- Seven properties for sale across the NT and WA
- Cattle head is 108,500 for the seven stations
- No price guide has been provided
The seven cattle stations, which cover about 1.8 million hectares in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, will see Hancock Agriculture’s total hectarage reduce to eight million, assuming all seven properties sell.
Hancock Agriculture is mostly owned by Gina Rinehart, the richest woman in Australia. She is currently the richest person in Australia, beating notable individuals such as Andrew Forrest and Anthony Pratt.
She was briefly the richest woman in the world when her wealth peaked at $29 billion in 2012; her wealth had increased by almost $20 billion in one year.
The cattle stations for sale are Phoneix Park, Riveren and Inverway, Aroona Station and Willeroo in the Northern Territory with the two Western Australian properties being Nerrima along with Ruby Plains and Strut Creek.
The sales include headcount – which is approximately 108,500 – along with feedlot and export depot.
The biggest station by far is Ruby Plains and Sturt Creek which is 796,134 hectares with the smallest being Phoneix Park which is just 3443 hectares. The latter is located off Stuart Highway suggesting the property was purchased as a staging post for cattle heading to the boat trade – commonly known as a supply chain purchase.
Elders Ltd has been appointed to market the properties.
Much of the property purchases have occurred during the company’s quick expansion in the last six years.
“The growth of the Hancock Agricultural portfolio in such a small space of time, and its huge investment, is nothing short of astonishing,” said Tom Russo, the General Manager for Elders Real Estate.
Hancock Agriculture says the portfolio is capable of turning off up to 45,000 cattle per year.
Australia is the second-largest beef exporter in the world with a cattle herd estimated to be 24.7 million –roughly one per Australian. The industry is export-orientated and is worth 10.78 billion per year thanks to disease-free status and being located close to key growing middle-class markets across South East Asia and the Middle East.
He said Hancock Agriculture intends to reinvest into their overall cattle portfolio.
“The sale is a refinement of the overall portfolio following a period of value creation through further investment and strong management and our client’s intention to reinvest in the growth and improvement of their lager agricultural enterprise, continue to focus on innovation and maintaining high standards throughout the supply chain for employee safety and animal welfare,” said Mr Russo.
