Six years ago when south-west Queensland was in the grip of drought, Goondiwindi grazier Richard Cameron sent cattle on agistment into NSW, some ending up on “Mirradong” at Adelong.
So impressed were he and his wife, Bernadette, with this lush green property – and the lifestyle change it offered - that they ended up buying it, and relocated to the rolling hills of the Southern Slopes.
Now, however, they feel the need to move back north to be closer to their children who are still on properties around Goondiwindi and Moonie and reluctantly they have decided to sell “Mirradong”.
Accordingly, “Mirradong” has been listed for sale by Miller and James Real Estate of Temora and will go to auction on August 3.
If sold, it will mark only the property’s second change of ownership since the land was selected by Irish emigrant, gold-digger-turned-grazier, Michael Arragon, in 1860.
Four generations of Arragons have since worked the “Mirradong” land, the last being Justin Arragon and his wife Judy (and other family members still own country alongside).
Situated five kilometres south of Adelong and just under an hour from Wagga Wagga, “Mirradong” is a property of 674 hectares (1665ac) comprising lightly timbered, undulating to hilly grazing country of basalt soils with odd granite outcrops.
Judicious investment since 2012 in soil amelioration and pasture improvement, water infrastructure and fencing have lifted the property’s performance. Working closely with a local agronomy advisor, the Camerons embarked five years ago on a program of soil enhancement with targeted applications of super, lime and urea.
The resulting lift in soil fertility, coupled with grazing management, has been evident in subsequent pasture responses of phalaris, ryegrass, clovers, soft brome and desirable native perennials.
About 30 per cent of the property is considered arable and suitable for fodder cropping, although all paddocks are now under permanent pasture.
With an estimated carrying capacity now of around 11,000 DSE, the property has been managed by the Camerons as a cattle trading enterprise.
The property was destocked in April in readiness for sale, and following falls of 70mm during June, the pastures are now coming away.
Average rainfall is 800mm and the property is watered from a central, spring-fed dam by a new reticulation system feeding cement troughs in all paddocks.
Nearly all the fencing has been renewed in the past five years, and the 30 paddocks are linked to a central laneway system that feeds into the two sets of cattle yards, each capable of handling 1000 head.
Other infrastructure includes a large, three-bay steel machinery shed and workshop. The comfortable four-bedroom homestead is of weatherboard construction and has a modern kitchen and large family room, slow combustion heaters and covered outdoor entertaining area.
Bidding for “Mirradong” is expected on the high side of $10,000/ha ($4000/ac), reflecting its favoured location and proven performance.
