Significant ROI when invested in the Waratah Exclusion Fencing System

The Problem

For Brad and Mary Rowe of Currabie, exclusion fencing wasn’t just about putting up a new boundary fence, it was about improving the long-term sustainability and efficiency of their farming operation.

Prior to installing 20kms exclusion fencing, the Rowes faced persistent challenges with bio-security, stray sheep including rams, vermin pressure and significant crop damage from emus. Feed budgeting, shutting up paddocks for summer feed or lambing was impossible due to unmanageable vermin pressure. Time is money and considerable time was being spent repairing fences before livestock could be rotated into fresh paddocks.

“We were doing paddock moves fortnight and due to the shape of the paddocks every time sheep were moved we’d first have to spend half a day patching the boundary fence.”

The Solution

To tackle these challenges, Brad and Mary invested in the Waratah Exclusion Fencing System for durability and longevity. The results have been significant.

In areas affected by vermin crop yields were around the 300kg/Ha. In other areas of the farm without significant vermin pressure crop yields were around 1200kg/Ha. The Rowes budgeted that improvements in crop yields alone would pay for the fence within two years. Post fence installation the results have been dramatic with the last season’s crop averaging 2500kg/Ha.  

The benefits have extended far beyond crop yields though. Reduced vermin pressure has allowed for improved feed budgeting and pasture management. Resting paddocks effectively has contributed to visible improvements in animal welfare and native grass reestablishment throughout the property. Simply through limiting dry matter removal and overgrazing of plants by vermin, with the Waratah Exclusion Fence, the Rowes have estimated they can conservatively run an additional 200 ewes; a 25% improvement in stocking rate.

Advice For Farmers, From Farmers

Brad and Mary built the exclusion fence themselves. This took a degree of planning and investment in the right equipment. Thorough site preparation ensured the Waratah Exclusion fence netting was installed in a timely manner. Their advice to other farmers, considering exclusion fencing, is simple: invest in the right fencing products, plan ahead and build for longevity.

“Waratah Exclusion fencing can buy you carrying capacity & confidence in knowing you’ve built a fence that will last.”

From stronger bio-security and reduced fence maintenance costs to improved livestock and feed management, the project has transformed the way the Currabie operation runs, proving the value of investing in quality fencing for generations.

Their experience is a strong example of how investing in the Waratah Exclusion Fencing System can deliver increased productivity, livestock management and overall farm efficiency.