Livestock

The Australian sheep and cropping fund manager has acquired the first farm for its Australia Fund I, a 486-hectare property in south-west Victoria.

The Australian beef cattle fund manager announced the lending facility during the same week as Beef Australia 2015, the industry event held in Rockhampton, Queensland, where speakers pointed to continued beef price hikes.

The Australian bank's Pastoral Fund management team is set to relocate to Orange from Sydney to be closer to its assets and as part of an expansion in its operations. The fund posted profits for the first time since 2011 earlier this month.

Australia's largest landowner, which covers 100,000 square kilometres, is up for sale as a whole business by the family that has held it since 1899.

Southern Pastures, the New Zealand dairy fund, has closed on $300 million after getting commitments from 100% institutional investors.

Australian sheep meat and cereals investment manager Growth Farms has held a first close of its first fund on A$35 million.

Paraguay's reputation as an investment destination has suffered in recent years but its openness to foreign investment and incentives on offer are making it increasingly appealing to investors, argues Lennart Stahr of Southern Connections Agro Consulting and Management.

Prevtec Microbia raised the capital from existing investors and Canadian animal health-focused venture capital firm VVC, which committed $3m.

Figures released by Meat and Livestock Australia last month recorded a surprise jump in live cattle exports to Vietnam.

The International Fair Agrifood - Fiagrop 2015 - will host representatives from 26 foreign companies next week.