Operational
Free State Grain Farm — 500ha Expansion Phase
Fully operational 200ha grain farm yielding maize and soya. Expanding to 500ha with irrigation infrastructure. Current revenue R4.2M per season.
Development Type
Agriculture
Development Stage
Operational
Industry
Agriculture
Location
Free State, South Africa
Land / Area Size
200ha current ? 500ha target (300ha expansion)
Fund Required
R12M for expansion
The farm is a well-established grain operation in the Free State's golden triangle — one of South Africa's most productive agricultural regions. Currently farming 200 hectares of dryland maize and soya beans with an average yield of 5.2 tons/ha for maize and 2.1 tons/ha for soya. The farm has been operational for 8 seasons with consistent profitability.
The expansion plan involves acquiring an adjacent 300 hectares and installing center-pivot irrigation systems on 200 hectares. This will increase total farmed area to 500 hectares with 200ha under irrigation, significantly de-risking the operation against drought. The irrigation component allows for winter wheat production, effectively creating a double-cropping system.
South Africa imports approximately R8 billion worth of grain products annually. The Free State produces over 40% of South Africa's maize and is the heartland of commercial farming. With irrigation, the farm can produce winter wheat (currently heavily imported) and summer maize/soya, accessing two market cycles per year. Off-take agreements with major grain handlers (Afgri, Senwes) are readily available at market-linked prices. The expansion also qualifies for various agricultural development incentives from the Department of Agriculture.
Privately owned by Johannes Botha (100%). The expansion will be structured through a new SPV — Botha Agricultural Expansion (Pty) Ltd — with the investor acquiring a 40% equity stake for the R12 million investment. Land title remains with the primary entity, with a long-term lease to the SPV.
- • Land Use Right — EXISTING (200ha owned freehold)
- • Water Use License — EXISTING (for current 200ha)
- • Water Use License Amendment — IN APPLICATION (for additional 200ha irrigation)
- • Land Acquisition — UNDER NEGOTIATION (300ha adjacent, 2 properties)
- • Environmental Assessment — NOT REQUIRED (existing agricultural land)
- • Grain Storage Facility Permit — EXISTING (2,400-ton silo)
Current infrastructure includes: 2,400-ton grain silo complex, 3 tractors (180hp-220hp), combine harvester, planters, sprayers, and all ancillary equipment. The farm has a 3-bedroom main residence, 2 worker houses, and adequate fencing and road infrastructure. Soil types are predominantly Hutton and Clovelly forms — ideal for grain production. Average annual rainfall is 550mm. The expansion requires: 4 x center-pivot irrigation systems (approx. R6M), borehole drilling and pump installation (R1.5M), land purchase (R3M), and working capital for the first expanded season (R1.5M). Current season revenue: R4.2M with a net margin of 28%.
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