792-185 Farm Planning

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to:

• introduce participants to principles and methods in physical farm planning;

• competently develop a plan for a property, which incorporates considerations of long term sustainability, flexibility, labour efficiency and economic viability.

The content includes: Principles and benefits of farm planning, description of the farm environment - climate and resources, land capability classification, land degradation and reclamation, aerial photography - use and interpretation, mapping natural features and land degradation, conservation farming, rotation and pastures in farm planning, role of trees on farms, role of natural habitat in farm systems, present and potential land and capital values. Strategies for change on the farm - management practices, layout changes. Planning changes to farm layout - to overcome land degradation problems/risks; for greater efficiency of labour use/stock movement; for new enterprises, fire control, water distribution; for water or wildlife conservation. Planning changes to farm practices, for more efficient use of resources - crop sequences, tillage practices, chemical use; grazing/forage management etc.; integration of crop and livestock; vermin and pest control. Access, roads, laneways, fencing; planning tree planting and revegetation and fodder reserves; methods and economics of tree planting; financial and taxation implications of farm planning; setting priorities and implementing the plan; 'group Whole Farm Planning' courses; community issue and whole farm planning.

Assessment

Assignment of 3000 words (30%); farm plan (30%); two hour examination (40%).