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.
Page 2
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.
Page 3
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.
Page 4
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".
Page 5
- 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.
Page 6
• 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.
Page 7
- 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.
Page 8
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.
Page 9
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.
Page 10
• 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.
Page 11
• 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.
Page 12
• 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.
Page 13
- 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.
Page 14
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.
Page 15
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.
Page 16
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.
Page 17
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.
Page 19
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.
Page 20
• 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.
Page 21
- 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.
Page 22
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.
Page 23
- 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.
Page 24
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.
Page 25
• 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.
Page 26
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.
Page 27
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.
Page 28
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.
Page 29
• 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.
Page 30
• 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
Page 31
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
Page 32
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.