PFT’s Farmer and the Forester Forum

Media Release – 27th June 2023

Private Forests Tasmania is calling on private landowners not to miss an opportunity to hear from acclaimed Australian farm foresters, Rowan Reid and Andrew Stewart.

As part of PFT’s strategic program Tree Alliance, the farmer and the forester forum will be held at The Bracknell Hotel on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 6pm, and all Tasmanian private landowners are invited to attend.

Rowan Reid and Andrew Stewart.

PFT agriforester Molly Marshall said attendees will learn about how trees can be a tool for diversification, carbon-positive outcomes, economics, aesthetics, succession planning, and creating one of the most renewable resources.

“This is a great opportunity for private landowners, incorporating trees are great infrastructure for farms with known benefits such as increased crop productivity, livestock survival rates, and economic benefits,” she said.

“Rowan and Andrew are leading voices on the subject of agroforestry in Australia.”

Rowan Reid, a farmer and master tree grower, has lectured on the subject of agroforestry at Melbourne University since 1991 and works full-time on his Bambra Agroforestry Farm in the Otway Ranges of Southern Victoria growing, harvesting, milling, and drying timber.

While Andrew Stewart co-ordinates the Otway Agroforestry Networks and owns Yan Yan Gurt West Farm in Southern Victoria producing prime lambs and wool with integrated agroforestry whilst running an educational farm tour business and native flower farming business.

Mr Stewart has established more than 55,000 trees and shrubs on his farm, constituting 18 per cent of his property to form a diverse biological infrastructure that supports and enhances his agricultural production whilst providing new opportunities from the agroforestry system.

An evening not to be missed – read more HERE.

WHAT: Future Proofing Your Farm Forum
WHEN: Wednesday, July 19, from 6pm. Supper provided, drinks at bar prices.
WHERE: Bracknell Hotel, 56 Louisa Street, Bracknell, 7302.

RSVP: Essential by Monday, July 10, 2023 (numbers are limited), to admin@pft.tas.gov.au or phone 1300 661 009 (please advise any dietary requirements on RSVP)

CONTACT: For more information or to arrange an interview with PFT agriforester Molly Marshall or Rowan Reid, call Molly Marshall on 0439 631 709.

PFT’s strategic program Tree Alliance brings together the individuals, organisations and landowners who are interested in harnessing the benefits of trees on farms. These ‘supporters’ understand the broad social, economic and environmental benefits that incorporating commercial tree plantings into the agricultural landscape can provide. The Tree Alliance provides the ideal platform to share that information. We work with our supporters to create, curate and share information as broadly as possible through articles, case studies, research reports and events. Visit our Tree Alliance website for more information.