Is it worth fencing your farm dam?

FARMERS are being encouraged to fence off farm dams to improve stock health, increase drought resilience and even reduce carbon emissions, but how do the numbers stack up?

That’s the question being discussed at a free field day being held by South Gippsland Landcare Network at Cape Liptrap on Thursday, May 18.

Agricultural economist, Professor Bill Malcolm, will compare the costs and benefits of three different dam-management systems (open, restricted access and complete stock exclusion) operating on two nearby beef properties.

Property owners, Jillian Staton and Bruce Whittaker, will explain why they implemented the different systems, and share the costs, benefits and challenges associated with each.

Local vet, Dr Phil Poulton, will speak about the health and welfare aspects of stock drinking water from troughs compared to dams and Deakin University researcher, Ty Matthews, will look at the fish and invertebrates that can live in farm dams.

After lunch, a farm tour will allow participants to see for themselves the three different systems and ask any questions about their design and construction. Resources will also be available to help farmers decide how to fence off and/or create restricted access points in their own dams.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Registration is essential at TarwinLowerFarmDams.eventbrite.com.au

For more information contact Cassie@sgln.net.au or 0448 739 559.

The field day is funded by Food & Fibre Gippsland which is the South-East Node lead for the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.