4 children.  4250 acres.  4 properties. 

Wagyu cattle.   Angus cattle.  Australian Stock Horses. ​

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Soon after meeting at University at Gatton (UQ Gatton College), Qld, Steve and Ursula began their journey together in Far North Queensland. They worked hard and secured their first  property 'Pinnacle Springs' near Dimbulah. With a 300ML water allocation and a massive lateral move irrigator they developed the property into a successful hay and livestock operation. Running the property; starting a family and working in their biosecurity public service roles.

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In 2009, Steve was seconded by Biosecurity Qld to work in Dalby.  They had been wanting to move to a more central location to develop the Stock Horse business (Warregold Australian Stock Horse Stud) - closer to competitions, closer to buyers.  Especially after Steve had recently completed the prestigious Australian Rural Leadership Program sponsored by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (C15 Cohort)

 

Steve utilised this time in Dalby to explore options to move the family to the Darling Downs or Western Downs.  It took nearly 12 months to find the perfect property.  11 road trains later, the cattle horses, farming equipment and the family (then comprising of a 7yo, 3yo and baby), made the move to Chinchilla.    

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Ursula was involved in Chinchilla Campdraft Committee, which hosts the Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft annually, one of the most prestigious campdraft events in Australia.  Through this, the Keating's developed a relationship with a prominent Queensland Wagyu breeder, one of the first in Australia. The lasting comment was- "Steve, Ursula you have some of the most productive land in the country - you need the most productive high return cattle"

 

They started with 72 head of breeder cows in calf.  In 2017, Steve travelled to the Elite Wagyu Sale in Mackay, coming home with the Wagyu Bull MO260, now known as 'Golden Nuts'.  Focussing on high marbling/ marble fineness characteristics, Steve and Ursula have utilised Artificial Insemination and embryo transfer to grow their Wagyu herd.  

 

Off the back of a 2016 visit to Shanghai, China, 18 months of negotiation culminated in the Chinese market wanting to purchase Australia Wagyu semen.  Due to the requirement to place the bull into quarantine for a number of months prior to semen collection for export which would delay their breeding plans, Steve and Ursula decided to purchase MO222 for this job, a full brother to 'Golden Nuts'.  4000 straws of frozen semen was due to leave for Chinchilla in early 2020, when Covid-19 hit.  At this stage, MO222 is living the life of luxury in quarantine in Melbourne, awaiting reopening of normal trade and transport routes between Australia and China. 

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The property and namesake of Clover Hill Meats, 'Clover Hill', was purchased in 2020.  Years of drought forced Steve and Ursula to consider the potential of diversifying their business into the tourism and eCommerce spaces.  With Charley's Creek frontage, very close to the town centre yet so peaceful and quiet, they saw opportunities in 'Clover Hill' they just couldn't resist. And, they haven't looked back.

 

'Clover Hill' has been developed as a tranquil accommodation and camping venue, just walking distance from Chinchilla town.  For more information on staying at 'Clover Hill', click here.