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Gary
and Joan Wallis
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Property
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| Promontory
Road, Fish Creek 3959. Phone: 5683 2252 Mobile: 0429 427 656 |
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Enterprise:
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| 120-125 Cows, plus Vealers and Replacements. |
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Other
Memberships:
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| Prograze, Fish Creek Landcare Group, Agro-forestry Network |
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Cattlecare
Accreditation:
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No
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MSA
Licence:
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yes
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Country
Description:
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| 270 acres, plus 40 leased, undulating to steep, yellow duplex soil, and black swamp loam |
Joan and Gary are passionate about developing a property that applies the principles of whole farm planning. Although beef farming is the principle enterprise, the Wallis' have established native timber agro-forestry plots on steeper land (pruned for commercial saw logs) and conserved the remnant native vegetation. (Trust for Nature Covenant) 30 percent of the land is under tree cover for soil and water protection, shelter and biodiversity. Property development is guided by an evolving whole farm plan based around an aerial photograph enlargement. Tourist accommodation provides additional diversity for the farm business. Joan & Gary's farm is scenic and well-sheltered, with tree-fern gullies and open forest. Diverse tree species are well represented, and wildlife includes koala, goanna, and numerous bird species, such as wedge-tailed eagle, and crimson rosella. These natural features are an asset to their eco-tourism, and farm-based accommodation.
The Wallis' vealers are turned off at 300+ kgs. They use Charolais, Angus and Hereford bulls, with Charolais X calves producing the best result. Their cows are Angus/Friesian X, and their herd is particularly quiet, encouraged by handling the calves early. Around 200 round bales of hay and silage are cut and fed on the property each year. Fertiliser application is guided by regular soil tests and pastures are rich and lush, with an Olsen P of 25 mg/kg.
Joan works for NRE specialising in promotion of agro-forestry and whole farm planning, and also teaches science and maths at Leongatha Christian School. Gary's background in geology has found a focus on the farm with its historic gold mine. In addition to managing the farm, he undertakes contract revegetation programs and consultancy services in natural resource management and is in regular demand as a guest speaker. Gary and Joan have two adult children, who are as passionate about the farm and it welfare as their parents are, and join them in their aims both for the conservation of the land and their wish to turn off prime vealers for the domestic market as early as possible