Gourmet lamb being produced on Atherton Tablelands

An innovative Atherton Tablelands producer is branching out with an unusual choice for Far North Queensland. FIND OUT MORE

WE think of sheep belonging to colder, dry climates and the wide brown land – but farmer Kerry Kelly is pioneering sheep production at Topaz on the Atherton Tablelands.

Only four per cent of the nation’s population of 70 million sheep are in Queensland, with vast pastoral properties in NSW having the lion’s share.

But Ms Kelly is doing something different – offering what is known as the ‘wagyu of the sheep world’ – the Australian white breed.

The family branched into sheep farming six years ago, buying five Australian White ewes and a ram, and they’ve since built the herd up to 30 breeding ewes which roam the paddocks alongside cattle.

Australian Whites have meat known for the low melting point of its fat.

Nowhere has their adaptability to rain been quite so well tested as in Topaz.

“Because of the amount of rain and wet ground here we need to keep a good eye on their feet, and to clip their hooves twice a year,’’ Ms Kelly said.

“We also need to be careful about worms, so we have six paddocks and we rotate our sheep around them.”

She said there had been interest since her Australian whites became the first sheep to be exhibited at the Malanda Show last year.

She brought sheep to the show again this year, including newly-born twins. “I sell to abattoirs and individuals for eating and breeding,” Ms Kelly said.

“Most of our ewes are due to lamb in the next month or so. It’ll be 12 weeks before I wean them. In September or October, we’ll have lambs for sale again.

“There are quite a few other farms with small flocks – from Ravenshoe to Julatten and Eacham.

“You’ve got to put some effort in to make it work up here but it’s worth it,” she said.

Originally published as Gourmet lamb being produced on Atherton Tablelands