Title Page
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Site conducted
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Conducted on
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Prepared by
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Location
Carbon flows:
C1. Groundcover management is integrated with weed management to encourage desirable/reduce weed species. Weed threats are regularly researched. Where possible, the property participates in coordinated local or regional weed management actions.
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Our management strategy is designed to create appropriate pre-fire fuel loads and enable sufficient post-fire spelling to achieve recovery.
C2. Groundcover is managed to maximise soil organic matter by growing productive pastures and maintaining ground cover at or above recommended levels for particular land types.
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I have a current plan being implemented to keep land in Condition A. Pasture growth and animal intake is managed to allow for a positive input of carbon into the soil.
C3. Management strategies for reducing the amount of chemicals used to control disease, weed and pest threats are considered and implemented where appropriate e.g. animal, pasture sand cropping species selection /rotation and land management strategies.
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I minimise my on-farm energy use and waste to reduces my costs and environmental impacts.
C4. Practices which improve the productivity of soil microbiota and macrobiota species are understood and considered in land management.
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We implement appropriate fertiliser application practices to avoid nutrient losses off farm.
C.5 Uptake of minimum tillage farming or grazing practices maximise groundcover are considered and integrated into the management where appropriate from a profitability and an environmental perspective.
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Groundcover is managed to maximise soil organic matter by growing productive pastures and maintaining ground cover at or above recommended levels for particular land types.
C6. Fire management training is demonstrated in property induction process and reviewed annually.
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My property has an up to date fire management plan and work with neighbours to ensure our management activities and objectives are aligned.
C7. Factors causing soil acidification are understood and strategies to reduce acidification are being implemented.
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I have identified and implemented appropriate best management practices for my region/business that support healthy soils and improved water quality, including reduced tillage, stubble retention, use of green manure crops, legumes & ley pastures, crop rotations.
C8. Strategies to maintain and/or improve land condition are being implemented in degraded or vulnerable river flats, riparian zones and wetland areas.
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I manage areas of regrowth that provide connectivity to isolated vegetation patches or improve ecotones to increase/maintains diversity, resilience and ecosystem function.
C9. Land condition is assessed annually using the an established land condition framework. Set monitoring points are used and findings are recorded. Strategies to improve /maintain land condition are documented, prioritised in grazing plans, and being implemented.
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I have an established method for managing grazing pressure to allow paddocks to rest.
C10. Water resources including quality and quantity is managed in a manner to ensure ongoing support of landscape function and ecological services.
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I know my baseline water usage for production - and have a planned maintenance, improvements or replacement for increased water use efficiency
Managing Groundcover:
G1. I work with other stakeholders to understand and participate in strategic and coordinated approach for effective control of weeds and pest animals.
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Contact with primary stakeholders including; suppliers, private & public professionals (government, financiers, legal, accountants, planners, consultants, health & education & agents) as required
G2. Grazing records of groundcover e.g. pasture monitoring records. Satellite measurement from a baseline, Records of history of paddock stocking rates are aligned to seasonal feed availability.
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I regularly monitor my groundcover and pasture condition and quantity against seasonal outlooks and match my stocking rates and farming practices to suit.
G3. Potential risk areas are marked on the property map, and infrastructure has been strategically placed. Land types on your property are identified, understood and are accurately mapped at the paddock scale. Assessments of land capability and where possible infrastructure and future planning is documented.
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I have mapped my property soil types (sandy, loamy or clay) and land types and consideration of these findings are reflected in my management plan.
G.4 Opportunities to improve production land and vegetation communities condition are identified and implemented if viable. Production practices, such as grazing pressure is adjusted to reduce grazing pressure and enable recovery of affected areas.
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My business management plan identifies, protects and where suitable, rehabilitate degraded or areas at risk from erosion and salinity.
G6. Grazing records and pasture monitoring are used to manage the grazing system. Grazing plans are documented and knowledge of land condition and land class are used to ensure even pasture use.
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I use a robust and repeatable monitoring system for assessing feed/crop and water/soil quality/health to detect/address nutritional deficiencies.
G7. Stocking rates, watering/fences infrastructure is used to manage groundcover . Grazing/cropping systems to enhance desirable species in pasture, spelling pasture, manage/control weeds, matching introduced pasture species to soils and land type, maintaining healthy grassland on fragile soil.
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I actively monitor the condition of my pasture, weeds native vegetation communities on my property and plan and implement appropriate management tasks as required.
G8. Groundcover is managed to promote soil fauna and microbial activity by maintaining ground cover at or above recommended levels for particular land types/production system.
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I have trialled and implemented suitable best management water/fertiliser/practices to minimise nutrient losses, run off and improve my fertiliser/water input costs.
G9. Bare areas are identified and documented. Grazing and other management strategies are being implemented to improve ground cover.
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I have buffer zones around waterways, springs and wetlands that limit the impact of my management practices on aquatic ecosystems and species.
G10. Movement of vehicles and equipment regulated to minimise risk. All introduced equipment, animals and machinery is washed down and/or quarantined.
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I have a current pest and weed management plan and support network to help me identify and control priority weeds and pests.
G11. My paddock stubble and/or other burning records are up to date and property fire management planning is approved. Contact details for relevant permits and services are up to date and available to staff/fire authorities.
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My fire and land management plans use recognised best practice fire management practices (frequency, extent, intensity and timing) for the different vegetation/land types on my property.
G12. Appropriate best management practices for my region/business and production system that support healthy soils and improved water quality, including reduced tillage, stubble retention, use of green manure crops, legumes & ley pastures, crop rotations have been evaluated and implemented.
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I have tested and trialled sustainable cropping practices and adopted best practice where appropriate for my business.
G13. Water resource use, including quality and quantity is managed in a manner to ensure ongoing support of landscape function and ecological services.
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We manage and maintain our water infrastructure and use to minimise/capture and reuse irrigation run off where appropriate.
Vegetation:
V1. Maximise soil organic matter via management of grazing pressure and grouncover. Land type mapping is supported by recorded evidence of soil organic carbon testing to estimate organic matter levels and methods integrated to enhance findings.
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I have established land management practices, infrastructure design and stock management practices to promote healthy groundcover, perennial pastures and native vegetation.
V2. Potential impacts of soil structure on erosion, compaction and water logging are known and considered when planning and implementing property improvements and grazing strategies.
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My soil management practices are aligned with industry best practice where appropriate to help maintain or improve their condition.
V3. The natural resource base condition and associated ecological values on the property are known and benchmarked and monitored and managed to ensure its condition is maintained or improved
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I ensure appropriate placement and maintenance of on-farm infrastructure to minimise negative land use impact.
V.4 Riparian areas and wetlands are managed where practical by strategic fencing and the provision of off-stream watering points
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I have identified areas of high ecological value in the landscape and have established management practices that help protect these areas from weeds, pests, fire.
V5. My property mapping identifies important ecological areas (water courses, wetlands, land types, vegetation types, protected habitat, and includes built features such as fences, paddocks, buildings, water infrastructure (bores, dams, tanks, troughs), roads, monitoring sites; land use; management issues e.g. land condition, weed problems, erosion.
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My land management practices maintain the natural structural layers and cycles remnant vegetation patches.
V6. Land types on your property are identified and their condition is understood. Recognition of mineral deficiencies that will affect livestock production - and the capability of each land type is considered in grazing management plan. and property development planning.
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I understand the capability and limitations of my landtypes and manage my business/land use according its condition and the season.
V.7 Vegetation communities on your property are identified and their current condition, risks that livestock production are understood - and the condition/limitations and risks of each is considered in grazing management and property development planning.
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I manage native forests on my property sustainably for multiple resources, including timber and grazing, whilst maintaining or enhancing its biodiversity values.
V8. The use of inputs through targeted application and maintaining soil health to prevent run-off of chemicals and nutrients.
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I manage my production inputs in relation to regular soil tests - my pH, trace element, aluminium etc. levels are known, and impacts are addressed where cost effective.
V9. Fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides records including date of application, and the impact/response is used to regularly review input/use.
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Fertiliser, herbicide and pesticide application rates are optimised and all applications are recorded as per legal requirements.
V10. Factors causing soil acidification are understood and strategies to reduce acidification are being implemented. Soil pH levels are known, impacts on plant growth are assessed, and remedial treatments are being undertaken where cost effective.
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I understand the vulnerabilities of the soil types on my property are known and mapped and guide my management decisions regarding grazing and infrastructure.
V11. Long term soil tests and production records are used to assess the impact of practices on soil organic matter. Practises to boost soil organic matter are tested and costed before being widely implemented
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I understand nutrient characteristics of each land or soil type have been documented as part of the property plan.
V12. Management practices/planning ensure adequate ground cover is maintained to meet the land type minimum standards. Land is usually maintained in good condition - cover meets/exceeds recognised local landscape/landtype
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My management practices ensure high levels of groundcover are maintained to prevent erosion, improve water infiltration and quality.
Grazing records of groundcover e.g. pasture monitoring records. Satellite measurement from a baseline, Records of history of paddock stocking rates are aligned to seasonal feed availability.
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My business management system allows me to spell , rest or rotate pasture and/or cropping country to maximise soil and groundcover health.
Biodiversity:
B1. Areas of high ecological value (riparian, wetlands, native pasture etc.) are managed to prevent degradation using appropriate infrastructure/ (water points, fencing, lanes etc.) and grazing management practices.
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My land and vegetation management decisions improve connectivity between patches of native vegetation in the landscape.
B2. Understanding of capability of each land type and ecological sensitive areas is demonstrated in management plans. Their attributes are considered in management and property development planning.
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I manage natural regeneration and revegetation of native species to maintain viability and minimise threats and improve the health of the forest.
B3. Riparian areas, riverflats and wetlands are managed as vulnerable land types where practical by strategic fencing and/ or the provision of off-stream watering points. These areas are actively managed e.g. grazing pressure, wet season spelling and weed and pest control.
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I have identified and instigated practices that protect areas of ecological value, including wetlands, permanent waterholes and floodplain features.
B4. Potential for weed contamination of stockfeed is considered and mitigation steps are implemented.
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Areas of high ecological value are identified on my property and my land management practices are aligned to best practice so as not to impact on their natural value or ecosystem services they provide.
B5. Pest animals and weed impacts on ecological important ecosystems are monitored and managed.
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I am up to date on best management practices to manage, monitor and control invasive species (plants and animals) that are non-native (or alien) to the local ecosystem.
B6. Remnant vegetation is protected/managed, and regeneration/replanting or restoration is carried out on-farm where appropriate. Shelter belts are planted for animal productivity, pollination & carbon capture. Timber resource species are selected to suit regional ecosystems/landtype
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I know the high value biodiversity values (species and/or habitat areas) on my property and consideration of these underpin my property management planning.
B7. Property management and ecosystem enhancement is protected by a private conservation agreements or similar.
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I have a good understanding of the local flora and fauna on my property/region and monitor for changes to these and their habitats over time.
B8. Property planning includes riparian fencing and off-stream watering points are provided. Strategies to maintain and/or improve land condition are being implemented in degraded or at-risk riparian areas.
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My property management practices respect and protect areas of high ecological value and /or Indigenous and European cultural heritage sites.<br>
B9. No new clearing of primary /remnant forests is carried out (except under legislated management exemptions). Area of remaining native vegetation is managed for conservation outcomes.
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I leave snags and natural debris in streams and in timbered area where possible to create habitat and control erosion.<br>
B10. Maintain and protect ecologically important vegetation communities from encroachment of introduced species.
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I am regularly looking for and controlling weed and pest species on my property as appropriate.<br>
B11. Strategies to manage woody vegetation are documented and prioritised in the property management plan.
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If safe to do so I leave large standing trees with hollows as recruitment/seed source?).
B12. Areas of high ecological value in the landscape and have established management practices that help protect these areas from weeds, pests, fire.
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We have a riparian management plan and are working towards completing plantings and maintenance.<br>
B13. Sustainable irrigation and water management farming practices are understood and integrated into the business to maximise production and ecological outcomes.
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I manage my property dams to and make sure the water quality, bank condition and erosion is limited, and habitat is maintained or improved.
B.14 Regular contact with other primary stakeholders including; suppliers, private and public professionals (government, financiers, legal, accountants, planners, consultants, health and education as well as agents) to stay up to date with new practices and requirements is undertaken.
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My business is engaged in developing, piloting or participating in industry-led environmental stewardship or sustainability program/s.
B15. My business has an established and recorded plan for responding to natural disasters, including floods, drought and fires.
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My fire management plan for my property is current and has been shared with appropriate stakeholders.
Build Drought Resilience:
D1. Current long-term carrying capacity has been calculated based on area, land types, land condition, appropriate pasture utilisation rates and current infrastructure.
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I have a business plan that maintains or improves my long term production capacity.
D1. Reliable estimates of current sustainable carrying capacity have been calculated based on long-term experience, paddock records, and observed trends in condition of land.
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I use strategic fencing and alternative watering points and vegetative buffers to encourage regeneration of high risk erosion sites or to protect areas of high environmental or cultural value.
D2. Strategies for fire prevention and control developed and implemented.
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I review and set stocking rates or crop selection to match land condition, soil/nutrient or seasonal capacity.<br>
D3. Fire prevention/control plans are developed and understood by all people and incorporated into property management plans. Where controlled burning is appropriate, strategies have been documented identifying goals and prioritising paddocks/areas for burning.
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I protect and manage remnant vegetation communities to maintain or improve condition.
D4. Ways to restore or improve the property’s sustainable carrying capacity through changes to infrastructure, pastures, grazing or livestock management have been considered and undertaken on some areas
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My business has an established and recorded plan for responding to natural disasters.
D5. Property has sufficient water supply and infrastructure to meet production needs during prolonged dry periods in terms of flow, quality and quantity.
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I have an established management system and identified key decision dates in place that match my stock numbers to the feedbase condition, season and available forage .<br>
D6. Set stocking rate to match land condition to determine carrying capacity.
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I have reviewed/planned/ implemented best management water efficiency in irrigation & my farming production practices which have/will improve my water use efficiency.
D7. Adjust stock numbers according to feed quality quantity and nutritional requirements and seasonal predictions.
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I have a set of early warning signs and forecasts that are regularly reviewed/accessed and considered.
D8. Water infrastructure is fit for purpose and meets demands of carrying capacity and to protect fragile land types.
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I have a plan for managing the farm and animals during extreme weather e.g. droughts, extreme heat events and floods.
D9. Documented natural disasters management plans developed and agreed by business and appropriate stakeholders (inc. family/staff and are updated annually or reviewed following implementation/event. Early warning signs and forecasts are regularly accessed and considered.
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I monitor and manage my stocking rate and farming practices to align with the landtype, its condition and the season to prevent erosion, compaction and maximise soil recharge and improve water quality.
D10. Land capability across the property has been assessed and accurately mapped at the paddock scale.
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We have clear strategies and infrastructure required to deal with feed surpluses and periods of feed deficit.<br>
D11. Stockfeed sourced from manufacturers who operate under a quality assurance program that has a biosecurity component. Vendor declaration obtained for all stockfeed purchased.
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My business has an up to date drought/natural disaster management plan - with clear set of goals, dates objectives and plans.
D12. Bare areas identified on mapping and property plan reflects evidence of management practices and activities mitigate further decline.
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I understand the implications of biosecurity for industry - and have an up to date biosecurity plan is in place, covering vehicles/equipment, livestock and fodder.<br>
D13. Property management planning utilises property specific spatial data.
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My production management decisions are made after considering: climatic, data, forecasts, soil moisture, feed, supply, stock and feed prices.<br>
Me and My People:
M1. Communicated and committed natural resource use planning that takes into account business schedules & personal needs of individual business members, e.g. annual leave, funded training days .
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My property has defined natural resources management goals. Plans to manage natural resources have been discussed and documented and are being implemented. Infrastructure is planned and maintained to minimise land degradation.
M3. Land types are understood and described in terms of their soil types and characteristics, woody and production vegetation/pasture composition.
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My property has land condition monitoring regime, using monitoring sites, indicators and images used for early detection of emerging issues such as pest, weeds or disease or the onset of erosion.
M4. Current long-term/production carrying capacity has been calculated based on area, land types, land condition, appropriate pasture utilisation rates and current infrastructure
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I have farm maps that identify the known environmental risks highlighted e.g. bridges, culverts, infrastructure, erosion areas, heavy soils.
M5. Planning and forward forecasts are carried out to ensure livestock will have access to adequate and appropriate feed and water to maintain good health.
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I use the latest applications and tools to monitor weather, season and impending disasters so I can take appropriate action and ensure the safety of people, stock and property land condition.
M6. Comprehensive business performance analysis and benchmarking conducted regularly. Link between operational, tactical and strategic decisions and outcomes is understood and benchmarks used to evaluate past decisions and improve future planning
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My farming practices, property infrastructure and management budget allows me to protect and enhance native vegetation and streams
M7. Identification of areas with poor soil structure and considered in planning of grazing and infrastructure.
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Areas within the land I manage are set aside and managed/land set aside for conservation or protection purposes environmental outcomes.
M8. Management, family members and/or employees involved at some level of industry networks and attend learning and networking opportunities identified as useful for the business and for individuals.
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My farm management plan budgets for regular soil analysis so I can match inputs to crop and soil needs, prevent soil health decline, soil acidification and erosion.
M9. Farm planning meetings held regularly with family and staff members at times of peak activity e.g. mustering; strategies in place to facilitate ongoing communication e.g. communication board located in public area, internal social media, toolbox meetings etc.
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We provide staff and contractor training /property induction process and reviewed annually.
M10. Basic plans are in place responding to natural disasters. Impending disasters are monitored to so that timely action can be taken to ensure the safety of people, stock and property.
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My management plan has good feed, animal, machinery, seed and visitor hygiene protocols and practices in place.
M11. Participation in industry and regional natural resource management programs, projects and networks that support better business with leading research and other relevant stakeholders.
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I have regular contact with primary stakeholders including; suppliers, private and public professionals (government, financiers, legal, accountants, planners, consultants, health and education as well as agents) as required.
M12. Understand and actively review key performance measures and targets for the business performance of your farm business.
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I can confidently analyse and evaluate new business opportunities, or have the access to appropriate professional advice or information to support our decision.
M13. The key measures and targets for business performance in the particular sector are known and understood.
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We have a plan to develop our skills for the future, e.g. people management skills, technical skills, financial skills, leisure activities, off-farm investment options. I review our business performance and progress and amend as required at least annually.
M14. A process for developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes, and resources that improve the social and economic position of farmers and workers.
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Workers are trained in safe work procedures before commencing tasks. Adequate supervision is in place, to ensure procedures are followed. Provision of training is recorded.
M15. Staff mental wellbeing is reviewed regularly during times of drought/natural disaster to ensure mental and physical wellbeing is maintained or restored
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I have developed a management plan to for our health, well-being and safety of the family, employees and visitors to the enterprise.
M16. Staff and family have regular off farm contact with primary stakeholders including; suppliers, private and public professionals (government, financiers, legal, accountants, planners, consultants, health and education as well as agents) to help improve business and industry awareness.
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A process for developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes, and resources to improve the social and economic position of farmers and workers.
M17. General emergency procedures have been discussed with staff and family members (included in induction procedure for new staff).
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I communicate regularly with our staff about health and safety risks.
M18. Workers are trained in safe work procedures before commencing tasks. Adequate supervision is in place, to ensure procedures are followed. Provision of training is recorded.M18.
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I provide the appropriate equipment in working order to for my family and staff - and ensure they know how to use equipment.
M19. Emergency procedures are updated annually ahead of the main threat period and discussed and tested with family and staff.
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My farm has a risk management plan for hazardous areas (and systems) prepared and is being/implemented.
