Publication Date
1993
Description
Successful management involves keeping the property profitable on an annual basis and maintaining long-term profitability by gradual improvement. To maintain long-term economic profitability we must ensure ecological sustainability. "Hillgrove" is a 65 000 ha specialist beef production (breeding, fattening, store production) property in the Charters Towers district of north Queensland. The environment is dominated by erratic (annual rainfall 127-1367 mm) and highly seasonal rainfall (75% during December-March). Soils vary from fertile basaltics to phosphorus-deficient yellow earths, In addition to the climatic variation, cattle prices fluctuate uncontrollably. We plan to enter periods of low prices with low debt levels and an efficient operation so that we not only survive but can avail ourselves of opportunities around al the time. This is done by using moderate stocking rates to avoid overgrazing, adapted Brahman call le, pasture improvement and capital improvement to reduce annual costs to a minimum. Drought is one of the many facets to managing a cattle property; we sell early rather than feed large numbers. The key to long-term sustainability and short term profitability is flexibility in all aspects of management.
Citation
Mann, T H., "Flexibility - The Key to Managing a Northern Beef Property" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 5.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session53/5
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Flexibility - The Key to Managing a Northern Beef Property
Successful management involves keeping the property profitable on an annual basis and maintaining long-term profitability by gradual improvement. To maintain long-term economic profitability we must ensure ecological sustainability. "Hillgrove" is a 65 000 ha specialist beef production (breeding, fattening, store production) property in the Charters Towers district of north Queensland. The environment is dominated by erratic (annual rainfall 127-1367 mm) and highly seasonal rainfall (75% during December-March). Soils vary from fertile basaltics to phosphorus-deficient yellow earths, In addition to the climatic variation, cattle prices fluctuate uncontrollably. We plan to enter periods of low prices with low debt levels and an efficient operation so that we not only survive but can avail ourselves of opportunities around al the time. This is done by using moderate stocking rates to avoid overgrazing, adapted Brahman call le, pasture improvement and capital improvement to reduce annual costs to a minimum. Drought is one of the many facets to managing a cattle property; we sell early rather than feed large numbers. The key to long-term sustainability and short term profitability is flexibility in all aspects of management.
