PHOTOS: See who was at the 160th Hazeldean Angus Spring Bull sale and ball
GALLERY: Hazeldean Angus marks 160 years of seedstock at Cooma
Pictures by Eliza Spencer.
Monaro stud Hazeldean marked 160 years of seedstock for Angus cattle and Merino sheep, with a 'Wool and Bull' ball held on Friday, September 6.
Following their spring bull sale, during which bulls sold to Vic, Qld and SA, as well as across NSW, the celebrations lasted long into the night.
Ahead of the ball, Hazeldean's Jim Litchfield told The Land avoiding breeding 'trends' for a consistent approach and a pursuit of balance helped the stud last the test of time.
Mr Litchfield also announced that he and his wife, Libby, would be moving to nearby Myalla, Cooma, in 2026.
"It is so encouraging and invigorating to see such capable and committed hands that will allow Libby and I to step back and enjoy the next part of our lives," Mr Litchfield told attendees.
"We are proud that our business has now been in business for 160 years, and I'm personally very proud and grateful to see Bea and Ed take it to the next level."
Stud manager Bea Litchfield said the legacy of Hazeldean over 160 years was hard-won, relying on a strong connection to the land and a commitment to each other.
"It has been no small feat to keep Hazeldean going for six generations, each facing its own challenges," she said.
"The pursuit of innovation and improvement in our business and livestock has been a core driver for each generation."
Noting the role of females, the ewes, dams and the women as the 'backbone of our herds, flocks and families,' Ms Litchfield noted the often unseen work of women on the land.
"Beside each generation of Hazeldean has been an equally strong woman, not as a footnote, but as a partner, a carer, a mother, a daughter, a sister that provided a quiet, steady hand," she said.
