For almost 40 years, the Eggerling family has cultivated a farming legacy near Longreach, weathering Queensland’s challenging conditions and nurturing their sheep operation.
In 2021, Martin and Beck Eggerling bought “Wynn Downs” from Martin’s parents to start the second generation on the property.
“Martin’s parents were here for 38 years prior to that,” said Beck. “The opportunity came up and we grabbed it with both hands.”
Before the handover, Martin’s parents ran Merinos, which the Eggerlings initially kept alongside their Australian Whites flock.
However, finding it difficult to sustain both breeds, they sold the remaining Merinos 2.5 years ago and have since run about 7500 head of Australian Whites between two blocks.
“We run this line as we think they have great adaptability and do-ability to our country type,” Martin said. “They are hardy and a low maintenance breed.”
The Eggerling’s country comprises open boree Downs, which runs into gidgee country. It’s what they call “self-mulching black soil counter”. They have a good mix of creek and channel country throughout.
“In good seasons, we are able to double join to increase numbers quickly and achieve two lambings in 14 months,” Martin said. “This makes for a more regular income.
“Over the past few years, we have been breeding for numbers and carcase type.
“Once our core numbers were built, we concentrated on the confirmation, hair type and classing any colour out.”
The Eggerlings are “very flexible” as to where they sell their sheep.
“Depending on seasons and market at the time we will sell through sale yards down south (Wagga, Forbes and Dubbo), Auctions Plus and, also, we have been lucky enough to get the odd ‘on farm sale’.”
Navigating succession can be a daunting task for many farming families, but Martin says the assistance of QRIDA’s First Start Loan enabled them to accelerate their plans and focus on creating a future for their children.
“The QRIDA First Start Loan, if we had never found it or applied for it, I don’t think we’d be where we are today,” he said. “It did fast-track us quite significantly.
“We’ve got three children of our own – two boys and one girl -and that’s something we’re certainly looking to do is set them up for their future as well.”
Local regional area manager for the Central Highlands and West Brad Whittington first met the Eggerlings at the Isisford Sheep and Wool Show.
He was able to share information with them about how the First Start Loan could be used as a financial stepping stone to assist with family succession.
“The QRIDA First Start Loan is a very good product to get young people into the primary production industry,” Brad said.
“I helped Beck and Marty understand how the livestock schedules and cashflows marry up with what they’re predicting and how they work.”
Beck says Brad’s support was invaluable throughout their application journey.
“The help we had from Brad throughout the whole process was second to none, he was so approachable. When it came to the application there were no silly questions, he made it all make sense and he was wonderful.
“We advise people if they want to take that step, sit down with your regional area manager, have the chat, ask the questions.”
Brad encourages young producers to start the conversations and seek information on the financial support available such as First Start Loans.
“Doesn’t matter how small the question seems to you, ask the question and get an idea of where you can go with QRIDA’s products like our First Start Loans,” he says.
QRIDA’s First Start Loan, which offers up to $2 million in support, stands as a support beam for the next generation of producers, providing them with the financial stepping stone they need to make a start in agriculture.
