Farm forestry is going with natives

摘要

BENALLA, Vic, farmers Sarah and Richard de Crespigny didn't realise they had a hare problem until they started planting trees. However, despite the hares, bad weather and an infestation of grasshoppers, the couple have established about 34,000 blue gums on their farm over the past two years. They are one of nearly 80 farms in north-eastorth-central Victoria taking part in a Department of Natural Resources and Environment farm forestry project designed to increase commercial plantations on farms in the region as the basis for a viable hardwood industry.