Hewitt Cattle Australia complete 1.1m ha NT land deal

After acquiring four Northern Territory cattle stations, one of Australia’s biggest landholders now owns an aggregation bigger than Jamaica.

A Canadian-backed Australian cattle company has completed an eye-catching Northern Territory land purchase.

Hewitt Cattle Australia has purchased four Northern Territory cattle stations totally about 1,100,000ha – Narwietooma Station, Glen Helen, Derwent and Napperby – to their growing portfolio.

The cattle stations were listed for sale by Tim and Emily Edmunds and the sale price has not been disclosed.

The Edmunds purchased Narwietooma, Derwent and Glen Helen in 2020 for $38.m to add to their nearby Napperby Station.

Narwietooma Station is recognised as one of largest contiguous certified organic land parcels in the world.

Hewitt Cattle Australia chief operating officer Ben Hewitt said the Narwietooma aggregation acquisition was a key part of the company’s future.

“We’re very pleased to be adding the Narwietooma Aggregation to HCA’s existing Alice Springs properties portfolio which currently includes Ambalindum and Numery Stations’, Mr Hewitt said.

“We have continuing confidence in the strategic value of building production capability in Central Australia.

“Considered one of the largest contiguous certified organic land parcels in the world today, this is a vast and unique holding located in a region ideally suited to organic beef production.”

Hewitt Cattle Australia is backed by one of Canada’s largest pension funds, the Public Sector Pension Investment Board – which are one of Australia’s largest landholders.

The company has over 40 years experience in owning and operating grazing assets throughout north, central and southwestern Queensland, as well as Central Australia and New South Wales.

Hewitt Cattle Australia chief executive Mick Hewitt said the company was fortunate to have acquired land in prime condition.

“The previous owners have been excellent stewards,” he said.

“We really appreciate their efforts, and it gives us every chance of continued success into the future.”

The Narwietooma Station aggregation has a conservative estimated carrying capacity of 35,000 head with 50,000ha under intensive grazing.

As well as producing Shorthorn, Droughtmaster and Brahman for domestic and export markets, Narwietooma Station was also marketed as a property with huge tourism potential.

Willy and Amanda Brown have been named as managers of the station, with Boyd Easy named as assistant manager:

The aggregation is located mostly in Mulga and Spinifex country on the northern edge of the West MacDonnell Ranges.