Small landholder seasonal activity list

Page last updated: Wednesday, 13 December 2017 - 1:32pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

April

Keep on top of the following issues during April to ensure your property is well prepared for the coming months:

Topics Issues to consider

Livestock
  • Make sure that your stock are getting enough feed – especially any pregnant animals. Conduct a worm egg count of sheep not drenched in early summer, to see if stock need drenching.
  • Are your paddocks free from rubbish including household rubbish, building rubble, old machinery and agricultural drums? Animals will sometimes consume rubbish either by accident or actively seek it out due to nutrient deficiency. If you have rubbish in your paddocks fence it off or remove to a secure location. Monitor animals and if you notice unusual behaviour seek advice from your vet and read our page on how to prevent lead poisoning in livestock.
  • All livestock owners, including those with pet livestock, need to be registered and have a Property Identification Code (PIC) to help with disease management. Call the Brands Office to register – +61 (0)8 9780 6207.

Crops and pasture
  • Lime acid soils now as this provides time for the lime to break down, neutralising acid in the soil.
  • Graze perennial pastures quite hard, particularly sub-tropical species like Kikuyu and Rhodes grass, to reduce competition at the break of the season allowing germination and establishment of annual pasture varieties in the stand.

Fresh produce
  • Stone fruit disease control (fungal and bacterial) can be achieved through copper sprays, contact DAFWA’s Pest and Disease Information Service 1800 084 881 for further details.
  • Plant beet family, broccoli/cabbage/cauliflower family, carrots, coriander, celery, leeks, lettuce, parsley, parsnips, peas, potatoes, spring onions and spinach.
  • Pick apples, bananas, citrus, guava, papaw and pears, almonds, apples, mangoes, pears, persimmons and pomegranates. Also pick and process olives. Control diamondback moth caterpillars that attack the broccoli/cabbage/cauliflower family. Pick last crops of cucumbers, melons and sweet corn. Plant garlic cloves.

Land and infrastructure management
  • Prevent costly breakdowns and accidents by servicing your farm equipment prior to the start of cultivation. Check all moving parts for seizing, check fluid levels, hoses, tyres, discs or tynes and springs.
  • Clean out and maintain soil conservation works including banks and drains to prepare for catching and directing winter rains.
  • Landholders wanting to learn more about the chemicals that are registered for use in Australia can visit the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority

Pests and weeds
  • If you have had problems with snails in the past be on the lookout for snail activity after the first big rain event of the season. Baiting stations can be set up prior to large numbers of animals being seen.
  • Also with the cold and wet weather (hopefully) just around the corner baiting for rodents before they move in will be more effective in controlling them.

Pages

Topics

Small landholder seasonal activity list

  1. January
  2. February
  3. March
  4. April
  5. May
  6. June
  7. July
  8. August
  9. September
  10. October
  11. November
  12. December
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See Also

Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS)

Regions

Goldfields-Esperance
Great Southern
Peel
Perth regions
South West
Wheatbelt

Seasons

Autumn
Spring
Summer
Winter