Nature Led and Science Proven Beef Production
Balcomba Grazing
Balcomba Grazing is a family cattle business in central Queensland, where a proud grazing legacy meets modern data, technology and land management. Andrew and Claire Mactaggart, and their family, breed and trade cattle across the Duaringa and Moura districts, running a composite herd built for fertility, functionality and longevity.
Get to know Balcomba Grazing
About Balcomba
Meet the family behind Balcomba, and the property itself. From a 1918 partnership on the Mackenzie River to the 18,200 hectares Andrew manages today, this is where the Balcomba story starts.
Genetics
Browse our composite bulls, available for sale in the paddock, and see the breeding program behind them.
Beef Production
See how genetics, objective data and technology work together here to produce nutrient-dense, grass-fed beef.
Natural Systems
Discover how we manage the whole ecosystem, from soil health to water cycles, for the benefit of our land, animals and people.
“Mactaggart Pastoral were there at the very beginning of multi-breed genomics in northern Australia, when the science was unproven and the commercial case wasn't exactly obvious. They backed it anyway, continuing to contribute data and honest feedback while the technology matured.
What sets them apart is how they think. They are creative operators who ask better questions than most and are never satisfied with a result that cannot be explained or repeated. They continue to push the space forward.
They are also deeply engaged in the broader beef industry, and generous with what they have learned.
Working with them has been one of the real pleasures of building this business. They are rigorous, forward-thinking, and genuinely invested in lifting the whole industry, not just their own operation.”
Shannon Speight,
Managing Director, Black Box Group“The Mactaggart Family and their team have been long term members of the RCS network. I place them in the upper echelons of what a professional and modern agribusiness can look like and consider it a privilege to have this ongoing relationship with them all.
The RCS Team and I have been involved with Mactaggart Pastoral in many ways over the decades. This includes:
Their senior team all completing the Grazing for Profit School.
All grazing team members attending the RCS Grazing Clinic.
On ground and remote advisory work.
Chairing their strategic board.
Business benchmarking and analysis via FarmEye (formerly Profit Probe).
Andrew, Claire and their team are constantly striving to optimise the performance of their livestock and business, the health of their country along with the capacity and happiness of the people involved. They’ve adopted management practices that generate these results and are always looking at innovative ways to evolve the business whilst maintaining traditional values of respect for people, animals and country.
In addition to the hard work involved in running the operations, they are also committed to the Central Queensland community by making time to support local social events and Field Days as a team.
I’m excited to see where the next generation of immensely capable Mactaggart’s take the business.”
David McLean
Managing Director | RCS“I have had the pleasure of working for Andrew and Claire for the past 9 years and from day one they have consistently valued, respected and supported me and continue to encourage my professional growth while creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Its motivating to work for an employer that invests in its people.
I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve continually been given and proud to be a part of the MacTaggart Pastoral team.”
Blair Evans,
Manager of Wirranda, MouraI’ve had the opportunity to work with and get to know the Mactaggart family over many years and have always been impressed by the way they go about both their family and their farming business.
They’re hardworking, down-to-earth and straightforward to deal with. They do what they say they’ll do, are open to new ideas and are always looking for ways to improve.
Most importantly, they understand that good businesses are built around good people. They value strong teams, good relationships and creating an environment where people can contribute and grow.
They’re a farming family with strong values, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them over the years.
Ben Law
Coach, Community Builder & Host of The AgriCoach Wealth & Wisdom PodcastOver the last 25 years I have had the privilege of working with and experiencing the culture that has been created within Mactaggart Pastoral.
Claire and Andrew are genuine, humble people that instil a proactive attitude within their team and the results they have achieved are a testament to that.
Chook Kealey
Instinct Stockhandling