RICH, basalt-type soils and a high elevation conducive to reliable rainfall are key selling points of "Doughboy Mountain", a large-scale grazing property listed for sale near Armidale.
Owned by Sydney businessman Phil Salter, "Doughboy Mountain" is a 1352-hectare (3340-acre) property situated atop the Doughboy Mountain Range near Ebor, 68 kilometres north of Armidale.
Mr Salter bought the property in 2010 and operates it in conjunction with his two other northern NSW cattle properties, Towal Creek Station at Bellbrook and "Cherry Bank" at Walcha.
He is selling "Doughboy Mountain" now as part of a consolidation program, and has listed the property with Bruce Rutherford of Landmark Walcha for auction on November 20.
Previously "Doughboy Mountain" was owned by Quentin Wright, whose forebears had held the country since the 1880s. He ran the property under organic certification, using holistic management principles.
Although under its previous owner "Doughboy Mountain" had run fine wool Merinos and crossbred ewes as well as cattle, it is now managed exclusively for cattle breeding and backgrounding.
Listing agent Bruce Rutherford said with its 1000-breeder carrying capacity, the property offered a prime opening for an investor to capitalise on the booming global demand for high-quality beef.
As the name implies, "Doughboy Mountain" comprises country ranging from undulating to hilly. It has a scattering of shade and shelter trees plus planted shelter belts and an uncleared area used for winter grazing.
The property was one of the first in the New England to be pasture improved and has a history of aerial topdressing and seeding dating back to the 1950s.
Pastures are a productive mix of natural and introduced grasses and clovers, which support a stocking regime that ranges from 16,000 DSE in mid-winter to about 22,000 DSE in summer.
As the foregoing implies, rainfall is summer-dominant, averaging 930 millimetres a year, and four spring-fed creeks supply stock water, augmented by a reticulation scheme and 38 paddock dams.
Since taking over the property, the present owner has substantially upgraded infrastructure, erecting 45km of new fencing (including 5.5km of laneways) and adding 27 new watering points.
Working infrastructure is of a high standard and includes solid timber cattle yards with an under-cover working area containing a 9m steel "V" race and vet crush, plus B-double loading facilities.
A four-stand electric Enterac woolshed built in 1991 has a raised board and attached under-cover sheepyards with 2000-head capacity. It can also be used for machinery or fodder storage, along with the purpose-built machinery shed and workshop.
The architect-designed homestead has vertical tallowwood exterior walls, four bedrooms and spacious living areas with wood fires and cathedral ceilings, all set in landscaped surrounds with a clay tennis court.
A one-bedroom cottage in a private setting provides additional accommodation, offering farmstay possibilities.
Under present management "Doughboy Mountain" has typically carried between 700 and 800 Angus breeders (including 200 registered cows of the Doughboy Angus stud), plus sale bulls and retained progeny.
If managed as a weaner nursery operation it is estimated the property could comfortably carry 1000 breeders, and a successful purchaser will have the opportunity to buy substantial female numbers upon settlement.
To further maintain continuity, the present manager, Lachlan Cullen, has indicated he would be interested in staying on, subject to negotiations, should a new owner wish it.
n Contact Bruce Rutherford, 0428 660 328.