Spending up on farm

The Australian subsidiary of one of China’s largest premium cattle businesses last year purchased two granite country properties near Bendigo encompassing 2177 hectares, “Eilan Donan” and "Breadalbane".

In Southern Queensland, 32,500 hectares across five properties in the Westmar area was also bought and is operating under the “Woodlands” name.

The Victorian properties, managed by Tim and Sam Grenda, were stocked six months ago with 1000 Angus heifers, now joined to Ardrossan Angus bulls for weaner production.

The lower country phalaris-based pasture was about to undergo a major improvement program, Mr Grenda said.

In Queensland, Fucheng’s holdings have a carrying capacity of 12000 head.

“Woodlands” country is red loamy soils running through to self-mulching heavier soil Brigalow, with bambatsia grass, gatton panic and the lighter soils under improved buffel grass.

Manager Murray Sweedman said it already had 15000ha of well-established improved pastures and the rest would be developed likewise.

The plan is to plant 4000ha of wheat and barley which will eventually supply the feedlot but in the short term be conserved feed, plus another 1000ha of oats for grazing fodder.

The now 6000-head feedlot will be expanded to a 20,000 head operation within two years.

The properties were bought destocked in November and the 100mm that has fallen over Christmas and January meant cattle buying could begin in earnest.

Mr Sweedman said Angus steers under 300kg were purchased, to be taken to feeder steers for consignment to local feedlots.

“It may be some are grown out 550kg for export market if the season dictates,” he said.

Angus breeders were also purchased last week and the plan is to breed both Angus and Wagyu calves at “Woodlands” to supply the feedlot.

The marketing of that beef is still to be decided.