OAN (Otway Agroforestry Network Ltd) is a Landcare group that encourages farmers to establish and manage trees. We want trees on their farms to shelter farm stock and crops; control soil erosion and dryland salinity; enhance our property values; and, if at all possible, generate alternative sources of income. After almost 20 years it is clearly evident that our approach is working and leading to landscape changes.

What gets us up in the morning?  What makes us tick?  Why are we doing the things we do on our properties?  Why do we love what we do?  In this episode, members of the OAN discuss aesthetics, wellbeing, livelihoods, capital value, listening to the birds and enjoying the work we do on our farms.

The Otway Agroforestry Network is a vibrant community run Landcare group that encourages farmers to establish and manage trees for reasons important to them- to shelter stock and crops; control soil erosion and dryland salinity; provide environmental services; enhance property values; and, if at all possible, generate alternative sources of income.  After 27 years of active community engagement, it is clearly evident that our approach is working and leading to landscape change.

The Otway Agroforestry Network encourages landowners to plant their trees and shrubs for reasons that are important to them.   It can be a whole range of reasons and services from biodiversity to carbon sequestration, from fire protection to animal welfare, from shade and shelter to mill logs.  The sky’s the limit!

The panel discussion in this episode looks at the whole idea of what “forestry” is and how farmers are growing forest products that suit their individual needs and are inspiring others to think outside the box!  Biochar, firewood, cut flowers, seed products, native foods, shiitake mushrooms are just some of the products discussed.

Meet the crew behind the OAN as they discuss their individual stories about tree growing and their passions and interests in the exciting field of trees on farms.