“During late December 2015 and January 2016 we completed conditional sales and purchase agreements for two adjoining properties.
“The agreements are, however, subject to considerable due diligence by ourselves and one of the vendors,” he said.
Assuming it crossed those hurdles, Hardie said development could begin in early October and be completed in June next year.
Hardie said finding a suitable property of 300-380ha has taken longer than expected.
A dairy hub to address southern South Island dairying issues and conditions has been advocated for several years with southern farmers pledging more than $1.3 million towards the cost.
The project, a collaboration between AgResearch, DairyNZ and the Southern Dairy Development Trust, will cost $26.5m.
It will operate four 200-cow herds and include buildings to house research, demonstrations, education and farmer meetings.
The farm will be self-contained with the ability to winter-on and rear young stock.
