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Page Last Updated:
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 |
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Home>Economic Development
| Agriculture in Gannawarra
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| Redgum Industry | |  River Redgum – Eucalyptus Camaldulensis occurs in most riverine areas throughout mainland Australia, although the best examples of the forest are along the Murray River and its tributaries. The mid-Murray redgum forests of Victoria and NSW cover an area of approximately 187,000 hectares.
Harvesting of redgum has a strong link with the early settlers and to this day has proven to be a very sustainable industry. The first redgum sawmill was established in Moama in 1856, and the building of the railway led to an increase in demand, and the establishment of many other sawmills along the Murray. The Murray River, whilst sustaining the growth of the trees, also provided the principal source of transport. The logs were lashed to barges as outriggers, to be floated to the sawmill.
The redgum industry in the region dates back to the late 1800’s when Alexander (Sandy) Arbuthnot established the Arbuthnot Sawmill. The sawmill still operates today with shareholders of the descendants of Sandy Arbuthnot. In the early days, many paddle steamers and barges were built at the mill to haul cargo along the Murray Darling through Victoria, NSW and South Australian river systems. The redgum sawmills in the region supply timber to the local redgum furniture industry and commercial building and trade centres across Australia. Visitors are welcome to call in for a guided tour of the mill, and with the aid of a specially designed walkway, it is possible to view the full milling operation.
River Red Gum Furniture have a modern manufacturing facility in Murrabit and produce a great range of quality furniture. A showroom is also situated in Koondrook and is a fantastic example of this sustainable industry. Dean and Wayne have a total of 25 years as craftsmen and working with magnificent redgum timber and like so many of the craftsmen have a real affinity with the forest.
Koondrook is at the heart of Australia's redgum timber industry and a proven example of sustainability!
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| Dairy Industry | |  Dairying is one of the major agricultural industries in the Gannawarra Shire and represents approximately 50% of the Shires agricultural production.
Dairying flourishes in this low rainfall, mediterranean climate. Some of the highest production herds in the State of Victoria are located within the Gannawarra Shire.
Before the onset of the drought Gannawarra was producing around 350m litres of milk annuallythis. The Murray Goulburn cheese factory at Leitchville is a major player in the Australian dairy industry and highlights the potential and opportunity within the Gannawarra Shire. The factory currently produces around 120 tonnes of cheese per day and employers around 110 prople.
Dairy farming in Gannawarra is a capital-intensive business. The introduction of rotary dairies, improved herds and pastures and skilled operators make a sound industry. Council, through a variety of industry networks, is looking to further develop and diversify the dairy industry within the Shire. With major grain and hay production across the municipality and a secure water supply, Gannawarra is a perfect location for large scale feedlotting. Councils Economic Development Unit can assist get projects off the ground. Property selection, infrastructure, water and regulatory processes are area's we can assist with - free of charge!
Interested in a career as a boutique cheesemaker?
Perhaps a large scale dairy feedlot?
We can source land and facilitate the development.
Contact Council's Economic Development manager
Mr Roger Griffiths 0417 370 950 or 03 5450 9333
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| Pork Industry | |  The pork industry has played an important part in the overall agricultural development of the region. Pork production in the region is 30% of Victoria’s total production, which represents 8% of the Australian market.
The pork industry is a significant employer, and has a large economic flow-on, supporting wheat and grain producers and the milling industry.
Growth in the pork industry in Gannawarra is due mainly to the abundance of feed grains, reliable water supplies and opportunistic farmers. Gannawarra is keen to further develop the pork industry so give Councils Manager Economic Development a call!
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| Citrus Industry | |  The Citrus industry in the region dates back to early in the century, when some 2,000 citrus trees were planted in 1911. Golden Rivers Country incorporates 15 growers and approximately 1,000 acres. Both Navel (Winter fruit) and Valencia (Summer fruit) oranges are grown in Golden Rivers Country.
The Navel orange is a perfect eating orange as it is sweet, juicy, easy to peel and seedless. Navels are recognised by the navel shape at the bottom of the orange and the deep orange colour. Navels are available from June to December.
The Valencia is an ideal juicing orange and is perfect for use in cooked dishes. It is an excellent eating orange, known for its refreshing sweetness and high juice content. People often believe the Valencia orange is “unripe” when the fruit has a green appearance, however this is not the case. When the weather warms the natural chlorophyll is brought out in the skin, giving it a green appearance, when in fact the fruit is ripe and juicy inside. Valencia oranges are available from September to May.
The region is also recognised as one of the largest grapefruit growing areas in Australia. The Thompson and Marsh varieties of grapefruit are grown locally, with a season extending from November through to June. The grapefruit are mainly for the fresh fruit market.
The local citrus industry supports Border Packers in Koondrook. In the early 1950’s Border Packers (at it’s present site) was purchased by local fruit growers and supported a staff of 9 people. The current packing shed has two citrus graders and a net and bagging machine to prepare produce for the retail and export market.
The packing shed and juice works now employ 30 people. In excess of 400,000 cartons of fruit are handled by the packing shed annually. The juice works is a joint venture with Berri Limited and processes 8-10,000 tonnes of fruit per year. The majority of juice is taken to Melbourne by refrigerated tanker on the afternoon of each processing day. The local produce is identified by the “Daily Juice” brand in the shops.
Approximately 75% of produce leaving the Packing and Juice works is for the Melbourne (domestic) market. The remaining 25% of produce is exported to countries including New Zealand, America, South East Asia, Thailand and Taiwan.
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| Hay Industry | |  The Hay Industry in Gannawarra is growing steadily as the benefits of climate, water and soils are recognised. A range of product is produced including lucerne hay, oaten hay, pasture based hay, straw, vetch and chaff.
The feed industry in Gannawarra is supported by commercial feed processors at Cohuna and Koondrook who produce specialty feeds for the dairy and equine industries. The feed industry also support lamb feedlotting, pork, beef and poultry.
A FEEDTEST centre operates in Kerang and provides growers and buyers with a fast turn around testing facility. Produce can be traded knowing the quality and protien values.
Contact Feedtest Kerang for all your hay and grain testing requirements.
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| Wine Grapes | |  Gannawarra Shire has a sustainable wine grape growing area around Kangaroo Lake and Lake Charm, north-west of Kerang. The largest growers are Brown Brothers Vineyards who chose this location for the low frost incidence, quality soils and irrigation supply. Brown Brothers currently have around 900 acres planted and have secured land for further viticultural development. Brown Brothers developed their vineyard at Kangaroo Lake back in the late 1960's and grow a variety of fruit including Tarango,and have the worlds largest planting of Cruchen. The Dent family at Kangaroo Lake also have significant wine grape plantings.
There is significant opportunity for further plantings and Council has undertaken soil testing to support and promote growth in this industry. Properties have been identified that would be well suited to both red and white varieties and have direct access to fresh water irrigation supplies.
With climate change looming there is real potential for growers to secure land in the municipality to ensure colour and quality are maintained.
Give us a call and we will show you around!
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| Stonefruit | | The stonefruit industry within the Gannawarra Shire is growing at a steady rate. A new 250 acre planting of Cherries at Kerang is one of the largest Cherry orchards in Victoria. The trees are growing exceptionally well on rising red loams and self mulching grey flats.
Stonefruit is also grown on the rising lunettes of Kangaroo Lake and includes bio-dynamic growers.
Council has actively promoted large tracts of quality land suitable for new plantings. We have a fantastic climate, abundant water and properties identified for development.
We will help out with soil testing, irrigation infrastructure and getting your development moving! We work for you free of charge - just give us a call!
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| Grain | |  Gannawarra is a significant grain producer with the Mallee areas of Quambatook and Lalbert the main production centres for cereals. Cannie Ridge, between Lalbert and Quambatook, has a reputation for producing exceptional grain crops and is renowned throughout Victoria for grain production.
Grain is also grown throughout the Shire on both dryland and irrigation providing Gannawarra with a secure supply of grain for export, feed and processing. This diversity allows Gannawarra to produce a wide range of crops including cereals, oil seed, legumes, lucerne and rice.
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| Tomato Industry | |  Chirnside Horticultural at Dingwall south west of Kerang are one of Victoria's largest processing tomato growers. The crops are grown on self mulching clay loams and around 20,000 tonnes are grown annually. All of the crops are grown using sub surface irrigation technology and automation, ensuring the systems are extremely efficient. Other properties within the Shire, particularly the Lake Meran / Dingwall area, are also used for tomato growing ensuring Gannawarra remains a key player in the processing tomato industry. The climate of the Kerang area is renowned as one of the best tomato growing regions in Australia.
There is also great potential for large scale vegetable growing - great soils, secure water and great climate. Let us show you what we have to offer!
Lettuce and broccoli are vegetables that would be ideally suited to the soils and climate in Gannawarra.
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| Livestock | | The livestock industry in Gannawarra is recognised throughout Victoria. Irrigated pastures and dryland Mallee contribute to producing livestock of exceptional quality. The Livestock Selling Centre in Kerang is fully accreditied and provides options to buyers and sellers alike. Beef cattle, prime lambs and goats are produced within the Shire and thrive on the plentiful supply of feed available.With our great access to feed and water we are keen to promote large scale beef & lamb feedlotting. We have properties identified and ready to develop, power, water, sealed road access, workforce - call to discuss!
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| Other Agricultural Industries | |  Walnuts
Plantings of Walnuts have proven very successful on Gannawarra properties. Both seed grown stock and transplants have been trialed with some exceptional growth from transplants. Soil analysis has been undertaken for large scale plantings and Gannawarra has been proactive in sourcing new growers. The rich alluvial soils at Koondrook and Murrabit are producing exceptional growth rates and quality.
Brian Goble at Koondrook has developed a very successful walnut orchard with exceptional production and growth.
Aquaculture
Yabbies and Murray Cod are popular choices for local aquaculture farmers. The warm climate is particularly favourable to yabbies and provides an extended growing season.
Council is currently working with proponents seeking to establish a large grow-out and processing facility.
Interested in investing? Contact Council's Economic Development Team
Jojoba
Although not a common planting Jojoba is growing very well at Dingwall west of Kerang. The plant is grown for the oil it produces and is used in cosmetics.
Apples
The soils of Gannawarra are well suited to apple growing. An orchard at Kerang is progressing well and producing lovely organic Pink lady, Sundowner and Royal Gala. There is further opportunity available to develop apple orchards within the municipality and area's around Murrabit have been highlighted for new plantings of apples.
Olive Oil
Oil production is underway at Kangaroo Lake in a boutique operation. Plants are strong & healthy and council is working with interested companies seeking to establish new groves.
Dalleys Nursery at Murrabit produce much of the root stock for groves throughout Australia. Give Phil Dalley a call for all of your olive rootstocks.
Salt
Salt mining occurs in the saline lakes north of Kerang. Harvesting has been in place for many years and is used extensively in industry.
Vegetables
There is significant potential throughout the Shire for vegetable growing and Council is working with horticulturalists in further developing this industry. The vegetable industry is only small with opportunistic growing of pumpkins, snow pea's, onions and other varieties. With a great climate and secure water infrastructure Council is keen to secure further develop in this industry and has made contact with growers across Victoria and Australia.
Seed Onions
There are many seed onion growers right across the Shire, and Council has promoted this industry to new growers throughout the Shire. Seed companies believe the Gannawarra Shire has significant growing advantages for onion seed mainly because of the stable climate and water access.
Rice
Rice is grown in the Macorna and Murrabit areas, and is an opportunistic crop grown mainly in years of higher water allocations.
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