Ian and Louise MacCue sell Wilga aggregation and feedlot to local family

A local family has secured an award-winning feedlot and 2100ha of north-central NSW farmland in a deal believed to be about $25 million.

A north-central NSW farming family have, after 50 years in agriculture, sold their 2116ha property and feedlot to another local farming family.

Ian and Louise MacCue, together with son Michael and his family, sold the mixed farming Wilga aggregation, at Bellata, after it was listed for sale in May.

The MacCue family purchased Wilga (1080ha) and Woodlands (1036ha) in 1964, forming the aggregation, 50km from both Moree and Narrabri.

When the farms were listed for sale the 2116ha of adjoining farmland was expected to fetch offers upward of $22-$23 million, while the 3200 head feedlot with a licence for 5000 head and space for expansion was expected to push offers above $25 million.

Wilga, Woodlands and the feedlot were purchased as one for an undisclosed price, understood to be in the vicinity of the expected $25 million figure, with machinery also included in the deal.

The 3200 head Wilga feedlot, which has licence for 5000 head, was sold as part of the deal.

BJA Stock and Station Agents directors Bob Jamieson and Ben Hiscox handled the sale.

Mr MacCue said he and his family were ready to sell their property after 50 years farming.

“It was a good outcome and the most gratifying part was the purchaser is local,” he said.

“Myself and Louise are retiring and living in Goondiwindi.

“My son and his family are looking to purchase their own place outright.”

Ten different buyers inspected the property with several serious offers placed.

During their tenure at Wilga, the MacCue’s did not miss a crop due to reliable rainfall in the district with their property regarded as one of the finest farms in the area.

The MacCue’s feedlot was an award-winner during their tenure, with their cattle participating in the Sydney Royal Easter Show feedlot trials.

The Wilga aggregation has 1585ha of mixed cropping country across its 2116ha.

Every year since 2011, the MacCue family have also hosted the Sydney Royal Beef Challenge.

Mr MacCue is also serving as the president of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association in NSW.

In total the aggregation included the Wilga Feedlot, Tookey Creek and Jarrah Park Santa Gertrudis studs, as well as 1585ha of mixed cropping country.

Three homes also stand on the property, with two five-bedroom homesteads (one built in 1965, the other in 2009) and a renovated 1960 timber framed cottage.