Fencing to control grazing
Initially ‘Glen Orton’ consisted of 9 large paddocks ranging from 30-60 ha and 9 smaller holding paddocks. Using temporary electric fencing and tread-in posts the whole area has over time been split into up to 60 sub-divisions. The number and size of the sub-divisions has been restricted by water availability and terrain. Since the upgrade to the water system was completed last year (2014) the ‘permanent’ single wire fencing program has been initiated.
The existing fences have been retained and subdivisions are within these areas, a) because they are generally in good condition, having been originally constructed to apparently contain elephants and goats and b) I have neither the resources or energy to replace the existing structures. The current permanent sub-division fencing consists of a single wire supported by steel posts and existing trees charged with portable solar panels. The short term goal is to have at least 50 permanent paddocks established by the end of winter 2015 and ultimately over time work towards around 100 subdivisions.
More paddocks per mob provides the opportunity to control the movement of livestock across the land and use livestock to enhance pasture growth and improve soil health with greater control of pasture utilisation.
Fencing provides flexibility in the management of the grazing process and allows effective control of movement of livestock to achieve the desired outcomes. The goals at the 'GO' are;
- to achieve 100% groundcover, 100% of the time to protect the soil surface, enhance soil health and improve pasture growth and production
- to maintain a minimum of 2,000 kg DM/ha residual herbage mass at all times to ensure optimum pasture growth and recovery following a grazing event
- to enhance biodiversity by allowing adequate time for desirable pasture species and soil to recover from a grazing event
- to enhance the quality of pasture and ensure the nutritional requirements of livestock are sufficient for maintenance and production.
The existing fences have been retained and subdivisions are within these areas, a) because they are generally in good condition, having been originally constructed to apparently contain elephants and goats and b) I have neither the resources or energy to replace the existing structures. The current permanent sub-division fencing consists of a single wire supported by steel posts and existing trees charged with portable solar panels. The short term goal is to have at least 50 permanent paddocks established by the end of winter 2015 and ultimately over time work towards around 100 subdivisions.
More paddocks per mob provides the opportunity to control the movement of livestock across the land and use livestock to enhance pasture growth and improve soil health with greater control of pasture utilisation.
Fencing provides flexibility in the management of the grazing process and allows effective control of movement of livestock to achieve the desired outcomes. The goals at the 'GO' are;
- to achieve 100% groundcover, 100% of the time to protect the soil surface, enhance soil health and improve pasture growth and production
- to maintain a minimum of 2,000 kg DM/ha residual herbage mass at all times to ensure optimum pasture growth and recovery following a grazing event
- to enhance biodiversity by allowing adequate time for desirable pasture species and soil to recover from a grazing event
- to enhance the quality of pasture and ensure the nutritional requirements of livestock are sufficient for maintenance and production.