Big Farm

Primary Functions

Ruminants, land regeneration, forage, water, future dairy, future beef, Airbnb huts later, river access recreation. No café here early. No retail early.

Land Conditions

Creek splits boundary — water source, natural division, possible rotational boundary. Road also splits land — access, logistics, future cattle movement. Both are beneficial.

Far side flatter — better for cattle later. Steep terrain sections ideal for Airbnb huts, tourism cabins, viewing zones. River present with swimming area potential and recreation value.

Build Priority

Early Works

Goat fencing, mobile infrastructure, basic bathrooms, tenant housing upgrades.

After System Stable

Airbnb huts, small dairy, beef herd. Land used as production + regeneration.

Goat System

Primary use: land clearing and vegetation control. Mobile fencing, construction fencing style. Move herd — do not hold long. 20–30 animals per clearing run. Herd size: approx 40 total later (10 home use, 30 big farm).

Infrastructure

Raised enclosures possible. Raised grid flooring for manure drop. Underfloor: machinery storage, parking, manure scraping.

Future

Goat dairy possibility. Also possible cow washdown area below.

Cattle

Long-term plan. Land may not support large herd — plan to lease additional land. Big farm sustains 10–15 cows early. Mixed meat + dairy.

Milk for private, home, and future product. AI bull program possible. Australian genetics considered. Goal: legacy beef + milk lines over time.

Management

Joel Salatin concepts adapted: move mineral feeder, move water, move shade. Low-cost rotation. Reality: daily movement unrealistic with local labour — smaller paddock rotations instead.

Water System

River constant. Wells available. Lift pump system — pump uphill, use, drain back to river. Controlled system, not waste. Water flow managed.

Airbnb Concept

Later stage. Steep terrain, river, views. Cabins, retreat style. Not early income.

Big Farm vs House Farm

Land Use Philosophy

• Land first.
• Animals follow.
• Natural movement > fencing heavy systems.
• Rotational grazing > fixed paddocks.
• Recovery time critical.

Philosophy

• Animals serve land.
• Land dictates movement.
• Infrastructure follows need.
• No overbuilding.

Land Features — Detailed Notes

• creek splits boundary
• road splits property
• river access available
• steep terrain sections
• flat pasture zones
• elevated ground available
• All are operational advantages.
• None are problems.

Land Use

• Flat far side ideal for cattle.
• Steep scenic area for: future Airbnb huts.
• River swim area future attraction.

Lease Land Strategy

• Critical for cattle scale.
• Big farm cannot support growth beyond early herd.
• Lease nearby pasture when: herd expands.

Buffalo on Big Farm

• Small herd considered.
• Land management role.
• Milk possible.
• Not priority early.
• draft support
• cultural integration
• Not primary commercial focus initially.
• Integrated into ruminant rotation.

Rotational Master Rule

• Short graze.
• Long rest.
• Never overgraze.
• Clear with goats.
• Follow with chickens.
• Fertility cycle.
• Manure spread natural.
• Avoid heavy machinery early.

Big Farm — Land Management & Rotational System

This section defines how the large farm operates as a land asset, livestock system, and future expansion base. This is the production landscape.

Location Split

• All ruminants: goats, cattle, buffalo.
• Minimal permanent infrastructure early.
• Land regeneration focus.
• Agrupacion: All poultry. Separate biosecurity.
• Farm Shop Site: Small support only — temporary goats, feed, compost, possible small pig holding.
• No large ruminant base here.