Master Tree Grower Gippsland Discussion Group – Opportunistic Harvesting & Niche marketing

A number of MTG participants have requested to continue meeting together on each others farms. As a result Western Port Landcare & Bass Coast Landcare Networks will work together to run 4 pilot discussion groups in the next year. All 2018 & 2019 Master TreeGrowers are invited to participate in this discussion group which is aimed to focus on some of your interests and gaps in knowledge you have identified in the program evaluation forms & visit each others properties.

Our first discussion group gathering will kick off with a visit to Frank & Sharon Hirst’s farm. 3 people will share their experiences in growing, harvesting & marketing;

1. Frank Hirst will talk about opportunistic harvesting
2. Paul Haar from CERES & Fair Wood will talk about niche markets & wood quality. (Paul was a participant in the 2018 program & is involved in some very interesting initiatives)
3. Dan Bright will talk about his experiences when buying wood direct from farmers

When: Friday 8th of November 2019
Time: 10am morning tea, then 10:30 – 2pm – Discussion & farm walk BYO CHAIR & LUNCH!
Where: Frank & Sharon Hirst’s farm – 375 Kelly & Currans Rd, Ranceby https://goo.gl/maps/xQajkLaQR1JebqqX7

Please RSVP by 28th Oct to:
Joel Geoghegan on 0409 705 652 or joel.geoghegan@basscoastlandcare.org.au or
Peter Ronalds on 0402 650 382 or peter@wpcln.org.au

It should be noted, that this group will compliment the activities of the Gippsland Agroforestry Network (GAN) and we encourage all past MTG participants to join GAN & become involved in their activities. GAN is running a field day on October 25th on topics such as; Social licencing; Government support; Management and harvesting; Code of Forest practice & have some excellent speakers lined up. e hope to see you all there. For further information on the GAN field day please click here or call Peter Devonshire on 0428 346711 To RSVP: https://agroforestrysthgippy.eventbrite.com.au