THE late Digby Boland would refer to his "Llangollan" property on the well-watered eastern fall of the Nandewar Range as his "haystack in the hills".
It was also the intended "superannuation fund" of Digby and his wife Robyn, who were both killed - along with two others - in a light aircraft crash at their home town of Moree in 2011.
Now "Llangollan" is to be sold, as part of the rationalisation of the Boland Estate which at its peak comprised a string of farming and pastoral properties in NSW and Queensland, and several businesses in Moree.
The property has been listed for sale with Ray White Rural Moree and will go to auction in Moree on March 26, with a result expected on the day.
Previously a woolgrowing property, "Llangollan" became a wholly cattle-breeding operation - for which the country is ideally suited - after being purchased by Mr Boland in 1996.
It was used mainly to breed young cattle for growing-out and finishing on the family's farming properties further west, although at times cattle were also held and fattened on "Llangollan".
Situated 54 kilometres south-west of Bingara, "Llangollan" is a property of 2733 hectares (6754ac) comprising mostly gently undulating country rising to low hills, with two rocky escarpments at the southern end.
The hills of soft trap formation divide three north-south-running valleys that intersect the property, including those of the Oakey Creek and Back Creek which are lined with rich flats of chocolate and grey loam soils.
Apart from shade trees and 90ha of retained timber in the south-east corner, the property is cleared for productive grazing and includes 80ha of cultivation country used for growing fodder crops.
Pastures are native grasses oversown with clovers and medics and topdressed regularly in recent years to promote winter growth.
As presently managed, the property supports a breeding herd of about 1100 Senepol/Charolais females plus replacements and calves.
Water is a feature of "Llangollan", thanks to its proximity to the Nandewar Range. Average rainfall is about 850 to 950mm and stock water is amply provided by 44 dams and spring-fed creeks.
The three-bedroom weatherboard homestead, recently renovated, is of classic station design with gauzed and open verandahs on three sides, hallway, large lounge, wood heater and maid's quarters.
Two cottages and shearers' quarters provide extra accommodation options, and working structures include a five-stand shearing shed and steel sheepyards, timber cattle yards and a six-bay machinery shed.
Contact Tim Lyne, 0428 657 174.
Peter Austin
Former editor and long time columnist and property writer for The Land.
Former editor and long time columnist and property writer for The Land.
