QLD FIELD TRIP | Pine, pasture and cattle: the Cardwell silvopastoral trial

The Forestry Australia Queensland Branch would like to invite members and friends to our next field trip.

Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026 | Time: 10:00 am – approx. 1:00 pm
Meeting Point: Cardwell Park Rest Area (south side of Cardwell), LOT 41 Bruce Hwy, Cardwell QLD 4849

About:

Join the Forestry Australia Queensland Branch to examine how commercial pine production can be integrated with pasture and cattle grazing.

The 55 ha trial compares cattle grazing and pasture production across a conventional Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis) plantation and two systematically thinned silvopastoral treatments. Participants will examine how tree density affects pasture, livestock performance, timber production, carbon and long-term financial outcomes.

Research findings will be considered alongside practical experience from the producer, with discussion of the benefits, limitations and management requirements of combining beef, timber and carbon production.

Registrations (Inc. GST):
Forestry Australia Members: $10 | Student & Young Professional Members: $5 |  Non-members: $20
Registrations close: 5pm, Monday 7 September 2026
Capacity: 40 participants

PROGRAM
9:45 – 10:00 am – Meet at Cardwell Park Rest Area for registration, a brief welcome, vehicle allocation and carpooling. Be ready to depart at 10:00 am.

10:00 – 10:15 am – Travel approximately 18 km south to the trial property in a reduced number of vehicles. Safety briefing on arrival.

10:15 – 10:45 am – Stop 1: Trial background and control treatment. Site history, experimental design, tree and pasture measurements, and key results. Lead: Dr Nahuel Pachas.

10:45 – 11:20 am – Stop 2: Light and heavy thinning treatments. Grazing management, pasture availability, cattle liveweight and livestock behaviour. Producer observations: Peter Chiesa.

11:20 – 11:45 am – Stop 3: Management, economics and adoption. Timber, grazing and carbon trade-offs; operational lessons; producer perspective; questions and general discussion.

11:45 am– 12:00 pm – Return to Cardwell.

12:15 – 1:00 pm – Group lunch at Brearley’s Bakery, 79 Victoria Street, Cardwell QLD 4849.

1:00 pm – End of the trip.

Meals
Participants should bring their own snacks and lunch or purchase lunch at a local cafe in Cardwell during the lunch break. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle.

Transport
Participants should meet at Cardwell Park Rest Area and consolidate into a smaller number of vehicles before travelling to the property. Please note that high-clearance vehicles are recommended. To reduce vehicle numbers, participants are encouraged to car share and indicate in the registration form whether they can offer seats or require a ride in a suitable vehicle.

Equipment & Safety

IMPORTANT: All participants must complete the online HQPlantations safety induction before the field day. The induction link will be provided in the registration confirmation email. Participants who do not complete the induction will have their registration cancelled and will not be permitted to access the site.

• Wear long pants, a long-sleeved hi-vis shirt and sturdy, enclosed footwear.
• Bring sun protection, insect repellent, water and rain protection.
• Follow all directions from the landholder, site managers and event organisers.
• Expect uneven ground, long grass, vehicle movements and exposure to weather.
• Clean soil and plant material from footwear and vehicles before arriving to reduce biosecurity risks.

Accessibility
The Cardwell field trip will involve short drives between stops and some walking on uneven ground and sandy tracks, which may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. Participants with accessibility requirements, health considerations, or who wish to discuss alternative participation arrangements are encouraged to contact the organisers prior to the event.

Forestry Australia Code of Conduct
As part of the registration process, all participants must acknowledge and agree to the Forestry Australia Code of Conduct.

Forestry Australia Risk & Safety Acknowledgement
As part of the registration process, all participants must acknowledge and agree to the Forestry Australia Risk & Safety Acknowledgement.