Gerard and Lucy Gallagher, Tarrabah Pastoral Co, run Angus cattle and Merino and first-cross sheep just north-west of Tamworth, NSW.
Gerard and Lucy Gallagher run Tarrabah Pastoral Co - about 40 minutes north-west of Tamworth, New South Wales. Gerard's family has farmed in the area since 1889. Across six blocks totalling 2,000 hectares, the Gallaghers run a 570-head Angus cow breeding herd, having switched to a single breed herd during the past decade. They also run a 2,000-head ewe flock, 1,600 of which are Merino ewes joined to either Merinos or terminal sires, with the remaining 400 being first-cross ewes, also joined to terminals.
On a dry sheep equivalent basis, the enterprise split is 65% cattle and 35% sheep, which will change to 60:40 this year as the Gallaghers look to reduce their Angus herd to around 450-500 breeding cows.
The pair are all too familiar with the vulnerabilities that come with being 'price-takers' in a fluctuating market, a fact which hurts all the more in the face of rising input costs and tough seasonal conditions. Because of this, they are driven to make the most of the good times, having increased their cattle numbers coming out of the late 2010s drought. They are also in the process of cleaning up some of their less productive country, with the aim of sowing some permanent pastures in those areas. Always approaching seasons with a plan in place, they remain open to opportunities and are always driven towards higher productivity and profitability.
While conditions have been more challenging recently, the Gallaghers are set up to remain profitable during tough seasons. One such example is the implementation of an early calf-weaning program, which they have been running successfully for the past six years.
Regardless of the season or the market, the Gallaghers pride themselves on their meat quality, having been named one of the top 100 producers for Meat Standards Australia multiple times. Last year, they ascended to the top of the podium, being named as Most Outstanding MSA Beef Producer (Band 2) in New South Wales. With the accolade serving as a testament to their hard work, Gerard and Lucy believe their consistent approach over the years 'got them over the line', aided by their dedication to grow their product well and present it right for the end market.
