Hit the ground running at Binnaway pork operation

Michelle Webb and her husband Peter Bouwsema have been on the property since 2001, and established their free range pig business, Pillar Rock Pork, in about 2010.

Ms Webb said when they were developing the 945ha (2335ac) property they decided pigs would be the best option.

Prior to that they had run some sheep, and after making improvements to the property, the pigs were added.

They started with 10 Berkshire sows bought in from other piggeries, and built up there numbers from there.

The property was running up to 45 sows a year ago.

They bought in good quality Landrace and Large White boars from stud breeders to pursue lean carcases and good growth rates.

“We have been very happy with the growth rates that we were getting,” she said.

The free range pork was sold to a local Dubbo butcher, and also through a wholesaler in Sydney.

She said their produce had been very popular.

“The demand is growing and there is a big market out there for free range pork,” she said.

Yet now with the desire to engage in other pursuits outside of farming, the couple have put the property up for sale.

“Carrawatha”, north east of Binnaway, is listed for a November 18 auction through Chris Korff, Ray White Korff And Co, Coonabarabran.

Main additions to the property have been fencing – internal and external; it has been divided into 20 smaller paddocks, and as such, if not running pigs, the property would also be well suited to sheep or horses.

Further improvements include reticulated water into every paddock.

About 90ha (222ac) of “Carrawatha” is arable, and the property has the capacity to run about 90 sows.

Infrastructure includes cattle and sheep yards, a workshop, machinery shed, silo and accommodation comes in the form of a three-bedroom house.

Contact Chris Korff, 0427 005 090.