The field day at Bellthorpe, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, will include sawmilling demonstrations. Mixed rainforest growers are invited to attend the event, organised by Quality Timber Traders, a consortium of growers from Queensland and NSW supported by the Australian Government’s Farming Together program.

Organiser Carol Neal said: “It’s a great opportunity for growers to meet the experts in forest management, harvesting, grading, seasoning and storage. Attendees will be able to learn more about preparing wood products for sale and meeting market demand. Experienced forestry specialists, and harvesting operators and timber processing contractors will be available to show how to get your timber processed and to market.”

The event, which runs from 2pm to 5pm, will be held at 172 Keir Rd, Belthorpe. Entry is free but bookings are necessary. Email carolneal@bordernet.com.au or call 0411 873 324 by October 2.

The Farm Co-operative and Collaboration Program is a two-year, $13.8m initiative from the Australian Government designed to help agricultural groups value-add, secure premium pricing, scale-up production, attract capital investment, earn new markets or secure lower input costs.

Program director Lorraine Gordon said: “Quality Timber Traders is a good example of the way the Farm Co-operative and Collaboration Program supports agriculture from the grower upwards. The program is farmer-driven and has attracted unprecedented levels of engagement. In barely 10 months we have had interaction with 16,000 farmers, fishers and foresters across the country and across many commodity groups.”

Farming Together is being delivered by Southern Cross University on behalf of the Australian Government. It comprises a highly experienced senior team drawn from a wide range of commodity groups from across Australia and is backed by an industry advisory group representing experts from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and NSW. More at www.farmingtogether.com.au