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Community Supported
Agriculture
Business Champions: Allan Werner & Michael Velders
Latest News
Eco Farm Findings from
SomerVille Sunday 1 April
On the last SomerVille Sunday Michael
Velders (SomerVille Agricultural Land Management, 9572 5665) and Allan
Werner (SomerVille Eco Farm, 9336 3842) spoke with the community about the
pressing issue of kangaroo control prior to the planting of the initial
manure crop on the 11th of April.
The findings from Michael Velders and Allan Werner from this consultation
were;
Dear all,
Thanks again for your first great inputs to the establishment and further
development of the SomerVille Eco Farm. Further to our discussions and based
on your feedback we propose to decide the following:
1. To go ahead with the cultivation of the two proposed paddocks North of
the yellow shed (bit smaller than 2Ha) and south of the Orchard (bit larger
than 2Ha).
2. The further development of "how we are going to farm" will be further
discussed intensively with the community and especially with those living
nearby the proposed farming areas.
3. In terms of Roo control we have decided to go for a kangaroo safe fence
(1.9m high) that will also exclude rabbits and pigs. This was the least
controversial decision based on the time constraints as the farm is to be
seeded on the 11th of April in time for Winter. There is still time in the
future for this decision to be reviewed in the face of new information and
the results of research when the farm is established.
4. In time the fence will be covered with bushes, shrubs and climbers to
avoid a negative impact on the beauty of the landscape.
5. To avoid disruption of "the vision on the village" for nearby residents
the fencing on the paddock north of the yellow shed will start lower than
planned, where the current farm school begins. People who live higher up the
hill will maintain their view on the village.
6. On the unfenced area on that paddock, experiments will be planned using
peppering: a Biodynamic method protecting new plantings from weeds, insects,
birds, rabbits and kangaroos. That if successful will possibly replace the
need to have a fence or the use of other forms of Roo control.
7. We decided not to install the rooguard sonic system (
http://www.shuroo.com/rooguard.htm ) emitting high frequency sounds that
humans can't hear, but deters wild animals from entering a crop. Although
tested and proved highly effective, it was not believed a favourable
solution close to human dwellings, because of it's unknown impact of human
health.
8. The option to go for a lower type fence (to keep out rabbits and pigs)
and have a farm dog on the paddock is not chosen because of the SomerVille
guidelines (the givens), that dog's are not allowed on the SomerVille
property.
9. Culling or shooting the kangaroos to control the kangaroo population and
scare them off the property has not been chosen. It will probably take a lot
more time in discussion and consultation before a decision can be made on
this measure. That time is not available to the farm. The farm needs a
solution before the end of April 2007.
10. Furthermore we will have spiritual ritual on the 10th of April before
starting the cultivation of both paddocks on the 11th of April. (refer to
above)
Hope you enjoyed the Sunday afternoon. We will be back with you around
June/July to present the further details of the farming system. And don't
hesitate to give either one of us a call if you have further questions.
Kind regards,
Michael Velders, SomerVille Agricultural Land Management, 9572 5665
Allan Werner, SomerVille Eco Farm, 9336 3842
A survey is being developed
and will soon be available at:
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