DURING the recent four-year drought which devastated the Walgett district, as elsewhere, grazier Wayne Newton was able to run his normal stock numbers on “Malabar” with minimal hand-feeding.
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It was a testament to the ideal balance of country that makes up this well-regarded property – a mix of land types that all but guarantees there is always fodder to be had somewhere.
It’s a large part of the reason why this 6862 hectare (16,956ac) Western Lands property has remained in the one family for just on 70 years: it has stood the test of time, in all seasons.
Currently stocked with 170 cows and calves and 1000 breeding ewes, the property has estimated capacity to run 2500 ewes and 100 cows.
And now that the season has turned for the better, “Malabar” (like the rest of the district) is awash with feed, its tanks replenished, and the scene set for some catch-up money-making.
With the family now dispersed, however, and Mr Newton headed for retirement, “Malabar” has been listed for sale, and in the present market it stacks up as an attractive entry-level pastoral investment.
The property is being marketed by private sale by Clemson Hiscox and Company of Walgett, with offers invited above $120 an acre ($300/ha), or on the high side of $2 million.
Situated near Cumborah, about 65 kilometres north-west of Walgett, “Malabar” was a former station block taken up by the present owner’s father, Alfred “Budgie” Newton, a noted cricketer in his day.
Just under half the total area is heavy grey and black soil plains country supporting perennial pastures of Mitchell, Coolah, Flinders and other grasses and winter herbages.
A further 40 per cent of the property is soft red ridge country, prized for its quick responsiveness to even modest falls of rain.
That leaves about 15pc of the total area which is described as gravelly ridges, valuable for their role as a water catchment in times of rain, directing surface flows to tanks and pastures.
Much of the red country now boasts solid stands of Buffel grass established in recent years under the Malabar Property Vegetation Plan (PVP).
This same PVP has been applied strategically to achieve good control of the bimble box, myall, coolabah, mulga pine, gidgee and other species originally timbering the property.
A cultivation licence is held for 223ha in two blocks, enabling opportunity crop to be grown in good seasons for livestock fattening or fodder conservation.
Average rainfall is 450mm and stock water is provided by 16 ground tanks and troughs serviced from either end of the property by two separate artesian bore schemes (Morella and Morendah).
Currently stocked with 170 cows and calves and 1000 breeding ewes, the property has estimated capacity to run 2500 ewes and 100 cows, with potential to lift production in good seasons from cattle trading.
Useful income is also generated from annual mustering of feral goats.
The homestead has four bedrooms, separate lounge and dining rooms, wide verandahs and an outdoor coolroom.
