TALGA invites you to participate in a full day of practical information sessions about contemporary growing and processing methods for lavender, networking with other growers and on the spot Q&A discussions.
This day will be invaluable to existing and prospective growers alike – from soil preparation and nutrition management presented by Soilcharge agronomist Graeme Joyce, weed control, appropriate plant selection advice from experienced TALGA members, pruning and propagation techniques to a hands-on essential oil distillation demonstration and inspection of the farm machinery and equipment used by the Whiteman family.
There will also be an opportunity to hear an update about the LaTrobe University plant trial being conducted at Chin Chin Farm by Senior Field Agronomist, Marisa Collins and to see the trial plants on the farm.
Date: Wednesday 11 May 2022 9am-4.30pm
Venue: Chin Chin Farm, 673 Chintin Road, Chintin VIC 3756 hosted by Sonia and Stuart Whiteman
Delegate fees (all +GST): Member/affiliate $80; Associate $90; Non-member $110
How to book: Online bookings will open on 1 February 2022 and close on Friday 6 May. Book online at https://www.trybooking.com/BWSLT (This link takes you to our external booking website partner Trybooking.com)
Inclusions: Morning/afternoon tea, Chin Chin Farm special working lunch with DV lavender Cider tasting (please notify us of any special dietary requirements), free access to digital recording of sessions post-field day.
Accommodation: TALGA recommends the Best Western Airport Motel Melbourne at the negotiated room rate of Room Only -$140 Per Room Per Night; Bed & Breakfast for 1-$155 Per Room Per Night; Bed & Breakfast for 2-$170 Per Room Per Night Free airport shuttle bus to motel (Delegates to make their own bookings direct with BW)
Transport: Self drive (45 mins from Melbourne airport), car pooling by arrangement, possible group transport from BW Airport Motel to Farm if interest is high.
Session videos: In addition (it will be a first for TALGA!) each session will be recorded, edited and made available to delegates online after the Field Day for review and reference. These videos will also be available to TALGA members who are unable to attend the day (at a small cost per view).
ABOUT CHIN CHIN FARM
Our hosts Sonia and Stuart Whiteman have been growing lavender since 2019 and currently have 13,000 L. angustifolia and 1,000 intermedia plants. They practise regenerative agricultural techniques to grow lavender and are actively aiming for diversity in their property ecosystems. Notably they won First Prize, the Rosemary Holmes Award for L. angustifolia (all cultivars) for their Avice Hill essential oil at the 2021 TALGA Conference Oil Awards and currently use a 40L copper alembic still which will be demonstrated on the day.
TALGA AGM 2022 will be held on Thursday 12 May (the day following the Field Day) in the hope that many delegates can remain to attend the meeting in person. Remote ‘Zoom’ attendance will also be made available for all members.
TALGA Committee are excited to be offering you this opportunity to visit a recently established lavender farm, to learn from other growers and industry experts and share your own experiences or hopes for the future.
All inquiries to email secretary@talga.com.au or phone Louise Bickerton 0409717899 or Fiona Glover 0412748270
Hope to see you there, the Team at TALGA