Established in 2013, the Australian-owned investment company goFARM owns or manages about 70,000 hectares across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
The farms — including 25 former dairy properties in Northern Victoria — are either operated or suitable for cropping or horticulture, and all are supported by a significant and diversified water entitlement portfolio.
goFARM managing director Liam Lenaghan said goFARM identified under-used agricultural land and transformed these farms through production systems or land-use change, people, infrastructure, technology and sustainability initiatives, so they become investment-grade assets.
Mr Lenaghan said finding assets that were suitable for investment and transformation was one thing and delivering that transformation was another.
“We’re committed to developing sustainable farming systems — investing in soil, water and people, that’s how you maximise performance and create economic value.
“Our new chief farming officer will be pivotal to developing our people, executing our plans, seeing our sustainability initiatives brought to life in the paddock, and ultimately in regional communities across Australia.”
goFARM has deployed more than $500 million in equity, with about $1 billion in assets under management and now employs more than 100 people.
In the past four years, it has sold more than $100 million of upgraded assets, and currently is offering for sale the 11,000-hectare grain factory Yarrabee Park via Narrandera NSW.
The chief farming officer role rounds out goFARM’s executive team, bringing an extra depth of operational knowledge to the management table. The successful applicant will have extensive experience and knowledge in farm management, agronomy and production systems across agriculture and horticulture.
“For the right person, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of Australian agriculture. Practical experience is paramount. We want someone who understands how to do it, who can walk the talk, without an ego,” Mr Lenaghan said.