VREDENDAL: Economical viable irrigation farming enterprise

In 1748 this farm was awarded as a 'leningsplaas' to a van Zyl family. This van Zyl family owned the farm for 163 years. In 1978 the present owner bought the farm and developed it to its full potential. He also bought adjacent farms to make the farming enterprise an economical and viable farming operation. This 70-hectare farming enterprise is well-known as one of the largest farms in the Lower Olifants River area and together with its ample water, is today a sought-after farming enterprise.

The main farming activity is the production of 22-hectare quality lucerne, 28-hectare wine and raisin grapes, olives, three-quarter hectare olive grove sand 2.5 -hectare pecan nuts, therefor the planted acreage totals about 53 hectares. Another 5-hectare high potential arable land lies fallow and is ready to be utilised. The arable soils vary from well-drained sandy-loam to sandy-karoo and karoo. The rest of the acreage consists of farmyards, houses and gardens, half a hectare nursey, shed, dams, pre-school facility and roads.

From a viticulture perspective all vines, olives and pecan nuts are well prepared and plant spacing, and drainage are good. A unique feature of the farming enterprise is that it lies with-in 3 km from the nearest wine cellar. This is a substantial economic benefit in terms of logistics and the delivery of the vines to the cellar.

Rainfall occurs mainly during winter and an average of 50-100mm precipitation is measured annually. Temperature varies from 31.3oC in mid-summer to 17.9 oC during winter.

A 4-bedroom main house has modern finishes and is situated in a lush garden. The second farmhouse is occupied by the farm manager. These residences are in good repair. The are also another house, 2 apartments, school, 2 sheds all leased as well as a nursery.

Various sheds serving as lucerne storage, equipment and vehicle parking space, maintenance and workshop rooms, ablution facilities, office and poison room.

There are two main reasons why the economic viability (income) of lucerne harvest on this farming enterprise is much higher than the average norm in the Western Cape. Firstly, the quality of the water containing 2 nutrients boosting the growth as well as the possibility of 10 cuts (harvests) per season.

The 2.5-hectare pecan grove is planted with 5-year old Witchita nut trees. It is a hybrid and is a very popular cultivar being one of the most precocious and prolific of all cultivars. The irrigation systems are well-planned and done.

Sufficient fresh water for household and gardening purposes is obtained from a borehole.

Ample irrigation water for the vineyards, olive- and pecan nut trees is obtained from the 66-hectare registered water usage rights from the LORWUA (Lower Olifants River Water User Association). If needed various boreholes is available and one specific borehole is pumped 24/7 for the last 5 years without any effect on the quality or capacity of 65,000 litre per hour. Another bore...

Property Reference #: RL4383

Agent Details:
Manus Visser
Agrisell PTY Ltd
9A Kerk Street
Piketberg
7320