Appendix C - Farm Management Plan

    1.2. History

The subject site is an existing grazing farm that was previously part of the Maher farm. The Maher
family have farmed the property 3 generations, dating back to the early 1900s. Since this time, the
land predominantly been used for dairy farming. This changed in recent times to beef cattle due to
the changing dairy market. The Maher farm has typically utilised relatively low stock levels to
manage excellent yielding pastures. The pastures have been improved in the last 25 years using
rock minerals only, with no significant use of synthetic fertilizers. The site includes 4 dams, which are
spring fed and utilised for irrigation purposes to improve pasture.


    1.3. Current Caretaker

The land is co-owned by Michelle Botwood and Phillip O’Malley (the Client). Michelle resides in
Victoria. Consequently, a caretaker is required onsite on a permanent basis. Michelle intends to
move to the property in time and construct her own residence.

The caretaker of the property is our client and co-land owner Phillip O’Malley. He is an experienced
horticulturalist in both landscaping and plant cultivation and biodynamic farming techniques. His
passion is in the collection, breeding, and selecting of plants for our subtropical climate, of which he
has over 20 years experience. The proposed operation will include the improvement of the land to
plant crops and spices that will suit our subtropical climatic conditions.




2. Proposed Operation

The farming operation will consist of a biodynamic farm that will involve both livestock and cropping
activities. The farming activity will include rotational farming of 20 head of steer over the land to
increase yield, improve soil health and optimise nutrients. To provide further feed for the cattle, our
client will also agist land over Lot 272 SP321939 is owned by the Maher’s. The intent is to maintain a
relatively low stock level over the land, while harnessing the nutrient benefits that the cattle will
provide for the pasture and crops. The land is in an improved state due to the previous management
practices, and this will be maintained with the continuation of the rock mineral fertilising regime. To
further support this, biodynamic and organic practices will form part of the overarching farming
values. The aim is to work with the land, to be light on the land, and improve its nature balance.

It is intended to transition from grazing to a combination of grazing and specialised boutique
cropping. The works required for this will be labour intensive in the short term to manage, cultivate
and propagate stock for the land. The proposed crops include:
       + Tea including local varieties.
       + Gympie lime, including selections and cropping trials.
       + Cinnamon and other spices.
       + Subtropical rose breeding and trialling.
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