Silverback Farms comprises four holdings which are on the market separately or as a whole. Photo: LAWD

A LARGE-scale dryland cropping portfolio located in the tightly held Avon region of Western Australia has returned to the market with a $35-million price guide.

Situated 10km from Toodyay, 18km from Northam and 55km east of Perth, the 1654ha Silverback Farms spans four holdings: 765ha Maslens; 529ha Slaters; 257ha Williams, and 103ha Valley.

The aggregation is close to CBH bulk-handling sites, the Metro Grain Centre at Forrestfield, Muchea Livestock Centre and the Kwinana Port at Rockingham.

Owned by Darren Best for 20 years, Silverback Farms is currently growing canola, wheat, barley and oaten hay, as well as running 200 Angus breeders.

In recent years, Mr Best has carried out extensive development and capital works including soil amelioration, lime application, reefinating and reconfiguring the paddocks to maximise cropping efficiencies.

LAWD agent Simon Wilkinson said the portfolio was an outlier in term of scale and performance in the region.

“Silverback Farms is benefitted by high quality soil types, an excellent climate and a reliable average annual rainfall of 610mm,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Mr Wilkinson expects the portfolio will attract high levels of interest from nearby farming families seeking expansion, as well as institutional investors.

“This blue-chip property has been transformed into a highly efficient broad hectare cropping enterprise featuring high quality soil types, operational infrastructure and structural improvements.”

“Discerning buyers looking to diversify income may also be interested in transferring the licenced gravel pit currently extracting around 2000 tonnes of gravel per week,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Located in the Avon River catchment region, several creek systems provide secure water, supported by on-farm water storage, three scheme water connection points and multiple water tanks.

Structural improvements include new grain storage silos with a 1800t capacity, two shearing sheds, numerous sheds and storage facilities and a home.

Silverback Farms is being offered for sale as a going concern (land, improvements, livestock, plant and equipment, machinery, as well as seed, fertiliser and chemical on hand).

It can be purchased in one line or as separate assets by expressions of interest closing on August 24.

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