ABOVE: Net Scofield and Ian Clark at the stud farm at Greenridge.
Susanna Freymark
Ian Clark and his brother used their pocket money to buy their first cow.
“Our pocket money was two bob (20 cents) a week,” Ian said. “That was how we started.”
Avalon stud at Greenridge is a 10-minute drive out of Casino on riverbank country with flat never-ending pastures where the Santa Gertrudis have grazed for decades.
Ian is fan of the breed.
“I like the nice, big cherry red animal,” he said.
Over the years Ian and his wife Colleen have crossbred Santas with Charolais and Herefords.
Today, they run 100 breeders on 97 hectares.
At the recent All Breeds Sale at the NRLX, Ian who has been selling Santas in Casino for 50 years, was there with Trannette Scofield, who has been working with Avalon for seven months.
Trannette, who likes to be called Net, washed and prepared the cattle before the sale.
Taking charge at the cattle sale was another part of farm duties since Net came on board to help at the stud.
“Seven months later, she’s still here,” Ian laughed.
Ian and Colleen’s adult children have left the farm and have no interest in cattle.
Like many farmers, a succession plan was needed so Ian could retire. Net is Ian’s plan.
“I’ve gotta be ready to let go,” Ian said.
“I got to age 67 and decided I needed someone to do some work. Then I met Net.”
Net and Ian are a good pair.
“We’ve got strong similar work ethics and similar values,” Ian said.
Net was born and raised at Mummulgum.
She’s had plenty of experience with cattle and is enthusiastic about taking on the stud.
She nods to Ian – “He’s still the boss”.
While Colleen and Ian take a trip to South Australia in the coming months, Net will live at the farm with her family and keep an eye on the cattle.
Net plans to stay permanently and wants to add showing cattle.
She wants to make Colleen and Ian proud of what she can do for Avalon, “I want to show people that Avalon is still here and going strong.”
Photos: Susanna Freymark
