Peter and Lyn Lang have been on their property in Tallangatta Valley since 1990, and have steadily made improvements to the 100 hectares of steep undulating country.

The Lang’s have been involved with Department of Primary Industries (DPI) programs, including BestWool/BestLamb, over the years and Lyn recently completed the DPI Whole Farm Planning course at Tallangatta.

Mrs Lang said after working outside the immediate area for most of her career, decided the WFP course would be a practical way to reconnect with the community, plus provide an opportunity to build a working relationship with the local DPI experts.

“The WFP course has assisted us to plan strategically for the future, both in our property fence layout and in recognising management procedures we will need in place to employ personnel,” Mrs Lang said.

“Taking part in DPI activities and courses has given us a better understanding of factors impacting on the reproductive performance of our ewes, and overall productivity of the flock.

“One of the biggest influences has been the decision to scan our ewes around sixty days prior to lambing, to confirm whether they are pregnant and to indentify barren ewes to cull from the flock.

“As part of the WFP course we received an aerial map of our property which has proved to be a valuable tool that has allowed us to strategically plan the division of an extra large paddock, taking into consideration the contours of the land and water courses, to best utilise the land.

“I constantly refer to the printed information I received at the course, it is a great source of information and a reassuring tool to help us verify our decisions.

“I would recommend this course to anyone wanting a better understanding of their property and to plan for their farming future.”

DPI Whole Farm Planning Officer Kylie Scanlon said the next WFP course will run at Beechworth during March 2012, starting on Sunday, March 4 at 9:30am.

To register or make further inquires about the course, please contact Kylie Scanlon, at DPI Tallangatta on (02) 6071 5318 or 0458 990 607.