One of the Hardest Seasons We’ve Seen: From Flood to Dry

30 May

For the Duncan family and the team at Boambee, the past 18 months have brought some of the most challenging conditions we have experienced.

Significant flooding across the properties was followed by an extended period of extremely dry conditions. From too much water to nowhere near enough, each season brought a completely different set of challenges, and very little opportunity to recover in between.

Floodwaters across paddocks at Boambee, East Seaham, following significant rainfall in May 2025.

*Navigating what would normally be paddocks by kayak, with a Bluetongue rescued along the way — May 2026.*

*Floodwaters across the paddocks at Sinclair’s Point, East Seaham — May 2026.*

From Flood to Dry

The flooding left a considerable mark across the operation. But as the water receded, the challenges didn't disappear.

Dry conditions quickly followed, pasture growth slowed and feed became increasingly difficult to source. Plans to sow paddocks for winter feed were delayed as the season refused to break, placing further pressure on feed availability across the properties.

For an operation running both a substantial commercial herd and registered Angus females, managing cattle through such rapidly changing conditions required constant adjustment.

When Conditions Test the Program

Seasons like these also provide a very real test of the cattle.

The ability to maintain condition, fertility and performance when feed is limited reinforces why doing ability, structural soundness, temperament and maternal strength remain so important within the Boambee breeding program.

These aren't traits selected purely on paper. They're traits that become particularly valuable when the season isn't on your side.

*An Angus female at Balickera during the dry conditions that followed the floods — May 2026.*

*Margo Duncan at Sinclair’s Point as the team managed cattle through an increasingly difficult dry period — May 2026.*

*Dry paddocks and Cows & Calves at Balickera, East Seaham — May 2026.*

Finally, a Change in the Season

When the rain eventually returned, the transformation was significant.

Paddocks that had struggled through the dry began responding, feed returned and the outlook across East Seaham changed considerably. After such a difficult stretch, seeing the properties green again brought with it a genuine sense of relief and gratitude.

Agriculture will always be shaped by seasons beyond our control. The past 18 months have reinforced our appreciation for a good season, but also for the resilience of the cattle and the people who carry an operation through the difficult ones.

Through two very different extremes, the cattle continued to demonstrate the adaptability and quality we ask of them, something we don't take for granted.