MONTAGU / CITRUSDAL: Mostly young quality citrus under gravity

Located on the fertile banks of the Poortjieskloof, and a mere 25-km from the quaint town of Montagu, this well-developed 55-ha citrus/peach/apricots farm of about 70-hectares in extent is truly an agricultural gem due to the fact that all irrigation is by gravity.

The Montagu area is ideal for the cultivation of a variety of fruit, with very favourable conditions and secure water. Hidden behind the mountain ranges means netting is typically not required. The fruit is of a high quality, and therefore mostly exported to Europe and the rest of world. The orchards are planted on high potential leveled deep alluvial soil on the banks of the river. A small section is planted on the escarp with less potential soil.

The orchards are very young and just over half of the orchards in production already. Production (tonnage) can double over the next two years as the new orchards kick in. Current season around 900 ton of citrus, with full potential up to 2,000 ton. All infrastructure and equipment are in place for effectively operating the business.

Registered water usage rights are an essential lifeline for any successful irrigation farming enterprise. The farm has registered water usage rights from the Cogmanskloof Irrigation scheme which is a non-stop fountain high up in the Langeberg Mountain range. The capacity is about 25 cub per hour and the water is stored in an elevated balance dam from where it is distributed to about 28-hectare allowing for irrigation by gravity. From the Langeberg Mountain Rietvlei water scheme 200-mm piped water is available each 2 weeks for 48 hours. Another 6-hectare is available from the Poortjieskloof dam. There is also a borehole with a capacity of 15,000 litre per hour. This borehole only uses as a backup when needed. All irrigation is by a computer controller drip or micro with probs indication where water is needed.

Farming infrastructure is a large 120sq m pack shed, 2 cool rooms (200 sq metre), 375 sq metre crate storage. Accommodation is in 3 farmhouses and 9 labourer cottages.

About 52,3-hectare are planted with Nova; Midnight; Lane late; Navel; Eureka and Satsuma; planted from 2003 till 2019. Most of the trees a young. Currently about 900 tons are harvested annually. There is also 2,4-hectare Bulida apricots as well as 2-hectare peaches.

Containing all the elements of a winning recipe, this farm is just waiting for the right owner to unlock its tremendous potential.

Farming equipment is included in the price as a going concern. Depending on the status of the fruit in the production cycle, it will be excluded from the sales price.

The farm is for sale as a going concern at R25 million. The seller is a VAT vendor.

Property Reference #: CL446

Agent Details:
Jannie Fourie
Agrisell PTY Ltd
9A Kerk Street
Piketberg
7320