About Vale Hill

Vale Hill farm is located on the fertile volcanic plains of scenic Smeaton and is co-owned Chris Malden and Wayne Cross.
Bought in 2007, the 330 acre farm was the pair’s entrée into agriculture.

Vale Hill was bought with sustainability and food production in mind, to naturally raise and care for their livestock. Wayne says they always had the vision of owning sheep and cattle.

Today there are more than 100 head of cattle and a similar number of sheep. Stocking Vale Hill farm with rare breed animals was a conscious decision and Chris says they were immediately convinced after talking with a local representative from the Rare Breeds Association.

“We wanted to do something different with the cattle and sheep and through friends we were introduced to the British Whites, Highlands and Hampshire Downs and we haven’t looked back.” Chris says.

The animals are fattened and finished among the lush green pastures at Musk and processed locally in nearby Kyneton. To ensure the meat and pelts avoid any undue stress or damage the animals are treated with utmost care and to reduce and eliminate waste, the large hides of the British Whites are prepared for sale along with the meat.

The purchase of Vale Hill has further helped Chris and Wayne integrate into the rural community. They have joined the local landcare group and helped generate funding to restore the local cemetery.

They are active in the respective cattle associations of each breed and are dedicated to the promotion of each breed and creating respected bloodlines in for each Australia.