Cushman & Wakefield and AGENT509 are proud to introduce Benton Acord North Orchard, a value-add investment opportunity
consisting of 216.22 deeded acres and 177.60 planted acres. Benton Acord North Orchard currently features two agricultural
structures and an H-2A residence for accommodating up to 15 workers. The orchard is adjacent to an additional 9.9 acres of
Early Robin cherries which are also available for sale.
The story of recent ownership has been of concerted effort and investment. Purchased in 2019, ownership then invested
several million dollars into the orchard, developing about 17 acres of highly productive apples and 43 acres of cherries. This
and other property improvements have not yet been fully realized in the orchard’s performance, but as these come into full
maturity and utilization, they will have a positive impact on yields. Notwithstanding, recent historical crop production on the
property has been challenged. In the realm of farming, weather plays a significant role, and the Benton Acord Orchards have
endured a series of severe weather-related challenges. Weather abnormalities started with a frost event in early spring 2020,
which was followed by an unusual heat dome in March 2021, a surprise snowstorm during full bloom in 2022, and a market
disruption (“glut”) across the North American cherry industry in 2023 due to an overlap of the Washington cherry harvest with
the California crop. Each of these events caused crop results on the property to be well below both expectation and orchard
capabilities. Although weather has played a big role in the performance of the asset, surface water shortages have not been
experienced by the existing or prior owner. With all that being stated, the Benton Acord Orchards are well-positioned for future
success: younger cherry blocks are maturing and expected to boost yields, recent high-density apple plantings are nearing
production, and horticultural practices are being updated to enhance tree vitality.
Herein lies the opportunity. Cherries are a cash crop in the state of Washington, with most warehouses paying out by October
of the same year, so revenue capture is quicker than other tree fruits such as apples and pears. The property is in one of the
earlier harvest windows for cherries in Washington. As such, the cherry crop harvest is normally finishing up by around July
4th, during the marketing window when cherry sales tend to command premium prices. The Benton Acord North Orchard
maintains a crop balance of 71% of its acreage devoted to cherries. This value-add orchard is uniquely positioned to capitalize on
the lucrative cherry market, supported by strong fundamentals such as a skilled labor pool near the Tri-Cities, well-maintained
county roads and services, and ample surrounding infrastructure. Benton Acord Orchards is not located in an isolated region,
it is in the heart of the Columbia Basin in the nation’s leading cherry producing state. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Price: $3,200,000 or $14,800 per gross acre