Pastoral production relies on a high level of organisational efficiency and planning to optimise the productive output from each hour invested in managing the business. Taking note of the property’s natural features and infrastructure is one part of developing a vision for the property. This process should include discussion and assessment of all aspects of the property and will contribute to the process of developing action plans for the improvement of infrastructure, land condition and other land management aspects.
Step 1: Develop a property inventory
A property inventory is a stocktake of what exists within the operation and can be utilised within the business. A property inventory identifies any critical items which are not there but would enhance business activities and lead to higher production.
This inventory should ideally be updated on an annual basis. This can assist with creating development plans for the property.
Consider both natural features and assets, as well as man-made features and assets, such as plant and equipment. Also include livestock in this inventory. Use the Develop a property inventory tool to develop a property inventory with a comprehensive list of features.
Step 2: Develop a property plan
An important step in the process of creating a dynamic plan of action for any property and its natural resources is the development of a property plan. Ideally the input of all members of the business, including employees, will be incorporated into the plan.
A property plan is most accurate when developed utilising satellite or aerial imagery. These images can be enlarged and laminated or overlaid with sheets of plastic or utilised in a digital format with software packages that utilise a digitised aerial photo or satellite image. These tools can be used to insert details of different attributes of the property as identified in the property inventory. Include things like:
- land classes
- rivers and drainage lines
- water points
- remnant vegetation and feed types
- planned improvements to infrastructure
- land use capabilities.
The Develop a property plan tool provides information on getting started in the process of developing a property management plan.
Step 3: Perform an audit on water resources
A property’s water supply often comes from numerous sources. These may be natural sources, such as rivers, creeks and channels, or they may be constructed in the form of dams, ground tanks, wells or bores. Whatever the source, the suitability of existing water sources and the water required for the future depends on its quantity, quality and reliability. In the process of knowing a property and developing a property plan, it is important to define and understand the property’s water resources.
Consider the following with regard to water resources:
- source (e.g., groundwater, rain fed, etc.)
- quantity
- quality
- reliability and amount of ongoing monitoring required
- water requirements of livestock — daily and maximum
- location and proximity to other sources
- costs (time and labour) associated with providing it to stock
- impacts of non-domestic animals on watering points
- condition of source and its associated infrastructure, and delivery mechanisms
- the likelihood and consequence of various risks, such as equipment failure, or blue green algal bloom, or lack of rainfall.
Use the Conduct a water audit for your property tool to undertake a water audit.