“Sugarloaf” is a grazing property located in the New England region of NSW owned since June 2000 by Dave and Judi Pearson. This site has been developed to keep family and friends up to date with happenings and plans for future activities on the farm, as well as family news and photos.
Situated on the eastern fall of the Great Dividing Range at an altitude of 1240m, Sugarloaf covers 1330 acres (526Ha) of hilly grazing country ideally suited to breeding ultra-fine wool sheep and beef cattle. The property is watered by the upper reaches of the Wollomombi River and several spring fed creeks which are home to platypus, rainbow trout, yabbies and ducks. Paddocks run from creek flats to undulating slopes and locally steep hills mostly covered by rich basalt soils.
“Sugarloaf” produces ultra fine, bright, soft stylish traditional Merino wool from ewe flocks originally based on “Birrahlee” blood lines covered by “Teangi DZ” rams (Grathlyn daughter stud). On average “Sugarloaf” carries 3000 sheep as a self replacing flock producing about 1000 lambs each year. The adult sheep carry 17 micron wool and the young sheep have produced wool down to 13.6 micron. The wool is usually sold in Newcastle in September and November under the Sugarloaf / NE brand and has topped the Elders catalogue for the N22 sale for the last two years running, selling to a high of $290.00/kg in November 2007.
Our black Angus beef cattle herd consists of 100 breeding cows operated as a self replacing herd based on “Bald Blair” blood lines and turning off about 80 weaners each year. Small numbers of stud Shorthorn cattle and Belted Galloways are also run for cross breeding trials.
Sugarloaf” takes it’s name from the original pastoral run that was first settled in 1838 covering about 30,000 acres. The current freehold property lies adjacent to the site of the head station of the old run and includes the grave of one of the early overseers Mr John Chase who drowned in the river on New Year’s Day 1857. Numerous artefacts from the early settlement, earlier aboriginal camps and subsequent rich history of the valley have been found and preserved.
The present property configuration and main homestead dates from the mid 1950’s when the land was bought by Keith and Barbara Thompson. Life on “Sugarloaf” is characterised by hard work punctuated regularly by good parties with family and friends. We live in a spectacular setting with 50 km views, clean air, sparkling water, interesting wild life and four distinct seasons. Spring produces a cavalcade of colourful flowers, calves and lambs, Summers are generally green and warm and good for picnics along the creek, Autumn has spectacular coloured leaves and Winter is cold with occasional snow falls and warm log fires.
