Trawalla (Aboriginal for 'Flood Waters') is the company's orchard property where excellent crop yields typically exceed those of North American growing locations. This 700 hectare property, located some 35km east of Moree in NSW, was established in the late 1960's and now comprises more than 70,000 mature and highly productive trees.

Thanks to an ideal set of circumstances, for which the site was specifically selected, Trawalla produces some of the most sought-after Pecans in the world. The area's eight to ten metres of well-drained alluvial soils are some of the deepest and richest in the country, and good rainfall is supplemented by water drawn from the Gwydir River which almost encircles the property. Trawalla's climate is well-suited to Pecan trees, creating low pest pressure and near-perfect growing conditions.

The Pecans planted at Trawalla comprise predominantly two varieties: Wichita and Western Schley. These are interspersed by rows to facilitate cross-pollination, which takes place around September each year. From this time onwards the nuts grow quickly to be nearly fully formed by February. The final few weeks of maturation see the nuts fill with nutritious oils and harden until they are ready for harvest in May.

By the start of harvest Pecan trees are leafless. Nuts are removed from the trees by a mobile shaker and collected from the ground by mechanical harvesters. They are de-husked on farm before being shipped to the Toowoomba plant for storage and shelling as required.

Whilst harvesting is being carried out in Australia, American Pecans are still sprouting summer growth, and whilst a large percentage of our crop is sold domestically there is a considerable amount exported to many overseas countries including Europe and Asia.

Stahmann Farms has pioneered the development of insecticide-free farming methods, and continues to employ advanced biological pest control technologies. These include the use of natural insect predators and moulds to regulate the population of harmful pests in our orchard.

Such practices allow us to publish the fact that we are pesticide free and have profound benefits for the land, for our farm staff, and for our consumers.

Site tours:  All tours must be pre-arranged and booked through Moree Tourism.

Moree Tourism contact details:

Ph: (02) 6757 3350
Fax: (02) 6757 3355
E: info@moreetourism.com.au