High-quality Macrocarpa harvest at Wilmot

Posted 19 August 2026

Species, sites and planting Managing trees Harvesting and selling wood On-farm benefits Economic benefits and markets

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In the hills of the northwest coast, Roger Poltock has established a very successful and varied farm forestry enterprise.

With a property size of approximately 90 ha Roger, has incorporated a range of plantings including Pinus radiata, Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood) and native species environmental plantings.  Roger said ‘the trees just make me happy’ in addition to the benefits of providing shelter and diversifying income for his farming enterprise. 

‘I know what it is like standing out in the cold in winter, so giving the cattle the protection of trees just makes sense’.

This happiness was evident recently with the harvesting of a pruned Alaskan spruce x Macrocarpa hybrid tree that has been carefully managed along with 100 other trees that are ready to harvest. Logs from the test were processed at both Britton Brother Veneers mill at Somerset and the Somerset Men’s Shed. The feedback was that the timber was very impressive with an estimated worth of up to $4,000.00 per cubic metre. The tree harvested was planted in 1990, had been pruned to 6m and had a diameter at breast height of 50cm when felled earlier this year.  

‘It was through going to field days and learning from other farmers that I got the idea of growing different trees like the Alaskan spruce’. 

Through applying an agro-forestry approach to his property, Roger has been able to realise environmental, economic and social outcomes for his family. His property is finishing off 100 to 120 beef cattle for market every year and growing commercial forestry plantation crops.

The next step is looking to advertise the Alaskan Spruce x Macrocarpa hybrid timber and doing some selective harvest based on demand. Congratulations to Roger to realising the value that can be achieved from small-scale agroforestry.