Whole Farm Planning - Glenelg Hopkins Region

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What is Whole Farm Planning? Whole farm planning is a process of planning, property design and management based on natural resources and economic factors. A Whole Farm Plan develops short term and long term goals based on the aims of the farming family or operation. Primarily the plan is to simplify management, improve productivity and include biodiversity and ecological issues in farm decision making. It takes into account livelihood, lifestyle and landscape to ensure sustainability of all three. Example Whole Farm Plan (PDF 690 KB) Should I undertake a Whole Farm Plan of my property? Are you looking at any major enterprise changes? Could your farm management be made easier? Are you farming within the capacity of your landscape? Are you prepared for climatic extremes such as drought, wet periods and fire? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions preparing a whole farm plan will help in your decision making. Whole Farm Planning Workshops The Department of Primary Industries conducts Whole Farm Planning Workshops for broadacre farmers and small lifestyle landholders. After completing the workshop you will have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about your farm. Using an aerial photograph of your property and a group learning environment you will be able to create an action plan to meet your goals. Topics covered in the workshop include identifying land classes and capability, farm water supply, preparing for dry conditions, emergency preparation, native vegetation management and maintaining healthy pastures and soils. Workshops can be conducted in your local area. "The workshops provided my husband and I with a great opportunity to access information, create local networks and plan to improve the health of our property" (Catherine Hayes - small lifestyle landholder) "Whole Farm Planning gave me more of a long term vision and focus on conservation of the different landscapes on the property" (Ewan Read) For those not wishing to attend a workshop, individual farm visits can be arranged to assit in preparing your whole farm plan. To express your interest in attending a Whole Farm Planning Workshop please complete the expression of interest form. Expression of Interest Form Whole Farm Planning (PDF 28KB) For more information please view the Whole Farm Planing Brochure (PDF 1.5MB) To view the attached PDF documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy can be downloaded from Adobe Acrobat (external site). Ongoing support to Farmers To help you with implementation of your whole farm plan the Department of Primary Industries also provides technical information and ongoing support. Some financial assistance may also be available for onground work. Case Study One - Ewan Read (PDF 103KB) Case Study Two - Hamish Bailey (PDF 675 KB)

Contact Us:

Department of Primary Industries
Phil Perret
Ph: 5573 0705
Mobile: 0418350158
Fax: 5573 0706
Email: phil.perret@dpi.vic.gov.au