The main pasture weed is Bent grass, which competes strongly with pasture species, particularly when soil fertility is low. Barrie are three ways to says, “There deal with Bent grass; maintaining a strong vigorous pasture, over-sowing with pasture grasses and clover, or if the situation is very bad, spray out the area and re-seed with pasture species. Where we have the problem, we intend to over-sow some areas and re-seed He says, much about others.” “We don’t worry too annual pasture weeds such as Cape Weed. Grazing management keeps them under control.’ Blackberry is a serious weed on the property. Barrie says, the fire ‘Before Blackberry were virtually under control, and now young bushes are everywhere, particularly along sprayed fencelines and the creek, so I spend a lot of time spot spraying Blackberry at the He also commented that the main pest animals are moment.” wild ducks and do more damage to pasture than rabbits, which kangaroos. ‘They are not a big issue on this property.” Barrie tests the soil and has regularly fertilised pastures with phosphorus, potassium and molybdenum to a point were fertility levels now only require maintenance fertilising. Barrie also applies lime to counter soil acidity. Testing showed that soils were very acidic and reducing pasture growth. He believes his orcharding background taught him the importance of proper plant nutrition in achieving high production pastures. He says, grass is much “Growing cheaper than he does make hay, he applies urea in making hay.” When September to the locked up paddocks to maximise production. He says, “It’s worth it. We get a 33 per cent increase in hay yield from applying nitrogen fertiliser.” Water supply is plentiful with two large dams of 18 and 14 megalitres built during orcharding days. The dams supply all stock and garden water, which is by pipelines to troughs in most paddocks and the garden. The property comprises four of the Strathewen Land Management Units, including Gently Undulating Land of high agricultural quality, Floodplain of moderate agricultural quality, Moderately Undulating Land of moderate agricultural quality and Steep Land of low agricultural quality.
The main pasture weed is Bent grass, which competes strongly with pasture species, particularly when soil fertility is low. Barrie says, “There are three ways to deal with Bent grass; maintaining a strong vigorous pasture, over-sowing with pasture grasses and clover, or if the situation is very bad, spray out the area and re-seed with pasture species. Where we have the problem, we intend to over-sow some areas and re-seed others.” He says, “We don’t worry too much about annual pasture weeds such as Cape Weed. Grazing management keeps them under control.’ Blackberry is a serious weed on the property. Barrie says, ‘Before the fire Blackberry were virtually under control, and now young bushes are everywhere, particularly along sprayed fencelines and the creek, so I spend a lot of time spot spraying Blackberry at the moment.” He also commented that the main pest animals are wild ducks and kangaroos. ‘They do more damage to pasture than rabbits, which are not a big issue on this property.” Barrie tests the soil and has regularly fertilised pastures with phosphorus, potassium and molybdenum to a point were fertility levels now only require maintenance fertilising. Barrie also applies lime to counter soil acidity. Testing showed that soils were very acidic and reducing pasture growth. He believes his orcharding background taught him the importance of proper plant nutrition in achieving high production pastures. He says, “Growing grass is much cheaper than making hay.” When he does make hay, he applies urea in September to the locked up paddocks to maximise production. He says, “It’s worth it. We get a 33 per cent increase in hay yield from applying nitrogen fertiliser.” Water supply is plentiful with two large dams of 18 and 14 megalitres built during orcharding days. The dams supply all stock and garden water, which is by pipelines to troughs in most paddocks and the garden. The property comprises four of the Strathewen Land Management Units, including Gently Undulating Land of high agricultural quality, Floodplain of moderate agricultural quality, Moderately Undulating Land of moderate agricultural quality and Steep Land of low agricultural quality.