The Strathgyle story began back in 1874 when it was selected by Winston’s great grandfather, Neil Fletcher. Six generations on, it remains to be the corner stone of the McNamara family. After the drought of 1965, some significant reforms were needed. Traditionally Poll Herefords were bred on Strathgyle, however change was made to Brafords for their adaptability for our conditions and market acceptance.
This led to the purchase of a Braford herd bull in 1967 from “Delgowrie” and was later classified by the Late Bill Rea.
In 1968, Strathgyle Braford Stud was founded by the late Neil McNamara along with sons, Don and Winston.
Strathgyle – continues to run as a mixed enterprise, its diverse country of rich black soil creek flats through to open Coolibah ridges lends itself to cattle, prime lamb and grain production.
Annecy is a grazing block that has been developed and sown down to improved pasture and is utilised as a breeding block.
The Hut is also used for breeding and is a mix of scrub and bottle tree country through to coolibah ridges.
Weaners from Annecy and The Hut are brought to Strathgyle to fatten and grow out, where forage is planted in summer and oats in winter. These crops are irrigated when the season is not favourable.
Nathan, Anna and their 3 children (Will, Paige and Hudson) live on Annecy and are involved in the daily operations of the properties.
Kate and Matthew and their daughter Lucy have moved closer to take an active role in the stud operations.
Showing cattle has been very much a part of the Strathgyle stud for many decades. Nathan and Kate have been actively involved throughout their lives and now the next generation are taking their place in the showring. We believe that showing is a cost-effective way of promoting our cattle and the breed in general.