About Us
Our Story
Calving Ease, Fertility and Muscling BRED IN not Fed In
About 15 years ago we were seriously questioning the direction the beef seedstock industry was taking us. They were progressively increasing the size of cattle on the assumption that “bigger is better and generates more profit”.
The questions we were asking ourselves, which were also being asked by some other producers, were:
Are our breeding cows:
- Getting too big?
- Reduced fertility?
- Reduced calving ease?
- Consuming too much grass/supplementary inputs?
- Reducing our carrying capacity?
- Reducing our calf weaning weight to cow weight ratio/percentage?
- Thereby, most importantly, reducing our profitability?
Our conclusion at that time was that the answer to each of these questions was a resounding YES.
Accordingly, we agreed that a change of direction for our beef business was necessary. The new strategy and directions to improve our profitability were:
After extensive research to find bulls that would achieve our objectives, we decided that the Grass Based Genetics of Pharo Cattle Company would be our best starting point.
It took about 8 years to achieve all of our New Breeding objectives which completely changed the genetic profile of our breeding females.
- Substantially improved Calving Ease,
- Substantially improved Fertility,
- Substantially Reduced Frame Size,
- Substantially improved the Resilience of our cattle in a Grass Based Only environment, and
- Substantially improved Temperament.
Now that we had Achieved our new Strategy and Direction we decided, about 7 years ago, that our new Vision would be to share and pass on the Benefits of Our Journey with Commercial Beef Cattle Producers – so we commenced our Seedstock and Bull Selling Operation.
We breed cattle that work in commercial grass fed conditions, focusing on fertility, calving ease, muscling, resilience, temperament and structural soundness.
Everything we do is guided by the needs of Australian commercial beef producers, ensuring our cattle deliver reliability, longevity and value in every program.
As they say, “it is now all history”.
Our Property
We are passionate about our responsibility as “Land and Environmental Custodians”
Furracabad Station comprises approximately 6800 acres located south of Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia, at the head of Furracabad Valley and Mathieson Valley.
Soil comprises rich black basalt flats rising to red basalt high country and has a northerly aspect. Rainfall is approximately 900mm per year.
Altitude ranges from 1050m to 1275m – summers are moderate but winter can be quite harsh. Prior to purchase the properties were traditionally managed but were immediately changed to regenerative and sustainable management practices through water and fencing development, expanding to about 240 paddocks, and the adoption of a high density cell grazing cattle management system.
About 15 years ago we commenced using Pharo genetics to reduce the frame size and increase the calving ease, fertility, natural resilience, muscling and fleshing ability of our Angus cattle that we raised and developed purely on grass.
We have a Carbon Project over the entire property and a Soil Health Program using compost extract foliar application with trace minerals as required.
Some philosophies being applied to the property:
- We believe healthy living soil, healthy grass, healthy water = Healthy Cattle.
- Maximise soil health by utilising a mix of numerous grass species and legumes. Monoculture practices are not permitted as they reduce soil health.
- Fertilisers – we do not use chemical fertiliser. We apply a compost extract with minerals to increase soil microbial activity (balance between Bacteria and Fungi).
- Using cattle to manage and regenerate our landscape.
- Balance between the soil, grass, water, sunshine and our cattle/beef production.
- To increase the Carbon levels in the soil to maximise rainfall penetration & water holding in the soil, extending grass growing period.
- We calve according to our feed resource and in line with nature – match the cows highest nutritional requirements to the pastures highest and best production.
Focusing on kilograms of beef produced per hectare, which maximises profit, NOT kilograms of beef per animal
The Team
Meet the Furracabad Angus Team
Management Committee
Geoff Putland (Chairman and Owner), Brett Krafft, James Barnet & Tania Neill
The Committee is responsible for setting, monitoring and regularly reviewing the strategic direction of the business. It meets monthly to review and access the day-to-day operations, ensuring the business continues to operate in line with its objectives and long-term Vision and Strategic Business and Management Plan.
Brett Krafft
Manager
Brett Krafft is the public face of Furracabad Angus and is responsible for implementing the business plan and ensuring the objectives set by the Management Committee are achieved. With more than 35 years’ experience in the beef industry, Brett brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Business. He leads bull marketing and oversees the management and supervision of all staff, providing clear direction and leadership across the business.
Zac Shepherd
Cattle Supervisor/Overseer
Zac Shepherd joined Furracabad Angus in 2022 and has been an integral part of the operation ever since. With over 15 years’ experience in the livestock industry, he plays a key role in caring for our grass-fed Angus cattle, working within our cell grazing system and upholding strong animal welfare standards. Known for his calm, low-stress approach, Zac oversees our cattle operations with a particular focus on bull management and sale preparation.
John Pilkington
Senior Station Hand
Ruby Sheather
Ruby Sheather has only recently joined the Furracabad Angus team as a Junior Station Hand and is developing her skills under the guidance of our Cattle Supervisor/Overseer Zac Shepherd. She assists with cattle rotations across our cell grazing system using low-stress stock handling principles, supports cattle husbandry and helps monitor the property’s water systems. Ruby is also involved in mineral supplementation, general station maintenance and assisting with sale bull preparation as part of her ongoing training.