Holding with 80,000 gallon quota could make 3 million
The farm, just 20 minutes outside Cork city, at Knockraha, could realise up to 3 million.
Glenhill Farm is a modern 151-acre holding with an 80,796 milk gallon quota. Although no definite price has been quoted for this landmark sale, land of this quality with quota would be expected to fetch anywhere between 15,000 to 20,000 per acre.
The farm is well known for its commercial herd of Friesian cows. The vendors have concentrated on breeding strains capable of producing high protein levels, some close to 4% of protein per gallon.
The farm at Glenhill has been in the same family since the turn of the century and has been well-husbanded and improved over time.
Right now it comes with over 23,000 square feet of covered farm buildings and level, fertile land with masses of road frontage and excellent internal roadways.
Mr Hodnett is to sell the farm in three lots following the natural division of the land and although it’s all in one block these three divisions would separate naturally.
Because Glenhill is a south-facing farm in a good position, the vendors have practised extended grazing and in their breeding policy have aimed to match the cow to the management system.
So, with extended and New Zealand systems, some dairy-farmers are concentrating on breeding a smaller, lighter cow with high protein levels: there are no quotas on protein. The upside is that feed bills are kept to a minimum and paddocks are kept in good order.
The yard is almost at the centre of the farm and is designed in a flow system to suit a one-man-job. Also, because of the layout it allows a fast reaction to the weather, and with the extended grazing system and good farm roadways, cattle can be brought in swiftly, when necessary.
All enclosed, the farm building has slatted housing for 140 cows, the same stocking level as is used on the farm as well as a 15-unit milking parlour with recording jars.
The beef unit has a 200-head capacity but can also double as calf housing in bad weather. Calf units and housing boxed are provided.
The dairy comes with a 1,3000 gallon bulk milk tank and a large hopper for bulk fertiliser.
Water is from a private 235-foot well and there is a 250,000 gallon slurry tank on the concrete apron.
“This farm is one of the biggest blocks of land, close to the city to come on sale for some time,” says John Hodnett, “and it should create some interest because of its size and quality and what’s on offer.
“This is a renowned early grass farm and is located in an extensive farming region. Its position close Cork city means it’s also attractive in terms of accessibility,” he adds.
“Under the Fischler proposals the dairy industry has until 2004 to build on its quotas and this farm affords someone an excellent opportunity to increase their present quotas and acquire an excellent farm of land into the bargain. This is one of the reasons why we can offer the property in three different lots.”
Glenhill Farm has had a long and interesting history. Bought some time in the early 1890s by the vendors’ antecedents, the farm was used as a stud in the early part of the last century and horses from this part of Knockraha were bought by the British army in World War I.
In later years, the farm was the base for the annual meet of Pigeon Hill Point-to-Point Races and large crowds turned out for the racing.
