The 2016 Australian Forest Growers National Tree Farmers, Roger and Outhay Poltock, opened up their Wilmot property last week to show how they have successfully managed farming and forestry over the past 30 years. Source: The Advocate
Following the theme, ‘Forestry and Farming – A Perfect Fit’, the field day saw more than 85 forest owners and industry representatives spend the day with the Poltocks to see how they grow, manage and harvest 50 hectares of trees on their 170-hectare property.
Private Forests Tasmania Services manager Arthur Lyons said the couple had made outstanding achievements in their time on the property.
“[The Poltocks] have integrated commercial and native trees into their beef farming enterprise to increase pasture and livestock production, diversify income and achieve a sustainable land use,” Mr Lyons said.
Mr Poltock emphasised to field day participants the importance of planning, preparation and perserverance as the secrets to his success.
The forest section of the Poltock’s farm includes blocks and belts of trees and riparian revegetation to maximise agriculture and timber production, water quality and conservation.
“Roger prepares tree planting sites to give the seedlings every chance of success,” Mr Lyons said.
“Damage by browsing wallabies has been a huge problem, but with fencing, shooting and appropriate tree pruning techniques and, later, thinning of his stands to remove trees of lower quality, Roger has successfully grown valuable clear wood logs for the top end of the market,” he said.
“Tree harvests have achieved good prices, thus making the forestry investments viable,” he said.
Forest industry representatives also spoke to field day visitors to build their knowledge of the forestry market and the best way to build relationships with consultants, wood buyers and contractors.
“A highlight of the day was the five-star lunch provided from the food caravan operated by Outhay Poltock. This set new standards in field day catering in Tasmania, if not arguably across Australia,” Mr Lyons said.
The Tree Farmer of the Year Award acknowledges landowners or private forest managers who, through their personal efforts, have demonstrably managed to establish or maintain areas of forest on their property for sustainable commerce, protection for either catchments or crops, biodiversity or preserving a forest ecosystem.
The field day notes and the Poltock’s Tree Farmer of the Year Award case study are available on the Private Forests Tasmania website at www.pft.tas.gov.au
