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VAALHARTS SCHEME: PECAN NUT ENTERPRISE OF NOTE
This sought-after Pecan Nut enterprise, situated within the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, consists of various farms adjacent to one another.
It is a thriving farming enterprise, due not only to its meticulous management, but also because of the abundance of quality water available.
Pecan Nuts are a US dollar-based commodity, sold in the international export market, which shields the producer to a great extent from the ever-continual weakening of our South African currency.
Farming Enterprise
The farming enterprise consists of a fully operational, well-managed Pecan Nut production unit operating on 9 immovable title deeds totalling 114,4 hectares in acreage, various movable assets, registered water usage rights, and is duly registered as an income earning VAT entity.
Irrigation Water and Climate
Water and soil are the lifeblood of the agricultural industry.
Pecan nuts thrive in areas with a climate characterised by long, hot summers and short, cold winters and with adequate water supply being available during the growing season.
Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme is situated on the south-eastern outskirts of the Kalahari region of South Africa, making it the ideal place to grow pekans. Although it is nearly part of the desert, the abundance of water available from the perennial Vaal River makes it the ideal area to grow pecans with peace of mind.
Due to the unique outlay and construction of the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, almost 34,000 hectares of arable land can be irrigated without the use of any mechanical- and/or electrical devices and by the simple way of gravity fed flood irrigation. This is a priceless factor to bear in mind in the current uncertain situation of energy supply and -costs in South Africa and very few other pecan producing regions in our country can make a similar claim.
Thanks to the secured water supply to the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme , severe droughts do not have the same impact on these farms as they to on farms and crops outside of the Scheme.
The arable Hudden soils are high potential, reddish sandy loam with areas of calcareous subsoil. Drainage infrastructure is good and effective.
Throughout the orchards there are multiple computerised soil sensors installed to constantly monitor the available water to the trees as well as the temperatures in the soil, thus enabling the producer to manage the irrigation at all times at optimal levels.
Peacan Nuts thrive in full sun, soaking up the sunlight to fuel their growth and nut production. The daily summer climate is moderate to hot, with an annual average of 450 mm precipitation, and winters are short (June / August) from cooler too cold with the moisture levels not lower that 55%. The prevailing winds are north-westerly during summer, and south-westerly during winter.
Most of the known pecan diseases are being transmitted from one infected orchard to another by means of wind (especially in areas with high concentration of trees). What makes this property absolute unique is that it is situated in such a way within the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme that it has no neighbours to the western side thereof. The prevailing direction of the wind. That is the reason why not a single drop of pesticides/insecticides has been used in the orchards over a period of 20 years, without any detrimental effect to the quality of pecans produced.
The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme covers more than 34,000 hectares under irrigation and is the largest irrigation scheme in the Southern Hemisphere. Water from the Vaal River is furrowed to this vast Scheme via an extensive canal system to smaller canals linked to individual farms. One such canal supplies water to the farming enterprise where the water is stored in a large reservoir. Two other reservoirs on the farm are not in use. From the first mentioned reservoir, the water flows under gravity to certain parts of the farm, while the other are being irrigated by means of macro /micro sprayers (8 metre radius) from an electrical pump and filter irrigation system. Two 37Kw electrical 2 pumps installed in the pump house adjacent to the reservoir feeds water directly from the storage reservoir to a filter system, from where it is reticulated around the various blocks under the irrigation system as mentioned before.
Official Water Usage Rights for the farming enterprise are registered with the Vaalharts Water Users Association in terms of the Water Act of 1998 and the quota is adequate for the proper irrigation of all the orchards on the farm.
Production and Management
A Pecan Nut tree is a large, deciduous tree with a broad, spreading canopy and sturdy trunk.
About 95,7 hectares of the acreage of the farming enterprise are planted in blocks with Pecan Nuts in order to produce good quality nuts for the export market. The orchards consist of 7,693 large (mature) trees, 1,338 trees younger than 6 years and 390 one-year old trees. The current average production of the mature trees in the orchards are about 28 kg per tree.
For optimal production, it was important at the start of the project to choose the cultivars that best suite the climate. Therefore, the following cultivars were planted: Wichita, Pawnee, Western Schley and a small amount of Choctaw. The annual harvests increase on a year-to-year basis due to the younger plantings gradually increasing its annual yield. The current harvest is expected to be 225 tonnes.
Leaf analysis is conducted on a monthly basis throughout the growing (October – April) in order to determine the status of all the essential elements present in the trees. If there are any deficiencies showing in the said analysis, it is easy and quick to rectify by means of a foliar spray in order to obtain optimal conditions in the orchards once again. Zink plays a critical role in the health of a pecan tree and the level thereof is continuously being monitored closely.
Pecan plant protection application records are kept annually.
Trees are planted at a spacing of 10m x 10m to allowing optimum sunlight penetration. As a standard practice on the farming enterprise, the trees are rejuvenated annually by cutting and pruning them, enabling the sunlight to penetrate as much of each tree as possible.
The total acreage is mapped and analysed within 50m x 50m intervals for optimum soil application and management.
The trees are being fertilised annually during August-September with a base dress of 4,5 tonnes per hectare of a product called Nutricast and there after being topped-up with any element (in small volumes) which may show as a deficiency from the monthly leaf analysis report. All the plant materials which are left over after the harvesting process are being turned into organic compost and worked back into the orchard floor again each year. This compost promotes soil health and aids the development of beneficial micro-organisms.
Various pecan processors operate in the vicinity of the farming enterprise, situated conveniently close-by for delivery. These processing operators work closely with the producers to manage orchards effectively.
Break-even production to cover the costs on the farming enterprise is about 95 tonnes per annum.
Security, especially during the harvest time, is by means of night vision security cameras covering the total acreage of the farming enterprise. The perimeter of the property is duly fenced and enclosed with 22 wire strand electric fencing in good condition.
The current 2025 Pecan Nut harvest belongs to the farming enterprise and will be harvested for the account of the farming enterprise before 31 August 2025. The farming enterprise will also be using the farming movables required for harvesting and related activities until that date.
Accommodation Building Infrastructure
There are additional buildings on erven adjacent to the property, although each of them is on separate title deeds they do not form part of the 112.8908 hectares as mentioned earlier in this document. The following properties constitutes a total of a further 34.2920 sq. metre and 3.4292 hectares, which may be tendered for separately or as part of the property on which the orchards are located.
Main Residence
A single storey 175 sq metre farmhouse, known as the main residence, currently offers accommodation to one of the farming enterprise owners, and his family. There is also a separate flat and lapa. It has a modern layout and is situated in a lush garden with mature trees. Water is obtained from 2 equipped boreholes. The spacious garage has parking for 3 vehicles with the said flat at the rear thereof. It is located on a 5597 sq metre residential erf and the perimeter is secured by brick walls with electric fencing on top.
Offices
This 3960 sq. metre industrial zoned erf consist of offices, a warehouse and ablution facilities in total of 355 sq metre. At present it is the administrative centre of the farming enterprise. It i has a motorized steel entrance gate and is enclosed with brick walls with electric fencing on top.
Workshop
This 9286 sq. metre industrial zoned erf comprises of an enclosed operational workshop (368 sq metre), store and lean-to as well as a dwelling. At present it is used as the maintenance workshop, and tractor and vehicle storage. The 407 sq metre dwelling with sparkling swimming pool is situated in a lush garden with mature trees, all enclosed with steel palisading and an electrical fence. The dwelling is currently being used as accommodation for one of the personnel of the farming enterprise.
Fertilizer Shed and House
This property is1.5503 hectare in extent. There is a shed of approximately 384 sq metre on the erf which is being used as a fertilizer storage facility. There is also a house on the erf of approximately 150 sq metre which is being used as accommodation for one of the key office personnel of the farming enterprise.
General
All building and infrastructure are in good repair.
There are no accommodation or houses for any of the general workers on the farm enterprise properties.
Farming Movables
A list of farming movables consisting of vehicles (bakkies), tractors, implements, workshop equipment and office computers and equipment is available on request.
Option to Lease Agreement (Renewable Energy)
An enforceable rental 3-year agreement exists between the seller and CHARGE, a company that is exploring the feasibility of erecting a renewable energy recharge station for vehicles. If this materializes, the income will be for the owner of the immovable property it is situated on. This will have no effect on the farming enterprises activities. A copy of the lease agreement is available on request.
Option to Lease Agreement (Telecommunications Provider)
An enforceable lease agreement for 9 years and 11 months exists between the seller and LONE STAR TOWER (PTY) LTD on ERF 1032 and must be honoured. The monthly income is for the account of the farming enterprise. The copy of the lease agreement is available on request.
Tender
The farming enterprise is for sale on TENDER with closing date 31 May 2025.
It is a thriving farming enterprise, due not only to its meticulous management, but also because of the abundance of quality water available.
Pecan Nuts are a US dollar-based commodity, sold in the international export market, which shields the producer to a great extent from the ever-continual weakening of our South African currency.
Farming Enterprise
The farming enterprise consists of a fully operational, well-managed Pecan Nut production unit operating on 9 immovable title deeds totalling 114,4 hectares in acreage, various movable assets, registered water usage rights, and is duly registered as an income earning VAT entity.
Irrigation Water and Climate
Water and soil are the lifeblood of the agricultural industry.
Pecan nuts thrive in areas with a climate characterised by long, hot summers and short, cold winters and with adequate water supply being available during the growing season.
Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme is situated on the south-eastern outskirts of the Kalahari region of South Africa, making it the ideal place to grow pekans. Although it is nearly part of the desert, the abundance of water available from the perennial Vaal River makes it the ideal area to grow pecans with peace of mind.
Due to the unique outlay and construction of the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, almost 34,000 hectares of arable land can be irrigated without the use of any mechanical- and/or electrical devices and by the simple way of gravity fed flood irrigation. This is a priceless factor to bear in mind in the current uncertain situation of energy supply and -costs in South Africa and very few other pecan producing regions in our country can make a similar claim.
Thanks to the secured water supply to the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme , severe droughts do not have the same impact on these farms as they to on farms and crops outside of the Scheme.
The arable Hudden soils are high potential, reddish sandy loam with areas of calcareous subsoil. Drainage infrastructure is good and effective.
Throughout the orchards there are multiple computerised soil sensors installed to constantly monitor the available water to the trees as well as the temperatures in the soil, thus enabling the producer to manage the irrigation at all times at optimal levels.
Peacan Nuts thrive in full sun, soaking up the sunlight to fuel their growth and nut production. The daily summer climate is moderate to hot, with an annual average of 450 mm precipitation, and winters are short (June / August) from cooler too cold with the moisture levels not lower that 55%. The prevailing winds are north-westerly during summer, and south-westerly during winter.
Most of the known pecan diseases are being transmitted from one infected orchard to another by means of wind (especially in areas with high concentration of trees). What makes this property absolute unique is that it is situated in such a way within the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme that it has no neighbours to the western side thereof. The prevailing direction of the wind. That is the reason why not a single drop of pesticides/insecticides has been used in the orchards over a period of 20 years, without any detrimental effect to the quality of pecans produced.
The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme covers more than 34,000 hectares under irrigation and is the largest irrigation scheme in the Southern Hemisphere. Water from the Vaal River is furrowed to this vast Scheme via an extensive canal system to smaller canals linked to individual farms. One such canal supplies water to the farming enterprise where the water is stored in a large reservoir. Two other reservoirs on the farm are not in use. From the first mentioned reservoir, the water flows under gravity to certain parts of the farm, while the other are being irrigated by means of macro /micro sprayers (8 metre radius) from an electrical pump and filter irrigation system. Two 37Kw electrical 2 pumps installed in the pump house adjacent to the reservoir feeds water directly from the storage reservoir to a filter system, from where it is reticulated around the various blocks under the irrigation system as mentioned before.
Official Water Usage Rights for the farming enterprise are registered with the Vaalharts Water Users Association in terms of the Water Act of 1998 and the quota is adequate for the proper irrigation of all the orchards on the farm.
Production and Management
A Pecan Nut tree is a large, deciduous tree with a broad, spreading canopy and sturdy trunk.
About 95,7 hectares of the acreage of the farming enterprise are planted in blocks with Pecan Nuts in order to produce good quality nuts for the export market. The orchards consist of 7,693 large (mature) trees, 1,338 trees younger than 6 years and 390 one-year old trees. The current average production of the mature trees in the orchards are about 28 kg per tree.
For optimal production, it was important at the start of the project to choose the cultivars that best suite the climate. Therefore, the following cultivars were planted: Wichita, Pawnee, Western Schley and a small amount of Choctaw. The annual harvests increase on a year-to-year basis due to the younger plantings gradually increasing its annual yield. The current harvest is expected to be 225 tonnes.
Leaf analysis is conducted on a monthly basis throughout the growing (October – April) in order to determine the status of all the essential elements present in the trees. If there are any deficiencies showing in the said analysis, it is easy and quick to rectify by means of a foliar spray in order to obtain optimal conditions in the orchards once again. Zink plays a critical role in the health of a pecan tree and the level thereof is continuously being monitored closely.
Pecan plant protection application records are kept annually.
Trees are planted at a spacing of 10m x 10m to allowing optimum sunlight penetration. As a standard practice on the farming enterprise, the trees are rejuvenated annually by cutting and pruning them, enabling the sunlight to penetrate as much of each tree as possible.
The total acreage is mapped and analysed within 50m x 50m intervals for optimum soil application and management.
The trees are being fertilised annually during August-September with a base dress of 4,5 tonnes per hectare of a product called Nutricast and there after being topped-up with any element (in small volumes) which may show as a deficiency from the monthly leaf analysis report. All the plant materials which are left over after the harvesting process are being turned into organic compost and worked back into the orchard floor again each year. This compost promotes soil health and aids the development of beneficial micro-organisms.
Various pecan processors operate in the vicinity of the farming enterprise, situated conveniently close-by for delivery. These processing operators work closely with the producers to manage orchards effectively.
Break-even production to cover the costs on the farming enterprise is about 95 tonnes per annum.
Security, especially during the harvest time, is by means of night vision security cameras covering the total acreage of the farming enterprise. The perimeter of the property is duly fenced and enclosed with 22 wire strand electric fencing in good condition.
The current 2025 Pecan Nut harvest belongs to the farming enterprise and will be harvested for the account of the farming enterprise before 31 August 2025. The farming enterprise will also be using the farming movables required for harvesting and related activities until that date.
Accommodation Building Infrastructure
There are additional buildings on erven adjacent to the property, although each of them is on separate title deeds they do not form part of the 112.8908 hectares as mentioned earlier in this document. The following properties constitutes a total of a further 34.2920 sq. metre and 3.4292 hectares, which may be tendered for separately or as part of the property on which the orchards are located.
Main Residence
A single storey 175 sq metre farmhouse, known as the main residence, currently offers accommodation to one of the farming enterprise owners, and his family. There is also a separate flat and lapa. It has a modern layout and is situated in a lush garden with mature trees. Water is obtained from 2 equipped boreholes. The spacious garage has parking for 3 vehicles with the said flat at the rear thereof. It is located on a 5597 sq metre residential erf and the perimeter is secured by brick walls with electric fencing on top.
Offices
This 3960 sq. metre industrial zoned erf consist of offices, a warehouse and ablution facilities in total of 355 sq metre. At present it is the administrative centre of the farming enterprise. It i has a motorized steel entrance gate and is enclosed with brick walls with electric fencing on top.
Workshop
This 9286 sq. metre industrial zoned erf comprises of an enclosed operational workshop (368 sq metre), store and lean-to as well as a dwelling. At present it is used as the maintenance workshop, and tractor and vehicle storage. The 407 sq metre dwelling with sparkling swimming pool is situated in a lush garden with mature trees, all enclosed with steel palisading and an electrical fence. The dwelling is currently being used as accommodation for one of the personnel of the farming enterprise.
Fertilizer Shed and House
This property is1.5503 hectare in extent. There is a shed of approximately 384 sq metre on the erf which is being used as a fertilizer storage facility. There is also a house on the erf of approximately 150 sq metre which is being used as accommodation for one of the key office personnel of the farming enterprise.
General
All building and infrastructure are in good repair.
There are no accommodation or houses for any of the general workers on the farm enterprise properties.
Farming Movables
A list of farming movables consisting of vehicles (bakkies), tractors, implements, workshop equipment and office computers and equipment is available on request.
Option to Lease Agreement (Renewable Energy)
An enforceable rental 3-year agreement exists between the seller and CHARGE, a company that is exploring the feasibility of erecting a renewable energy recharge station for vehicles. If this materializes, the income will be for the owner of the immovable property it is situated on. This will have no effect on the farming enterprises activities. A copy of the lease agreement is available on request.
Option to Lease Agreement (Telecommunications Provider)
An enforceable lease agreement for 9 years and 11 months exists between the seller and LONE STAR TOWER (PTY) LTD on ERF 1032 and must be honoured. The monthly income is for the account of the farming enterprise. The copy of the lease agreement is available on request.
Tender
The farming enterprise is for sale on TENDER with closing date 31 May 2025.
Features
Zoning
Agricultural
Title
Freehold
Exterior
Security
Yes
Sizes
Floor Size
1,000m²
Land Size
114Ha
Jannie Fourie
Non-Principal Property Practitioner Registered with PPRA(FFC 2023223247) Show number View my listings WhatsApp
