Farm Tracks

Avoid development on steep slopes. Roads should follow contours and the landscape and should be graded with a sloping surface in order to promote infiltration (into surrounding pasture). Tracks should be wide enough for ease of stock and vehicle movement and access to gateways. It is suggested that they be 1 metre in width for each 20 cows and up to 8-10 m for large herds. Widen tracks as they near a shed or at sharp bends, as stock tend to concentrate, slow down and cause damage in these areas. Water should not be allowed to run down long sections of table drains as the volume and speed of run-off water can erode the drain and track - taking large quantities of soil into drains and streams. Culverts should be placed at intervals to cut water off and then send it across the slope into dense pasture. The steeper the track the closer the culverts need to be. Hay bales and similar material can help slow water down on tracks.

Place electric wires to keep stock on the crowned part of the track and out of the drains. This avoids pugging of the track edges and stock foot problems. Wires should also be placed to allow easy grading of the track surface Crushed rock can greatly reduce sediment loss from tracks - apply to low lying areas or areas which concentrate run-off and sediment Do not plant trees where they will shade the track. It will not dry out as quickly and tend to cut/pug up Tracks on ridges will require less drainage and maintenance than those going across a hillside. The steeper the slope of the track, the more maintenance will be required

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