Morgan Tirrana farms is a 14,600 hectare, mostly sheep country, property in Bencubbin. Hugh Morgan manages the property with his parents and wife Deanne.
They crop about 3000-5000 hectares of cereals each year and stock some 13,300 sheep, with an annual turn off of about 3000. The Morgan’s target markets are wool production, export wethers and cast for age ewes.
The Morgans business is unusual in the eastern Wheatbelt as it is livestock dominant. They have a large range of soil types and issues that they would like to tackle as part of this project. They are flexible and willing to try almost anything to help improve their farming system.
Specific issues Hugh identified as a priority are low soil organic carbon and biology. Wind erosion is also high on the agenda for Hugh however it typically affects only a small area of the farm.
Their main aim in becoming involved with Wheatbelt NRM was to improve long term soil health whilst maintaining production and profit levels. “Essentially we want a property that we can be proud of, that is naturally resilient and diverse” said Hugh.
Hugh is an active member of the Bencubbin community, he is the president of the Bencubbin Lions Club, Chair of the Bendigo Bank Mukinbudin and Chair of Bencubbin Primary School Council.
They have previously worked with Wheatbelt NRM which involved the planting of saltbush back in 2010 and some native plantings in 2012.