Property Description
The best grazing farm in the Eastern Cape for sale
Location
This farm is situated just off the N10 between Cookhouse and Craddock.
Size
Made up of 2 titles the farm is roughly 2999 ha in extent
Description
This property is without doubt the best grazing farm I've encountered in the Eastern Cape. It is 1 of few properties nationally that were awarded an AAA rating by the then department of agriculture in the 1970's. Formally owned by a renowned historical figure, it has only changed hands twice in it's more than 200 year history, a fact that coupled with the extensive infrastructure on the property is testament to the extraordinary commercial value of this piece of ground.
The topography is undulating rather than mountainous, and the entire property is traversable by 2 wheel drive vehicle. The difference in altitude between the Northern and Southern portions of the farm is substantial, and this, coupled with excellent soils and a high rainfall give rise to the extraordinary diversity of climax grass species found here.
In my considerable experience with Eastern Cape properties, I have yet to find one better suited to the intensive breeding of high value game species.
Veld types
There is almost double the significant count of climax grass species that I have encountered on any other one property in the Eastern Cape. If one starts at the lower elevations, the default grasses include Cherchrus Cillaris and Digitaria Smutsi. Conservative management practices have ensured that this, more sensitive region, has an outstanding density ( exceeding an average 9 tufts per m2 on 7 random counts ) of both of these sweet grasses.
As one climbs in elevation, there is a gradual transition zone where these species give way to predominately Setaria and the perennial pannicums, including Maximum, Schinzii and Deustum. Pannicum Coloratum is also found in less significant densities. Climbing higher, there is a belt which contains a higher density of pannicum plants than I have encountered anywhere outside of exceptional cultivated pastures.
Approximately 2 thirds of the way up, in addition to the pannicums, Setaria begins to give way to Themeda Triandra. Higher still and the density of Themeda initially equals and then supercedes that of the pannicums, until at the highest elevations, there is a solid carpet of Themeda.
The result of this amazing variety and density of climax grasses is an almost year round palatability curve, and an inevitable seasonal altitude migration, from higher to lower elevations as the palatability of the respective grasses change.
Astute management of this asset has insured that as of my last visit in mid April, despite the crippling drought conditions, in 19 of the 24 internal camps, all of the above mentioned grass species were heavily in seed. The remaining 5 were either currently or recently stocked. Throughout the drought, the farm has supported a stocking density of 1 -6.5, only marginally down on its normal and recommended capacity of 1 -5.5.
The variety and availability of browse on the property is likewise excellent. The flatter, lower lying areas have significant densities of amongst others, Jacket Plum and the Shepherds tree ( Boscia Albitrunca ). The middle belt is dominated by Sweet thorn. The 3 substantial Kloofs have what is best described as "Karoo Forest". Unlike the classic Valley bushveld which often has an interlocking canopy, this is slightly more open, allowing sufficient light through to support a mat of Pannicum. Species here in significant quantities include wild Olive, Karree, blue and common Guarri. The northern slopes contain significant though broken stands of specboom. The valley floors have attractive stands of Aloe Ferrox and Highveld cabbage. With the exception of 2 jacarandas and a row of Blue gums at the house, I encountered no alien invasive tree species on the property
Rainfall
The farm falls in a predominately summer rainfall area with an annual average of 490mm. Rainfall figures exist for 70 years +
Game species
Game species that are currently on the property include: Kudu, Eland, Zebra, Gemsbok, Blesbuck, impala, mountain and common reedbuck and Grey rhebuck, duiker, bushbuck and fallow deer. The top section of the property would be ideal habitat for Oribi, while I've yet to encounter a property in the Eastern Cape better suited for the commercial breeding of Sable and Buffalo.
Houses
As mentioned earlier the farm was once the property of a certain historical figure. His original house, which is situated in the extreme northern corner of the farm, has monument status and its authentic renovation is to be carried out by the National Heritage Council.
This influential individual sold to a family, who over a period of some 70 years, completed a truly magnificent Stone House (first stage completed 1846). This house is massive with a total footprint of over 700 m2. The current owner has done an incredible job of restoring it to truly pristine condition, with the wooden floors, doors, frames and windows all gleaming. In all, the house consists of 5 bedrooms + an additional cellar bedroom, 3 bathrooms, massive kitchen, 2 lounge areas, a dining room and huge, beautifully fitted kitchen. There are a total of 3 fireplaces throughout the living areas. The front half of the house all has additional cellar space below, all accessible through separate doors from the outside.
The 2nd house is also in excellent condition. A more modern building it has 3 internal bedrooms (MES) plus a further 2 adjoining flatlets. There is a large kitchen, separate lounge and dining room, a total of 4 bathrooms and a recently added stone, indoor braai area with glass sliding doors that open onto a wooden deck at the swimming pool. The house has an attached, semi enclosed double garage.
Over and above the houses, there are outbuildings too numerous to mention. These include a complete abattoir facility with fitted cold room, workshops, garages, storerooms, stables and excellent staff housing with water and electricity. All have been well restored and are in very good condition.
Additional Infrastructure
The farm has recently (completed in 2010) been enclosed by 27km of a very high spec, 3m game fence that would way exceed any CAE requirements. There are a total of 24 internal camps. A very well developed water reticulation system feeds a total of 9 reservoirs from which water is gravitated to a total of 74 stock watering points. There are a total of 4 earth dams, 2 of which held water right throughout this extended drought period. Water is drawn from 6 boreholes as well as riparian pumping rights from the adjacent fish river. A comprehensive network of well maintained roads makes the entire property accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicle.
Conclusion
It's refreshing not to have to ramble on about potential. There is little one could do to improve upon what's already there on this farm. In terms of all round, sustainable carrying capacity, I've never seen, and sincerely doubt the existence of better. In terms of species diversity, I likewise doubt the existence of a better game breeding property, where conditions are not only adequate, but ideal for all of the top 7 money spinners in the Wildlife breeding industry.
Ones initial reaction to the calculated price per hectare is that it seems excessive. However if one does a carrying capacity / price per hectare analysis, it comes in cheaper than over 70% of the far "Cheaper" properties on our books. Add to this an inordinately high value in infrastructure and improvements and it makes for a very good buy.
Price
R29 500 000 + VAT if applicable.
Property Features
| Property Type |
Vacant Land Agricultural |
| Stand Size |
-- m2 |
Property Costs