Spelling in central Australia: Alcoota Station, NT

Abstract:

Alcoota has eleven paddocks ranging in size from 100 to 300 square kilometres. Fencing is 3-4 barb suspension type and there are 25 waters on the station including dams. About 30% of the station is spelled at any given time. Christopher notes that he doesn’t have a formal schedule for determining which paddocks are spelled. Rather, these decisions are based on observation with his experience telling him when paddocks need a spell. Spelling has been gradually introduced across the property since 2002 when Christopher attended a Grazing for Profit School. He feels that this and other courses have highlighted the links between good pasture and land condition and improved long-term production.