L a n d L e a r n : curriculum activities - for classroom use - Whole Farm Planning - a student worksheet


Image: Plans

image: people planning together

image: the finished plan

Whole Farm Planning - a student worksheet

CSF Connections
SOSE Place and Space Level 3:
Investigate issues related to the care of places.
SOSE Natural and Social Systems Level 4:
Describe responses of different elements to change in natural systems

Whole Farm Planning

Jim and Sue wanted to improve the productivity and sustainability of their land. They were encouraged to prepare a whole farm plan. This meant they had to look at all the aspects of the farm: the shape of the land, the soil and water, trees and other natural vegetation, wildlife, pastures, stock and crops. They wanted to make the best use of all these components while at the same time protecting them.

Jim and Sue replanned their entire farm. Some of the land had been overworked for years and was badly eroded. Some areas of the farm were showing signs of salinity. There were few trees left and parts of the farm were open to strong winds.

1. Below is a list of activities that Jim and Sue completed on their farm. Listed in the column on the right are the reasons but they are all mixed up.

Match the correct reason for each of the activities using arrows.

» Plant trees in paddocks   » to avoid overworking the land
» Match animal numbers to feed availability in paddocks   » to stop the banks eroding
» Plant trees along the road   » for water birds to rest
» Build a dam   » to stop livestock from trampling the area
» Build fences around saline areas   » for wind protection
» Plant trees along the creek   » to store water for use when it does not rain
» Build an island in the dam   » for shade for livestock
   
2. Here is a diagram of another part of Jim and Sue's farm. It is your job to map the changes described below that will be part of the whole farm plan.
   

Image: Plan of Sue and Jim's Farm

2a In the sketch provided.....
   
» build a fence around Shaggy Point
» plant trees and shrubs all over Shaggy Point
» plant a row of trees along the fence near the creek
» fence off the gully and creek
» plant trees along the gully
» plant salt tolerant grasses around the salt lake
» plant perennial pastures on the slopes, eg. rye grass.
   
2b Add a key to show the meanings of the symbols and colours you have used.
   
2c What can you do about the eroded areas? Include your ideas on the sketch
   
2d Give reasons for each of the things you have planned for the farm. How will it help care for the farm in the future?
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