Reused, Recycled and Repurposed Items on the Farm
When we bought the property, we knew there was a lot of potential in reusing, recycling and repurposing materials, especially after the old vineyard was removed. Instead of sending materials to the landfill, we've found creative ways to incorporate them back into the farm.
Here’s a look at some of the items we’ve reused and repurposed and how they’ve helped us save money and reduce waste.
Repurposing IBC Containers into Hay Feeders
One of the easiest ways we’ve reduced waste and improved feed efficiency is by turning old IBC containers into hay feeders. Their sturdy build and shape make them ideal for keeping hay dry and off the ground, which means less spoilage and more feed actually going to the animals.
We cut the top off each IBC container to create a lid, helping keep the hay dry in wet weather. For the feeding sides, we removed some of the braces to create larger gaps—just wide enough for the goats to comfortably fit their heads through without getting stuck.
Our first prototype used added mesh to create smaller gaps, hoping to minimise hay waste. But that made it too hard for the goats to pull hay out and it slowed feeding down too much. In the end, increasing the gap size was the better option. Sure, there’s a bit more hay spillage, but it’s a trade-off we’re happy with—no more checking for stuck goats!
You can read more about our hay feeding system and the benefits of these repurposed IBC containers in our Feeding Sheep and Goats: What Works for Us.
Vineyard Fence Posts
When we removed the old vineyard, we didn’t want to let the posts go to waste. Instead of buying new materials, we repurposed the vineyard posts as fence posts throughout our livestock paddocks. They’ve held up well—strong, durable and a cost-effective alternative to buying new.
We also used these posts to build the walls of our livestock shelters. Their solid timber construction made them ideal for creating sturdy, weather-resistant structures. It’s a great example of how older materials can still serve a valuable purpose with a bit of creativity and elbow grease.
It’s satisfying seeing those old posts still serving a purpose today. If you're curious about how we cleared the vineyard and got the land ready for animals, you can read more in our blog about removing the vineyard.
Reusing Vineyard Wire for Fencing
Another material we salvaged from the vineyard was the vineyard wire. We had a lot of wire left behind from the vines and instead of buying new fencing wire, we reused it in a creative way. The wire has been perfect for box struts and top wire lines for our livestock fencing. It’s tough, flexible and still in great condition, making it ideal for securing our paddocks.
We’ve also used the wire for other projects around the farm, such as creating temporary fencing for separating different areas or adding extra security to gates.
PVC Piping for Irrigation and Water Systems
After the vineyard was cleared, we had PVC piping buried underground that ran the irrigation for the vines. Rather than let it go to waste or invest in new materials, we dug it up and cleaned it for reuse. That same piping now runs water to our livestock troughs and irrigates our flower patch — saving both time and money.
We’re especially happy with how well the PVC works in our flower irrigation system. It’s made watering easier and more consistent, while the livestock trough lines ensure our goats and sheep have access to clean water year-round.