TRAQUAIR - DENNIS AND SUSIE STEWART

NEW SOUTH WALES - KIACATOO

The Stewart family run ‘Traquair’, at Kiakatoo,60km west of Condobolin, and joined Team Te Mania in 2007.

The property covers 8980ha and traditionally ran a mix of sheep and cropping, but is in the process of switching over to an all beef enterprise.

Cattle were first introduced to ‘Traquair’ in 1990 with the original cows sourced from Kennys Creek and Talooby.

The current herd has 400 cows and the Stewarts plan to expand the herd size to 1000 breeders.

The change in enterprise has involved a major investment in infrastructure in stock water supply and fencing to allow rotational grazing

Dennis and Susie Stewart with their son Cameron plan to produce steers to sell to backgrounders with the option to grow steers out to feedlot entry weights when the opportunity arises in good seasons. In recent years steers have sold to Rangers Valley.

They believe their involvement in Team Te Mania gives them an edge in marketing steers to feedlots and will create opportunities to market well bred heifers and cows through the Team female sales

The herd calves in Spring but the Stewarts are looking at a split calving in the future to make greater use of bulls.

Herd: 400 cows and expanding

Calving period: July – August

Johnes status : Beef Only