Hazelnut Newsletter Number 4 – September 2002

 

Recent Activities

 

Farm Walk - Victoria

 

The recent July farm walk in NE Victoria at Peter Wheelwright’s property was a resounding success with over 30 members present.  Grafting techniques were practised and pruning techniques demonstrated and the results of members endeavours will be inspected during the HGA Annual general meeting in October.   A report on this event is included in the September Australian Nutgrower.  

 

Enquiries to locate the source of the grafting tool have so far been unsuccessful, but we are still pursuing some leads.  A alternative tool is available at Bunning’s hardware for approximately $50.00, and while not as large or robustly constructed will certainly do a very good job.

 

For those not near a Bunnings the Distributor is HTC International, PO Box 89, Mill Park, Vic, 3082, phone 03 9436 7115 or Fax 03 9436 9468.

 

Farm Walk –Central West NSW

 

The autumn farm walk held in May and included a pruning demonstration by Lester Snare from the Orange Agricultural Institute, together with general advice being given to growers by Lester and also Basil Baldwin from Sydney University, Orange campus.  This part of the day was held at Roger and Pauline McAdam’s grove and it was then followed by an inspection of machinery for harvesting of a small crop at Colin and Lyn McRae’s grove.  The walk was well attended with over 40 members attending, of which a number were from outside the central west area.

 

 

 

Marketing Research

 

The NSW Central West Branch has recently received a grant from the Federal Government regional Assistance programme for a local research project on Marketing Hazelnuts.  This funding has allowed the appointment of a researcher, Marja Simpson, who commenced work on the 26 August.  The project is for a period of three months and Marja will work through Basil Baldwin at the University of Sydney, Orange Campus. 

 

A committee set up to oversee the project will hold its second meeting in mid-September to hear of progress in the project.

 

The project allows for a presentation at the completion of the research and it is hoped that growers in the Central West and other areas will avail themselves of the opportunity to hear the results.  Details will be published of presentation dates when they are confirmed.

 

Grower/Member Survey

 

We recently forwarded a survey to all members seeking information on plantings, harvest results, a and planned plantings to allow an accurate picture of the industry to be drawn up and assist in future funding and planning activities.  This survey form was forwarded with the last newsletter issued in April.

 

To date, we have received only 27 replies from a membership in excess of 150 members.  This is very disappointing and causes the committee to have some doubts about attempts to promote the industry for the benefit of members.  No matter whether you have 1 tree or 5000 trees it is extremely important for the HGA to paint a meaningful and correct picture of existing and planned plantings, together with being able to forecast likely yields of Hazelnuts in the forthcoming years.

 

I would urge those of you who have not yet completed the survey form to do so as a matter of urgency.  If you have lost the form please ring Nico Duynhoven after hours on 02 6236 9019, and he will advise you of the details that are required.

 

 

Board Activities

 

The HGA board met in Melbourne on 23 March has continued to work on development of the Business plan and research projects which will be presented to members at the AGM in Bright on October 26 and 27 this year.

 

Some of your board members also spend considerable periods of their own time carrying out the general administrative work of the HGA.  They also commit to representing hazelnut growers in the broader nut forums through the Australian Nut Industry Council (ANIC) and also in some of the wider horticultural areas that provide long term benefits to all nut growers.

 

Much of this work goes unrecognized and unappreciated by the general run of members and all members should remember that committee work is voluntary and unpaid.

 

Committee Positions

 

This above leads nicely in to the area of committee positions to be filled at the forthcoming AGM.  Positions vacant will include President, Vice President, and some general committee positions.  These positions are not onerous but require a commitment to work with other committee members, through various subjects that are of benefit of all members and to be willing to devote a small amount of your free time to the HGA.  Board meetings are held at a maximum of 4 times per year and normally involve ¾ of a day.  Travelling expenses are reimbursed to members required to travel to these meetings. 

 

Membership renewals were sent to all members earlier this year.  It is disappointing that the Secretary, Alan Bates has had to send reminders to a large number of members.  This becomes an expensive exercise for the HGA, in the additional cost of repeated mailings,and particularly wasteful of the voluntary Secretary’s time.  Your prompt responses would be appreciated

 

Coming Events

 

Coming events include the Australian Nut Industry Council/Macadamia conference in Coff’s Harbour from the 9th to the 12th of October.  An interesting programme has been arranged with something for everyone and there are both farm walks and pre and post conference tours of interest to all nut growers.  The conference registration forms were forwarded to you with the June issue of the Australian Nutgrower and I hope to see many of you there. 

 

Following this conference is the HGA AGM in Bright on the weekend of the 26-27 October in Bright, Victoria at the Bogong View motel.  It is important that members attend and present both their views on HGA matters and the future direction of the organisation as well as taking the opportunity to meet other growers, exchange experiences and offer themselves for election.  I look forward to seeing you all there.

 

Functions for Growers in 2002

 

October 9-12 Coffs Harbour, NSW

ANIC Conference - Pacific Bay Resort (see Australian Nutgrower for details)

 

October 26/27 - Bright

HGA AGM and Seminar

 

Conclusion

This newsletter is intended to provide a means of communication between the Board and the HGA members.   Comments on the newsletter and articles/information for inclusion are welcomed and should be addressed to The President, Rex Bean, by phone/Fax on 03 5965 2431, or by email to rex_bean@bigpond.com.