Sustainable
Avington’s dedication to sustainability is unwavering. The following environmentally sound farming techniques minimise our farming footprint.
Grazing
Avington carefully manages the pastures to ensure ground cover is always maintained throughout the year. Prevention of over grazing means healthier pastures with more water and carbon in the soil resulting in healthier sheep.
Water management
The sides to all natural streams are fenced and planted with native vegetation to filter run off and control erosion. The stock are watered by dams and troughs to minimise the impact on the environment.
fenced off stream
Tree planting
Around 8,000 native trees are planted each year at Avington to shelterbelts between paddocks and the property perimeter. These plantings provide shade and shelter for stock, increase biodiversity, protect natural streams and allow carbon levels to increase in the soil. Approximately 160,000 trees have been planted at Avington over the past 22 years.
Native trees planted in paddocks
Dedicated conservation areas
Avington has worked with the North East Catchment Authority to manage the creation and maintenance of dedicated conservation areas on the farm. An area of 15% of the total property has been set aside and planted with native vegetation providing habitat for endangered native flora and wildlife.
A stand of mature eucalypts provides habitat for wildlife
Certifications
This certification recognises Avington’s production of the highest quality wool via the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
NewMerino® Certified Merino Grower 2015
NewMerino® is a fully transparent and non-biased certification system for Australian merino independent of any sector in the wool industry. All Certified Merino Growers are audited by NewMerino® to demonstrate that farms are managed in a sustainable and holistic manner and that all animals are cared for in accordance with the principals of the Five Freedoms. This knowledge about individual suppliers enables brands to have full confidence in the authenticity of their fibre supply.
Animal Health Australia’s Market Assurance Program (MAPS) Sheep - Flock Status MN3V
Animal Health Australia works with the sheep meat and wool industries to develop and implement national programs to safeguard the health of Australia’s sheep population. The MAPs scheme identifies flocks that have a low risk of infection of Johne’s disease. The flocks have been assessed and are being managed in such as way to protect them from the disease.
Ovine Brucellosis Accreditation Scheme for sheep - Accredited Flock – 2376
A Victorian Government livestock market assurance program designed to allow flocks with a low risk for OB be traded with an accredited status.
The Protecting, Linking and Enhancing Priority Remnants in the Kyneton Woodlands Project (the Kyneton Woodlands Project) was funded by the Australian Government. The project received $2.47 million in funding over five years between 2012–2017. Avington Merino was proud to be support the project by protecting significant remnant vegetation by fencing off these areas, collecting seed and replanting seed in conjunction with the local landcare group.
For more information on the Kyneton Woodlands project click here.
wild flowers in conservation area
organic vegetable garden and orchard
fenced off areas for revegetation
Swans breeding on a dam at Avington
indigenous vegetation
We grow great grass
