8 Substantial work has been done on removing invasive Alien Species (IAS) from the open areas around the farms, use of the Working on Fire crews trained in the removal of IAS has been beneficial, resulting in these areas now being in a maintenance phase. These areas have been rehabilitated to grassland used for the cattle’s grazing. Andre is of the firm opinion that the cattle grazing has assisted with the erosion by breaking down the sides of the dongas allowing the grass to reestablish in these areas. Open areas that have been rehabilitated Situated in the Piet Retief area, the occurrence of wildfires is a serious risk, so a lot of planning goes into the fire-protection on the farms. Wattle is planted around all the open areas to act as a natural break, thereafter the Eucalyptus compartments are planted. A quick response to fires is critical so the roads’ network is well maintained, where necessary roads are gravelled and the farm’s tractor loader backhoe is kept busy opening drains and repairing areas damaged by rains. Stream crossings are constructed with old concrete railway sleepers, Simbra cattle
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