Bridgets Farm on market
Bridgets Farm on market
By Andrew Shirley
DEFRA is selling the Bridgets Farm experimental centre, near Winchester, following ADASs decision to merge its dairy herd research department with the University of Reading.
ADAS has occupied the Hants site for decades and sources believe the move is partly due to the level of rent being charged by the government. Rates were set when the organisation was privatised in 1997, but since then the company has not achieved its financial targets and has embarked on a substantial round of cost cutting.
Smiths Gore, which is handling the disposal, describes the 900-acre farm as "one of the countrys best equipped dairy units". Although the areas chalky soils are not considered ideal for grass cropping, the centres herd has been in the top 1% of the national league table, with the separate Elite herd among the leading 0.1%.
"I think the potential for excellent maize silage and the standard of the fixed equipment more than compensates for the grass," says selling agent Adrian Neal.
Over 11 acres of buildings and yards are featured, including a modern 20:20 parlour that can handle up to 600 cows. A visitors centre and 5270sq ft of office space offer the potential for extra rental income.
The farm was also used for arable research by ADAS and a significant proportion of the land is down to cereal and maize production, with 720 acres IACS-registered.
Mr Neal has split the farm into 11 lots to broaden its appeal but expects plenty of interest from dairy farmers. "The industry may just be getting back on its feet and buying Bridgets must be an attractive alternative to those thinking of re-equipping an older unit or building on a greenfield site."
The total guide price, including five dwellings valued at £860,000, is just under £3.5m, which puts a value of £2000/acre on the land. *