Landscape-scale Demonstration Sites 2020

Chester Farm

Chester Farm, located in Westwood, is managed by brothers Sam and Andrew Archer. This expansive 2,500-hectare property is dedicated to beef cattle, sheep, and irrigated cropping production.

A significant reforestation effort was undertaken with the planting of 49.6 hectares of pine on a former nitens plantation, resulting in a total of 70,116 seedlings being planted. This initiative is part of the Landscape-scale Demonstrations Sites 2020 program, with the trees being planted in 2021.

In an effort to utilize rough sand banks that are not commercially viable for cropping, the brothers have planted Pinus radiata. These trees serve multiple purposes, including increasing lambing survival rates and providing essential shelter for livestock and crops.

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Fulham

Fulham is one of the seven successful Integrated Farm Forestry Demonstration Sites receiving grant funding to develop landscape scale best practice forestry plantings on their property establishing 20.2ha of commercial shelterbelts along established fence lines.

Fulham has been owned and operated by the Gray family since 1926 and throughout that time the family has diversified their farming system include five enterprises.

There are 14 separate shelterbelt plantings consisting mainly of mixed shelterbelts. The P.radiata and E.globulus were planted to allow for staggered harvesting to occur, allowing the Gray’s to maintain their shelter benefits whilst gaining some economic returns.

The Grays have been planting mixed species of trees on the farm for around 30 years as shelterbelts and since the devastating bushfires of 2013 in Dunalley, have been replanting to combat soil erosion and regeneration.

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Logan

The Peltzer family has a rich history of farming trees, spanning three generations on their family farm, Logan, located at Evandale. Their dedication to sustainable farming practices has been further supported by funding from the Landscape-scale Demonstration Sites 2020 program. This funding has enabled them to establish an additional 21 hectares of Pinus radiata shelterbelts.

The choice of Pinus radiata is not arbitrary; these trees have proven to thrive in the unique soil conditions of Logan. More importantly, they serve a critical function by effectively blocking the prevailing north-westerly winds. This natural windbreak has been instrumental in creating a more favorable microclimate for the lambs, leading to significantly higher survival rates in the paddocks protected by these shelterbelts.

The Peltzer family's innovative approach and commitment to enhancing their farming practices not only benefit their livestock but also contribute to the overall health and sustainability of their farm ecosystem. Their efforts exemplify how targeted agricultural interventions can lead to substantial improvements in both animal welfare and farm productivity.

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Kenilworth

David Taylor is the Manager of Kenilworth, a sprawling 1,400-hectare property situated in Campbell Town. This property operates as a livestock and cropping enterprise, providing a diverse range of agricultural outputs.

David is taking a proactive approach to enhance the farm's productivity and sustainability. He is strategically planting trees across the property to create windbreaks that protect both livestock and crops from harsh winds. Among the various tree species, pines have shown exceptional growth in Kenilworth's sandy soil, making them an ideal choice for this purpose.

Kenilworth was a successful recipient of the Landscape-scale Demonstration Sites Program grant. This prestigious program supports his initiative to establish 7.5 hectares of radiata pine on the property. This project not only aims to improve the farm's resilience and productivity but also contributes to broader environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and habitat creation.

David's work at Kenilworth exemplifies a commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovative land management practices, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.

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Winton

John Taylor is a seventh-generation farmer at Winton Estate, a sprawling 3,300-hectare farm located 15 kilometers northwest of Campbell Town. The Taylor family has a rich history of agricultural production having owned and operated the property since 1832, cultivating hemp, wheat, barley, and raising beef cattle and Merino sheep.

In 2020, John Taylor was the proud recipient of the Landscape-scale Demonstration Sites Program grant. This initiative enabled the establishment of 41.5 hectares of woodlots and shelterbelts on the estate. The Taylor family strategically planted radiata pine along fence lines to provide essential shelter for livestock, mitigating the impacts of strong winds. These plantings also offer protection for new seedlings and crops, significantly improving their survival rates.

Beyond immediate agricultural benefits, these efforts contribute to reducing the farm's carbon footprint and enhancing the overall carbon balance, showcasing the Taylor family's commitment to sustainable farming practices.

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Gunningham Family Farms

Gunningham Farms is one of seven successful Round 1 Integrated Farm Forestry Demonstration Sites receiving grant funding to develop landscape scale best practice integration of shelterbelts and woodlots into the agricultural landscape.

The Cunningham's are 5th generation dairy farmers are currently milking 700 organic cows and producing free range eggs through their nearly 3,000 laying hens.

Gunningham Farms have established 10.46 hectares of Pinus Radiata and 11.93 hectares of Eucalypt nitens at selected sites across the property. Strategically planting trees to maximise their full potential for shelter, biodiversity and aesthetics, Gunningham Farms urge others to get on board.

Gunningham Farm is made up of 10 individual block plantings - 5 P.radiata shelterbelts (site 1), 2 P.radiata woodlots (site 2), and 3 E.niten woodlots (site 3).

Learn more about Gunningham Farms