Sustainable Land Management
Here at Summit Park, sustainable land management practices are used across all aspects of the property. New initiatives are used where possible and integrated into the farm business. This has included making changes across the property to enable more time and cost efficiencies to be realised.
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Sustainable land management includes the use of both agricultural best management practices as well as sound environmental resource management initiatives. When used together, they result in the increased balance of all management activities across the property.
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While production is a key focus for, this wouldn't be possible without caring for the natural resources present on the property.
Red Gum trees aged up to ~600 years old exist across the property and provide not just a stunning outlook, but paddock shelter for stock and habitat for birds and other wildlife.
It is our intention to look after the land on which we live to the best of our ability and show others what can be done with some innovative land management.
Environmental Management
Some of the environmental management practices used at Summit Park include:
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Protection of the old Red Gums and other native vegetation present on the property
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Allowing for natural regeneration, particularly of the old Red Gum trees
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Protection, enhancement and enjoyment of the 20 acres (8 ha) of native bush and grassland along the Wannon River on the property
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Establishment of more native vegetation corridors for:
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Stock shelter
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Improved pasture growth
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Linkage to other areas, and
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Habitat for native wildlife.
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Allowing dams to be fenced to provide habitat for wildlife​
Agricultural Practices
Some of the sustainable agricultural practices used at Summit Park include:
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Rejuvenation of the soil by undertaking ongoing pasture renovation
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Establishment of multi-species perennial pasture mixes
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Regular testing of the soil
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Increasing the soil health and fertility by using a range of select and custom blend fertiliser and lime products, all being applied in response to soil tests
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Establishment of more efficient paddocks according to land classes and soil types
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Using a laneway system for ease of stock movement and management
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Using EID tags in all stock, allowing for ease of management
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Using electronic equipment including an auto-drafter to manipulate stock in the yards
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Installation of user and stock-friendly sheep yards for ease of management
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Installation of a large shed over the yards to allow for less stress when handling sheep in any type of weather - rain wind and sun
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Sub-division of larger paddocks to allow for better pasture and stock management
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Direct drilling pastures to retain soil cover and minimise soil loss
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Using Maremma sheep dogs to reduce possible predation of lambs at birth and to reduce the impact of kangaroos grazing improved pastures
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Protect and allow for natural regeneration of the old Red Gums and other native vegetation present on the property.
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Protect and enjoy the 20 acres (8 ha) of bush along the Wannon River on the property.
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Establish more native vegetation corridors for stock shelter, improved pasture growth, linkage to other areas and as habitat for native wildlife.
