MICK Beckett did not have to look for long for the ideal property when he was on the hunt for quality grazing land a decade ago.
He was quick to purchase the Willow Tree property, “Mt Boo”, instantly recognising its positive attributes – principally its good black basalt soil types.
“When I bought it, some people said I must have looked around for quite a while,” Mr Beckett said.
“I said no – the agent rang me up about it and I was the first person to see it, so I was very lucky to find it.”
Mr Beckett and his wife Sue have owned “Mt Boo” for 101/2 years.
Before purchasing “Mt Boo”, he owned property in the lower Hunter Valley, but was seeking a larger holding on which they would base themselves.
The Becketts are selling the 446 hectare (1103ac) “Mt Boo” for health reasons, but will be retaining some Hunter Valley country.
“Mt Boo” has been listed for private sale at $1.8 million (about $4031/ha; $1631/ac) through Richard Cudmore, Davidson Cameron and Company, Quirindi.
During the course of his ownership Mr Beckett has been running up to 150 cows and 100 steers.
His Charbray and black baldy cows have been crossed with Limousin and Santa Gertrudis bulls.
“It is a good piece of country and I think that shows in the quality of the cattle.”
He has typically sold his cattle through both Tamworth and Scone, where he has found a good market reception.
Mr Beckett has carried out improvements to dams on the property to ensure a good supply of surface water, and as not to completely rely on the bore.
About four years ago he added a machinery shed, complementing the existing steel cattle yards and an old shearing shed.
He has also been growing oats and lucerne on about 100ha (250ac) of arable country.
Aside from soils, he cited water and rain as highlights.
“We have been fortunate where we are at, in terms of rainfall,” he said, given its situation further into a valley and close to a range offered higher rainfall than some nearby areas.
Average annual rainfall is about 710 millimetres.
The property is situated about 30 kilometres south west of Willow Tree.
“The place is very self reliant, and would suit someone looking for a bit more country; it is a very good property, you couldn’t go wrong.
Country on “Mt Boo” is gently undulating and rising to steeper ridges.
“Mt Boo” predominantly has native pasture varieties and clover, and has been subdivided into seven paddocks.
There are a total of nine dams supported by a bore with electric submersible pump and which reticulates back to troughs.
The “Mt Boo” homestead has a large verandah, three bedrooms, and polished timber floor boards, and a lockable two bay garage.
Contact Richard Cudmore, 0428 658 497.
Nick Heydon
The Land's property editor.
The Land's property editor.
