A Growing Community
As a first generation farmer, Hayden King has built King Cattle Company into a multi-faceted rural business that goes far beyond cattle trading - it’s a hub of mentorship, a thriving social media presence, and a testament to the enduring allure of the country lifestyle.
08/04/25
Photography: HeyMedia Courtesy: Pet Mince Direct
Let’s be honest, farming in general is not what you’d call “an easy gig”. And in Australia? Well perhaps even less so.
Flick on the TV over the past twenty years, and the narrative often felt the same: droughts, fires, and the relentless challenges faced by an industry fighting to hold its ground, an industry facing significant pressures and dwindling numbers.
It’s exactly why the early 2000s saw the emergence of national ad campaigns like ‘Every Family Needs a Farmer’ (I still remember Shane Webke’s voice echoing the slogan, and the accompanying bumper sticker displayed proudly on the back of the family Commodore.
It was a rallying cry, a reminder of the essential role farmers play, and that, despite these challenges, farming remains the backbone of this country; proof of the resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the land lies at the heart of so much of this nation.
Indeed, for people like Hayden King, a first-generation cattle farmer near Meringandan, farming isn’t just about growing a business - it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in his love for the land.
From childhood memories of his grandparents’ dairy farm in Gympie, to the sprawling pastures of his own enterprise, Hayden’s journey into agriculture is one of hard work, ingenuity, and business diversity. Building King Cattle Company into a multi-faceted rural business means that it goes far beyond cattle trading and into a hub of mentorship, a thriving social media presence, and a testament to the enduring allure of the country lifestyle.
Photo: @Heliosagency
Starting his farming journey over a decade ago, Hayden took the bold step of stepping away from a day job to dive headfirst into agricultural; not a decision many would take, but something he was deeply passionate about. Trading cattle as his entry point, it was a business model that required quick-decision making and a keen eye on market trends. But as Hayden quickly learned, farming success often requires diversification.
Today, King Cattle Company is a growing operation. Alongside cattle trading, Hayden manages leased and agitated properties, trades hay, and works in rural real estate as part of a local livestock and property agency, Hartwig & Bliss, in Goombungee. It’s this diversification, that not only provides financial stability, but has also helped Hayden forge connections with landowners and farmers across the region.
“Every day looks different,” he explains. “One day I’m feeding cattle checking livestock, the next I’m on the phone coordinating logistics and meeting other landowners - as a modern farmer, you really have to be adept at running five businesses in one.” You’re a farmer, a ‘futures-trader’, a marketing specialist, a H.R. manager, and a mechanic all in-one (a little bit of clairvoyance does go astray either.
Despite the chaos, Hayden says he thrives in the variety and the relationships his work fosters.
One of the most unexpected aspects of Hayden’s journey has been the growth of his social media presence. Through his Instagram page, he’s built a community of followers, inspired by his journey thus far.
“The goal isn’t just to promote King Cattle,” he explains, “it’s about encouraging others to chase their dreams, even when it is hard.”
What started as a personal page to document his day-to-day life, quickly grew into a hub for like-minded people curios about farming. “Young people from all over the country started reaching out, wanting to learn more,” he explains.
For many, that curiosity turned into an invitation for many to visit King Cattle Company, and these days Hayden and his wife, Megan, regularly host aspiring farmers and at times, disadvantaged teens, for anything from a day to a few months; giving them a hands on introduction to farming life.
“They learn everything from low-stress cattle handling, to the nitty gritty work of farm maintenance - it’s about showing them reality”, he says. “The glamorous parts, and the hard parts too.”
“[Farming] isn’t all sunsets and green paddocks,” he adds. “There’s long days, time away from family, and tough challenges. But that’s the reality, and I think people appreciate seeing the whole picture.”
Hayden’s passion for mentorship stems from his own experiences as a young person finding his way into agriculture. “It’s rewarding to see someone take what they’ve learned here and turn it into a job or a career. Those moments are why I do it.”
“I like to think we may get to the point of acting like an onboarding station, where people can come and see what farming life is all about, learn some basic skills, and if they’re still keen, connect them with one of the bigger properties out west.”
For all its challenges, farming offers moments of pure joy - the kind Hayden says make it all worthwhile. Whether it’s riding his motorbike behind a mob of steers or seeing a healthy season’s calves for the first time, these are the moments that ground him in the life he’s built.
“Farming isn’t easy,” he admits, “but it’s worth it.”
“Every hard day, every tough moment - it’s all worth it.”
kingcattle.com.au/ | @king.cattle
