Paddock Maintenance For The Small Holder

In taking on a small holding you will not only be responsible for the care of your animals but also for the care of pasture and apddock maintenance in general. Whilst your animals will provide some natural input to the ground your soil could suffer from natural failings which could affect animal health and husbandry. It is not uncommon for soil to be lacking in minerals such as copper or magnesium and this will mean you may need to give your animals supplements at certain times of year or other chemicals which may be added using safe fertilizers at the correct time of year. A soil analysis test done at regular intervals will firmly establish any such shortcomings and enable you to manage your stock and pasture health to the best of your ability.

Throughout the year it is important to give your paddocks rest periods where they can utilize the natural fertilizers left by your stock and naturally regenerate. You may use such periods to further your soil or crop health or introduce weed control measures. Regular topping of weeds such as nettles will certainly reduce their growth and combined with animal rotation may get them under control with little or no chemical intervention.

In the case of heavily poached land it is important to study your livestock numbers carefully and make sure you have a stock rotation in place which will give your land time to regenerate. Physical help can be given with mobile feeders and adequate access points to try and reduce the poaching around gateways and feeding points.

Fencing and hedge or tree care will certainly give your paddocks the appearance you may wish for but you must be carful to ensure that both are adequate for the stock you wish to keep. Horses require very different fencing to sheep and if you are to have both you will need to ensure that both animals will be kept in safely. Hedges require regular and often professional care. For instance hedge trimming is carefully regulated to protect wildlife and growing seasons.

Machinery and expertise for paddock maintenance is often expensive and time consuming to self create and in most areas good contractors are easily found and advertise readily. A good relationship with your contractor is vital and worth its weight in gold and should ensure your paddocks look and work for you to the best of their potential.

Steve Phillips lives in rural England and understands the need for good paddock maintenance for the good of livetsock. He often turns to GreenPaddocks for advice. A planned approach all year round is sensible, which includes routine paddock topping.