Whole Farm Planning
- It is important to carefully plan changes on the farm before implementing them. The development of a land management or whole farm plan is an ideal way to identify issues, set priorities and plan how to address them on the farm.
- Many factors are combined in the planning of farm management and future developments including: paddock subdivision, access, crops, shelter, water supply, habitat, pest/weed control, fire protection, livestock needs, soil conservation, land degradation, water quality, labour, etc.
- To prepare a whole farm plan an accurate scale map or aerial photo of the property is required. Aerial photos of most areas are taken regularly, contact your local DPI/DSE office for details.
- The mapping and planning process involves three plastic overlays (overlaying the photo). The first overlay records natural features of the land such as soil types, eroded and erosion prone areas, wet/low spots and waterbodies. The second overlay is based on the ideal layout (such as smaller paddocks, new laneways and extra trees). The third overlay includes the existing features such as laneways, fences and houses.
- Look at the overlays and see how the existing features can work towards achieving the “ideal” farm. For example, adjustments may be able to be made to existing fencing that will save money, as well as improving management and reducing time involved in moving stock.
- A whole farm plan does not need to ever finish – it can be regularly reviewed and updated.
- Once you have your photo, a great option is to do a WFP course. The advantages of these courses are they: a) give access to experts and information in particular fields (ie. erosion, subdivisions). b) encourage discussion and interchange of ideas between farmers, and c) ensure that the plan is largely complete. Courses usually run in the evening - contact your local DPI/DSE, Landcare or TAFE for further information.
© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2012.
This document was last reviewed on 27/10/2008