Darling Downs mixed farming enterprise for sale after more than 150 years with the same family

BRISBANE, 18 October 2024 - A 1530-hectare mixed farming enterprise on Queensland’s Darling Downs is on the open market after being held through three generations of a local farming family.

The McClelland Aggregation, being offered in one line or as three contiguous properties, incorporates Belmont (800 hectares), Kurrabah (350 hectares) and Cedar View (380 hectares).

The Expressions of Interest campaign, being handled by JLL’s Queensland-based Agribusiness team, is encouraging interest in the properties in one line or separately.

JLL senior director Chris Holgar said the sale – which covered 18 Freehold Certificates of Title – was being driven by the retirement plans of current owners Brenden and Madelene McClelland.

He envisaged broad appeal for potential buyers, from locals looking to snap up a single property to the appeal of an aggregation for high-net worth families that already had exposure to mixed farming enterprises.

“These three properties offer genuine mixed farming, soft fertile soil types, prime location and water security delivered by bores and with a licence for 40ML,” Mr Holgar said.

“These are enhanced by significant fit-for-purpose infrastructure including diverse accommodation facilities, silos, cattle yards, vehicle, machinery and chemical sheds, and fencing in stock-proof condition that divides the grazing operation into 55 paddocks.

“There is also an operational commercial piggery with a capacity of 3208 SPUs (Standard Pig Units) and associated artificial insemination centre with accommodation capacity of 96 boars.”

The property is being offered bare – meaning no livestock inclusions – and currently operates under a single management hub.

Mr Warriner said the aggregation’s dryland farming areas – roughly totalling 380 hectares – had historically grown summer forage and winter cereals. These are complemented by roughly 300 hectares of improved grazing, with the balance exhibiting native species including forrest blue grass.

“From a grazing perspective the Aggregation has been developed to cater to cattle with four laneways and two sets of yards,” Mr Warriner said.

“The grazing operation historically comprises opportunistic trading/agistment of cattle. Cell grazing management has been developed to ensure even forage utilisation, rotating stock throughout paddocks ranging from 15-30 hectares.”

All up the combined carrying capacity is estimated at circa 800 Adult Equivalents.

Mr Mitchell noted McClelland’s location – via the small rural community of Bell – was a strong driver of appeal.

“A prime position on the western Darling Downs, accessible by sealed roads, creates ready access to multiple feedlots and grain receival sites, as well as the saleyards at Dalby,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The lifestyle perspective further enhances its appeal, with access to service centres and the full gamut of amenities, including health, medical, entertainment and educational facilities.”