Hi

I have no idea what the stocking rate down in Vic is but I am guessing that the 2 cows (non milking) will be steers? For meat? They will consume less than two cows as in mumma cows. The milking cow will need supplementary feeding to keep her milk coming. She will also need to keep having calves to keep her milk coming. You can then eat the calf when it gets bigger - if you can You will just need to organise to put her in with a bull or be AI'd- easy enough done.

Sheep have a stocking rate of about 10 to 1 when it comes to cattle. This is considering that the cattle is a fully grown cow/bull/bullock. Perhaps just one steer and a Cow/Calf would be about all that is possible along with the sheep.

Pigs are fantastic. They actually make great pets! If the pen is constructed to be washed out easily (ie cement floor) they dont really smell and their manure is great for growing things! They make short work of all vege scraps. Just remember that you cant feed them any meat scraps.

As long as you are prepared to supplement feed if need be - I think that with careful planning you will be able to run what you want - going by what you already have running on the land.

You could always boost your chook numbers and grow out some meat chicks. Although after one good day of plucking and de-gutting, you may change your mind - . These though need different feed to the laying chooks ie can't be fed laying pellets.

I actually live on 250 000 acres so space is not an issue around here but I do kinda know about these things - although on a larger scale so if there is anything else I can help with just let me know.


Other than that I think that your idea is fantastic. Have you ever seen a show on Lifestyle Channel- River Cottage?

Cheers

Allis