Introduction to Leucaena
'Boxvale'

A cool morning and later showers did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 26 attendees at The Leucaena Network’s  Introduction to Leucaena workshop and field day held last Saturday at Chris and Beth Jensen’s ‘Boxvale’ Gin Gin.  ‘Boxvale’s’ machinery shed was the ideal venue for all to escape the cool breeze to hear about the basics of leucaena establishment from the Network’s Bron Christensen.  Workshop attendee and irrigation services ‘Netafim’ Qld State Manager Jeremy Evans was persuaded to add to the day with an impromptu overview of potential irrigated systems and methods of irrigation of leucaena.  Following a hot cuppa and delicious catering from the Gin Gin Bakery (queues outside the bakery from 7am each morning was testament to how delicious their fare is!), the workshop attendees made the short drive to Paul and Karla Tobin’s ‘Greenleaf’ property where Paul and Karla have established an intensive leucaena and Rhodes grass grazing system.  Paul was very generous in sharing his experiences, successes and lessons learned in growing leucaena in several different systems, planting varieties including Cunningham, Wondergraze and Taramba.  The day was rounded out with a barbecue lunch back in the ‘Boxvale’ shed where Network member Bruce Apel showed his barbecue mastery with perfectly cooked steaks (purchased from Gin Gin’s Kuskey Country Meats –flavourful and tender!)!  Attendees and the Network really appreciates the support of the Gin Gin Community Bank who sponsored all the catering – great to see a bank who is happy to come on farm, learn about leucaena and how responsibly established and managed leucaena can greatly assist a grazing enterprises’s viability and in turn, their local community.  A huge thank you to hosts Chris and Beth Jensen and Paul and Karla Tobin and other interested graziers in the Gin Gin area who prompted the field day organisation and to all who took the time to attend.  A very enjoyable day of leucaena!