Mumblebone and Metalcorp lead the way in rural innovation

At Mumblebone, near Wellington in Central West NSW, sixth-generation farmers Chad and Louise Taylor have built a Merino stud that’s become synonymous with innovation. Rooted in 150 years of family heritage, Mumblebone combines deep-held farming traditions with cutting-edge genetics to create high-performance,  ethically bred Merinos for the future of the Australian wool industry. 

“Our goal is to breed sheep which enable us to deliver commercial value for our clients,” says Chad Taylor, Owner of Mumblebone. “That means constantly improving, adopting technology, and working with suppliers who share the same mindset.” 

That philosophy led Chad to partner with Metalcorp, one of Australia’s leading rural steel suppliers, to design and build a new farmyard – a project that utilised Metalcorp’s CATTLEKING® farmyard product range, renown for safety, efficiency, and Australian-made reliability. 

When Mumblebone needed a new yard system to support its mixed farming operations, the Taylors wanted something more than just panels and gates. “It had to be practical, strong, and safe for both the stock and our people,” explains Chad. “We wanted a yard that worked with the natural flow of cattle and could handle years of heavy use.” 

Although sheep remain the lifeblood of Mumblebone, the Taylors also manage a complementary cattle enterprise that supports the sustainability and efficiency of their overall operation. 

The new cattle yard needed to integrate seamlessly into this broader system, a project that called for custom thinking and hands-on support. Metalcorp’s National Rural Manager, Tony Fenwick, recalls the collaboration fondly: “Our focus was on designing a yard that not only suits Mumblebone’s current needs but also 

supports their future growth. Every element of the CATTLEKING® system is built with the operator and livestock in mind, from the visibility and panel height through to the steel thickness and layout.” 

Designed and manufactured in Australia, the CATTLEKING® yard reflects Metalcorp’s commitment to local production and practical innovation. Each 5-rail panel is made from high-strength, locally sourced steel, electrogalvanised for durability, and crafted to withstand the demands of Australian conditions. 

What makes Metalcorp’s approach distinctive is the consultative process behind every project. Tony and his team worked directly with Chad on-site, using Metalcorp’s Virtual Farmyard Design Tool to visualise the layout before construction began. 

“We can now design and virtually place a complete yard system on a customer’s property before a single panel is installed,” Tony explains. “This not only saves time but allows us to make adjustments together; it’s innovation that directly benefits the farmer.” 

For Chad, that technology was more than a novelty; it was a practical tool for planning efficiency. “It was amazing to see the entire setup in 3D before we even started,” he says. “It gave us confidence that what we were building would actually work, and it did.” 

Once the design was finalised, Metalcorp managed the process end-to-end, from quoting through to delivery and installation. “Everything was done quickly and smoothly,” Chad says. “The Metalcorp team even helped fine-tune small details on-site to make the setup perfect.” 

Both Mumblebone and Metalcorp share a deep respect for Australian manufacturing and regional industry. Every CATTLEKING® component, from the heavy-duty 5-rail panels to the capped tops and ground lugs, is produced from Australian steel, ensuring long-term strength and reliability. 

“Our products are made by Australians, for Australians. You can see the difference in the craftsmanship and the confidence it gives farmers like Chad,” says Tony. That sentiment resonates deeply with Mumblebone’s philosophy. “We’re passionate about using local suppliers because they understand the challenges we face,” Chad adds. “Metalcorp’s service and the quality of their product mean we can trust it to perform, and that’s vital in our line of work.” 

Beyond strength and durability, the design of the CATTLEKING® yard system focuses on safety, a core priority for both Metalcorp and Mumblebone. The rectangular steel sections prevent handlers from getting caught between rails, while the layout ensures smooth cattle movement and reduces stress for both animals and people. 

“The yard design really improves how we work,” Chad explains. “You can feel the difference in how the cattle move through it; it’s calmer, faster, and safer for everyone involved.” 

Tony highlights that this is the core of Metalcorp’s approach: “Good design doesn’t just look right, it performs right. We want farmers to feel the benefit every single day they’re working in those yards.” 

For both businesses, this project represents more than a single installation; it’s a long-term partnership built on shared values. “When you work with someone like Chad, you’re working with a farmer who’s at the top of his game,” says Tony. 

Mumblebone’s success is built on innovation and quality, and that’s exactly what Metalcorp stands for. As Mumblebone continues to push the boundaries of Merino breeding, integrating genetic data, breeding values, and client feedback into every decision, their infrastructure will play a crucial role in supporting that growth. 

“Every improvement we make here feeds into better animal welfare, productivity, and customer outcomes,” Chad reflects. “It’s about setting up systems that last, and Metalcorp helped us do exactly that.” 

The partnership between Metalcorp and Mumblebone highlights the power of Australian collaboration, where shared expertise, local manufacturing, and forward-thinking design come together to strengthen rural enterprise. “Working with Metalcorp has been about more than building a yard,” says Chad. “It’s about building a better way to operate.” 

Tony agrees, “Farmers like Chad are shaping the future of Australian agriculture. Our role is to give them the infrastructure and tools to keep leading the way.” 

From heritage to high performance, the story of Mumblebone and Metalcorp showcases what happens when innovation combines with integrity. Both businesses are proudly Australian, grounded in regional communities, and dedicated to delivering long-term value. Together, they’ve built more than a farmyard; they’ve built a partnership that embodies the best of rural Australia: strength, trust, and progress forged in steel. 

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