UPDATE: Australia’s largest sheep station, Rawlinna, is now officially under the control of the UK-owned Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC), marking a significant shift in the agricultural landscape. The acquisition was finalized after lengthy negotiations that began over seven months ago and included approvals from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board.
This change is pivotal as it signals CPC’s re-entry into large-scale sheep and wool production, a move that could reshape the industry in Western Australia. The sale was confirmed late last month, with WA Planning and Lands Minister John Carey approving the transfer of the extensive pastoral lease.
Rawlinna spans over 1 million hectares (approximately 2,585,520 acres) and was originally established by the MacLachlan family in the 1960s. Jumbuck Pastoral, the previous owner based in South Australia, has removed Rawlinna from its online portfolio, solidifying the transition.
CPC has already initiated a fresh chapter at Rawlinna, unveiling new company uniforms for staff and expressing ambitious plans for the station. CPC’s CEO, Mr. Setter, shared insights from his recent visit, highlighting the thriving condition of the sheep and pasture. “The sheep were in really good condition, there were plenty of lambs, and the pasture looked fantastic,” he stated, emphasizing the energetic team at Rawlinna.
With an average annual rainfall of 288 mm, Rawlinna is poised for growth. CPC plans to expand its current flock of 30,000 head of Merino sheep to potentially 60,000 head within two years. “Rawlinna is rated to run 95,000 head, and we are committed to reaching that target,” Mr. Setter noted, indicating a strategy that includes both local purchases and flock growth from current production.
The acquisition comes on the heels of a thwarted bid by mining tycoon Twiggy Forrest, who stepped back from negotiations last year due to planning delays, allowing CPC to secure the deal. Meanwhile, Jumbuck Pastoral continues to maintain a strong presence with a substantial portfolio of sheep and cattle stations across Australia.
As CPC moves forward, the company operates a total of nine station aggregations in Australia and two feedlots in Indonesia, managing over 3.2 million hectares of land and caring for more than 300,000 head of cattle and 45,000 goats.
In addition to Rawlinna’s sale, another Jumbuck asset, Madura Plains, is currently on the market, further indicating a shifting landscape in the Nullarbor region. This aggregation encompasses 711,638 hectares and has a carrying capacity exceeding 60,000 sheep.
The implications of these changes are significant for local communities and the broader agricultural sector. As CPC implements its plans, the future of sheep and wool production in Australia is set to undergo a transformation, with stakeholders keenly watching the developments at Rawlinna.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the agricultural community responds to these changes.
