Factors Influencing Veld Management Records
Record keeping on any farm enterprise is important for the effective management of the veld and livestock
Several divergent factors can influence veld management. Effective control and evaluation is thus an impossible task unless complete veld management records are kept together with farming records. Information is obtained from such records, and very detailed analyses of the veld management can be made.
The analysis and evaluation of the efficacy of veld management can be analysed and evaluated in terms of veld reaction, animal production and the financial success of the long-term farming venture.
Veld and farming records place the farmer in a position not only to succeed in the above objectives but are the basis on which further planning in veld and farming management can be framed. With the help of veld management records, it is possible to make judicious decisions during times of crisis such as droughts or when price fluctuations and market changes occur.
Veld management records generally include:
- Records concerning the physical planning of the farming unit.
- Records of the veld management system.
- A record of the veld system.
- A record of the climatic data.
Records of the Physical Planning
Records of physical structures such as fences and camps need to be recorded
These records consist of a complete farm map on which the names or numbers and sizes of camps are given as well as the system of water provision, erosion works and other such information. Further, it is valuable also to indicate the different uniform veld units on the map as well as topographical features such as mountains, hills and water courses. Camps which are included in particular rotational grazing systems, together with the grazing of the camps, can be indicated in some or other manner such as by marking them with coloured headed pins.
Such a farm map gives an overall picture of the general planning and individual veld management systems on the farm. It is also found that such a complete farm map is useful when considering management problems that may arise.
Physical structures such as fences, sheds, water courses, water pumps, farm implements and so forth, should also be kept record of. Having an effective management system to monitor and keep track of these aspects is important to ensure minimal losses and damage.