At the Summer School, we mentioned that we would follow up each month with a farm visit to discuss further important issues raised in the workshops. Our second one is planned for Sunday 30th March! Details are:
Sunday 30th March, starting at 2pm. Obi Obi Essentials Kirby Rd, Obi Obi
Keen participants at the last field day, February
We will be visiting this delightful property in the Obi Obi Valley, just outside Kenilworth. The topic for this session is “Creating a Mixed Enterprise”.
The Johnson family have lived on this 200 acre property for more than 20 years. In that time, they have put in a 50 acre plot of hardwood timber, 1000 olive trees and a large area of tea bushes. From the olives and Camellia sinensis they have created a diverse line of oils and teas, available throughout the Sunshine Coast under the brand name Obi Obi Essentials. http://www.obiobiessentials.com.au/whoweare.htm
Alpacas and geese are used in the orchards to keep grasses and weeds in control. Alexina also collects and spins wool from the alpacas, crocheting some into wearable art and selling ready to use wool, creating more products from their farm. More recently, a large solar dehydrator and a market garden have been added to their activities. Alexina will talk about selecting the right ‘mix’ of activities that have made their integrated enterprises successful.
It’s a fair drive to the Obi Obi Valley from Gympie area, so we have arranged a small bus for those who would like to share transport. The bus will leave Gympie at 12 noon and travel via Mary Valley Rd to Moy Pocket Rd, then out to the Eumundi-Kenillworth Rd and on to the Obi Obi Rd. A scenic drive, due to the temporary closure of the Mary Valley Rd between Brooloo and Kenilworth. We will be able to pick up along the route. Anticipated return time at Gympie would be 7pm. Please email to reserve your place on the bus – there is no charge, as the transport is being funded through a grant.
Again, we invvite you to bring a snack to share at the conclusion of the session. Tea, coffee and cold water will be provided. A gold coin donation, for the farmer, would be appreciated.
