213 ha Farm in Hopetown
HOPETOWN - Unique irrigation farm on the Orange River
This unique 213-hectare farming enterprise is situated on the fertile southern banks of the Orange River, downstream from the Van Der Kloof Dam, thus offering exceptional water quality and water security. The main farming activity is the production of 35 hectares of quality lucerne under pivot irrigation,12 hectares of pecan nuts trees, and 78 hectares of popcorn maize, under contract and also under pivot irrigation.
The popcorn maize contract can be transferred to the new owner.
The total planted acreage is approximately 125 hectares. An additional 20 hectares are long term rented and also planted with popcorn maize brings the total acreage of arable land to 145 hectare.
With 2km of river frontage, the existing 12-hectare pecan tree orchard can be enlarged ex-potentially.
The arable soils vary from well-drained sand-loam to sandy-clay, and range down to 15 meters deep along the river.
The rest of the acreage consists of farmyards, 3 houses and gardens, sheds, dams, a pre-school facility and roads.
From a horticultural perspective, the pecan nuts are well-prepared with optimal plant spacing, and drainage is good. The 12-hectare pecan grove is planted with 5-year-old Wichita and few Caddo nut trees.
Witcha is a hybrid and very popular cultivar, being one of the most precocious and prolific of all cultivars. The pollinator trees are mostly Western Schleg. The irrigation systems are well-planned for optimum efficiency.
A unique feature of the farming enterprise is that it lies next to a tar road. This is a substantial economic benefit in terms of logistics and the delivery of the pecan nuts, lucerne and popcorn maize to the market.
Ample water for irrigation is obtained from the 132-hectare registered water usage rights from the Orange River. A perennial spring supplies quality water for another 3 hectares.
Rainfall occurs mostly during the summer months and an average of 250 300mm precipitation is measured annually. Temperatures vary from 31.3C in mid-summer to 17.9C during winter.
A contemporary, high-end 5 bedroom main house with generous accommodation was designed and decorated with comfort and views in mind. It reflects the earthiness of the farming surroundings, resulting in a thoroughly contemporary living space with a country aesthetic which adds to keeping the home uncluttered and serenely minimalist. This home, its surroundings, and the ease with which the interiors and exterior merge give the owners a sense of freedom a balm for the senses. This house was renovated 3 years ago.
The other farmhouses are also in good repair.
Various sheds serve as lucerne storage, equipment and vehicle parking space, maintenance and workshop rooms, ablution facilities, office and a poison room.
There are two main reasons for the economic viability, or income, of the lucerne on this farming enterprise being much higher than the average norm in the Western Cape. The quality of the water containing nutrients boosts the growth and this farm yields potentially 10 cuts per season.
For sale at R47,2 million, including irrigation movables as a going concern. The seller is a VAT vendor.
Property details
- Listing number T4642401
- Property type Farm
- Erf size 213 ha
- Floor size 3 000 m²