MANAGING A CATTLE PROPERTY ARID AUSTRALIA PART 2 - SUCCESS OR FAILURE?

Part 2 is the follow on from the planning stage in Part 1. Now the students are placed on the property which requires recovery from previous abandonment. Resources such as maps, an old diary and diagrams are given for consideration. In addition the realities of the environment and the variability of rainfall require recognition. This planning will not be easy and the future in terms of economic viability is not assured. The task is to prepare the property for the re-stocking of beef cattle. The process involves movement around the property, checking on maintenance needs, making decisions on the employment of staff, becoming aware of the hazards to be faced. Students covering this unit will soon become aware of challenges faced by those raising cattle in arid zones of Australia. The end is open-ended and students may decide that their management has led to a more sustainable activity. On the other hand, they may decide that like the earlier manager they will walk out and leave the property.