Their all-cattle operation, run by Prue and her husband, Nick, includes 800 hectares across two blocks based from “Bindaree”, at Pine Ridge near Quirindi, and a former Australian Agricultural Company property, “Blue Holes”, near McDonald’s Creek on the Willow Tree-Blackville Road.

The first difference is their chosen breed of cattle – Red Polls – selected for their suitability for pasture finishing, as well as their meat quality and good weight gains, Mrs Lee said.

She said in the past couple of years, Eurimbla Red Polls, Albury – where she buys some of their genetics – has had excellent success in both the hoof and hook sections of the Ancare-CRT National Steer Competition.

The Lees are also DNA testing their bulls for tenderness and soft fat (associated with better eating quality) and, in the longer term, have plans to get back into selling their meat direct to their customers.

More details to come in The Land's print edition, January 21.