Huge interest expected for big organic dairy
Huge interest expected for big organic dairy
By Andrew Shirley
AN ORGANIC Welsh dairy unit is due to be launched this week.
At 630-acres the Blaenhiraeth Estate, near Llanelli, is probably the biggest converted property to come on the market to date.
Priced at £2m, selling agent Richard Nocton, of Wilts-based Woolley & Wallis, is sure there will be colossal interest in the farms organic status but says he has not added a premium because of it.
"In reality there is an oversupply of organic milk, but the business is extremely profitable and I am sure First Milk will honour their 27p/litre contact until it is due for renewal at the end of the year."
He also says 255 acres of pasture is IACS-registered. Advantageously, under current legislation this can be put into set-aside while still be used as grazing for the dairy herd.
But the eco-friendly aspect of the farm is not the only attraction. Blaenhiraeth, says Mr Nocton, has superb views over the scenic Gower Peninsula and features four dwellings as well as the principle five-bedroomed farmhouse.
There is potential for a further five holiday cottages and 58 acres of woodland plus almost a mile of fishing are included.
Owners, Stuart and Liz Poulson, having built the enterprise up over the past 25 years, are off to try their hands at arable farming and would like the holding to go whole.
The backbone of the business is a 250-head strong herd of Dairy Shorthorns and the milk quota extends to 1.5m litres. *