Homeleigh Herefords' 75 years of passion and persistence

From the rolling hills of Firefly, NSW, between Gloucester and Taree, Homeleigh Herefords has been quietly building a lasting legacy.Earlier this year, the stud was recognised for its impressive 75 years at the Herefords Australia event in Wodonga – a milestone that carries deep meaning for Carolyn and Phil Richardson.

The stud was founded by Carolyn’s father, Les Sanvell, just two years after he returned from the Second World War.

“I was born at the same time, and he always just loved Hereford cattle, as we do ourselves,” Mrs Richardson said.

“He instilled in us some traits that we should always look for. Certainly, he would say to me in particular, because we had stock horses, always make sure that you get a bull with a flat shoulder, like your horses, dear, and they can always walk well, because we have hilly country.”

That eye for structure and functionality has underpinned the stud’s success ever since.

Mrs Richardson said her father’s influence continues to shape the way she and her husband run the herd.

“I’m so proud to be here on behalf of my mother and father. I only lost my mum two years ago, and she was Dad’s right-hand woman, so to speak. It’s just an honour, on behalf of my mum and dad, to be here and to get that award.”

While the family lost Mr Sanvill 25 years ago, the work of breeding cattle left no time for long pauses. “As you know, we’re on the land, you have to continue straight away. You can’t wait weeks and months when you’re breeding cattle,” she said.

The family has enjoyed its share of success in the show and sale ring over the years. Mr Sanvill bred a bull that won champion at Glen Innes and topped the show, and Homeleigh has since gone on to top the Gloucester bull sales five times.

For the Richardsons, though, the real reward is in the cattle themselves. “If you choose them right, you’ve got something which takes very little maintenance at all, and they don’t kick you, they don’t bite you. They’re just lovely animals,” Mr Richardson said. Mrs Richardson added, “They entertain us with their quiet traits. They’re fun to be with, and you get to know them. They’re completely different to the other breeds.”

As one of their long-time supporters, agent Garth Hughes, has often said, Homeleigh remains “the best little stud on the coast” – a fitting tribute to 75 years of dedication to the Hereford breed.