Episode
S5 Ep 17 - Chillakerup Farms
- Published
- Aug 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1676
- Processing state
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Summary
Positioned in a unique part of the world in WA's Frankland River, the outlook on life is a little different. With around 600 mm annual rainfall, there's a lot of optimism on this farm. An 80/20 cropping sheep split has the property expanding rapidly. And at the helm, alongside his brother, is Samuel Beech, who has not long returned from a trip to China on a wool tour with other Australian farmers. To learn more Samuel Beech of Chillakerup Farms joins me now. Samuel shares his favourite place on the farm and why the open space and natural beauty give him room to think and reflect. He explains what makes his part of Western Australia unique and why consistent rainfall gives him plenty of reason to feel optimistic about farming there. With an 80/20 split between cropping and sheep, Samuel explains how available land, efficiency and regularly doing the maths shape that balance. Samuel discusses succession, his father's approach to involving the next generation and the family's appetite for expanding the business. He shares how genetics, stocking rates and rotational grazing are helping improve productivity across the farm. Growing as much grass as possible sounds simple, but Samuel explains how seasonal seeding and closely monitoring feed demands make it work. Samuel explains his late lambing strategy, the role of feedlots and why this system works for their operation. He takes us through the farm's tile drainage system and how it is helping create more consistent, uniform paddocks. Following a recent trip to China with other Australian growers, Samuel shares his observations and key takeaways. Samuel shares what he loves most about life on the land, from working in nature every day to knowing he was always destined to return to the country. He addresses the misconception…