796-Acre Grain Farm with Rich Soil and Temperate Microclimate – Fort St John, BC

Price : $1,248,000

Select Property type: Sold
DESCRIPTION: Owned by the same family since the 1970s this riverfront farm is a perfect mixture of rural living, coupled with city access. Situated only a 15 minutes drive from downtown...
PROVINCE: BC
COUNTRY: Canada
Property Id: 29233
Property Size: 796 ac

Description

This is a fully operative grain farming business in one of the best farming locations in northern British Columbia. This property offers 796 acres with 570 acres already broke and in grain production. The proximity of this property to the mighty Peace River creates a unique microclimate, which reduces the number of annual frost days and allows a farmer to get into his fields earlier than those farmers situated slightly further north.

The farm is currently producing Wheat and Barley across its 7 separate titles. The lands not in production are a mixture of aspen coverage and soft wetland. The titles are largely contiguous and a farmer need travel only a very short distance to access the furthest parcel. There is an excellent road network throughout the farm, so that equipment and vehicles can move about with ease.

The main farm yard comes complete with a spacious and tidy manufactured home sitting on a foundation. A large double garage has been built onto the house to permit for vehicle storage and it is large enough to fit two full size trucks. Entering the home you are greeted by a large mud/coat room where you can remove dirty workwear without tracking it into the remainder of the home. The house itself has an open concept kitchen, dining and living room where you can cook and entertain guests simultaneously. The kitchen is very modern with new appliances, an enormous fridge/freezer combo, oven hood fan and spacious island. This is the perfect kitchen to prep, cook and serve large family meals. As a bonus, in the warm summer months you can walk out from the kitchen onto the spacious back deck and watch the elk and deer feed in the soft evening light.

The residence has an additional living space, three bedrooms (including master with ensuite) and an extra bathroom. The ensuite has a jacuzzi tub with wonderful views outside and a large shower. The walk-in closet fully completes the master bedroom.

The second manufactured home is older, but still very functional and cozy. This is the perfect location to house a farm hand, or for relatives/friends who come out to visit on the weekends.

The equipment shed offers 100ft x 50ft of covered storage for farm machinery. There are two wide and tall sliding doors at either end of the structure, so that equipment may be easily maneuvered into and out of the shed in a drive through fashion.

Between the main yard, and an adjacent title, there are a cumulative total of 21 grain bins with a capacity of 68,750 bushels and aeration capability of 46,500 bushels.

This is a turnkey operation with everything you need to commence your own farming operation. Alternatively, this is an excellent and diverse option for expanding your current farm operations. If you are interested in the farm purely as an investment and as a vehicle to park capital, we have contacts with regional farmers who are willing to lease back the land.

*Equipment list available upon request*

LOCATION

Main farmhouse is located at 1589 234 Road, Cecil Lake BC

DIRECTIONS

From Fort St John, head east on the Cecil Lake Road for approximately 28 KMs until it intersects with the Cuttoff Road. Turn to head east on the Cuttoff Road for 3.2 KMs until it intersects with the Golata Creek Rd. Turn to head south on the Golata Creek Road and continue for approximately 34 KMs at which point, the property will be on the east side of the road.

AREA DATA

The Peace River region of British Columbia lays claim as the most robust and diverse economic region of the province outside of the Lower Mainland. The regional GDP has exceeded $6.6 billion over the last several years and employment opportunities abound.

The region contains vast supplies of natural gas. It is estimated that northeast British Columbia holds more than 2,933 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This resource provides significant economic opportunity, as global companies invest in resource extraction and infrastructure to transport the region’s various petroleum products to market.

The region also possesses 40% of the cumulative provincial ALR lands in British Columbia. This makes the region a mecca when it comes to farming, ranching and outdoor recreational pursuits. Cattle ranching continues to dominate much of the Peace River region’s rural landscape with the area possessing over 60,000 head of cattle and accounting for over 22% of the provincial total. This is a testament to the quality grazing conditions throughout the region.

The region’s annual average precipitation ranges from approximately 330-570 mm. The area possesses rich, fertile soil and produces more wheat, barley and grass seed than any other region of the province.

The city of Fort St. John is the most populace municipality in the Peace River Region with a population of 20,155. The oil and gas sector continues to be the primary economic driver of the municipality with over 15% of Fort St. John residents employed directly in the industry. Most regionally active oil/gas exploration, production and servicing companies have offices located in Fort St. John, which serve to boost other businesses particularly those in the service sector.

VEGETATION

The portions of the farm not in cultivation are largely covered in aspen.

RECREATION

The property is relatively close to the lively city of Fort St John. Fort St. John provides the opportunity to enjoy various forms of urban recreation. Fort St. John offers numerous dining and entertainment experiences all within a short commute from the property. There is a domestic airport with daily flights to Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary.

In addition to recreational activities in town, there are endless outdoor pursuits in the greater Peace River Region. Some of the best hunting and fishing in all of British Columbia may be found in the Peace River region and on this property specifically. The property and surrounding area has robust populations of mule deer, whitetail, moose and elk, which provide ample hunting opportunities for the most discerning sportsmen.

Additionally, the property is excellent for equestrian pursuits, with stunning views out over the surrounding countryside. With trails situated throughout the property, there is endless opportunity to explore on horseback.

HISTORY

Fort St. John is rich in history and discovery. For instance, at Charlie Lake Cave, located 7 KMs north of Fort St. John, archaeologists have uncovered artifacts from a Paleo-Indian settlement that was active there more than 10,500 years ago.

It is also interesting to note that Fort St. John is the oldest non-native settlement in British Columbia. The town was first built in 1794 when it was called Rocky Mountain House. It was a staging point from which further incursions into Northern BC could take place. It was the Second World War which was responsible for expanding the infrastructure through the Fort St. John region with the construction of the Alaskan-Canada Highway.

In 1951 the region gained fame, as a major producer of oil and gas in British Columbia. In that year the “Fort St. John No. 1” well hit gas at a depth of 1,524 metres. A few months later, in January 1952, the first deep well hit gas at 4,418 metres. Drilled on the Bouffioux Farm, that well is still producing today. Transportation/infrastructure improved at a rapid rate after that. In 1952, the Hart Highway finally connected the region to the rest of British Columbia, and in 1958 the Pacific Great Eastern Railway arrived in Fort St. John. That ease of transportation has allowed the region’s agricultural and forest industries to compete in distant markets.

INVESTMENT FEATURES