Fourth-generation farmer Sam Beven is carving a path for the future, nurturing his young family on the same expansive land where he spent his childhood. Last year marked a significant milestone as his father, Randal Beven, officially handed over the reins of Sturt’s Meadows Station—a sprawling 186,000-acre property located approximately 70 kilometers north of Broken Hill, Australia.
In an era where family farms are increasingly rare, the Bevens’ succession plan stands as a potential blueprint for other farming families. Despite his parents still residing on the property, Sam, at 33, is now at the helm, managing the station’s operations which primarily involve raising sheep, including dorpers and merinos, alongside some cattle. His mother, Jo Beven, a nurse, expressed the family’s pride in Sam’s accomplishments.
From Childhood Adventures to Leadership
Sam’s journey to leadership was shaped from a young age. As the middle child of three boys, he always knew he would one day take over Sturt’s Meadows Station. This determination was nurtured during his school years when he and his brothers lived with their mother in Broken Hill, attending school during the week and returning to the station on weekends.
Reflecting on his childhood, Randal Beven recalls many memories of Sam’s adventurous spirit, often resulting in minor injuries. However, a serious accident occurred in 2017 when Sam, then in his mid-20s, crashed his motorbike through a metal gate on the property. His survival was credited to the quick response of his paramedic brother, Stuart, and an emergency doctor who arranged for his transfer to Adelaide for treatment.
Transitioning the Family Legacy
The official transfer of management to Sam occurred about a year ago when Randal retired at 60. However, the transition had been in motion for several years, initiated by the sale of dorper sheep to Sam. Randal recognized his son’s innovative ideas to enhance the station’s profitability.
“The price of sheep stations is wildly overpriced at about $70 to $75 per acre,” Randal noted, highlighting the financial challenges for the next generation. “If you borrow money on that, you can’t make enough to pay the interest.”
Randal’s approach to succession differed from his own experience with his father, Peter. Sam paid a larger initial sum, but without ongoing lease payments, allowing him financial flexibility to invest in the station’s future. This included hiring a governess and building facilities for his children’s education.
Advocacy and Community Leadership
Sam’s leadership extends beyond the family farm. Elected as president of the Pastoralists’ Association of West Darling, he is among the youngest to hold the position in the organization’s 118-year history. Former president Terry Smith commended Sam’s business acumen and dedication to addressing industry challenges.
“It’s a reasonable responsibility,” Smith said, “and a lot of people in the industry come to the Pastoralists’ Association of West Darling with their issues.”
The association represents approximately 100 members in the far west of New South Wales, advocating for the interests of graziers and farmers.
The Future of Family Farming
The Bevens’ story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required for family farms to thrive in modern times. As Sam continues to innovate and lead, he sets an example for other families navigating the complexities of agricultural succession. The legacy of Sturt’s Meadows Station is poised to endure, driven by a commitment to family, community, and the land.
Looking ahead, Sam’s vision for the station includes further diversification and sustainability initiatives, ensuring that the property remains a viable and vibrant part of the region’s agricultural landscape for generations to come.
