Mildura wine property bringing in high to average yields: HTW

Activity in the rural scene over the past month in Mildura has finally seen the wine grape and table grape harvest in full swing after an abnormally late start to the picking season, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.

The property data firm says that this will result in both harvests extending well into April.

The weather throughout recent weeks has been excellent for the grape harvest with warm conditions and no rain or storms.

“Reports filtering in advise that quality is high and above average yields are apparent for wine grapes, which on the back of slightly better prices this year is some welcome news for growers.

Growers are also reporting another good year in the table grape sector with prices remaining firm particularly for the better market preferred varieties,” the report stated.

The Bureau of Meteorology continue to forecast warm and dry conditions to remain throughout Autumn in the region.

“This is not overly good news for dryland cropping farmers who are looking to the skies for an early autumn break.

"The forecast late break will result in a larger area of land being dry sown throughout April and early May, with reports that some farmers have already commenced this practice,” the report warned.

HTW says that investment in rural regions are outstripping supply.

“Following on from previous editions, the ongoing interest and demand in the agricultural sector from international and domestic corporate entities investing in the Sunraysia region appears to be resulting in current demand outstripping supply.

"Prices being paid for good quality properties continue to firm with reports of a number of significant transactions in recent weeks of table grape, citrus and also an aggregation of dryland cropping land being negotiated, all at strong levels,” the report stated.

A horticultural wine grape rural property at 490 Lowan Avenue, Red Cliffs (above) has been listed for between $310,000 to $350,000.

Similarly 23 acres of agricultural land at 637 Wentworth Road, Yelta (below) has been listed for $220,000.