THE banks of the Clarence River make for more than just spectacular viewing from “Hillview and Middle Farm”.
The adjoining properties, at Upper Copmanhurst in the Clarence Valley, offer 246 hectares (610 acres) of drought-proof grazing and cropping land.
The properties belong to David and Vickie Munns.
The couple, who are now headed for retirement, purchased “Middle Farm” in 1969 and added on “Hillview” about fifteen years ago.
“We purchased Hillview for its reputation as the premiere cropping property on the Clarence,” Mrs Munns said.
Historically the properties were used to grow horticultural crops, but now days beef and cereal production are the bread and butter of the region.
The 1.5 kilometre stretch of river frontage is central to the Munns’ cropping and Charolais stud operation.
With irrigation licenses totalling 180 megalitres, in summer the Munns’ use 89ha (220 acres) of alluvial flat country to grow soy beans, adzuki beans and maize for grain or silage. In winter they grow triticale, wheat and oats.
They also produce hay which they also sell to local producers.
“The access to the river is excellent with beaches available for fishing, swimming or boating,” she said.
They currently run 250 stud and commercial breeding cattle under their Carmena Charolais banner.
“We turn off up to 20 pure bred commercial and registered bulls a year which we sell to clients in the Clarence Valley and into Casino.”
Mrs Munns said the current season was “fantastic”.
“We were lucky enough to have 188 millimetres of rain last week and the rich alluvial soil allowed us to get planting only three days later.”
They have planted wheat and triticale.
The recently restored homestead at “Hillview” is positioned to take in the vistas of the Clarence River.
“The original house was built in the early 1900s – it had really high ceilings so when we restored it we kept the same look and feel. We built a family room that overlooks the river flats and we have extra wide verandahs on three sides of the house overlooking the farm – it’s a great view,” she said.
The house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Structural improvements on the place include several sheds for machinery and hay storage, two sets of cattleyards including covered vet crushes.
Silos can accommodate 250 tonnes of grain and there’s also a 150 tonne silage pit.
“Hillview and Middle Farm” is for sale by expressions of interest. Elders Grafton agent Dave Dart is managing the sale.
