Field Day at Forest Orchard / Honey Bee GoodOBDA Field Day, Forest Orchard / Honey Bee Good 30th March 2014
More than 80 people attended on the day, a sunny Autumn day in South Australia, as the apples were ready to be picked. As people began to arrive, Monika Fiebig and Cecile Storrie greeted them and Graeme and Fiona demonstrated the old apple press. Everyone got to sample the fresh organic apple juice, and some had a go at turning the press for themselves. Kids and adults alike were guzzling down the juice, which kept flowing as we moved into the packing shed. After a short introduction from OBDA Chairman, Monika Fiebig, Graeme introduced and explained the complete process of harvesting, cleaning and sorting the apples, demonstrating the machinery, with the locals following the apples through the processing line all the way to grabbing a bag to take home for themselves. Graeme also showed off the drying ovens and asked everyone to taste the dried apples as well as the apples that came off the production line.
Newly educated on tree grafting, and carrying bulging bags of organic apples, the crowd split into two halves. The first half wandering up the hill towards the Honey Bee Good sheds, next to the function area, bar and wood pizza oven. The other half began to accompany Graeme in his people train (tractor and trailers) for a tour of the orchard. Graeme kept to a tight timetable and managed several trips around the property with different groups, while the pizza all came together, followed by Fiona’s apple pie and cream. Finally, the well-fed punters took a short tour of the honey extraction shed and cold pressing plant, and were able to buy jars of honey. |
Once again, OBDA invited the general public to attend a field day and opportunity to meet and talk with local organic farmers. This time, Graeme and Fiona Schultz were the hosts, at the Forest Orchard on Sunday 30th March.
