Those on the lookout for dairy farms in the heart of south Tipperary, Ballybrenogue House in Cullen may be of interest. Formally an organic farm, the lands offer serious potential to a new entrant into the dairy sector or a farmer looking to expand.

Totalling 127 acres, the property is being offered in two lots. The first lot comprises 105 acres of quality grazing ground with the residence and the farmyard. Lot two is circa 22 acres.

The land

The land, which had been organically farmed for the last number of years, is of top quality. Since early this year, however, those renting the land have begun to treat it with fertiliser.

The holding reacted well to the treatment and this has led to a rise in productivity.

Of the 127 acres, 10 acres would be of a heavier nature. For the majority, however, the land is highly fertile. Situated in the golden vale, it is a productive, brown soil, ideal for grazing ground.

Today, the land is rented out to three separate dairy farmers until 1 December. Circa 60% of the land has been reseeded over the last three years.

A central roadway from the main farmyard through the heart of the first lot allows for efficient transport and access to the lands from the yard area, perfect for a dairy enterprise.

In total, there are 25 paddocks on the property. All paddocks in lot one are serviced by a loop water system from a private well on-site, with a mains water supply to lot two .

The farmyard

The farmyard and residence are centrally located on the holding. It contains four 60 x 25 covered silage pits, four 60 x 22 cubicle sheds, eight calving boxes, a bull pen, three column barns and four column machinery sheds.

The farmyard area is extensive and also boasts three stone outbuildings, a 60 x 25 calf house and a 170,000 gallon slurry tower, in need of repair. Possibly the most important feature from a dairying point of view is the 14-unit herringbone milking parlour, located at the end of the yard area.

It must be said, however, that TLC and investment must be made to much of the yard area to unlock the potential here. The parlour is in need of modernisation, as are some of the other buildings.

Also in need of refurbishment is the main residence. The four-bedroom home is a traditional-style, stone-built structure, comprising of an entrance hall and three reception rooms.

Price tag

Overall, the property is being guided at €1.3 million, with lot number one aiming to reach €1.1 million and lot two expecting to get €200,000.

Handling this executive sale is Matthew Ryan, of Matthew Ryan & Son Auctioneers. The property will go for public auction on 15 November at Ballykisteen Hotel Tipperary, unless previously sold.