The Ultimate Guide to Buying Dairy Farms For Sale Australia

Dairy Farms For Sale Present Strong Investment Opportunity

The outlook for Australian dairy farmers remains positive, with a drop in milk production increasing competitive pressure among processors to secure milk supplies, according to Dairy Australia’s May 2023’s ‘Situation and Outlook’ report.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: Positive Returns

The industry body notes the supply squeeze has reduced Australian dairy’s propensity to be drawn into price competition on the global stage.

“As international values have fallen, Australian returns have proven more robust, with retail inflation helping to offset sustained increases in production costs,” it adds.

Dairy Australia’s National Dairy Farmer Survey indicates most Australian farming businesses (86 per cent) expect to be profitable this season, after being offered historically high farmgate milk prices. At the same time, 84 per cent are feeling positive about their own businesses.

A solid autumn break and more attractive fodder returns for growers should produce a rebound in national supplies, Dairy Australia adds.

“Nevertheless, costs associated with feed, energy and labour are likely to remain above average,” it cautions.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: Milk Production

Australia’s milk production may finally find some stability as well.

Dairy Australia reports that despite most farming businesses maintaining profit margins this season, wet weather conditions and various medium-term constraints (such as high beef and land values, labour challenges and continued farm exits) have weighed on Australia’s milk pool.

“Dairy Australia’s purchased inputs price index also shows that costs for feed, fertiliser and fuel costs have remained high over the season,” the industry body says.

Above: Dairy farms for sale Australia - Australia’s milk production is on track to end 2022-23 between 8 to 8.2 billion litres

“Some positive developments have emerged, however – grain and fertiliser costs have somewhat eased, and a less influential La Niña event helped stabilise autumn weather.

“Additionally, beef prices have dropped, and live dairy heifer export demand has softened.”

As such, Dairy Australia says Australia’s milk production is on track to end the 2022-23 season between 8 to 8.2 billion litres, after the floods derailed the initial steady trajectory.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: Milk Prices

What’s more, a tight milk pool has led to historically high prices paid to farmers. Whilst the strain has been significant on manufacturing margins, the need for milk remains just as strong, it says.

Above: Dairy farms for sale Australia - a tight milk pool has led to historically high prices paid to farmers

“The Australian dairy industry may be rationalising as the milk pool continues to contract, but it’s not devoid of investment.

“Coles is on its way to becoming the first retailer to own and operate its own dairy manufacturing facilities (subject to ACCC approval), taking a step upstream in the farm to retail shelf dairy supply chain,” Dairy Australia points out.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: Demand

And while shoppers are buying less to mitigate rising living costs, plant-based products are suffering an even larger hit.

“Demand for dairy within the ingredient and food-service segments has remained relatively strong too. A smaller milk pool against the backdrop of a recovering food-service sector, has led to firm domestic prices,” the industry body reports.

“These attractive returns for processors here at home have increased their focus on servicing the domestic market – further tightening the limited supply available for export.”

Amid constrained supply and high costs for raw milk, Dairy Australia says Australian dairy export commodity prices remain relatively firm compared to international values, but they are not insulated from this global pressure.

Above: Dairy farms for sale Australia - demand for dairy in the ingredient and food-service segments has remained strong

“The world waits for Chinese buyers to purchase more substantial volumes; however, this is more likely to ramp up towards the end of this year,” it says.

“Supply growth in other key exporting regions, and increased product available for export, has been a significant piece to this puzzle.

“The spring flush across the United States and Europe has brought additional product to market, with exportable surpluses increased by sluggish local demand.

“Farmgate milk prices have subsequently fallen in both key exporting regions, removing what was an incentive for increased Northern Hemisphere production over 2022. The same has occurred in New Zealand, where prices paid to farmers have followed dairy export prices downwards.”

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: Industry Outlook

Dairy Australia concludes that dairy continues to generate significant value through the retail sector, proving more sustainable compared to its plant-based competitor.

“The dairy supply chain remains intact despite macroeconomic disruptions, and processors’ thirst for milk is likely to support firm farmgate milk prices next season, as Australia’s milk production finds its way back to stability,” it says.

This upbeat outlook for the Australian dairy industry presents unique investment opportunities.

With this in mind, Farmbuy has curated our favourite dairy farms for sale Australia below. Click on the following link to check out more dairy farms for sale Australia.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: 532 West Maurice Road, Ringarooma, TAS ($2.5 million+)

‘Mount Heathhorn’ is a landholding comprising some 93.54 hectares which has historically operated as a highly-productive dairy farm boasting high-quality infrastructure and an abundance of water. Situated on the Ringarooma River at the foot of Mount Heathorn, the dairy farm for sale is located in the heart of north-east Tasmania, within a 30-minute drive to Scottsdale and Derby.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia boasts high-quality infrastructure and an abundance of water

The property is well balanced with more than 60 hectares under lateral irrigation. The dryland at the northern end of the property is well sheltered and creates an enclosed warmer paddock for livestock. The natural fall of the property creates a combination of higher and lower land which features predominantly red clay and brown clay loam soils.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia is well balanced with more than 60 hectares under lateral irrigation

In addition to the comfortable four-bedroom home, the property features extensive infrastructure including multiple sheds, barns, workshop, and dairy. It also features internal gravel roads, electric fencing, large concrete water troughs in every paddock, and shelter belts throughout.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia features extensive infrastructure including multiple sheds, barns, workshop, and dairy

The homestead is set within established gardens and provides a tranquil and private retreat. The renovated kitchen and living area enjoy plenty of natural light and stunning rural views.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia includes a homestead set within established gardens which provides a tranquil retreat

An abundance of water is available with 487.4 megalitres of surety 5 and 6 water rights from the Ringarooma River, while the crystal-clear spring water provides water to the house and dairy. Additionally, there is 150 megalitres of Tasmanian Irrigation scheme water (Ringarooma Scheme) which can be delivered through the Legerwood pipeline or via the Ringarooma River.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia boasts an abundance of water available from the Ringarooma River

There are two water courses flowing through the property from Mount Heathorn to the Ringarooma River which have consistently run for the past 12 months. Water is pumped from the river then through two booster pumps at which point it is distributed across the property via 100 lateral sprinklers.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia benefits from two water courses flowing through the property from Mt Heathorn to Ringarooma River

The dairy currently carries 220 cows and uses a 20 swing over with tombstone dividers, along with Milkrite auto remover cups and triangular liners. The dairy also features a 7,000-litre milk vat and a 40-tonne silo.

Click on the highlighted link for more information on this dairy farm for sale Australia at 532 West Maurice Road, Ringarooma, TAS.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: 629 Murfitts Road, Scotts Creek, VIC ($4 million+)

This soundly managed, family operated dairy farm is centrally located in 900mm high rainfall country midway between Timboon and Cobden (20km) and within easy driving distances to Port Campbell (31km) and the regional centres of Colac (50km) and Warrnambool (70km).

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia is a soundly managed, family operated enterprise located in 900mm rainfall country

The 176-hectare (435-acre) dairy farm is noted for its grass-growing ability and milk production without a complicated and intensive management system. Improvements include a well-maintained and cleverly designed and fully equipped 50-unit rotary dairy adapted for an efficient one-man operation with auto cup removers and auto teat spray, 21,000-litre Packo milk vat, and computer ID including Jantec computerised automatic feed system.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia is noted for its grass-growing ability and milk production without a complicated management system

Three-phase power is connected to the dairy and there is a gently sloping 400-cow yard with a yard blaster washing system and a concrete stand-off feed pad which is adjacent.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia includes a 400-cow yard with a yard blaster washing system and a concrete stand-off feed pad

The property features an excellent suite of other farming improvements and shedding including four-stall (14m x 12m) automatic robotic calf-rearing facility with direct access to calf paddocks, 600-tonne Colorbond hay shed, new three-bay 6m x 12m utility shed, steel cattle yards and other sundry shedding.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia features an excellent suite of other farming improvements and shedding

The property offers outstanding versatility and soil types with long season creek flats rising onto tableland country and excellent subdivision of 25 well-sheltered paddocks with a laneway system throughout.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia is subdivided into 25 well-sheltered paddocks with a laneway system throughout

Another feature of the property is two comfortable homes. The main family home is a four-bedroom residence featuring dining, formal living, kitchen and two bathrooms. The second home is adjacent to the dairy and features a three-bedroom, open-plan living and kitchen area currently occupied by staff.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia features two comfortable homes, including a main family residence with four bedrooms

This is a wonderful opportunity to secure a fertile family-operated dairy farm in a sought-after and renowned dairying district with further opportunity for immediate expansion.

Click on the highlighted link for more information on this dairy farm for sale Australia at 629 Murfitts Road, Scotts Creek, VIC.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: 143 Ashton Road, Gilldora, QLD (EOI)

This is a truly unique opportunity to acquire Queensland’s largest Jersey milk supplier located in the heart of the picturesque Mary Valley in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. A vertically integrated ‘paddock-to-bottle’ dairy operation, this dairy farm is home to the renowned Cooloola Milk range of products which are sold in more than 460 outlets from Hervey Bay to Brisbane and as far west as Kingaroy.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia is the state's largest Jersey milk supplier located in the heart of the picturesque Mary Valley

The property boasts an undercover all-steel dairy capable of milking 40 cows per rotation using air-operated suction cups and 7,500-litre vat storage. The dairy features a concrete floor with a full washout and drainage system, automatic auger grain feeders, air-operated feed dispensers, and an additional molasses feeding system.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia boasts an undercover all-steel dairy capable of milking 40 cows per rotation

Complementing this is a purpose-built milk bottling facility with a large cold storage, three load-out bays, large dry storage shed, office, lunchroom, and washroom. The bottling plant features large milk storage vats and is equipped with a homogeniser and pasteuriser, laboratory for in-house testing, and separate production facility ideal for cheese, ice cream or cultured products.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia features a purpose-built milk bottling facility with cold storage, load-out bays and dry storage shed

Positioned on 189.63 hectares (468 acres) of rich farmland, the property is also ideal for pasture growth and forage crops. Divided into 10 major paddocks with two laneway systems leading to the dairy shed, the land holding has been pasture improved and fertilised over the years for maximum production.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia is positioned on 189.63ha of rich farmland ideal for pasture growth and forage crops

Current land use includes 60 acres under solid set irrigation, 28 acres irrigated red soil cultivation, 25 acres irrigated river flat cultivation, and the balance improved pasture grazing.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia includes an irrigation system with numerous valves to direct water to irrigate specific areas

Water security is a key feature of the property, which boasts over 1.5km of exclusive frontage to the Mary River – plus more than 2.1km of exclusive frontage to Amamoor Creek. Situated in a high rainfall region (average 900mm-1,000mm per year), the property has nine water licences attached to the Mary Valley Water Supply Scheme with a combined allocation of 572-megalitres.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia offers nine water licences attached to the Mary Valley Water Supply Scheme

It also has two large dams, three water bores and three large steel tanks, plus troughs. A multi-stage electric submersible pump on the Mary River feeds a high-pressure centrifugal pump for the solid set irrigation. What’s more, a travelling irrigator on the red soil country is supplied by the Mary River and large dam. The irrigation system also has numerous valves to direct water to irrigate specific areas.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia also benefits from two large dams, three water bores and three large steel tanks, plus troughs

Other farm infrastructure includes a large machinery shed and workshop with truck pit, a calf-rearing shed, numerous storage/hay sheds and grain facilities, and two residences – a low-set four-bedroom block home with carport and a four-bedroom Queenslander located at the dairy.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia offers numerous sheds and two residences – a four-bedroom home and four-bedroom Queenslander 

Ideally located 10 minutes south of Gympie, this property is situated on some of the most productive Mary Valley land available, and with varying elevations combined with such a large frontage to the Mary River on multiple titles, this is a huge opportunity to value add into the future.

Click on the highlighted link for more information on this dairy farm for sale Australia at 143 Ashton Road, Gilldora, QLD.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: 3336 Loddon Valley Highway, Tragowel, VIC (POA)

This dairy farm for sale is a superb rural holding boasting high productivity, comprising 441.77 hectares (1,091.64 acres) with a heavy carrying capacity.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia comprises 441.77ha of prime land with a heavy cattle carrying capacity

Situated in the renowned Goulburn Murray Valley region, the property can accommodate 300-450 milking cows via a 25-a-side swing-over Herringbone dairy, collecting yard and feed pad with high-yield grazing and fodder crops such as annual grasses and clover, forage sorghum, lucerne and maize.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia can handle 300-450 cows via a 25-a-side swing-over dairy, collecting yard and feed pad

Other infrastructure improvements include a 30-tonne grain silo with roller mill, cattle crush and yards attached to milking yard, fully enclosed shed, double garage shed on concrete slab, 3.5m x 3m transportable office/sleepout. The property also features B-double access, three-phase power and a 25kW solar power system.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia includse a 30-tonne grain silo, cattle crush and yards, and multiple sheds

Irrigated via the Goulburn-Murray Water system, this property is laid out to 650 acres of flood irrigation and 200 acres for dryland cropping which, combined, produce hay, silage, and grazing, with the remaining area being utilised for infrastructure, young stock and turn-out blocks. Irrigation water is accessed via four automated mag flow outlets from the GMW channel system, which runs through property.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia is laid out to 650 acres of flood irrigation and 200 acres for dryland cropping

The property runs a 300-head cross-bred milking herd with 100 head of young stock, 80 head of mixed beef cattle, 180 merino ewes with cross-bred lambs, and 550 store lambs.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia runs a large milking herd plus 80 head of mixed beef cattle, 180 merino ewes, and 550 store lambs

Complementing the on-farm infrastructure is a three-bedroom home featuring master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, a second bedroom with large built-in wardrobe, office, lounge room, second lounge area with wood fireplace, dining area, kitchen with four-year-old appliances and walk-in pantry, and laundry situated off the back patio. House water is supplied by a 22,700-litre rainwater tank.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia includes a three-bedroom home featuring master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe

The dairy farm is located approximately 116km north of Bendigo, 12.5km east of Kerang, 38km west of Cohuna, 92km north west of Echuca, and 267km north of Melbourne CBD.

Above: The home on this dairy farm for sale Australia includes a second bedroom, office, two lounge rooms, dining area, and kitchen

Rural properties of this calibre rarely present themselves in the current market. With its strategic location, established strong income stream, an ever-increasing global demand for dairy and potential for multiple use opportunities, astute investors will immediately recognise 3336 Loddon Valley Highway as an asset of distinction.

Click on the highlighted link for more information on this dairy farm for sale Australia at 3336 Loddon Valley Highway, Tragowel, VIC.

Dairy Farms For Sale Australia: 94 Mountain Top Road, Dorrigo, NSW (POA)

‘Hilltop’ is an established and proven dairy in one of Australia’s most liveable, productive and picturesque regions.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia comprises 102.6ha of land on the eastern side of the picturesque Dorrigo Plateau

Comprising 102.6 hectares (253.4 acres) on the eastern side of the Dorrigo Plateau, the property boasts basalt soils and improved pastures of kikuyu, ryes and clovers with current fertiliser regime.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia boasts basalt soils and improved pastures of kikuyu, ryes and clovers

Previously milking 200 cows, the dairy farm features a nine-a-side computerised Delaval dairy and 10,500-litre vat with automatic cup removers and meters for individual cow readers/sampling.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia is an established dairy in one of Australia’s most liveable, productive and picturesque regions

Other infrastructure improvements include 30-tonne and five-tonne silos, 20m x 12m shed with lean-to, smaller sundry shedding, plus cattle yards with all-weather access adjoining the dairy. A large-scale solar system supplements the dairy’s needs.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia features a nine-a-side computerised dairy and 10,500-litre vat with automatic cup removers

Located in a high rainfall region (2,500mm long-term average rainfall per annum), water is supplied via five large spring-fed dams, a permanent creek and 12-megalitre irrigation licence attached to irrigation pumps lines and irrigators. Stock troughs in all paddocks and two header tanks are filled by an automated pump.

Above: Water on this dairy farm for sale Australia is supplied via five spring-fed dams, a permanent creek and 12-megalitre irrigation licence

The dairy farm features a concrete laneway running through the centre of property to dairy plus secondary laneways all feeding back to the main laneway. There are also large areas of new fencing plus extensive work recently completed on laneways and paddocks improving functionality and usability of farm.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia features a laneway through the property plus secondary laneways all feeding back to main laneway

The property – which also includes four-bedroom, one-bathroom home built in 1990 – is situated just 6km from Dorrigo, 26km from Bellingen, 1.5 hours from Armidale and Guyra with bitumen access on a no-through road.

Above: This dairy farm for sale Australia also includes four-bedroom, one-bathroom home built in 1990

Capitalise on improved dairy payments in an area with no irrigation costs with everything set up ready to go and the possibility of further expansion, or simply enjoy the unmatched lifestyle in one of Australia’s most liveable, productive and picturesque areas.

Click on the highlighted link for more information on this dairy farm for sale Australia at 94 Mountain Top Road, Dorrigo, NSW.