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2008 Preparation of a Rural Land Study for the Young Shire Council. A detailed land use study was undertaken to assess the diverse agricultural nature of the Shire. Stakeholder meetings were held for input into recommendations for the future direction of the Shire. A minimum lot size assessment was undertaken and recommendations made about appropriate minimum lot size and planning controls to enhance the future growth of the region. Booth Associates completed survey and assessment on behalf of an international agricultural company prior to the purchase of a vineyard at Yenda. This involved soil sampling and reporting of structure fertility and chemical composition. Additional assessment as to vine health and overall state of the enterprise was also provided. Recommendations were made concerning future management practices to improve soil condition and improve productivity. On behalf of a water authority, assess the technical and commercial merit of expressions of interest relating to the agricultural reuse of waste water. All EOI’s were reviewed and rated according to their merits against the EOI selection criteria. Advice was provided to the Selection Panel to assist in the selection process, followed by participation in the interview of short listed EOI proponents. On behalf of various clients prepare and review Strategic Business Plans. The drought has necessitated constant revising of business direction and capital needs. Liaise with clients and their financiers to affirm short to medium term direction. On behalf of a corporate investor undertake due diligence on large scale irrigation properties in Southern New South Wales and Northern Victoria. Detailed budgets were prepared including sensitivity analysis to examine potential returns. Assumptions regarding ongoing water entitlements were reviewed and detailed. On behalf of water authorities and private investors, assess the potential of large scale agricultural investments based on waste water reuse. Model water availability and prepare water budgets to optimise crop performance and water utilisation. Prepare detailed budgets to appraise investment performance potential.
2007 - Agricultural Literature Review
On behalf of a regional industry body Booth Associates conducted a desktop study covering technical extension advice and management strategies available to growers. Various resources were accessed and assessed with areas of relevance compiled for subsequent extension to growers. Utilising funding through the Professional Advice and Planning Grant administered by centrelink, Booth Associates have prepared a number of mini business plans for a range of producers. These business plans addressed drought recovery, business direction and growth strategy. Questions specific to each business plan were addressed including: • Do I have the capacity to buy the farm next door?
• What is the limit of my business resources should the drought continue?
• What will my finance requirements be for the next three to five years?
• What level of capex can my business sustain?
• What will be the best enterprise mix for my irrigation business based on lower water availability in the future?
• What is my business’ capacity for drought recovery in 2008 with average rainfall? This question includes assessing the optimal: area of crop and level of inputs; replacement cost for stock; and feed purchase costs;
• Is my business performing in accordance with longer term sustainability indicators? Booth Associates prepared an investment appraisal of purchase of a large dry area irrigated property to determine viability and third party investor merit. For a large multi-national company, assess a large scale business operation’s water availability and drought mitigation strategies. Detailed water balances were prepared to assess the water demands versus availability under a range of climatic scenarios. Mitigation strategies were assessed and costed. A presentation made to the NSW Central West Review Panel which considered the issues surrounding rural land sub-division and minimum allotment size. The meeting included the reference panel comprising 13 mayors from the central west. The presentation encompassed the commercial assessment of viable business size and how such an assessment relates to NSW Government policy. Review existing reports, assess issues & perspectives, independently determine quantum of economic loss and prepare for mediation. Matter is conflict over the supply, installation and operation of specialist irrigation equipment. In progress. Booth Associates prepared a scoping level Strategic Business Plan relating to a potential new industry, producing building materials from an agricultural bio-product. The business plan included a commercial assessment of business returns via detailed capex and opex. The business plan is now being reviewed by potential investors. Private: Establish New Irrigation Industry in Rwanda, Africa See more....
A private Australian client in co-operation with the Government of Rwanda is undertaking the expansion and modernisation of what has been a series of small irrigation areas with low level production capacity. Sub-contracted to undertake an integrated economic, commercial and conservation assessment of a 6,000 ha irrigation project using reclaimed waste water as part of a long term strategic planning exercise for the total management of a diverse and major resource base. Reviewed potential scenarios of farming systems to see which would be the best option for our client. The client chose a pathway which will consolidate the business. Budgetary analysis initially indicated that within four years the property will be producing a return on assets of 7.6% (without capital appreciation). The current drought has influenced this scenario and Booth Associates regularly review the business to provide strategy. 2006 This project was conducted on behalf of a Local Government in conjunction with State Agencies. The project involved a review of government policy in relation to agricultural land use and an assessment of current land use practices through a desktop analysis which was ground truthed by interaction with local land holders. Commercial assessments were made and assessed by all stakeholders for accuracy and consistency with government policy. Assessed options for the beneficial agricultural reuse of waste water for a large water utility. This included an assessment of natural resources, infrastructure and review of government policy to ensure consistency of project best practice. The commercial merits of a range of agricultural options were assessed and the findings were presented to the Board. This project was conducted for a government utility assessing regional suitability to land application of a by-product with agricultural value. The project involved a review of relevant government policy and the collation and interpretation of a range of data from state to farm level including topography and soil characteristics. Land use and regional productivity was assessed using a range of data sources including ABS statistics Departmental GIS databases and interpretation of satellite and digital elevation data. The project included filtering of areas based on appropriate soil parameters as defined by best practice and government policy and exclusion of environmentally sensitive areas. Selected areas were prioritised according to suitability. Information was provided on potential use patterns, application methodology and product commercialisation.
2005 Assessed business ability to service current and additional loans under proposed farming structure which includes a mix of traditional enterprises and novel new enterprises focused on planting of trees for carbon credits under a Heads of agreement with CO2 Australia Ltd. Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water: Viability of the Wimmera Irrigation Area See more....
Assess the long term viability of the Wimmera Irrigation Area (WIA) centered around Horsham in western Victoria. The WIA has been adversely affected by the on-going severe drought and will be further impacted by the establishment of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project costing $500M. On behalf of a regional industry body an options paper was prepared considering how to facilitate industry members to meet present challenges. The options presented were self funded and self administered rationalisation options. Report was presented to the NSW Minister for Agriculture. Wine Grapes Marketing Board - Cost of Production See more....
Undertake a detailed and statistically sound survey of 740 wine grape farms in the Riverina region of NSW to determine the full cost of producing wine grapes.
2004 Webster Horticulture Limited: Establish Regional Walnut Industry See more....
Contracted to assess a diverse range of landscapes and resource bases over a wide region in south west NSW with the express purpose of establishing a 1,000 ha high technology irrigated walnut industry. Assess the social, economic and environmental impacts of replacing an open channel delivery system for stock, domestic and spare irrigation water to 630,000 ha in south west NSW.
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