We purchased about 300 acres of gently undulating farmland in southern WA about two years ago. It has now been lying fallow for about 5 years (does that make it organic?) and is partly fenced (historical mallee/wire boundary fence that the emus and roos push down regularly) . We had absolutely no intentions of buying this much land but when I saw it, the views of the surrounding ranges captivated me so much I put in a very, very cheeky offer and it was accepted!  Still pinching ourselves as we sit in our unfinished barn conversion, but scratching our heads big time as well.

Hi all ,we have just purchased a run down 33 acre property which i have just put 10 Angus steers on i am fast learning that i have heaps to do to get this place back to its former glory ,the paddocks have been over grazed with horses and cattle ,which we rested from march Thur to September this year i have had a agronomist do a test and has said the soil is well above average and resting it has done it a world of good.

 I have phalaris/clover growing everywhere plus rye grass and the usual weeds i do have a question as i have just got myself 10 Angus steers as the grow

Hi All,

I have been asked to invest in some Blonde Charolais cattle where I buy a certain amount and they are looked adfter on property by  a stud owner.

He does everything on farm and I pay costs per head per year and get a return every year from the sal of the bulls at 2 yrs old. Each year our stud

grows with the birth of new calves, just wondering if anyone has heard of or done something like this as it seems a great idea to be part of the cattle stud

business without having to own a property, any help would be greatly appreciated

Regards

I've one 3.5 acre paddock on our property in West Gippsland which we've recently locked up with the intention to cut it for hay. Prior to this it had horses grazing on it. The paddock has been neglected a little, it has a bit of capeweed which has just started to flower, last year we had bit of dock but we've managed to get on top of that. It also has areas where the grass is thicker and coarser - which the horses didnt like, the areas they grazed most are still quite low and thin and doesnt appear to be taking off as well as the 'less palatable' areas.

Hi All,

My partner and I are looking at a 10arce, 2 dam, property with good soil we feel in western Victoria and would love to talk to any one about Dorper Sheep and their experiences with this breed.In particular, how many sheep would be suitable for this size property, start up cost, ongoing cost in rearing this breed? Also if after the fleece is dropped, can it be used for spinning like a normal sheeps fleece and what is the staple like?Any other information that would be usefully to us.Regards Dawn

Hi,  I have a small farm near Bellingen of 20 acres.  Currently working in South Africa and have seen Mini Hay Balers that are designed to suit small properties & compact tractors.  The pricing of these here, and in America seems to start around $3000 plus, making it a viuable option for small farmers.  I have not seen these marketed in Australia?  Two brands I have seen are the Tuffy and Photon brand and I know there are quite a few other brands.  Would be keen to know what is available in these Mini Hay Balers in Australia?  Regards Peter

Hi

My name is Michael and I am moving to Indigo Shire near Wodonga VIC in the next few years to start a hobby farm on approx 7 acres. I am looking at getting a few sheep and other animals that I plan on raising and slaughtering.

The advice that I am chasing relates to raising some sheep and other livestock for private meat consumption:

- Is there any requirement for me to obtain an identification code from the DPI for the hobby farm if I am only raising some four legged lawn mowers which will end up in the freezer?

Hi All,

I first want to say I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this web site. Well I'm sad to say I am yet to purchase a farm however if all goes well I plan on changing that with in the next 12 months. You see I've just been made redundant from my job of 15 years and I would like to take advantage of the situation by investigating the possibility of owning my own small farm business.