World's largest cattle ranch in Australia to be sold

Australia's biggest private land owner will sell its cattle operations, including the world's largest ranch equivalent in size to South Korea, to raise cash for other businesses and investments.

S. Kidman & Co said it will sell its privately owned 11 cattle stations and a feedlot, which hold more than 200,000 head of cattle and occupy more than 100,000 sq km of land spread across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia.

The cattle stations on offer include Anna Creek, the world's largest cattle farm at more than 23,000 sq km.

Australia is the world's third biggest beef exporter, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Australian agricultural assets have become increasingly sought-after despite the often volatile incomes, and some industry experts estimate more than 20% of Australian agricultural land is owned by overseas investors.

Seeing it as a threat to its own food security, Australia in February slashed the amount beyond which land purchases would require regulatory approval. From March 1, foreign purchases of agricultural land over A$15 million (US$12.5 million) are subject to regulatory approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board.

S. Kidman & Co produces an average 15,000 tonnes of beef annually, supplying 1.3%  of Australia's slaughtered beef exports, according to the company.