Principles of Whole Farm Planning

Farm plans have had a part to play in all property ownership over many years but before the 1980's these plans were for the most part focused on specific farm issues or developments. Such plans could have involved the design of a new irrigation layout, a strategy to control an erosion gully or general farm productivity improvements.

Since the 1980's there has been a greater awareness by property owners of the need to farm in a more sustainable and environmental friendly manner and 'whole farm plans' or 'property management plans' completed today by farmers have a much broader focus.

A useful plan today is one which has an integrated and holistic approach taking into consideration the agricultural production and economic issues as well as addressing the social and environmental impacts on the farm.

An important component of the whole farm planning process is the development of short term and long term strategies, which meet the aims of the property owner.

Aspects that could be considered include:

• Land / soil maintenance
• Vegetation diversity
• Wildlife conservation
• Disaster planning
• Water requirements
• Land Class fencing
• Environmental best management practice

Services we provide

Using GPS we can collect data to help prepare information for paddock size and fence lengths

Data can also be collected for preparing contour maps of the farm. This information is useful in deciding where to put the dam how big can it be and what area of catchment is there to fill it up.

Because all the data we collect is in real time co-ordinates all the designing and costing of the property new work can be worked out on computer to test workability and cost efficiencies.