The news that the 1,220-acre Begerin estate on the North Slob in Wexford has been put on the market has generated a fever of excitement in agricultural circles not only here but abroad. The chance of buying one of the country's largest cereal farms - at a time when grain prices are climbing rapidly - should drive the price well above the €10 million mark.
Situated only three miles from Wexford town, the estate, which is owned by the Lee Strand Co-operative Creamery in Ballymullen, Tralee, Co Kerry, is bordered on one side by the sea and on the other by the famous Wexford Nature Reserve. The co-operative transferred its milk quota from the farm back to Kerry some years ago but continued growing cereals on the land, which was reclaimed from the sea more than 150 years ago.
The farm generated EU single farm payment entitlements of over €125,000 over the past two years and the entitlements will be transferred to the new owner. Also for sale will be the shooting rights which are currently licensed to a third party until the end of the 2009/2010 shooting season.
The sale includes the extensive Begerin House, the cattle yard, dairy yard and grain yards which are being offered with 205, 398 and 260 acres respectively. In addition there is the Raven's Yard with three chalets and 285 acres and a modern bungalow on 4.5 acres. The property is being offered for sale as a whole or in up to seven lots by tenders which have to be submitted by noon on December 7th. Joint selling agents are Sherry FitzGerald Radford and Strutt & Parker in the UK.
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