The cornerstone of energy efficiency within our farming system lies in the integration of grazing birds and mammals. All types of fencing and vegetation are matched according to animal selections. Sheep offer the greatest ease of management and provide multiple yields and benefits.

Sheep are used to maintain short green grass for ducks, geese and chickens. Penned at night their manures are collected for garden beds and tree crops. Since they do not climb trees as goats do they are suitable graziers amongst tree crops.

Where we have grapes on trellises, sheep will be grazed during winter after leaf fall. Within the same area we have planted hedges of Old Man Salt Bush as windbreaks for the vines and fodder for the sheep. The Salt Bush is also an important soil conditioner and is used for mulch and fertilizer.

To date we have planted and established:
Olives  Figs  Grapes  White Shahoot Mulberry  
Citrus  Pomegranate Macadamia  Mango
3 Species of Edible Cactus   White Sapote Persimmon  Bunya Pine  Date Palms   Paw Paw Apricots  Butterfly Pea  Lucerne  Strawberry Clover
Old Man Salt Bush  Leuceana   
Broadleaf Bottle Tree   White Cedar

Many other species are yet to be planted

We have also introduce native fish, fresh water mussels and shrimps, waterlily, bullrush, papyrus,
nardoo into the main dam.

We are continually seeking new varieties and species to suit our climate and soil. Next season we will trial Pistachio. Worldwide there may be a thousand or more highly productive species
suitable for our soil & climate.

We currently grow a diverse range of vegetable crops in our small intensive garden.

Chickens, Sheep and Bees have been introduced so far. Feral rabbits are occasionally available. Other bird species, especially geese, ducks and emus will added over the next two years.

Lamb from a Suffolk ewe by a Dorper ram

Grapes are allowed to established for 2 summers in these guards before tying to trellis wires.