located 10km from Douglas Daly, 115km north of Katherine and 180km south of Darwin.

The freehold asset, underpinned by secure groundwater access, is expected to attract offers above $35 million.

The aggregation comprises two freehold holdings – the 9400ha Theyona and the 4942ha Blackbull – and is positioned close to the Katherine cotton gin and the Port of Darwin.

Australian Agricultural Growth Partners purchased the property in June 2022 for about $30M.

Although the anticipated investment term was six to eight years, the asset is being offered after four years of ownership.

Moree-based Customised Farm Management has overseen the ongoing dryland cotton development program.

Situated in a district receiving average annual rainfall of 1239mm, a key factor for cotton production, Blackbull features quality clay loam and sandy soils.

The property includes 188ha of centre-pivot irrigation, 4403ha of dryland cropping, 1210ha of additional arable land, 41ha planted to leucaena and 8500ha of grazing country.

Cotton has been grown on Blackbull Station. Photo: LAWD

Under its intensive cropping program, Blackbull is estimated to carry 2000 adult equivalents, with scope to substantially increase capacity through the development of a cut-and-carry feeding operation.

It is currently running 1000 head of cattle, with the successful purchaser given the option to acquire the property’s Brahman-cross herd.

LAWD agent Olivia Thompson said significant capital investment by the current owners had created a highly versatile operation.

“It provides buyers with the flexibility to pursue a range of production systems – from intensive irrigated cropping and fodder production through to integrated cattle enterprises.”

Ms Thompson said the quality of the existing development, combined with further expansion potential, makes Blackbull Station a compelling opportunity.

“Strong interest is anticipated throughout the campaign, with several parties already expressing off-market interest prior to the launch.”

“Properties offering this combination of scale, secure water, existing development and operational flexibility are tightly held and rarely come to market, which should resonate with a broad range of producers and investors.”

Blackbull has 14km of Daly River frontage and access to the Oolloo Dolostone, one of the Top End’s highest-yielding aquifer systems, with annual extraction capacity of 8517ML.

Two equipped irrigation bores supply water to four centre pivots, each covering 47ha.

A further two bores have been drilled and capped for potential future irrigation development.

Another eight equipped bores provide secure livestock water.

Infrastructure includes a homestead, manager’s accommodation, staff accommodation, multiple sheds, horse stables and portable cattle yards.

Blackbull Station is being offered for sale by expressions of interest closing on August 13.

Victoria Downs

An emerging dryland cropping and live export opportunity in the NT’s Adelaide River region has returned to the market through Elders, carrying a price guide of $4.8M to $5.3M.

The 3000ha Victoria Downs sits on the Stuart Highway near Robin Falls, 166km from the cotton gin near Katherine and 108km south of the Port of Darwin.

The holding is currently being operated commercially for hay, with further scope to expand fodder production as well as cattle breeding or backgrounding.

Its well-drained, gently undulating country is considered a low erosion risk and features yellow and red earths, along with sandy red and yellow soils suited to improved pastures and fodder production.

Victorian business partners Leigh Isai and Steve Parker bought the freehold block in 2022 after it was carved off Mount Bundy Station.

Seeing the property as a blank canvas, the pair upgraded the fencing before engaging a land and water consultant to assess the country and its development potential.

The initial development plan identified more than 730ha suitable for improved pasture and hay production, with the 2026 cavalcade crop now completed.

No yields have been disclosed, although Top End hay properties in the region typically produce about 8-10t/ha.

Victoria Downs is a major producer of hay in the NT’s Adelaide River region. Photo: Elders

When Victoria Downs was listed in March last year, Mr Isai told Beef Central the sale included advanced land-management technology.

“A LiDAR-based digital twin model allows for precise planning, operational efficiency and a proactive approach to land management – beneficial for future development and ongoing land management.”

Water is supplied by an equipped bore and supported by average annual rainfall of 1504mm.

Infrastructure is limited to a two-bedroom demountable.

Grain Central: Get our free news straight to your inbox – Click here