Farm Management Plan

Farm Management Plan

Horticulture, Chickens and Dwelling Cape Nelson Road Portland West

Report Prepared by Dean Suckling Enprove Pty Ltd

Report Date: 23rd March 2021

Version: 1, Version Date: 04/06/2021Document Set ID: 2857045

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EnProve Ag & Environment PO Box 817 Warrnambool Victoria 3280 www.enprove.com.au phone: 0448 866 205

Contents PLAN OBJECTIVE: .................................................................................................................................. 3

PROPERTY DETAILS: ............................................................................................................................ 3

PROPOSAL OVERVIEW: ........................................................................................................................ 4 Justifications for a dwelling: ..................................................................................................................... 5

SITE LOCATION AND PROPERTY MAPS: .......................................................................................... 6 Map 1: Property Location: ........................................................................................................................ 6 Map 2: Property Map ............................................................................................................................... 7 Map 3: Site Layout ................................................................................................................................... 8 Map 4: Property Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 9

FARMING FACTORS: ........................................................................................................................... 10 Site Topography: .....................................................................................................................................10 Climate:...................................................................................................................................................10 Water Supply: .........................................................................................................................................10 Weed and Pest Management: .................................................................................................................10 Fire Management: ...................................................................................................................................10 Soils: .......................................................................................................................................................11 Crops and Crop Layouts: ..........................................................................................................................12 Free-Range Chicken System Design and Management: ............................................................................12 Adverse impacts on adjacent land: ..........................................................................................................12 Adverse impacts from adjacent land:.......................................................................................................12

Infrastructure and Business Management: ................................................................................................13 Infrastructure Investment: ......................................................................................................................13 Staffing: ..................................................................................................................................................13 Allowance for possible future expansion: ................................................................................................13 Opportunity Cost: ....................................................................................................................................13

FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS: ............................................................................................................... 14

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS: ...................................................................................... 15 Natural Resource Management: ..............................................................................................................15 Erosion and Compaction: ........................................................................................................................15 Groundwater:..........................................................................................................................................15 Drainage: ................................................................................................................................................15

SITE IMAGES: ....................................................................................................................................... 16


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Plan Objective: This Farm Management Plan is drawn to provide an assessment and value of the current agricultural activities and identify future improvements that will benefit the agricultural production values of the property, and identify benefits of the proposed dwelling at Cape Nelson Road, Portland.

This plan is to establish and manage 40 egg-producing chickens, a significant strawberry patch, the planting of a 120 fruit tree orchard, and a significant habitat planting area.

Property Details:

Proponent: David Pumpa

Property Address: Cape Nelson Road, Portland West 3305

Property Description(s):

Lot 20 PS525089

Zoning and Overlays: Rural Conservation Zone Rural Conservation Zone Schedule 2 Environmental Significance Overlay Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 1 Significant Landscape Overlay Significant Landscape Overlay Schedule 3 Designated Bushfire Prone Area

Property Size: 1.22 Hectares (3 acres)

Local Authority: Glenelg Shire Council

Current Use: Unused


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Proposal Overview: The proponents could easily seek to ask for this property to be written out of agriculture. Many arguments support that; poor soil, no connected water, no productive plants, small land size, a land class of 4 and expensive to make productive. But they aren't; they want to develop a mixed farming enterprise growing high quality produce in an environmentally responsible method. It moves an agriculturally poor property into production as a small artisanal farm with a significant conservation area.

This proposal calls for the introduction of high-quality horticulture and free-range egg-laying chickens and the subsequent sale of those products. They want to follow organic and regenerative principles to improve soil quality and ensure safe, high quality produce. A resident in a dwelling is seen as an important part of the successful and productive management and monitoring of those crops and chickens.

Locally produced food is highly marketable and always in short supply in a market place demanding traceability of food production. These types of farms lend themselves to smaller production as larger producers shy away from the higher labour inputs and greater risks inherent in a low chemical environment.

The enterprise is also seen to fit with the Portland region's developing reputation as an area of high-quality produce and horticulture with berries, roses, free-range poultry and eggs, grapes and wines gaining strong reputations and market followers.

The proponents are also committed to retaining the current native revegetation areas and enhancing those areas with additional native vegetation.

The property generates no agricultural revenue and no real ability to produce one in the current state. It has low soil fertility, no modern agricultural plants, major bracken cover, and no agricultural infrastructure. The pastoral production is currently is estimated to be less than 500 kilograms of dry matter per hectare per annum. A notional agricultural production value of $500 per annum could be assigned to the current agricultural production value if required.

After the initial development period, the enterprise is expected to produce 14,000 eggs, 600 kilograms of strawberries and 12 tonnes of fruit for sale worth $82,000. It will require an investment in the agricultural infrastructure of over $20,000, the improvement of soils to a productive agricultural level, installing a water network, and the dwelling and shedding investment.

The proposal is seen as a great example of high quality, high returning agricultural use of a small agricultural lot contained within the Rural Conservation Zone, which is well fitted to the character of the greater area and will improve the soil quality and productivity of the property as specified in the schedule to the Rural Conservation Zone.


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Justifications for a dwelling:

The justifications for a dwelling on a small lot farm are the same as justifications for any farming property. The management times and tasks can be similar:

Monitor Crops: (typical daily routine) check water, check for pests, check for fungus and brown rot, check supports, check produce quality.

Monitor and secure chickens from pests and particularly foxes Monitor Fruit and Berries for Harvest: Both need to be monitored daily for readiness and

harvested. Monitor and react to weather: Heat, frost, hail and wind can play havoc and responding quickly

with a management decision can save a crop or minimise losses. Pest Animal Control: Probably the biggest issue for horticulture. Crows, lorikeets, blackbirds,

finches, bats, wallabies, rabbits and other animals like fruit too. In this farming region, scare guns and shotguns are not well received, so constant movement of vehicles and people is a good control method, from dawn to dusk and into the night time to scare away flying pests.

Bio-security: New nationally mandated bio-security requirements mean all visitors, vehicles and new plant stock to the property needs to be screened and, if necessary, disinfected. This needs to be monitored constantly.

Security and prevention of theft of produce and equipment Manage storage and drying: Drying plants need to be constantly monitored to ensure dryness and

even drying and rodent exclusion Do the work: Horticulture needs constant attention, weed control, watering, foliar fertilising,

thinning and trimming to ensure even access to sunlight. Wildfire risk prevention and response: In the advent of wildfire, a resident in dwelling will be more

responsive, animals can be monitored and relocated if required, fire mitigation procedures implemented, and maybe even fire fought.

Good farming is about timeliness; constantly monitoring and reacting quickly is incredibly important. Failing to do so costs production and, sometimes, viability. The size of the farm is almost irrelevant, the quality of the farm management is what matters, and it isn't easy to achieve that remotely.

Low chemical use farming requires a greater input of time into monitoring, organically certified chemical efficacy is lower and shorter-lived than conventional farming chemicals and control actions for fungus, mildew, and insects need to be more urgent to prevent proliferation.


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Site Location and Property Maps: Map 1: Property Location:


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Map 2: Property Map


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Map 3: Site Layout


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Map 4: Property Dimensions

Source: http://mapshare.maps.vic.gov.au


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Farming Factors: Site Topography: The topography is uneven and generally slopes from the road to the waterway at the rear. There is an elevated ridge that follows the eastern boundary on which the buildings are to be constructed. The total elevation change south to north is about 12 metres, the rear of the property is a sharp incline of about 10 metres.

Climate: Portland climate statistics:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ann Mean Max. (°C) 21.3 21.3 20.3 18.2 16.2 14.3 13.8 14.5 15.9 17.3 18.6 19.8 17.7 Mean Min. (°C) 14.7 15.1 14.1 12.3 10.8 9.1 8.4 8.7 9.5 10.4 12.0 13.1 11.5 Mean Rain (mm) 35.2 26.6 37.0 47.1 73.4 91.8 99.5 103.7 75.0 50.2 41.6 41.8 717.3 Mean Rain Days 7.9 7.2 11.5 14.8 19.1 19.9 21.8 22.6 18.5 16.1 11.8 10.4 170.1

Data: BOM, Cape Nelson

The climate is the typical Mediterranean type of warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The climate is good for the chosen agricultural activity, and there is potential for wet periods which need to be managed. The growing season is primarily from September to March.

Water Supply: The property is well served for water. An existing water bore and windmill on the site has fallen into disrepair and will be refurbished (registered bore 88648). Groundwater quality is very good at 500-1000 ppm salinity and suitable for all farming uses. The proposed dwelling itself will rely on collected rainwater from the house and shed roofs. A small dam is proposed at the rear of the property to collect wintertime falls.

Weed and Pest Management: The property has no major environmental weed issues, although there are minor blackberry establishments along the drain at the rear. A large part of the property has bracken coverage which is a hindrance to the proposed use. The property will be subject to normal pastoral weed issues.

There are significant rabbit settlements and several large warrens confined along the western boundary. Rabbits will be controlled with a combination of ripping, and the placement of Pindone baited carrots near those warrens.

Other environmental and agricultural pests and weeds will be controlled by standard farm management methods such as sprays and/or physical removal.

Fire Management: The land use is not seen to contribute any fire risk to the area. The land is in a designated bushfire prone area, although not of any greater risk than normal farmland. Fire management plans should be drawn for the property. Firewater supply will be available from tanks to be attached to the house and shed roofs and minimum water supply held as per recommended conditions.


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Soils: An agricultural soil test was collected to determine the fertility and structure of the soils for agriculture. The results show the soil is good for horticulture but would be unsuitable for grazing. The high sand content means it is free draining but will not retain moisture during drier periods.

Paddock observations (soil tests attached at rear):

Soil is rated as a sandy clay loam Very Low phosphorus levels (Olsen P 5.3 mg/Kg) Good pH CaCl2 (7.1) indicating near-neutral acidity Good potassium levels (198 mg/Kg) Low sulphate sulphur levels (5.0 mg/Kg) Low to fair Organic Carbon (3.0 %) Trace elements; zinc, manganese and boron are OK, copper and iron are low Cation levels (indicating soil structure and nutrient availability) has some issues with high

calcium, which is creating low magnesium and potassium in the ratios. No potential salinity or sodicity issues. Very poor soil nitrogen levels at the time of testing (nitrogen is seasonally variable)

Recommendations: The soil has a high sand content (46 %) which will drain well when cultivated into beds. Before commencement of any plantings, soil structure issues and pH issues will need to be corrected. The pH is slightly elevated for some plants and will be acidified with sulphur and organic material. This will be primarily addressed by adding magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) and organic material such as compost or dairy manures. Composted material will add tilth, structure and drainage to the raised beds and provide organic material for the plants (composted dairy manure is considered organic).

Organic phosphorus (guano or rock phosphorus) and sulphur fertilisers should be applied before planting. These are necessary for plant development, particularly for establishing plants. High sand content and high rainfall mean that potassium and sulphur are likely to leach and need to be added regularly.

Trace element management is important for horticultural success; zinc is particularly critical. Ongoing foliar applications of a trace element mix are distinctly beneficial. Plant tissue testing is the best way to determine any ongoing production deficiencies once crops are established.

Sandy soils have a poor nitrogen retention rate, so regular nitrogen fertiliser will be a necessity. At the time of testing, soil nitrogen was about a tenth of a productive horticultural crop's annual requirement.

Correcting the soils will ensure good plant establishment; a fortnightly liquid fertiliser blend will ensure the best nutrient availability for all stages of production except at finishing when no fertiliser should be applied.


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Crops and Crop Layouts: A total of 120 fruit trees are to be planted into the orchard area on a 6metre X 3 metre grid. These will consist of heritage variety apple and pear trees and cool climate avocado trees (varieties dependent on availability). After establishment, each tree will yield 100 kilograms of fruit or 12 Tonnes in total. Trees will be pruned to 3 metres to maintain serviceability and ease of harvest.

A 550 square metre strawberry garden area is to be developed on the sunny side of the hill. Berries will be grown under plastic wrap to control weeds and retain moisture. Locally developed variety Juliette will be most suitable, and this area is expected to produce a (conservative) 600 kilograms of strawberries after development.

Free-Range Chicken System Design and Management: Forty chickens will be housed in a small chicken coop at the rear of the property and be allowed to free-range and eggs collected daily. Communal laying areas will be provided for more efficient egg collection and better hygiene maintenance. All pellet feeding and watering will occur inside the sheds.

Adverse impacts on adjacent land: As with any horticulture, the property will be seasonally busy; staff and machinery can be active for long hours during picking. From time to time, some noise is generated but the same as any similar enterprise.

Horticulture on coastal properties can be more susceptible to brown rot (and similar disease) due to humidity. Growing plants may need to be sprayed with fungicides, pesticides and fertilisers to ensure the best production. Horticultural spray equipment is specialised and aims to spray at the plants at close range, minimising chemical loss and maximising plant coverage, ensuring that correct spray equipment is used and do not spray on windy days that could carry spray off-site.

Adverse impacts from adjacent land: The properties within a 500-metre radius from the proposed dwelling are utilised for grazing animals or lifestyle living. These activities are not expected to have any adverse impacts on the activity.


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Infrastructure and Business Management: Infrastructure Investment: Currently, there is no suitable infrastructure on the property for the proposed enterprise. The trellising, shedding, access and dwelling will need to be constructed. There are no buildings suitable for the enterprise, there are no services connected, and the water network will all need to be constructed. The establishment of the horticulture is expected to cost over twenty thousand dollars.

An irrigation watering system will need to be constructed for the delivery of water to horticulture. A watering system gravity fed from a tank is the ideal design as this ensures a constant water supply to crops in the advent of any system failures.

An all-weather driveway will be constructed of extracted material to the house site to allow access in all weather conditions. Formed tracks will be constructed to the rear of the property allowing convenient access.

Staffing: As with any agricultural enterprise, the proponent will manage the activity and do much of the horticulture and chicken management, but assistance will be required during the busiest harvest and pruning periods.

Allowance for possible future expansion: There is limited scope to expand the enterprise's agricultural operations beyond the proposed improvements due to the unique challenges of this piece of land and connectivity issues.

Opportunity Cost: Horticulture is one of the higher returning agricultural activities, and the proposed enterprise has a very good return per area used. There are few forms of agriculture with better returns from soil-based planting.


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Financial Projections:

The proposal calls for an agricultural investment of over $20,000 and the investment in a dwelling and shedding of over $300,000.

After the initial development period, the property could expect net revenue of over $82,000 per annum.

Indicative Agricultural Returns (excluding dwelling and land costs, not CPI-adjusted):

Income /Cost Item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6+

Free Range Eggs (~$6 dozen) $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000

Berry Sales $6,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000

Fruit Sales $0 $0 $10,000 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000

Total Revenue $16,000 $22,000 $32,000 $42,000 $62,000 $82,000

Establishment Costs -$20,000

Chicken Purchases $160 $160 $160

Berry Costs -$5,000 -$2,000 -$2,000 -$2,000 -$2,000 -$2,000

Orchard/ Packing -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000

Staffing / Contractors -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000

Apportioned Rates, Insurances Utilities $ -$2,000 -$2,000 -$2,000 -$2,000 -$2,000 -$2,000

Net Return $ -$10,840 $8,000 $18,160 $28,000 $48,160 $68,000 Notes: Industry farm gate rates used for horticulture, higher returns can be expected for domestic sales. Financials are indicators only; costs and revenues can vary. Seasons and markets can alter revenues dramatically.


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Environmentally Sensitive Areas:

Natural Resource Management: The landscape is typical of highly modified pastoral farming, having been completely cleared for agricultural production. There are no natural watercourses or areas of remnant vegetation.

The vegetation along the boundaries, at the roadside reserve and along the drain will continue the natural regeneration into a shelterbelt area.

Erosion and Compaction: The property is not seen as prone to erosion, but sandy soil will erode if not managed. There are no high energy water flows, no waterways, no water run on, the soil is of good structure, and there is good vegetation cover and likely to remain that way.

These soils are generally resistant to compaction due to the high sand content, and after establishment, plant roots will further reduce this risk. The soils at the rear may be subject to waterlogging and can be damaged and pugged during periods of high rainfall, and this will need to be managed. Heavy vehicle traffic should be confined to constructed tracks, particularly during wetter seasons.

Groundwater: Groundwater is at a depth of 10 - 20 metres and is very low risk from exposure from any form of nutrients infiltrating from the surface. Maintaining plant coverage will assist in keeping soil nutrient levels lower to minimise any risk further.

Drainage: The property has no formal constructed drainage network relying on overland flows to the drain at the rear, soil infiltration and plant uptake.

I certify that all the above statements are true and correct to the best of my abilities.

Dean Suckling Agricultural and Environmental Consultant Attached: Soil test results


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Site Images: Images 1: Drone looking north over the property from Cape Nelson Road

Image 2: Property frontage showing vegetation regeneration to be retained


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Image 3: Image showing house site and rear of the property

Image 4: The property has heavy bracken cover


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Image 5: Drone image looking south from the rear of the property

Image 6: Steep incline at the rear of the property with heavy bracken coverage


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Image 7 & 8: Well established regeneration along the west boundary to be retained


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Image 9 & 10: Significant rabbit warren issues to be controlled


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Image 11 & 12: Existing watering network needs an upgrade.


Customer: David PumpaSample Date: 11/03/21Sample Name: PaddockLab. No. OZS21089Test Type:

Test Depth (cm) 0-10Soil Colour Dark GreyTexture Sandy Clay LoamGravel Content % 0

Unit Level Found Comparison RangePhosphorus Olsen mg/Kg 5.3 25Phosphorus Colwell mg/Kg 10 40 - 63Potassium Colwell mg/Kg 198 150 - 200Sulphate Sulphur mg/Kg 5.0 15Organic Carbon % 3.1 3 - 6Organic Matter % 5.4 5 - 11

Ammonium Nitrogen mg/Kg 2Nitrate Nitrogen mg/Kg 3

Conductivity dS/m 0.13 < 4.0pH Level (H2O) pH 7.6 5.5 - 7.0pH Level (CaCl2) pH 7.1 5.0 - 6.5Aluminium (CaCl2) mg/Kg 0.6 < 2.0

DTPA Copper mg/Kg 0.32 > 1.5DTPA Iron mg/Kg 15 50 - 400DTPA Manganese mg/Kg 5 > 10DTPA Zinc mg/Kg 3.4 > 5Boron (Hot CaCl2) mg/Kg 1.1 > 1.5

Cations Unit Level Found Ideal RangeCation Exchange Capacity meq/100g 23.3 10 - 20Exchangeable Calcium meq/100g 21.56

BSP % 92.7 65 - 80Exchangeable Magnesium meq/100g 1.17

BSP % 5.0 10 - 20Exchangeable Potassium meq/100g 0.42

BSP % 1.8 3 - 8Exchangeable Sodium meq/100g 0.10

BSP % 0.4 < 5Exchangeable Aluminium meq/100g 0.02

BSP % 0.1 < 1.0

Top Soil Particle Sizing Sand Silt Clay% 68.1 7.2 24.7

www.enprove.com.au 0448 866 205soil testing consultingplanning farm mappingAll tests are conducted in a laboratory with ASPAC accredition.

Soil Test Results

nutrient managementwater quality analysis

Enprove Ag & Environment

Soil Analysis Horticulture - Comprehensive and Particle Sizing


Farm Management Plan

Documents

Transcript of Farm Management Plan