2 PLOTS BARGAIN BUY - 2779 sqm Total size of two plots for sale in Willowmore.
There are two Erven. Erf 1 = 1 285sqm (Levies +- R50 PM and Rates/ taxes R597.40 PA )
and Erf 2 = 1 494sqm
Buy both for only R170 000
IDEAL GAME FARM OVER 6000 HECTARES - The ideal game farm in the Willowmore area of over 6000 hectares
Location
The farm is situated approximately due east of what is probably the centre point between Willowmore and Aberdeen, approximately 40km from each of the 2 centres.
Size
Made up of 2 identically sized titles, the property is a shade under 6822 ha in extent.
Description
Rietfontein has been in the same family for 4 generations, with title dating back to 1893. Formally the central hub of the Cape stock company, it was chosen for its conducive topography and location at the heart of Karoo small stock country.
For years, under the guidance of Dr's Acocks and Roux, the farm was operated on a very conservative stocking ratio of 1-27LSU employing a 3 and 4 camp system that incorporated 108 internal stock camps. The results have been incredible, and as a result, having dropped the combination in favour of a 3 camp rotation system, the veld is comfortably able to sustain its current load of 1-18. General veld and soil conservation measures are immediately apparent throughout, with a series of weirs and tough soil binding plants having been strategically placed to reduce and rehabilitate sensitive or eroded patches. A total of 16 stock handling facilities are strategically placed throughout the camps to facilitate easy, on site stock work.
The topography is an idyllic blend of riverine flats and broken undulating hill country. While a good third of the farm is nicely elevated, none of it so steep as to be inaccessible. A well developed and maintained internal road network gives comfortable, 2 wheel drive access, to even the remotest portions of the property.
Veld types
The vegetation can be categorized into 3 distinct biomes, from the well wooded riverine thickets, karoo flats and adjoining apron veld, to the well vegetated, north and south facing mountain veld. The capacity of Karoo veld is determined by the shear diversity of edible plant species, a healthy balance of which provides excellent, all year feed for both small and large stock. Unfortunately, the bulk of Karoo farms that I visit have been gradually hammered into an almost mono culture situation, that requires seasonal supplementary feed. Rietfontein however is one of two properties that I've come across where the plant diversity is still as good as it gets. In one day, Dr Acocks was able to identify 220 different plant species here.
To attempt to list them is beyond both the scope of this report and the abilities of its author, however a plagiarized list of the significant edibles include the following:
1. TREES - Thorn Tree - Acacia Karroo; Karee - Rhuss; Bloubos Boom - Diospyros
2. SHRUBS - Pomegranate - Rhigozum; Noem Noem - Carissa; Swartstorm - Thesium; Beesganna - Salsolas.
3. BUSHES - Karroo Bush - Pentzias; Vygies - Eberlanzias; Bokkosvy - Senecios; Bloublommetjie - Asters; Waterfinder - Walafridas; Pleisterbos - Hermannias; Koggelmandervoet - Limeum; etc.
4. GRASS - Thimble grass - Fingerhuthia; Love grass - Eragrostis; Bristle grass - Setaria; Tall & Short Bushman grass - Stiptagrostis; Buffalo grass - Panicum;
Apron and Rante Veldt:
1. TREES - Boerboon - Schotia; Guarrie - Euclea; Witgat - Boschia; Wild Plum - Pappea.
2. SHRUBS - Spekboom - Portulacaria; Kruisbessie - Grewia; Star apple - Diospyros; Noors - Euphorbias;
3. BUSHES - Spekbos - Zygohyllum; Kapokbos - Eriocephalus; Bietou - Osteospermum; Skaapertjie - Polygalas etc.
4. GRASS - Foxtail Buffalograss - Cenchus; Bushveld dropseed - Sporobolus; Finger grass - Digitaria; Rooigras - Themeda.
Rainfall / water
The farm falls in a predominately summer rainfall area, although significant precipitation can also be expected over the winter months. with an annual average of 250mm being sufficient to initiate the incredible explosion of vegetative growth for which these dryer regions are renowned. Underground water is good throughout, with a total of 23 windmills supplying a very comprehensive and well designed water reticulation network.
Game species
Game species currently on the property include healthy numbers of kudu, springbuck, duiker, steenbok and a host of smaller critters.
Improvements
A comprehensive list of the farms immovable's as well as movables that would be for sale, is on hand and can be made available to an interested party.
Development potential
Should the property be purchased as a small stock farming venture, I don't think there is much room for improvement. Rietfontein would however make a stunning game farm. The habitat and plant diversity would allow for a very comprehensive species count and the sense of space and wilderness feel that is so characteristic of the Karoo, is seldom more apparent. The harsh climate has the benefit of mitigating against parasites, both internal and external, which, coupled with the diversity of available feed, makes for a very healthy environment for game. Perhaps my only word of caution would be to carefully monitor the numbers of territorial game species, which if present in too large a number, could undo some of the excellent veld conservation results that have been achieved through disciplined rotation.
Conclusion
It is always a pleasure to visit and study a property in which the owners are extremely and justifiably proud. Rietfontein has nurtured and rewarded four generations of one farming family, whose reciprocation is evident in the undeniable health of the property. Treated with similar dedication and care, I have no doubt that Rietfontein would prove very a rewarding acquisition for anyone fortunate enough to share the vision.
Price R 17 million plus Vat if payable.
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