Wetherby Station

The Home of Wetherby Brangus

Wetherby Station consists of some 1250 hectares (3000 acres) and is located on the western edge of the
Great Dividing Range, at the northern end of the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland.

The township of Mount Molloy lies immediately to the west, at the northern end of the property. The Mulligan Highway between Mareeba and Mount Molloy runs north-south, again on the western side of the property, and dissecting the “Wetherby West” block from the remainder of the property. The landscape is characterised by rolling metamorphic hills. The entire eastern boundary is the Kuranda National Park (and World Heritage Area) which extends all the way to the coast, adjacent to Port Douglas.

Wetherby Station ranges in an elevation between 400m and 520m. It has a slightly drier monsoonal climate than coastal regions with an average annual rainfall of 1050 mm. This falls predominantly in the “Wet” season, which commences in November/December and continues until March/April. It rains reliably at this time of year but the amount of rain varies from year to year. There is a corresponding dry season from April/May to December.  

The temperature is relatively warm throughout the year. The average summer temperatures are 310C (max) and 240C (min), while winter averages are 220C (max) and 140C (min).

The majority of creeks in the northern part of the property flow into Rifle Creek and then west into the Mitchell River. Other major creeks from north to south include Spear Creek, Dairy Creek and the Little Mitchell River. They also flow west into the Mitchell River. There are dams and waterholes near the eastern boundary and in the north around Rifle Creek.

The predominant soil types are cleared alluvials (formerly used for sugar cane production), old alluvials and yellow duplex soils derived from the metamorphic bedrock. The rocky metamorphic substrate is exposed on the hills, while the lowlands consist of old loamy and sandy plains, and alluvial river and creek flats.

Beef cattle production

The property operates a successful Brangus stud, in conjunction with a commercial Brangus herd, consisting of F1 and cross breds bred up from the original commercial Droughtmaster herd. The cattle are grazed on native and improved pastures. Steers and heifers bred on the property are fattened, or sold on to grass finishers as weaners.

Pasture is available all year round and supplemented with lick subject to seasonal conditions. Phosphorous blocks are supplied in the wet season for cattle fertility, while molasses and urea blocks may be provided in the dry season, depending on seasonal conditions.

The management’s objective is for sustainable grazing by managing cattle numbers to seasonal and feed conditions. Improved pasture consists of  Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha,  Brachiaria humidicola, Hamil grass, and seca stylo have moved into the understorey. There are also wet or low lying areas of Para grass and Hymenachne.

Sustainability

A key objective is employing sustainable land management practices on Wetherby. It is intended that this will result in improved farm productivity as well as ensuring that biodiversity values are identified and retained.

Cattle yard complex still in use today.  

Grow with Wetherby Brangus