Landscape-scale Demonstration Sites
Chester Farm
Chester Farm, located at Westwood and managed by brothers Sam and Andrew Archer, spans 2,600 hectares and supports a mixed farming operation of beef cattle, sheep, and irrigated cropping.
As part of the Landscape-Scale Demonstration Sites 2020 program, the Archers undertook a major reforestation project in 2021 — planting 70,116 Pinus radiata seedlings across 49.6 hectares of a former Eucalyptus nitens plantation.
To make use of rough sandbanks unsuitable for cropping, the brothers strategically planted pine for shelter and productivity. The trees now play a vital role in improving lambing survival, while also offering protection for livestock and crops from wind exposure.
Learn more about Chester Farm:
Fulham
Fulham received grant funding to establish 20.2 hectares of landscape-scale, best practice forestry plantings. The project includes 14 shelterbelts planted along existing fence lines, primarily made up of mixed species for commercial and environmental outcomes.
Owned and operated by the Gray family since 1926, Fulham has evolved into a diverse farming enterprise encompassing five distinct operations. The family has been planting trees for over 30 years, using mixed-species shelterbelts to improve paddock protection and landscape resilience.
Following the devastating 2013 Dunalley bushfires, the Grays have focused on replanting to support soil conservation, erosion control, and long-term regeneration.
The new shelterbelts — incorporating Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus — have been designed for staggered harvesting, enabling the Grays to maintain continuous shelter benefits while also generating future economic returns from timber.
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Logan
The Peltzer family has been farming trees for three generations on their property, Logan, near Evandale. With support from the Tree on Farms program, they expanded their commitment to sustainable land management by planting an additional 21 hectares of Pinus radiata shelterbelts.
Chosen for their suitability to Logan’s soil and climate, Pinus radiata also serve a vital purpose: providing protection from strong north-westerly winds. These windbreaks have significantly improved lamb survival rates by creating a more favourable microclimate in the paddocks.The Peltzers’ forward-thinking approach demonstrates how integrating trees into farming systems can boost animal welfare, farm productivity, and long-term landscape resilience — all while continuing a proud family legacy of sustainable agriculture.
Learn more about Logan
Kenilworth
David Taylor manages Kenilworth, a 2,400-hectare mixed livestock and cropping enterprise in Campbell Town, Tasmania. The farm produces a diverse range of outputs and is now leading the way in sustainable land management.
Taking a proactive approach to improve productivity and resilience, David is strategically planting trees to establish windbreaks that protect livestock and crops from prevailing winds. Among the species trialled, radiata pine has shown exceptional performance in Kenilworth’s sandy soils, making it a standout choice.
Kenilworth used the grant money to establish 7.5 hectares of radiata pine. The project not only enhances shelter and on-farm efficiency, but also delivers broader environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity improvements.
David’s work at Kenilworth reflects a clear commitment to sustainable agriculture, climate-smart practices, and long-term land stewardship — setting an example for the future of farming in Tasmania.
Learn more about Kenilworth
Winton Estate
John Taylor is a seventh-generation farmer at Winton Estate, a 3,300-hectare property located 15 kilometres northwest of Campbell Town. The Taylor family has proudly farmed the land since 1832, producing hemp, wheat, barley, beef cattle, and Merino sheep.
In 2020, John established of 41.5 hectares of woodlots and shelterbelts. Radiata pine was strategically planted along fence lines to provide essential livestock shelter, reduce the impact of strong winds, and protect young crops and seedlings — improving survival and productivity.
These plantings not only support day-to-day farm operations but also contribute to a reduced carbon footprint and improved carbon balance — reinforcing the Taylor family’s long-standing commitment to innovation and sustainable farming.
Learn more about Winton
Gunningham Family Farms
Fifth-generation dairy farmers, the Gunningham family milk 700 organic cows and produce free-range eggs from nearly 3,000 laying hens. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in both their farming practices and landscape planning.
Through the program, Gunningham Farms has established 10.46 hectares of Pinus radiata and 11.93 hectares of Eucalyptus nitens across the property. Trees have been planted strategically to maximise their potential for shelter, biodiversity, and visual appeal — all while complementing farm operations.
The project includes 10 individual block plantings:
Site 1: Five P. radiata shelterbelts
Site 2: Two P. radiata woodlots
Site 3: Three E. nitens woodlots
The Gunninghams are strong advocates for trees on farms and encourage other landowners to consider the long-term benefits of integrating forestry into their enterprise.
Learn more about Gunningham Farms
The Back Run
The Back Run is one of the seven successful Round 1 Integrated Farm Forestry Demonstration Sites receiving grant funding to develop landscape scale best practice forestry plantings on their properties at Westerway and Ellendale.
The Clarks purchased the demonstration sites property a few years ago, with some poor performing E.nitens established on the property. In 2021, a 35ha woodlot area was established using bare rooted seedlings, with a further 14ha being established in 2022.
The Clark’s have successfully registered their plantings in the project through the Australian Government Clean Energy Regulator, Emission Reduction Fund plantation methodology. Through harvesting their ex E.nitens plantation and establishing P.radiata they were able to successfully demonstrate their project was eligible for Schedule 2 of the plantation methodology.