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Monday, May 25, 2009

By Department of Primary Industries - 25th May 2009 - Back to News

SIX GOOD TIPS FOR FARM LANEWAY MAINTENANCE

With winter setting in, it’s now a good time to review your annual maintenance plan including laneway construction or renovation work around the farm – some practical tips are outlined below.

Laneway construction

The foundation and surface layers of a laneway each require the use of materials that will withstand the threat posed by water and constant use.

Paying more for good quality materials may save money in the long run once you have factored in the costs of lameness and mastitis, extra maintenance or laneway replacement.

Materials - Foundation Layer
Topsoil and grass should be removed before laying the foundation layer. Topsoil is not suitable for use in the foundation layer. The material removed from the table drains may be used provided it is not topsoil. Moist sub-surface soil is usually suitable unless you are in an area which has dispersive sub-soils which are unstable when wet.

If not required for dam construction, the material dug out to make effluent ponds may also suitable for laneway foundations. Soft clay is unsuitable for use in foundations unless stabilised with other materials.

Hydrated lime, evenly spread and uniformly incorporated to a depth of 125mm, will allow soft clay to become stable once compacted. Cement can also be used as a stabiliser in foundation layers.

If the material available does not create a satisfactory foundation it is possible to use a geotextile, an industrial fabric used in earthworks to cover the shaped base layer before adding the top layer. While porous and allowing the water to pass through, geotextiles hold soil and rock in place and will prevent the surface layer from being pushed into the foundation layer, particularly from wheeled traffic. The geotextile will distribute applied loads over a wide area. However, be aware that this could be an expensive option.

Materials - Surface Layer
Surface materials must form an impenetrable barrier to water and not be harmful to cows’ hooves. The ideal material includes a mixture of gravel, clay (15 – 30%) and sand. The fine particles fill the gaps between the larger particles, binding the material together. It also gives the surface a long wearing and smooth finish. Correctly crowned, this material will shed water and protect the foundation.

Incorporating 0.3-1% cement into the clay capping mixture can help stabilise the surface and prolong its life.

Well rounded gravel less than 25 mm in diameter is preferable to large stones they can be kicked aside, leaving the surface susceptible to water penetration and damage.

Crushed limestone can make a suitable material for surfacing. It is generally spread as a 50-100 mm layer, but needs firm compaction.

Sand alone does not make an ideal surface it is abrasive on cows’ feet and washes away too readily.

A temporary fix for rough or muddy areas includes using materials like woodchips or sawdust. Woodchips are used in many laneways in South Australia to provide a softer surface for the cows to walk on.

Maintenance
Regular laneway maintenance also helps to prevent problems such as lameness and costly, major repairs. Any maintenance program should have two focuses – keeping the surfaces repaired and maintaining effective drainage.

Ongoing Repairs

Potholes should be filled and compacted as they occur and it’s also a good idea to deal with drain blockages quickly.

Annual Tasks

Surfaces should be graded annually. Tractors on laneways cause the surfaces to lift and rut quite quickly as does regularly holding stock on laneways.

Use a tractor blade to cleanout the edges and drains, as a build up of grass and manure can affect drainage. Prune or remove trees near laneways – they block sun and wind and keep laneways from drying out.

FARMING DIARY

Fire Recovery Fencing Workshop

David Stewart from Department of Primary Industries will explain the design principles of fence construction for both conventional and electric fencing. Following practical demonstrations and using a local property as a venue, participants will be able to practice the necessary hands ‘on skills’ of tying fence knots and straining wires.
When: Saturday, June 13

Where: 36 School Rd, Labertouche.

Time: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Lunch included – all welcome.

To register or for more information, please contact Carolyn Ferguson on 5624 2409.

Special Focus Farm Open Day

The theme for this specially arranged Focus Farm open day is Physically and Financially Surviving 2009-10. Data from Matt and Robyn Colwill’s farm business will be made available to help other Gippsland dairy farming families gain another perspective on how to cope with the dilemmas arising from reduced milk prices.

When: Thursday, June 18.

Where: Mardan Focus Farm.

Time: 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

BYO lunch – tea and coffee provided.

Contact John Mulvany on 0409 935 578 or John Gallienne on 0407 863 493

Irrigation for Dairy Pastures

This free farm based irrigation course has been tailored for dairy farmers who want to grow more grass; increase their irrigation skills; use their water better and find out about the latest irrigation technologies. The workshops will be presented by Gavan Lamb, DPI Maffra, and Frank Tyndall, National Centre for Dairy Education.

When: Wednesdays, June 10, 17, and July 1.

Where: Maffra

Time: 10.00 am to 2.30 pm.

Contact: Sarah Killury on 5148 0800.

Fertilising Dairy Pastures

This free program has been designed to help farmers make confident decisions about their fertiliser needs.

When: Wednesdays, June 17, 24 and July 1.

Where: Department of Primary Industries, Leongatha.

Time: 10.00 am to 2.30 pm.

Contact: David Shambrook on 5662 9913 or 0427 350 928.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com