Over 20 years ago - an era post paleo, but pre-paleo diet - Pallamallawa couple Rob and Susie Long were quietly nutting out ways to capitalise on their newly purchased parcel of land on the fertile banks of the Gwydir River.
While not vast enough for broad acre farming but boasting rich alluvial black soils, the intensive farming industry of pecans was calling.
“We had a young family and were both working so needed a realistic, reasonably low maintenance industry, and trees, being a permanent crop, really appealed to us,” Susie said.
And if all else failed, she said, at least they would have a picturesque grove of stately deciduous trees to admire for decades to come.
Thankfully their venture proved a great success, and with the humble pecan today holding a cult status amongst the kale and quinoa of the superfood movement, Rob and Susie are, perhaps, Pallamallawa’s original hipsters.
Susie’s hearty laugh quashes such suggestions, but she admits the pecan’s perfect health record played a large consideration behind their decision into production.
“Pecans are such a natural, healthy food and in recent years the clean eating and wholefood movement plus the swing against highly processed food has really reinforced the industry and been hugely advantageous,” she said.
Their first orchard was planted in 2000 and included 700 trees of five mixed varieties, including the popular larger Pawnee Nut.
Establishing a pecan industry is not for the impatient, with trees requiring grafting and up to seven years to return a crop.
Susie explained that, thanks to current technology, today pre-grafted trees are the norm, reducing crop times dramatically.
Harvest is a wonderful time and is fascinating to witness.
In 2012 the Long’s launched their commercial operation, Pally Pecans, to great applaud and their products are now stocked right across eastern Australia.
The Pally Pecan range includes raw kernels and flavoured kernels including Honey Roasted, Maple Cinnamon and Lime and Chilli.
The couple has also enjoyed a long association with Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival, and is thrilled to be one of many producers attending the 2017 event.
After over ten years exhibiting at the event Susie said many are surprised to see orcharding enterprises in a region synonymous with grain and cotton production.
“Moree’s climate and soil is ideal for Pecan growing and it’s quite a water intensive crop which our valley is fortunate to handle.”
For more information please visit www.moreeonaplate.com.au
