Watershed Landcare will be hosting a Farm Walk on Saturday 28 May at Eastwood, Rylstone. The landholders operate a mixed grazing system and are keen to share their next challenge of how to incorporate an undeveloped block of 20 hectares into their system.

The area had a long history of cropping and set stocking and the landholders, who took over the management of the block 3 years ago, thought the best option was to rest it.

As it turned out, the resting of the area created different management issues. The long rest period produced areas of erosion that weren’t as prominent previously and, consequently, an increase of Sifton Bush.

The landholders will discuss their strategies and future management plans for this block, including their strategy for managing Sifton Bush.

The landholders are keen to sub divide the area into smaller paddocks and manage it as part of a high input rotational grazing system. They have also tried several methods to manage the sifton bush including the use of mechanical means slashing, knocking down with harrows or herd effect versus leaving to black soot or age.

The Farm Walk will let us have a look at the area and hear from Bruce and Sonia about their learnings from the area, including things they had to take into consideration with the area such as the cultural, grazing and cropping history to formulate their plan.

In addition, the morning will look at what tools and resources they used and how they will take into account seasonal conditions and risks when making decisions.

The Farm Walk is free to attend for Watershed Landcare members and $10 for non-members, with a BBQ lunch provided.

For further information or to RSVP contact Claudia Wythes, Watershed Landcare Co-ordinator, on 0412 011 064 or by email: claudia.wythes@watershedlandcare.com.au.

This event is supported by Watershed Landcare through partial funding from the Australian Government's 25^th Anniversary Landcare grants and the Central Tablelands Local Land Services.