A plan to cater for the next generation and keep building a sustainable business has seen a Victorian celery and leek grower make some strategic changes.
The pressure to change was brought about by generational retirement and growth of residential development around some of the existing farms.
The new principals of Schreurs & Sons at Clyde have looked into the future and are expanding on a new greenfield site at Tarwin Lower in South Gippsland.
"Buying in South Gippsland was about climate - close to the coast with no or low frost risk - water availability from the Tarwin River and soil type," Adam Schreurs said.
"Initially we weren't sure about the soil type, but so far indications are wonderful. I thought celery would grow because it likes wet feet."
The three men - Adam, Christopher and Ben Schreurs – took over from the second generation recently and began buying farmland at Tarwin Lower – an initial 65 hectare beef farm bought in September 2015 was followed by a neighbouring 292ha dairy farm in February 2016.
"We installed underground drainage in 17 acres as a test run – the subsoil drains really well – and we're going to drain it all now," Adam said.
The first trial planting was recently harvested. Twenty hectares of celery was planted under irrigation followed by 10ha of baby leaf, rocket and spinach without irrigation.
The farm's rotation is celery, leeks, spinach and rocket, with break cover crops of rye and sorghum to build up organic matter in the soil.
"Our plan now is to develop 100 acres every year," Adam said.
It will give them a four year window to exit the business from Clyde, where it is spread over 283ha across several properties. The new site will enable them to expand the business.
Domestic demand for packaged celery sticks and baby spinach from supermarkets has underscored their exponential growth; along with growth opportunities in export markets.
"Our ultimate aim is to move all production to Tarwin Lower," Adam said.
At Tarwin Lower, purchasing the two farms also brought them irrigation rights and earlier this year they successfully advertised to purchase additional licences.
"We need 3ML/acre to be drought proof," Adam said.
"We have unrestricted pumping rights from the Tarwin River, so long as the river doesn't go below 16ML flow.
"But our aim is to build enough on-farm water storage to be drought proof and not have to worry about low river flows."
The first dam has been built, of 170ML, with long term plans for another 1000ML in on-farm water storage.
The property also has a natural woody marshland which will be used to filter runoff through reed beds and silt.
The water will then be pumped back into the irrigation dams.
Mr Schreurs says the family wants to be a model of vegetable farming sustainably.
While processing and packaging remains at Clyde for now, the trio plans to eventually build the necessary infrastructure to support harvest at Tarwin Lower.
Adam, Christopher and Ben Schreurs have been recognised several times in the past couple of years for their innovation and dedication to their business.
Their string of awards from various organisations reflects their continual drive as well as their motto that “farming is in their DNA”:
- 2016 Finalist: Ausveg Innovative Marketing
- 2016 Winner: Ausveg Vic Innovative Marketing
- 2016 Nomination: Ausveg Vic Young Grower of the Year, Ben Schreurs
- 2015 Winner: Coles and the Weekly Times Horticulture Farmer of the Year Award
- 2015 Nomination: Ausveg Grower of the Year, Chris Schreurs
- 2015 Winner: Ausveg Environmental Award (sponsored by Netafim), Adam Schreurs
