Lawson Grains, a corporate farmer, recently expanded its portfolio in southern New South Wales with the acquisition of the Bulgandra Aggregation. This 3096ha property, located 8km south-east of Rand and 62km north-west of Albury, was purchased for approximately $44 million. The Bulgandra Aggregation is known for its high-yielding cereal, canola, and pulse crops on 2961ha of arable land, as well as sheep for wool and lamb production.
This acquisition further solidifies Lawson Grains’ presence in southern NSW, which began in 2013 with the purchase of Borambil near Rand. The company’s arable area has since grown to 11,219ha, with the Grassmere Aggregation, spanning 10,581ha between Oaklands and Urana, also part of their portfolio. New Agriculture manages Lawson Grains’ assets on behalf of its investor, Canada’s Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo).
Bruce King, director of New Agriculture, confirmed the purchase of the Bulgandra Aggregation, highlighting the strategic advantages of integrating it with Lawson Grains’ existing properties. The proximity to Borambil Aggregation provides opportunities for economies of scale, leveraging existing supply chains, and optimizing investment returns and sustainability outcomes.
The Bulgandra Aggregation boasts extensive support infrastructure, a rich natural resource base, excellent fertilization history, and strategic positioning along key grain export pathways. It includes 1400 tonnes of grain storage, machinery and hay sheds, shearing sheds with sheep yards, cattle yards, and two homes. Water sources on the property include dams, bores, and frontage to Billabong and Goombargana creeks.
Elders Real Estate managed the sale of the Bulgandra Aggregation, with agent Nick Myer noting the property’s appeal to a wide range of investors. While the vendor and price remain undisclosed, the property was locally owned following its purchase in 2020 from US investment fund Westchester. Myer believes that Bulgandra is a good fit for Lawson Grains due to its proximity to their existing holdings.
In addition to the Bulgandra Aggregation, Lawson Grains’ portfolio includes Kealandi in northern NSW, Jemalong and Uah in central NSW, and Gunnadoo, Hakea, Jerry South, St Leonards, Walyoo, and Wongan in Western Australia. This diverse portfolio positions Lawson Grains as a significant player in the agricultural industry across multiple regions.
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