10.3.5.Management of pastures on a horticultural block

The issues surrounding the management of pastures on a block used for horticulture will depend on whether livestock are run in conjunction with the horticultural enterprise.
If livestock are used for weed and grass control around grape vines or fruit trees for example, the aim of keeping 70-80% ground cover at all times still applies. Overstocking may well result in the livestock damaging the horticultural crop, so it is important to have alternative pasture available.
If there are no livestock present on the block, pasture will need to be controlled by mechanical means such as slashing to reduce the fire and weed risks.
There may be the opportunity to take on agistment livestock at certain times of the year if horticultural production allows.
Further details on agisting livestock can be found in the section ‘Whole Property Planning’ on page XX.