Andrew and Kathy Williamson have been beef producers for more than 15 years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
But the prolonged drought sweeping across the traditionally reliable New England region has seen them reduce their land holdings dramatically.
Andrew and his wife moved from a small property in the Southern Highlands in 2016, to expand their farming interests in a larger cattle farm in the New England region.
They spent $1.6 million on Angus livestock, and 1618 hectare run-down property with great potential and good history - but decided to sell Myanbah, near Yarrowych, in February this year.
"I am pleased we have made the decision to get out when we did," Mr Williamson said.
"We used the drought plan we devised; we acted on the advice we had been given. I am too old to start again, and we have cleared our debts."
The couple put a drought plan in place in the middle of last year's dry time with the assistance of mentors.
Their drought plan was based on a timeline developed from expenses, and current income with the possible arrival of rain. But, rain did not arrive.
They had improved the property, and decided to sell at a good price.
"Too many farmers hope for rain next week," Mr Williamson said.
"We had no connection to the land. My family are not buried on this land we purchased. The only negative elements could not be ignored, no rain, no feed."
Mr Williamson said the minimum amount of cattle to cover costs, and keep the farm viable was about 500 head.
They made decisions on their drought plan with the best information they had. But the price of cattle and feed fluctuated.
"Everyone was going through it and they still are," he said.
"Some of them are retiring out of farming, some may still be waiting for rain, but everyone needs a drought plan to act on.
Despite their turbulent experience at Myanbah, the couple's love for the land has not wavered and they now have a 40 hectare Armidale block running 15 poddy calves, described as 'just pets.'
"I don't regret the decision to purchase a farm here. The only thing we did wrong was pick a bad time," Mr Williamson said.
"If we had had a good year, or two, before the drought, we would have been alright.
"We might have had the cash reserves to get through."
