Presented by Private Forests Tasmania and Carol & Tony O’Neil

When:       Thursday 4 March 2010

Location:  Carol & Tony O’Neils’ property
                  ‘Ark Rest’ 574 Castra Road (Cnr Edinborough Rd), Abbotsham

Time:       10:00 am to 3:00 pm   
                  Free BBQ Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting 

The O’Neils’ 13 ha hobby farm was initially maintained as a small cattle grazing unit.  In 1982-85 they took up a State government Special Species Grant and planted 2.5ha of non-productive steep land with Blackwood, inter-planted with nurse-crops of Pinus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus, E. nitens and E. delegatensis.  In 1995 they embarked on a new venture and planted 500 olive trees of 15 varieties.   

In 2008 they harvested the mature eucalypts and pines.  The remaining blackwoods will be grown on for another 10 or so years to produce high-value timber.  The O’Neils have invested in a brand new olive oil press to produce their award-winning Cradle Coast Olive Oil. 

Topics of the day:- 

• Harvesting volumes and returns Eucalyptus
  globulus, E. nitens, E. delegatensis and Pinus radiata - look at the clearfelled site and coppicing regeneration
• Blackwood Trial
  Growth and volume projections following the removal of outer perimeter pines • Olive production Newly commissioned olive oil press - walk through the olive grove - replanted with proven varieties
• Future venture
  Avocado prospects
• Maximising land use
  Cattle farming; tree growing; olive production; and conservation 

RSVP by Tuesday 2 March 2010 

For a map and directions for the field day click on the link below.   For additional information and to RSVP, please contact Henry Chan 6434 6285 or Tracey King 6434 7260.

  Map and Directions for Tasmanian Farm Forestry Field Day, 4 March 2010 -  524.33 Kb