Livestock management

Livestock management

Helicopter spraying over the woolshed.

(Update 23/7/2017)

"Where necessary manage the vegetation by profitable and sustainable grazing."

Background:

The area on the Mount Elephant title is 154ha. This includes about 100ha of native and introduced grass which is presently and satisfactorily controlled by grazing with cattle. Some broadleaf weeds require additional herbicide spraying.

The cattle are agisted by a neighbouring landowner for most of the year under a lease agreement with MECM. This provides a modest profit.

MECM are responsible for fencing the boundary and revegetation areas and providing a reliable water supply.

The cattle owner is responsible for checking that the cattle are within the fence and have adequate water and feed.

Stock numbers should be adjusted to maintain optimum ground cover throughout the year.

Optimum ground cover in the autumn is managed to reduce the weeds from germinating on bare ground.

In the spring it must be short enough not to provide cover for rabbits or be a fire risk for the nearby town and visiting public.

Objectives:

Maintain the vegetation on Mount Elephant for best management of native plants and for the safety and comfort of visitors.

Keep fire risk to a minimum and adequately control weeds.

Strategies:

Ensure the leasehold agreement with the stockowner reflects the needs of MECM.

Manage stock numbers throughout the year to maintain satisfactory ground cover.

Maintain whatever infrastructure is necessary.