Written by: Members of the Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA and John Willox, Department of Education and Training Western Australia

Illustrated by: Jano Foulkes-Taylor and Mary Taylor

Produced by: Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia and Rural Skills Australia

Telephone: 08 9479 4599 Telephone: 1800 647 798

© May 2003

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. GETTING STARTED

3. HOMESTEAD DUTIES

4. STATION WORKSHOP

5. WATER SUPPLIES

6. MUSTERING AND YARDWORK

7. FENCES AND GATES

Page 1

A GUIDE FOR STATIONHANDS

1. INTRODUCTION

These notes aim to provide information for people seeking employment,

and for new employees, in the pastoral industry. The information should

be particularly useful for people who have grown up in the city to gain

some understanding of the way of life and work practices on pastoral

properties.

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2. GETTING STARTED

2.1 Finding A Job

• All Australian states have organisations that represent

pastoralists and most have links with agencies that recruit

people to work in the pastoral industry. By contacting the

relevant organisation in your state you should be able to obtain

information on job opportunities available. Newspapers

and rural publications also have sections where jobs are

advertised.

• Before entering into any employment agreement it is strongly

recommended that you visit the station to meet the `boss' and

get a clear understanding of the living and working conditions.

Both the employer and the employee are then in a much better

position to assess whether a working relationship is likely to

succeed.

• Because of the distances and costs likely to be involved a visit

is not always possible. In this case locate the station on a map

and find out as much as you can about the area. Then write

down a list of questions you would like answered, ring the

station, and discuss these on the telephone.

• To get a job it is almost essential that you have a driver's

licence and that you are able to ride a motor cycle and/or a

horse. Mechanical skills would be very handy and some

experience looking after farm animals would be an advantage.

In some instances a positive attitude and willingness to learn

will take the place of industry experience.

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2.2 Working Conditions

• The working conditions of stationhands are broadly defined

in the Pastoral Award which prescribes certain minimum standards that must be observed. The working conditions (e.g.

wage rate, hours, holidays, board) should be clearly understood

by both the employee and the employer before starting work.

• Station work is definitely not a 9 - 5 job and staff must be

prepared to tackle any reasonable task at any time. Some jobs

come up and must be attended to immediately no matter what

day or time it is.

• Staff are expected to undertake a wide range of duties

including maintenance of homestead facilities and services. On

some of the larger stations some staff are appointed for

particular jobs such as stock work.

• The first few weeks on the job can be a very difficult time. The

new employee with no previous experience in the pastoral

industry must adjust to very different conditions, has few skills

to offer the employer and is likely to cause a number of

problems. The employer is faced with spending a lot of time

and effort training the new employee as well as being

responsible for their general welfare and in some instances

acting as a defacto parent.

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2.3 Settling In

• You can minimise the problems at the start by settling in to the

routines of station life and developing useful skills as soon as

possible.

• In the first few months "home sickness" can be a real problem

particularly if you are on your own a lot. Many people

experience this when placed in an unfamiliar environment. It

is quite a normal reaction and you need to be prepared.

Some suggestions which may help are:

- Take some familiar things with you such as tapes of your

favourite music, posters, etc.

- Make your room comfortable and somewhere you can

relax and feel "at home".

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- Make an effort to establish friendships so that you can

share experiences and discuss problems.

- Maintain your interests and hobbies. Read the papers

when they come and subscribe to a magazine. Keeping a

diary is a useful habit to develop and can be very

interesting to look back on and as a record of your work

experience.

- Draw up a list of things you want to achieve each week,

e.g. do laundry, write letter home, etc. Check your list at

the end of the week and draw up a list for the next week.

- Write letters home and to your friends. If you are not

good at writing letters try sending cassette tapes. These

can be good fun once you overcome the embarrassment

of talking to a tape recorder. Many properties now have

access to electronic mail and the internet. Learn how to

use these facilities and make sure you abide by the local

rules for their use.

- Phone home or your friends on a regular basis and not

just when you're feeling low. Make sure you pay for your

calls.

- Take some treats with you and ration these for yourself as

a reward after a hard day.

2.4 Living Conditions

• Pastoral stations are generally located in the more remote arid

regions of Australia. The living conditions are quite different

to the cities and most people take some time to adjust to the

isolation and the climate.

• Most stationhands live on the property where they work and

may be involved in homestead duties as well as other domestic

arrangements. This complicates the employment process

and can cause a number of problems.

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• During the mustering season stationhands may be required to

live away from the homestead in stock camps. Stock

camps have basic facilities and staff sleep on the ground in

swags.

• To reduce the chances of conflict occurring it is important that

new stationhands clearly understand what the established

practices are and what is expected of them with regard to their

living conditions.

- Maintain reasonable standards of personal hygiene.

Shower daily if possible and always wash your face and

hands before meals.

- Be careful about dress and behaviour standards in

different situations particularly around the homestead and

especially at meal times.

- Observe the rules with regard to alcohol consumption and

smoking. Some stations do not allow alcohol on the

property.

- Keep your quarters clean and tidy and report any damage.

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- Ask before you use any facilities such as telephone,

television, laundry, coolroom, etc., and abide by any rules

regarding their use. Most stations have access to radio,

television and telephones.

- Water is usually in short supply and should not be

wasted.

- Find out and abide by the rules for the use of vehicles,

firearms and other equipment.

- Check first to see whether you can bring your own dog or

horse onto the property.

- Be prepared to help at all times and make sure you do

your share of the chores, e.g. setting the table, washing

dishes, emptying rubbish, etc.

- Always let somebody know where you are going and

when to expect you back so that if you get lost or have an

accident someone knows where to start looking.

• Remember you are living in someone else's home so respect

their rules and their rights. You must expect that there will be

some areas and situations which are private and your presence

will not be welcome.

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2.5 Personal Equipment and Supplies

• Before accepting employment on a pastoral property you

should find out from the employer what special items of

personal equipment you require.

- What bedding is provided?

- Do you need a swag? If so, what type and where

can you get it?

- If you are working with horses and/or motor bikes,

what do you need to provide?

• Most stations have a store where limited quantities of

goods are stocked. Make sure you have adequate supplies

of personal requirements and that you find out how to

obtain further supplies. This is particularly important if you

require regular supplies of medication.

• Some general advice on personal equipment:

Clothing should be easy care, hard wearing and

machine washable.

Heavy duty boots and long trousers are essential

for many activities.

Protection from the sun is important and a

suitable hat is essential. Long sleeve shirts,

sunglasses and sun screens are recommended.

Jumpers and a waterproof jacket are required.

In wetter regions full length waterproof gear

may be required.

A personal first aid kit is recommended and you

should include insect repellent.

Writing paper, envelopes, stamps, pens and a supply of

pocket notebooks should be included.

Other important items include a watch, torch, alarm

clock, pocket knife, water container and a radio/cassette

or cd player.

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2.6 Health and Safety

• Health and safety should be major considerations in all your

activities and particularly so in remote regions where access to

medical services is difficult and relief hands are hard to find.

Take care to prevent injury to yourself and your workmates.

• Be particularly careful on stations where young children live

and play around the homestead buildings.

• If you have a medical condition make sure that your employer

and the people you work with are aware of this and what to do

in case of an emergency e.g. diabetes, epilepsy, asthma,

allergies, etc.

• Some diseases can be caught from animals so always wash

after handling animals.

• Treat cuts, sores and skin disorders early before they develop

into major problems.

2.7 Driving and Safety

• Country driving is different to driving in the City and has its

own particular hazards. Many accidents in the country are

single vehicle accidents and the major factors are speed,

alcohol and driver fatigue.

• Take special care when driving in remote regions because if

you have an accident it could be a long time before you are

found and you are also a long way from medical assistance.

• DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.

• Long distances shouldn't mean driving continuously for long

periods. Take regular breaks where you stop and get out of

the vehicle.

• Different road surfaces require different driving techniques.

Take time to learn the right techniques for driving on gravel

and dirt roads.

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• Animals on the road are a major hazard in country areas.

Cattle, sheep, horses, kangaroos, emus, camels etc. have little

or no road sense. If you see animals near the road, slow

down. Accidents can occur at any time but dawn, dusk and

night are the worst periods for driving.

• Gates and grids can also cause problems particularly if there

are no warning signs. Always slow down approaching gates

and grids and, as a general rule, leave gates they way you find

them. Grids can have a deep rut formed between the road and

the grid; this can damage tyres and suspension.

2.8 Starting Work

• The sooner you can adapt to life on the station and develop

useful skills the quicker you will be accepted as a productive

member of the team and be able to participate in a range of

activities which will make the job more interesting and

enjoyable.

• Establish your bearings quickly to reduce the chances of

getting lost. Know the location and use of all the buildings

around the homestead area. Study a map to help you get to

know all about the property. Find out what you should do if

you do get lost.

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• Listen carefully to instructions and make sure you understand

what you are expected to do. Ask for help if you don't think

you can do the job. Plan ahead so that you have the right

dress and tools for the job. Report back on the progress of

the job. Return all tools and equipment to where they belong.

• Property gates should be left the way you find them (unless

you are aware or told that it should be different). If you open

or close a gate make sure that it is secured so that it stays the

way you left it. If you damage a gate make temporary repairs

and report the damage.

Note: The gates on animal proof fences erected by the

Government should always be left closed.

• Use a pocket notebook to write down things that you are told

or observe. You will find this a useful habit to develop,

particularly when you need to recall details such as dates,

stock numbers, etc.

• Consider the needs and welfare of other people around you. In

a small isolated community it is much better if you can

maintain friendly relations with the people you work and live

with. Always do your share and make certain that other

people are not inconvenienced by your lack of thought or

carelessness. If you are going to town, pick up the mail and

the papers and check to see if anything else needs to be picked

up.

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• Consider the needs

and welfare of animals

in your charge. Make

sure animals are

properly cared for

and have access to

supplies of fresh

water and food. This

applies particularly to

dogs and horses but

also to other stock.

Find out what the

rules are for dogs in

vehicles and around

the homestead.

• Find out how to

operate vehicles and equipment and what routine care and

maintenance is required before you use them. Always operate

machines safely and report any problems. Station roads are

hazardous so take care to prevent damage to yourself and the

vehicles. Vehicles should always be checked and refuelled

before being put away. Make sure you use the correct fuel

type. Make sure you know how to change a tyre.

• Your progress will largely depend on your attitude and your

energy. Most stations are prepared to spend time teaching

their new employees the necessary skills provided they are

willing to learn.

• You can demonstrate that you are willing to learn by being:

- Interested - pay attention to what you are being told or

shown, and ask questions if you don't understand.

- Prepared - this means being at the right place, at the right

time and equipped for the job.

- Observant - take notice of things around you and learn

from what you see. Try to improve your ability to notice

details as you travel around the property.

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- Energetic - always hop in and lend a hand. If you show

you are willing to help, other people will take the time to

help you.

- Reliable - if you are part of a team, other people must be

able to depend on you. If you have a task to do make

sure you do it or else let somebody know if you can't.

- Honest - be open about your lack of knowledge or skills

and admit to your mistakes. You will make mistakes:

learn from them and don't repeat them.

• Finally a list of don'ts to remember:

- Don't go away from the homestead unless someone

knows where you are going and when to expect you back.

- Don't light any fires unless you know that it is safe. Take

care with cigarettes and vehicles in dry grass.

- Don't use firearms on the property unless you have the

approval of the boss and it is safe to do so.

- Don't drive any vehicle on to a public road unless you

and the vehicle have a current licence.

- In an emergency don’t leave the vehicle, they are much

easier to find than a person.

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3. HOMESTEAD DUTIES

3.1 Essential Services

• Because of the remote locations of most pastoral properties

they do not have access to many services such as power, water,

sewerage, rubbish disposal, etc. that are usually provided by

the government. Special local arrangements are set up on each

property to provide and maintain these services. The

maintenance of these services is a normal part of the duties of

station staff.

• Find out how these services are provided and what tasks you

are expected to do. Also find out, and abide by the local rules

and restrictions that apply to the use of these services. Access

to plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople is difficult so

extra care is needed to avoid major problems.

3.2 Power Supplies

• Most stations use a diesel powered generator to supply

electricity. This may be supplemented by solar cells which use

energy from the sun to generate electricity or wind powered

generators. Many stations also have battery banks to store and

provide electricity when the generator is not operating.

• Liquid petroleum gas is in common use on stations for cooking

and heating purposes. It is provided in large cylinders. When

changing cylinders you will find that the connection screws on

the opposite way to normal threads and you should never use a

lubricant on the thread.

• Firewood is a common source of energy for heating and you

may be expected to take part in the collection and chopping of

wood. Your duties may also include setting and lighting boilers

for hot water.

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3.3 Water Supplies

• Rainwater is collected in tanks from runoff from the roofs of

buildings. Because most stations are located in low rainfall

areas, supplies are limited and rainwater is only used for

cooking and drinking purposes.

• Ground water is pumped into storage tanks by a diesel engine

or a windmill and is used for general purposes such as

showers, toilets and the homestead garden. The quality of

ground water is mainly determined by the amount of salts

dissolved in the water. A high level of dissolved salts will

mean the water is unsuitable for drinking and for gardening.

• The maintenance of water supplies to the homestead and for

stock is a major job that you will be involved with. Tasks

include repairs to pumps, mills, tanks, pipes, valves, taps and

toilet systems. Most stations have septic tank systems which

require pumping out from time to time.

3.4 Rubbish Disposal

• All stations have some method of rubbish disposal and a dump

somewhere on the property. This is another task that you will

be expected to participate in as well as abide by the local

practices for the disposal and recycling of waste materials.

3.5 Food Supplies

• Pastoral properties usually produce some of their own food

requirements such as meat, milk, eggs, vegetables etc. This

means that animals must be killed for meat, cows milked,

poultry fed and watered and gardens cared for. These tasks

can all form part of the job of a stationhand.

• Pastoral properties also need well established systems for

obtaining, storing, using and replacing goods to ensure

supplies are on hand when required. If you run out you may

have to wait a week or more for replacements. Find out and

follow the procedures for the use and ordering of supplies.

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3.6 Meat Preparation

• All stations obtain most of their meat requirements from their

own animals. You will be expected to assist with meat

preparation which involves killing, dressing and cutting up

animals.

• Meat will go bad very quickly unless handled and stored

properly. Serious food poisoning can be caused by

contaminated meat. High standards of cleanliness are required

for the preparation and storage of meat. Areas and tools used

for preparing meat should be cleaned thoroughly after use to

prevent the build-up of harmful organisms.

• Meat in Australia is generally free of parasites that affect man

and cooking tends to destroy most. Some parasites can

complete their life cycle in other animals (such as dogs) and

then affect man. Therefore raw meat, particularly internal

organs, should not be fed to dogs.

3.7 Other Homestead Duties

• Maintenance of the homestead buildings and surrounding areas

is part of the duties of station staff. A wide range of tasks can

be involved such as painting, gardening, concrete work and

general repairs.

• Using the telephone and two way radio is a skill that is

required for daily use as well as for emergencies. Make sure

you know who to contact if a serious accident occurs. If you

take a message make sure you pass it on to the person

concerned.

• All properties will have some procedures for emergencies such

as fire and weather alerts. Find out what the procedures are

and what precautions should be taken. Always investigate any

fire or smoke that you see.

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4. STATION WORKSHOP

• The station workshop is located near the homestead and usually

consists of a large shed or collection of sheds where tools and

equipment are kept, vehicles garaged and fuels and station supplies

stored.

• The type of tools and equipment will vary from station to station but

most stations will have a wide range of hand and power tools, an air

compressor and welding equipment. You will be expected to learn

to use most tools and items of equipment. Always return tools and

equipment to where they belong after you have used them.

• Most tools and particularly power tools can be dangerous if used

incorrectly. Ask for help before you use tools that are new to you

and always use tools in the correct manner and observe the safety

precautions.

• Stations store a number of different fuels such as aircraft fuel,

diesel, petrol, unleaded petrol, kerosene. Find out the types of fuels

stored, where they are stored and what they are used for. Using the

wrong fuel can have disastrous results so don't get them mixed up.

All fuels can be dangerous so take care when using them. Find out

how to check the amount of fuel on hand and notify the boss if

supplies are getting low.

• Stations usually have a number of vehicles ranging from motor

cycles to large trucks. All vehicles are serviced and repaired in the

workshop area. You will be expected to learn how to operate most

vehicles, carry out daily inspections and routine services and make

Page 18

minor adjustments and repairs. Always check that the vehicle has

adequate fuel, oil and coolant before you use it and then again after

you use it so that it is ready in case it is needed in a hurry. If you

experience mechanical trouble with a vehicle make sure you report

the problem so that it can be fixed before a breakdown occurs.

Being stranded in a broken down vehicle on a hot day, a long way

from home is an experience best avoided. Remember in an

emergency don’t leave the vehicle.

• The workshop area is also the place where spare parts and

station supplies are stored. This includes parts for

vehicles, machines, windmills and supplies of fencing and

plumbing materials and livestock products. Find out and

follow the procedures for the use of supplies and notify the

boss if supplies are getting low.

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5. WATER SUPPLIES

5.1 Introduction

• Pastoral stations are located in the drier regions of Australia

and for some parts of the year depend on supplies of

underground water. Properties can extend over many

kilometres and may have 50 - 100 watering points. Watering

points usually consist of a windmill which pumps water from a

well or bore into a holding tank which is connected to a

number of troughs. Each trough is fitted with a float valve to

control the flow of water. There are many different types

of mills, pumps, tanks, troughs and valves and you will

need to learn about the particular types used on the station

you are working on.

• Checking and maintaining the water points is a major job for

station staff and one that stationhands must become skilled at

as soon as possible. A large number of tasks is involved

ranging from checking and cleaning troughs to major repairs to

mills, pumps and towers. It would take a few years to gain

experience in all tasks but in the early stages stationhands will

be expected to be able to do a "mill run" and to make minor

repairs and adjustments.

5.2 The Mill Run

• The "mill run"

involves checking a

number of water

points, carrying out

minor repairs and

reporting back on any

problems. You would

usually do a couple of

mill runs with another

staff member before

doing a run on your

own.

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• Motor cycles have replaced horses in many areas and most

stations now use motor cycles for the mill run. Some stations

have special "mill vehicles" which are equipped for checking

and repairing the water supplies. Some mechanical

knowledge and the ability to make minor repairs to vehicles

can be very useful on a mill run.

Before commencing a mill run you should be adequately

prepared.

- Identify the Run - make sure

you know where you are going and

how to get back. Use a map if you

are not sure of the route.

- Check the Vehicle - the

vehicle must be in good

working order and have fuel,

oil, water and spares.

- Notify Someone -

make sure someone knows

where you are going and

when to expect you back.

If you get lost or have an

accident people will know where to start looking. Also for

your own safety go where you have said you were going.

- Wear Protective Clothing - helmets, long trousers and

boots are essential if you are travelling on a motor bike.

Protection from the sun is also important.

- Take Tools and Spares - make sure the tools you need are

on board and securely attached. Don't arrive at a mill

and find that the tools have been forgotten or have

fallen off along the way.

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- Take a Notebook and Pen - write down the details of any

problems you find so that you can make an accurate

report when you get back.

- Take Water and Food - this may not be necessary in all

cases but it is wise to at least have some drinking water

with you.

• Once you have completed the preparation you are ready to

start. Check all mills on the run and as you travel between

mills keep an eye out for any unusual events such as broken

fences, dead stock, open gates and strange vehicles. Note

down unusual events, make temporary repairs if possible and

include these in your report. Never miss an opportunity to

check a water point even if you are not on a mill run.

• Approach each mill slowly and look for clues to any problems.

Stock and birds hanging around usually indicates a problem.

Check the water level in the tank and remove any dead birds,

animals, etc. If the water level is down this indicates that the

mill is not pumping effectively or that water is being used

rapidly. Identify and remedy the problem if possible. Check

the mill for broken parts, and excessive noise but do not climb

the tower when you are on your own.

• Check all troughs for water level, leakage, float damage, etc.

and repair if possible. Occasionally animals become trapped

and die in the trough. In these cases remove the animal from

the trough and thoroughly clean and flush the trough. If

possible remove the carcass from the site.

• Write down the details on each mill visited and include these

in your report.

• The mill run should be completed without taking any

unnecessary risks. Drive at a safe speed; approach all

wells with caution and do not swim in the tanks.

• On completion of the mill run report back to the boss on the

state of each windmill and the problems you found so that

urgent repairs can be carried out. Reporting problems is very

important as stock may die within a few days if left without

water.

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5.3 Working on Windmills

You will be expected to assist other staff

working on windmills and this

may require you to climb the

windmill tower. This can be a

dangerous activity but you can

reduce the chances of a

mishap by observing the

following precautions:

- If you are afraid of

heights, say so and don't

climb the tower.

- Loose clothing can catch on the tower or other parts of

the mill. Safety hats are recommended. Peak caps are better

than wide brimmed hats which tend to blow off.

- Pull the windmill out of gear before climbing the tower.

- Use ladders where provided and make sure the section of

tower used as a grip is secure. Avoid loose or rusted sections

and overflow pipes.

- Always have one hand and one foot in contact with the tower

so that if one slips the other can provide support.

- Tools should be placed in a bucket and pulled up with a rope.

- Check that the wheel is not directly overhead before

attempting to climb onto the platform.

- Platform timbers are often weakened by age and birds. Place

feet directly above supports and don't rely on platform timbers

for support.

- Use a safety harness or rope to provide support in case you slip

or lose balance.

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- Pivot the wheel out of the wind using the tail until it stops

turning. Tie the wheel with a strong rope around a tower leg

and through an outer wheel ring. This tie out position is for

short term work only.

- Take care so that tools and parts don't fall on workmates

below.

6. MUSTERING AND YARDWORK

6.1 Introduction

• Mustering is the process of rounding up stock for a particular

purpose such as branding, shearing, preparing for sale etc.

The aim of a muster is to collect stock from a given area

without causing too much stress to the animals. This usually

involves a small team of people who start at one end of a

paddock and work their way to the other end collecting all

stock as they go. The size of paddocks varies greatly and in

some cases areas may not be fenced. In some regions the

muster may take several days to complete and the mustering

team must camp out.

• In most areas motor cycles

have replaced horses for

mustering but horses are still

used widely in some regions.

• The mustering techniques used

will depend on a number of

factors including the type of

stock being mustered. Each

type of animal has different

habits and behaves differently

during a muster. A knowledge

of the natural habits of different

types of animals can be very

useful for a muster. For

example, sheep tend to graze

into the wind and are easier to

muster from the downwind end

of the paddock.

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6.2 The Mustering Team

• Each member of the mustering team must be adequately

prepared for the muster. Teamwork is essential for a good

muster and each member must be relied upon to do his/her job.

• Before the muster commences, make sure you find out:

- the purpose of the muster

- the whereabouts and nature of the area to be mustered

- what job you are expected to do

- how long it is expected to take

- what clothing, equipment and supplies you will need to

take.

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• Your personal preparation should include

suitable clothes, long trousers, boots,

headcover, sunglasses, sunscreens and

personal water supply.

• You should also make sure that vehicles

and motor bikes are in good running order

and that spare parts, tools and fuel are

available. If you are using horses check

that they are in good condition and that

the necessary riding equipment is ready.

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6.3 Assisting with Aerial Mustering

• The use of helicopters and light aircraft to assist with

mustering has become a common practice in many areas,

particularly now that portable two-way radios enable effective

communication between the pilot and the mustering team.

• There are several ways the mustering team on the ground can

assist the pilot and allow the muster to take place in an

efficient and speedy a way as possible. A clever and helpful

mustering crew can make all the difference to the well being

and safety of the pilot by reducing stress and the time taken for

the job.

• Every member of the ground crew must be able to

communicate effectively using a two-way radio. Voice

communication between ground crews and air control should

be short, succinct and VERY clear. Speak slowly and use

words such as 'roger' and 'negative' rather than 'yes' or 'no'

which are often hard to decipher amongst the

crackle/interference on the radio.

• Do not 'hog' the airways unless the pilot is overhead or coming

towards YOUR designated area. A conversation between pilot

and a crew member a long way away (eg. other side of the

paddock) can well deny attention required by a ground crew

member near the aircraft. Check with the pilot prior to the

muster and establish some rules to follow during the muster

particularly with regard to making it easier for the pilot to

know where you are. Most pilots appreciate a general sense

of where their crew members are at all times.

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6.4 2-Way Radio Care and Use

• 2-Way Radios are a great communication tool but only if they

are working and they are used properly.

• 2-Way Radios are very expensive items and must be treated

with care at all times. Carry and handle radios so that they are

protected from shocks and moisture. Make sure straps are

securely fastened.

• Always put radio handset on 'charge' the night before and

BACK ON CHARGE immediately following muster so that it

is ready to go the next time it is required.

• Practice using the 2-Way Radio so that you are familiar with

the controls and the correct methods to send and receive

messages.

• Find out about common problems that may occur and a few

troubleshooting tips. If you experience problems check that

you have selected the right channel, check the squelch button

and also check that the battery is firmly in place.

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6.5 Yard Work

• The major objective of yard work is to move the stock through

the yards and get the job done causing the minimum amount of

stress to yourself, your workmates and the animals.

• Working stock in yards can be a hot, dusty and frustrating

experience but can be made a lot easier by following

established procedures and developing the right skills.

• The art of good yardwork is to be in the right place at the right

time doing the right things. The skill is knowing where to be,

when to be there and what to do. A lot can be learned by

watching experienced team members working stock in yards.

• Gates can be a major source of frustration if they are not used

correctly. Gates should be set in the correct position before

moving stock in. Secure gates in the open position so that

stock don't get caught behind a swinging gate and push it shut.

Always check that gates are fastened securely behind animals.

It is important to find out the stocks water and feed

requirements.

• All animals should be regarded as potentially dangerous and

particularly animals, in yards, which are not used to being

handled. Stay alert and learn the best way to perform tasks to

reduce the risk of injury.

7 FENCES AND GATES

• The purpose of fencing is basically to provide a barrier to the

movement of animals. This is not just to keep your own animals in

and others out but to enable better care of both livestock and the

rangeland.

• Animals belonging to neighbours can be kept out as well as native

and feral animals. Feral animals are introduced animals that have

returned to their wild state; for example goats, horses, donkeys and

camels. Feral animals are a major problem in most pastoral regions.

Fencing also enables different groups of animals to be kept

separated for breeding and husbandry operations.

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• Better care of the rangeland is achieved by controlling the amount

of grazing over the property so that rangeland plants have a chance

to regrow. Land and pasture types are now major factors to

consider when deciding on new fencelines.

• In the southern pastoral regions fencing has been used widely since

early this century. In the northern regions the widespread use of

fences has been a more recent introduction.

• An average sized pastoral property would have many kilometres of

boundary fences and many more kilometres of internal fencing.

Upgrading and maintaining the fences is a major task for staff on

pastoral properties.

• Early fences consisted of a number of strands of heavy gauge

softwire with closely spaced posts fashioned from local timber.

Fencing designs, materials and construction methods have changed

greatly during the century and there is now a wide range of designs

and materials to choose from.

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• Modern fences use high tensile light gauge wire with wide post

spacing and long strains. The spacing of posts and length of strain

will depend on local conditions and stocking pressures.

• The main types of fences are:

- Plain wire - consists of a number of plain wires and may

include one or more barbed wires. In older fences the wire is

often threaded through holes bored in the posts. In modern

fences the wires are attached to the posts by clips.

- Barbed wire - consists of a number of strands of barbed wire

and is used mostly where only cattle are run.

- Wire mesh - many types of mesh are available in a wide range

of widths and sizes for different types of animals. It is

common practice to fit plain and/or barbed wires above the

mesh. Mesh fences are more expensive but

are more stock proof.

- Electric fences - use an electric

shock to back up the physical

barrier of wire and posts.

They are becoming

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more common, particularly for controlling cattle, domesticated

feral goats and exotic sheep breeds (eg. damaras, dorpas). The

main advantage of the electric fence is that it is usually cheaper

to construct because the amount of materials in the fence can

be reduced. However, if the power supply fails then the fence

may not stop livestock. Common reasons for electric fences

failing are long grass, sticks and branches or dead animals

caught up in the fence that cause shorts in the system so that

the power doesn't get through. When checking electric fences

you need to be aware of some of the problems associated with

maintaining such fences and also how to avoid giving yourself

an electric shock!

• Gates are a necessary part of all fences and can be the cause of a

number of problems.

- when closing a gate check that it is secure so that stock

pushing against the gate will not open it. Put an extra safety

catch or two twitches of wire on gates that are vulnerable.

This would apply when there are large mobs in a yard and

when the stock are a bit wild (goats, cattle, fresh and fit sheep

etc). The Boss is never impressed when he/she arrives at a

yard to find the mob has gone!!

- when a gate is to be left open secure it in the fully open

position; don't leave it swinging.

- if you damage a gate make temporary repairs and report the

damage so that it can be fixed.

• As you travel around the property you should always keep an eye on

the state of the fences and report any problems. Creek crossings

and other areas subject to flooding are problem areas and need

regular checking. Debris and brush can build up against the fence

and push it over.

• If you find a fence down, particularly a boundary fence, you should

prop it up with brush to make it temporarily stock proof, make a

note of where it is and what repairs are necessary and report the

problem so that it can be fixed.

• Wooden posts broken at the base are a common problem with old

fences. The options for repair are to drive a steel post in alongside

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the old post and twitch them together or to remove the old post and

replace it with a new post or dropper.

• Broken wires are also a common problem requiring attention.

Loose ends of wire can easily flick back and cause injury so take

care to prevent this happening. If the break if near a strainer post

you may be able to untie and rejoin the wire otherwise a short length

of wire will need to be added.

• The figure-of-eight knot is the best for joining wires and you will

need to learn this knot. Pieces of wire sticking out are hazardous

for people and animals. Don't leave sharp pieces sticking out. Off-

cuts should not be left where they may cause problems for stock

and vehicles.

You will enjoy this experience and meet many interesting people. The skills

you learn will be well regarded by employers from many industries; don’t

forget to ask for a reference when you leave.