Pasture Powered Productivity

High rainfall and fertile soils drive productive pastures high in the Great Dividing Range at Dorrigo, New South Wales that enhance crossbreeding outcomes. Hugh and Janniene McDonald intercross Brahman and Charolais genetics to great advantage. Using heterosis principles and the two complimentary breeds allow Hugh and Janniene to present top quality weaners for sale on an annual basis.

The farming area around Dorrigo in New South Wales, 746 metres above sea level is ascetically stunning with lush pastures on rolling hills next to sub temperate rainforests across the plateau. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of the Australian World Heritage Area, this area is an extensive strip of diverse rainforest providing a direct window into the past. Under the influence of a very high annual rainfall, basalt weathered to form the impressive escarpment and chocolate soils around Dorrigo.

Located 18km from Dorrigo is Bellbowrie, 106 hectares of pure productivity wedged between the Junuy Juluum National Park and the Cascade National Park. Bellbowrie is operated by Hugh and Janniene McDonald. Their house offers commanding views over the local landscape and the couple operate a B&B, “Fays Cottage” on the property. Visitors to the cottage interact with the cattle and its imperative for the herd to have impeccable temperament.

Hugh and Janniene have owned and operated this property for five years as a semi-retirement enterprise, shifting from the well-known larger scale, “Alfreda” property between Guyra and Ebor where they farmed for 19 years. At Alfreda, Hugh and Janniene ran 350 breeders and ran the progeny through to finishing on the 810 hectares.

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Hugh and Janniene McDonald, Dorrigo NSW have been achieving outstanding success on Bellbowrie with their Charolais and Brahman crossbreeding program highlighting the advantages of Heterosis. Right: Hugh demonstrates the oustanding temperament of the herd with an appreciated scratch.