The Tenterfield district is struggling through its worst autumn season in living memory, with feed worries replaced by a lack of water that has delivered greater concern.
The Fall country on the eastern edge of the New England has benefited from a drizzle of rain, unlike paddocks only a few kilometres west. There is dry tussock, and lean Hereford making the most of a bad situation but to turn into the green acres of Milton and Margaret Barratt's property is surprise to the eyes.
For repeat champion weaner producers Milton and Margaret Barratt, Lyndale Partnership, Billirimba, their last good rain fell in October. The Barratts' 200 Angus breeders graze 323 hectares (back by half after the sale of some land). Despite the conditions they continue to turn off top-selling weaners.
During the 2017 season, 10-month-old weaner steers, straight off the cow, went through the Tenterfield saleyards weighing 353 kilograms and returned $1300/head.
This year the top line weighed 315kg and attracted 310c/kg or $976, a fair return given the season.
"You don't make money in a season like this one," Mr Barratt said.
"Last year beef prices helped us out. We're living on that money. Two years ago we were paying $90 a round bale for Lucerne, now we're paying $160 to $170 a bale plus freight."
To look at the Barratt's paddocks, on the cusp of the Eastern Fall, is to believe the drought has broken. Green is the best description, but that has to do more with management than good luck.
Soon after Milton's father arrived he began a program of fertilisation with 200kg of superphosphate to the acre every year. Milton, then spending his time shearing sheep, continued the practice at half the rate when he took over, missing only three years. The green Kikuyu is self sown but remains susceptible to frost, while the improved pastures sport Fescues and Coxsfoot, although the latter has somewhat evaporated in this dry spell.
Rye in winter is an ingredient, although Milton, who turns 80 in July, admitted he was getting too old for oats.
Consistent champions
Angus cattle off Lyndale Partnership are consistent champions at Tenterfield saleyards and in the local show's prime beef competition.
Milton Barratt, a former shearer who began in cattle with licorice all-sorts, followed the market demand for black cattle and introduced blood from Speriby North, Sarah Park and Alumy Creek Angus studs.
Supplements like molasses with added nutrients are important and a bore water for insurance is good too, although digging for water where springs emerge is a priority at the moment.
A tight calving period of 12 weeks is enforced.
"The vet said 10 weeks was best," Mr Barratt said. "But I give them a couple weeks more. In a good season there are only half a dozen not in calf."
