Educational Farm Walk

19 Jan 2017, Scott Creek

South Australia

Thank you to Jim & Sandy Doig for hosting

Facilitator: Andy Cole

Organised by Horse SAwith support through Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board levy, and the

Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme

www.horsesa.asn.au Note: The walk was held at twilight ahead of a major summer storm, hence significant variability in photo

lighting.

HORSES

The horses are managed between paddocks stables with walk in/walk out yards. Yards have kikuyu and used every day of the year. Paddocks are rotated, and cross-grazed with sheep and occasionally cattle.

Horses are all in work for pleasure and educational sessions. The property usually has around five in residence. Only a portion of the 45 acre property has stock, with the rest under conservation heritage agreement specifically for King Ferns.

WATER MANAGEMENT

The property is very wet, with over 1400 mm this year, normally less.

Many swales (large wide open drains covered with grass) manage water over the property. Blue arrow points to one running diagonally through a horse yard.

Raised areas, covered with gravel and grass allow movement along traffic pathways and stop mud in gateways.

CREEK RESTORATION

Significant weed removal has taken place over the years including blackberries, thistle, gorse and willow.

Over 20,000 trees have been planted

Above: Scott Creek, which runs through the property.

Right: View over riding oval to restored creek line.

DUNG BEETLES

Birds were spotted eating dung beetles from a manure pile. Dung beetles serve an important role to break down manure and disrupt the cycle of parasites that affect horses. For more info visit https://www.horsesbugsbeetles.org/

HAY PRODUCTION

The property this year cut over 350 small square bales from the oval.

Participants could see how the grasses discussed in the paddocks looked as hay. Weed free of course!

Finished the walk with just 20 mins to spare before the storm front hit.

Horse SA had some photos taken in 2004 when the owners been working on the property for 6 yrs. already- and photos from 2017.

Top L & R. Note tree growth around arena and creek behind.

Centre L & R. standing at the same gateway looking back at the creek.

Left: Use the jumps on the oval and a ford crossing as a reference point for creek revegetation.

The importance of soil tests were also discussed.

Horse SA is a non-profit organisation working with horse owners on a wide range of issues and topics of common interest, including land care.

Visit Horse SA to find out more, including the events page http://www.horsesa.asn.au/events/event/

Land management information, educational courses or free property visits are available through Natural Resources Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges.http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/adelaidemtloftyranges/land/landholder-services

Horse SAwww.horsesa.asn.au