THE largest grazing and cropping property in Victoria will be listed this spring by sixth generation family-owned company AJ & PA McBride.

Located on the Victorian / South Australian border, Telopea Downs spans 47,660ha across 11 adjoining properties – 10 in Victoria and one in South Australia, midway between the towns of Bordertown and Kaniva.

Telopea Downs was purchased by the McBrides, one of the country’s largest wool producers, in August 2018 from Qatar-owned Hassad Australia for more than $70 million – in what was seen at the time as the largest single farm transaction in Victorian history.

Originally comprising 10 properties spanning 40,454ha across western Victoria, Telopea was purchased by Hassad in April 2012 for more than $35m. During its ownership, the company added more than 7000ha to the aggregation which it primarily used as a sheep breeding hub.

With a long-term carrying capacity of over 100,000 DSE, the holding is currently carrying around 85,000 Merino and crossbred sheep and more than 1100 cattle.

According to the McBrides’ website, the family has been running a Merino sheep flock with some crossbred influence, a beef herd and a large fodder and commercial cropping enterprise growing wheat, barley, lupins, beans and canola.

Since the beginning of 2023, Telopea Downs has been the home of the McBride Angus beef stud which provides bulls for the company’s commercial herds.

Colliers Agribusiness has been appointed to handle the international expressions of interest sale process.

National director Jesse Manuel said the significant farming operation has benefited from the past and present owners’ continued land and pasture improvement program.

“Telopea Downs has in excess of 27,000ha of clay improved country supporting established renovated pastures and a large-scale cropping program.”

“In addition to the renovated pastures, a targeted fertiliser program together with water infrastructure improvements and upgrading or replacing fencing have enhanced the carrying capacity of Telopea Downs,” Mr Manuel said.

His counterpart Tim Altschwager said Telopea Downs is centrally located, offering proximity to a significant catchment area for the sourcing of stock.

“With a temperate climate, moderate rainfall and irrigation capabilities, the property would add tremendous value to a range of supply chain operations from a breeding or backgrounding perspective.”

Telopea Downs boasts substantial water entitlements totalling 2325ML for irrigation, and more than 300ha of centre pivot development for fodder production to support the livestock enterprise or alternative income streams through seed or horticultural crop production.

The property is watered by 50 bores.