The Stahmann Horticulture Story
In the mid-1960’s, with a vision and determination to establish a new horticultural industry in Australia, Deane Stahmann meticulously researched suitable soils and climatic conditions in this country, culminating in his identifying and selecting a highly suitable property that he was eventually able to acquire. The property ‘Trawalla’, is nestled on the banks of the Gwydir River, near Moree, in northern New South Wales. Despite various pundits and ‘experts’ telling him that he was foolish, Deane embarked on a major land development program that involved levelling and draining, developing irrigation systems, establishing nursery stock and eventually planting more than 70,000 pecan trees. For decades, Stahmann Farms, have been pioneers in Australian horticulture, developing new and innovative orchard management practices and producing some of the best quality and highest pecan yields in the world. Deane realised his vision and pecans have now been grown on the fertile alluvial soils at Trawalla, for more than 40 years.
Built on this proud heritage, Stahmann Horticulture represents a dynamic team responsible for orchard management in the Gwydir Valley. The Stahmann Horticulture team draws on the talents and expertise of a diverse group of individuals, some with more than 25 years of experience in orchard management, coupled with the energy and enthusiasm of those coming through the ranks with new skills and expertise. Stahmann Horticulture grows the vast majority of Australia’s pecan crop at ‘Trawalla’, but is also involved in developing new orchards, and apart from pecans, has expertise in walnuts and macadamias, citrus, stone-fruit, pome and other tree-crops. Stahmann Horticulture is a pioneer in integrated pest management in tree-nuts.
Stahmann Horticulture maintains all of the specialist equipment used in pecan and walnut production and harvesting, and operates a pre-cleaning plant that removes extraneous material and pre-sorts tree nuts prior to drying.
Stahmann Horticulture can provide a contract service for all aspects of orchard management from soil and land survey and orchard design, through to planting, pruning, harvesting, pre-cleaning and drying. The team has specialist skills in operating and maintaining tree shakers, sweepers and harvesters.
In addition, the team has direct experience and expertise in the installation of major drip irrigation systems, working directly with designers and suppliers, to install all pumps, filtration systems, mainlines, trickle tape, flushing mains and sub-mains. Stahmann Horticulture operates its own excavator, trencher and mobile crane, together with elevated work platforms (EWP’s) and other specialist equipment.
Stahmann Horticulture supports a full workshop at Trawalla and a mobile workshop with experienced maintenance staff who understand the importance of meeting strict harvest and operational deadlines, and can maintain and fine-tune all equipment involved in harvest and orchard management.
The team is well supported by research and development staff with expertise in tree physiology, plant nutrition, irrigation systems, crop modelling, satellite and infra-red technology. This is coupled with skills in project management, strategic planning, water trading and economic analysis.
Stahmann Horticulture understands the importance of having a strong work ethic and team culture. The focus is on continuous improvement and the production of a reliable, high quality product, while providing a competitive service that clients can rely on. Stahmann Horticulture is committed to creating a more dynamic, stronger, more secure horticultural industry that generates sustainable profits in the years ahead, and that builds on the legacy of our founder, Deane Stahmann.
