Adrian and Leonie Nethercote run 250 acres of prime farming land along the Latrobe River in the district of Flynn in Central Gippsland.

Their property is made up of rich, fertile river flats rising up to quality red gum country.

Adrian and Leonie are third generation farmers, with the help of their young children, six year old Jack and four year old Mia, and parents Ian and Margot.

Jack Nethercote Senior was the original pioneer, starting the first family farm in the picturesque hills of Tambo Upper on 550 acres.

Adrian and Leonie run Black Simmental and Black Angus cross, with registered stud Black Simmental bulls.

Adrian explained they chose the Simmental cattle for their quiet temperament and good mothering abilities and because, when crossed with Angus, they produce a great hybrid vigour in their calves.

“The calves are born strong, and when fed the right pastured diet, show excellent weight gain.”

“During the summer months our cattle enjoy a salad bar of biodiverse native grasses and improved pastures including lucerne, chicory, clover, turnips, millet and sorghum. During the winter months, improved pastures include perennial ryegrass, annual ryegrass, clovers, forage barley and forage oats.”

Adrian explained the pasture and lucerne silage form supplementary feed when needed, producing 100% grass fed beef.

“To produce the right article for Gippsland Natural, all our cattle are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, as nature intended.”

“We get great feedback from Gippsland Natural as to how our animals go through the MSA grading process which allows us to make more informed management decisions.”