Armidale Properties

This group of properties, managed as a single unit, comprises land surrounding the campus, as well as a property just west of the campus.

Laureldale Research Station consists of three parcels of land totalling 172 hectares. The largest parcel was given to the University in 1948 by the late PA Wright. A poultry unit is located on this block, the balance of which is used for forage production or grazing purposes. In addition, there are areas set aside purely for agronomic research purposes.

Kirby Research Station (746 ha - 1840 ac) is the second property in close proximity to the University. It was acquired in 1968 through a bequest from the estate of the late GH Kirby, a farmer and grazier from Moree. It is entirely used for teaching and research purposes of large animal research projects such as a site for Sheep CRC - Information Nucleus Flock, and also The New England Merino Sire Evaluation Scheme. Research resources include a self-replacing fine wool Merino flock, a prime lamb breeding flock and a herd of Brangus cows joined to Brangus bulls.

Newholme totals 1945 ha in area and was purchased by the University in 1972, chiefly as a Natural Resources Field Laboratory. Most of the property is managed in an agriculturally un-manipulated manner other than grazing, to maintain research and teaching options as well as land and water uses representative of the surrounding region.