The benefits of diversity at Bellevue
Since its establishment in 1936, the Bellevue Pastoral Company has exemplified sustainable farming practices while evolving to meet the changing needs of agriculture. Initially a sheep grazing operation managed by Sydney and Isabelle Eather along the banks of the Namoi River at Narrabri, the company has significantly transformed over the decades. Today, Bellevue has emerged as a multifaceted cropping enterprise, focusing predominantly on cotton, while also branching out into the cultivation of almonds, durum wheat, and various other crops.
As the founders laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving agricultural legacy, they implemented innovative irrigation strategies in the 1960s. These developments allowed Bellevue to embrace a more diverse cropping culture, starting with fodder crops and eventually transitioning into commercial agricultural staples by the 1990s, such as cotton and durum wheat. The expansion didn’t stop there; during this period, Bellevue began to acquire additional properties, leading to the establishment of a robust portfolio that now includes locations like Warinella, Narooma, and Glenelg.
The focus on broad-scale irrigation has been pivotal to the Bellevue operation. With most farms in the portfolio being engineered for effective irrigation, optimum growing conditions have been created for cotton and durum wheat. This commitment to efficient water use and sustainable practices supports not only the company’s immediate agricultural endeavours but also aligns with the Eather family’s dedication to preserving the land for future generations.
In a noteworthy strategic move, Bellevue Pastoral Company turned its attention to nut farming by introducing almond cultivation at their Quindalup property in 2020. The vision was borne out of a need to diversify the company’s portfolio and leverage the advantageous climatic conditions of the Riverina region. Since planting the first almond trees, Bellevue has nurtured 125,600 trees across three different varieties: Nonpareil, Carmel, and Carina. This diversification not only adds to the company’s resilience against market fluctuations but also provides new opportunities for growth within the booming almond industry.
The family behind Bellevue has always maintained a firm commitment to upholding their heritage while embracing innovation. Now, with the third generation at the helm, Darren and Leanne Eather embody this vision as they actively participate in daily operations. Their hands-on approach underscores the blend of traditional farming values with contemporary agricultural practices. The Eather family’s experience in the field allows them to adjust strategies in real time, ensuring that each crop, whether it be cotton or almonds, thrives.
There are big plans for large scale citrus production on Bellevue. “We are planning to plant 320 hectares of citrus which is about 175,000 trees,” says Darren Eather. “They’ll be mostly navel varieties plus some mandarins and all for the fresh market, including some for export. We’ll pack it locally and will be building a packing shed in the near future.
The citrus development will bring plenty of challenges because it is a new crop in a new area with logistical issues and increased costs, especially of energy and wages.
“The return per megalitre is significantly higher than for any annual crops,” says Darren, “and while we will grow cotton in most years, the permanent plantings will underpin our business during drought conditions. We have been blessed with an amazing aquifer right under the current irrigation land, and this will be a more sustainable and efficient way to use our water.”
Bellevue Pastoral Company is fully accredited under myBMP and is an active member of the communities in which it operates. Each year it involved in educational days with Tocal Agricultural College students, as well as many other community fundraising days.
Pictured from L to R – Colin Parkes (Pursehouse Rural), Darren, Leanne & Julia Eather, and Tom Redfern (Bellevue Pastoral Co.), and Tim Capp (Australis Crop Protection).
An almond orchard in full bloom.
Almonds for as far as the eye can see.
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