The property "Spring Vale" is situated 15 kilometers (10miles) east of Narrabri at the foothills of the picturesque Nandewar Range. "Spring Vale" was purchased in 1934 by the present owner Sylvia Kirkby's paternal Grandfather E.S. Scholefield. In 1939 the management of the property was carried on by his son Nick Scholefield (pictured below) until about 1990 when Nick's daughter Sylvia Kirkby took over the management and today it is managed by Sylvia's daughter and son in-law, John and Liz Manchee (Liz is 4th generation).

The property has an elevation to 260 - 280 meters (850 - 920 feet) and an annual rainfall of 600 - 650 mls (24 - 26 inches) per annum which is beneficial at any time of the year. Temperature can often exceed 40 degrees in summer. Winter minimums can be as low as 0 to -2 at night in winter, and the average winter days from 15 - 18 degrees. (All Celsius).

"Spring Vale" has always been run primarily as a grazing operation of both merino sheep and cattle, but cattle only since the 1960's. Super phosphate has been applied by air for 35 years or more to natural grass county. Both summer and winter seasons can be equally good depending on the rainfall. Introduced grasses e.g. Buffel, Green Panic and Liverseed grow well in summer and clovers, rye grass etc. in winter.

The first Santa Gertrudis bull was introduced in 1965 by Nick Scholefield to Poll Hereford cows and the many benefits of the Santa was soon evident, with only Santa bulls being purchased thereafter. Over the years a purebred commercial herd was established. In good seasons milk tooth steers have been finished off grass to weigh 550 - 600 kilo's or better.

The Warenda Stud began in 1984 by Sylvia Kirkby and the Wilgaroon Stud commenced in 1995. Today the herd is 100% Santa Gertrudis and is run as one stud operation in conjunction with the Wave Hill Stud.