2448 ha Farm in Merweville

This 2,448-hectare working farm is a sheep, game and pomegranate farm, consisting of 2 adjacent title deeds.

Situated just off the tarred R353, between Prins Albert Road and Merweville, it is easily accessible.

The main farming activity is the production of quality pomegranates, covering about 7 hectares of the acreage and securing a constant income with lower risks.

This farm offers a diverse typographical layout of undulating hills, plateaus, valleys, rugged cliffs, dry rivers with lush thorn trees on the banks, large earth dam in river, and vast flat plains. Larger dry riverbeds transverse the undulating hills and valleys for more than 5 km through the north-eastern section of the farm. An abundance of bietou (chrysanthemoides monilifera) and granaat bush (rhigozum obovatum) supports the diversity in vegetation with patches of grass, shrubs, bushes with denser riverine thicket and tall trees along the banks of the river. Due to this balanced habitat system, there is a perfect balance in terms of a diversity of naturally available food for both browsers and grazers. Both haven and heaven for Kudu and Springbuck! Indigenous small antelope such as Steenbok and Duiker roam the area. The farm has an exceptional nocturnal life, the sounds of which add to the peaceful atmosphere.

Livestock and game

Both summer and winter rainfall occur in this area, but it is a mainly summer rainfall area. A long-term average is approximately 150 mm precipitation per annum and the carrying capacity is 1:36 LSU (large stock units) or 1:6 SSU (small stock units). Currently the owner farms with sheep, together with 50 Springbok and 30 Blesbok utilising the natural Koup Karoo veldt as grazing.

The perimeter fencing on the boundaries are good, and consists of electrified, stock-proof fencing, that is properly maintained. The 4 inner camps all have well-maintained stock-proof fencing. Adequate drinking water for livestock and game supply the 7 drinking troughs spread throughout the farm. Good sheep handling facilities are in place as well as a feedlot close to the shed. A network of good roads and tracks makes the management of the farm more convenient.

Water:

Irrigation water for the pomegranate groves is per registered water usage rights in terms of the Water Act of 1998.

Water is pumped directly from the borehole with a capacity of 23,000 per hour, using a converted 7,5 KvA single phase transformer to power a 3-phase mono pump, through filters, from where it is reticulated all around the grove from the booster pump station to the various irrigation blocks. As a backup, a 3,75 KvA pump is fitted on another strong borehole.

Pomegranates:

Approximately 7 hectares of the acreage are planted with Wonderful pomegranates to produce quality fruit for the international and local market.

Pomegranates prefer colder winters and hot summers. This farm has the ideal climate. Pomegranate trees have a long lifespan and can bear fruit for more than 30 years.

From a horticultural perspective, all the pomegranate orchards were well-established with correct soil preparation and the plant spacing, and drainage is well-planned. Most of the trees are trellised and were planted from 2008 till 2019. All the trees are in an excellent condition. The demand for quality pomegranates for the export market is still increasing, and there are areas on the farm that could be used to expand the existing orchards.

The pomegranates are watered by a double drip irrigation system. Picking is all done by hand and packed in the pack shed on the farm. A 10KvA solar and inverter system supplies power to the packing equipment. When more power is needed than the inverters can supply at a specific stage, Eskom supply kicks in.

The pomegranates are packed and exported by Sonlia Packhouse in Wellington. About 90% is exported and the remaining 10% is sold fresh or as juice, in the local market.

Production is about 20 30 tons per hectare. Fresh fruit sells at about R25 per kilo.

Building infrastructure:

The spacious main house consists of 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, lounge, dining room, study, kitchen etc. The house and swimming pool are situated in a lush garden with mature trees. A managers house as well as labourer cottages, together with outbuildings, poison room and packing shed, are all in good repair. At the house a 2,2 KvA system supplies electricity for the house and other buildings.

The simplicity of the area, incorporating a true Karoo experience, can be enjoyed while gazing at the breath-taking, panoramic views of the typical Koup Karoo landscape and far-away mountain ranges.

There are no Eskom or any other servitudes that apply to the farm, except for a gravel subordinate road leading to the adjacent farm. The road is seldomly used.

The seller of one title where the pomegranates are produced is a VAT vendor. If the purchaser is also a VAT vendor, the sale of this title could be a 0% VAT transaction. On the other title transfer duties would apply.

This farm is offered at R11,000,000.00, excluding VAT.