A STRATHDOWNIE beef and lamb enterprise has secured over $400,000 to improve irrigation efficiency across its property through Coles Supermarket’s national Nurture Fund.
Still waiting for the traditional autumn rainfall break, the Harvey family are among 16 farmers across Australia to receive funding through round six of the program, which aims to empower farmers to be less reliable on rainfall and combat drought conditions.
Using the grant to replace an ageing and inefficient centre pivot on the property, Grant Harvey said weather patterns had been reasonably predictable until now.
“Around the Easter period is when we usually say we will receive a break,” he said.
“We have had bits and pieces of rain which has germinated our pasture but we just need a good downpour to get us started properly.
“We hope to see that rain in the next couple of weeks.”
Over 25 years ago Grant said the family’s Strathdownie property – Lindsay – purchased a 64 hectare centre pivot, which is now too big for the amount of water available for use.
The family’s plan was to gradually upgrade the irrigation system over the next eight years, but the $440,000 funding boost has fast-tracked their plans.
“We will replace the large 64 hectare pivot with two towable 32 hectare pivots which can be connected to the existing bore water through an eight inch PVC underground mainline,” he said.
“We will then be able to tow these pivots to the seven sites on our property which will run through two pumps.
“This will allow us to water-up pastures at the start and finish of seasons which can help in years like this.”
Grant said a new cattleyard was also planned for the farm, along with refreshed property fencing and lane ways.
While his farm will now boast improved water efficiency and less reliance on weather, Grant said the Lower South East and Western Victoria were not usually greatly affected by dry conditions.
“Very rarely or if ever would you see a drought in our district,” he said.
“In the 35 years I have been home I have only ever seen one very dry year.
“We are lucky to have irrigation as it does help when it is dry and fodder conservation is another key strategy if we are ever faced with a drought.”
With long-term success central to the Harvey enterprise, Grant’s nephew Josh said he looked forward to upholding the family legacy.
“I am fourth generation with Grant being third and have been involved since the end of 2011,” he said.
“This year is the property’s 100th year running in our family with it starting off as a World War I soldier settlement block from my great grandfather Tom Harvey.
“It has always been a passion for me growing up watching my father Ley Harvey and my uncle Grant so it automatically became my lifestyle.”
Josh said it had been rewarding seeing the farm progress.
“I would say the irrigation is probably the last part of the farm which has not been developed yet,” he said.
“It will be great to almost finish it off and will be in a sense drought-proof which we may never need.
“I hope we can keep building it bigger and better in times to come.”
Grant said he loved everyday life on the farm, even though it is hard work.
“The family business has been great and we have grown the business over the years,” he said.
“Things have changed a lot over the years.
“It is great to see our next generation, Mel my daughter and Josh my brother’s son coming along and pitching in.”
Currently the Harvey family is feeding out livestock and sowing pastures which will continue until a “wedge of feed” is launched with rainfall.
The farming enterprise buys in around 2500 to 3000 cattle a year to finish for the Coles Graze Grass Fed product line.
The Harvey also have around 8000 ewes which are used to breed prime lambs.
