One of Marlborough’s most admired farms sold earlier this year, resulting in Rai Valley’s largest clearing sale in decades.
Raidale Farm, a 322 hectare low input, self-contained dairy farm, producing around 200,000 kilograms of milk solids per annum from 440 cows, was held by the Couper family since the 1920s, while the family’s Rai Valley legacy stretches back to the 1860s.
Owen and Lina Couper decided to sell Raidale Farm last year, bringing in Joe Blakiston and Greg Lyons of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Blenheim, to present the farm to the market.
“We’ve known Greg for many years and have a strong relationship with PGG Wrightson,” they say.
After such a long tenure, through multiple generations, selling a property like Raidale Farm can be an emotional experience, as the Coupers explain.
“We had our ups and downs on the way through, asking ourselves: ‘Are we doing the right thing by the family? What’s right for us as a couple? When do we let go?’ It’s a hard thing to do, a very big thing.”
With Greg and Joe providing guidance, the way ahead became more straightforward.
“They know their business, are good communicators, and did an awesome job with the marketing campaign. There were no hassles, they kept in contact with us, and were easy to talk to.”
Greg Lyons says Raidale Farm has numerous outstanding features.
“Widely regarded as Rai Valley’s best dairy farm, it has plenty of potential and shows the stewardship of a dedicated farming family. Adjoining the Pelorus River and comprising a milking platform of 202 hectares, the farm’s well-developed tracks and laneways enable easy access to all parts of the property. Renowned as a summer-safe farm with over 2000 millimetres of rainfall per annum, Raidale Farm features a quality three-bedroom homestead set on an elevated site with magnificent rural views.
“While the rural property market has been challenging in recent months, whatever market conditions prevail, a premium quality farm like this one is bound to attract interest as prospective purchasers recognise its potential.”
That proved to be the case. After being listed for sale in October last year, Raidale Farm was purchased in April for $7.3 million, bought by an existing dairy farmer from outside the region.
Blessed with spectacular autumn weather, the Raidale Farm clearing sale, staged by PGG Wrightson Livestock, attracted a large crowd.
“We were anxious beforehand, thinking not many people would be interested, and in tough times, nobody would have money and they wouldn’t be prepared to buy, then the utes and trailers started coming down the drive, in lots of ten.
“As one example, early in the auction a portable sawmill purchased new 20 years ago for $14,000 sold for $13,000. From then on we knew it would be a success.
“The sale was fantastic, the day was picture perfect, the auctioneers were amazing, and the whole PGG Wrightson team looked after us so well. We can’t overstate how great it was: a big, emotional day that people are still talking about,” say Owen and Lina.
Joe Blakiston says it was the Tasman region’s largest clearing sale in decades, drawing a crowd in the hundreds, including buyers from as far south as Canterbury.
“Several people noted that the day was more like an A&P show. Given farming’s current challenges, the sale was well timed as a boost for community morale.
“High quality farm machinery was the highlight. Three near new John Deere tractors sold on the day with a top price of $140,000, while the onsite barbecue did a flourishing trade, also serving as a fundraiser for a local youngster heading overseas for a sporting event,”.
In the end, apart from three minor items, every lot sold, turning over a total in excess of $500,000.
Retiring to a Redwood Valley, Nelson lifestyle block, focusing on bowls, a large new garden, and working out what comes next, the Coupers will be much missed in the district, says Joe Blakiston.
“Their contribution to the local community has been outstanding, and as the last farming Coupers to leave Rai Valley, their departure marks the end of an era,” he says.
In early September Greg and Joe also sold the Couper’s 30 hectare run-off block to an out of town buyer, a strong sale that reflects growing confidence in dairying.
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