Several offshore private super and investment funds have expressed interest in the properties being auctioned by the Swire Group’s Clyde Agriculture.

Representatives have been flown in to carry out inspections.

Managing Director John McKillop says strong commodity prices worldwide and a falling Australian dollar, together with the expectation that long term demand for food crops and protein will increase, are all fuelling interest.

“Despite tight credit conditions globally, and a level of caution in the property market, there is no doubt that agriculture in Australia is seen as a solid long term investment.

"Clyde properties are sustainably managed and have successfully weathered one of the driest and most difficult periods in this country’s history,” Mr McKillop said.

He added, “Production decisions at Clyde’s holdings are always made bearing in mind the need to protect, if not enhance, the resource base.

"The holdings have been operated under the

company’s hardline commitment to environmental responsibility."

Two of Queensland’s signature grazing properties, Thylungra and Clover Downs, will be offered at auction by the Swire Group’s Clyde Agriculture in Brisbane on September 9.

NSW properties Toorale Station, Bourke and Brewon, Walgett will be auctioned in Sydney on September 11.

The properties are a mix of irrigated farming, breeding, finishing and grazing covering more than half a million hectares.

Clyde Agriculture is offering four properties for sale in order to rebalance its property portfolio which is currently disproportionately weighted to livestock production.

Mr McKillop said Clyde Agriculture plans to re-invest in agriculture by purchasing more dryland and irrigated farming holdings.