GC Miller and Sons, TAS
Justin Miller ‐ Orchard Management
Situated near Hillwood on Tasmania's Eastern Tamar Valley foreshore, Millers Orchards have been growing apples and pears since 1945. This is where Justin Miller grew up. Even as a lad ‐ l earning about life on the land from his dad ‐ he knew there'd be a good chance he'd stay here. And so it came to be. The lure of living in such a beautiful part of the world, working with family and close friends has meant Justin is now the fourth generation of Miller to stay here in his role of Orchard Management.
While he would help out in the early days, Justin didn't really appreciate the amount of work involved to grow fruit. When he was about eleven, he had just finished cutting blackberries with a machete and wandered into an orchard where his cousin was playing:
"...He threw an apple at me and I sliced it in half with my machete. We thought it looked pretty cool so he started picking apples off the tree and tossing them at me..." ‐ Justin Miller
Before long over 200 beautiful red apples lay sliced in half on the ground around them. Only when Justin's dad arrived did they realise what they had done. But a clip around the ear and a 'boot up the bum' made sure he'd never forget.
Even so, it wasn't until he grew up that Justin truly understood what went in to growing quality apples. Or the amount of time involved.
From propagating a root stock, the apple or pear variety is grafted on and placed in a dedicated nursery for at least a year to prepare for planting in the orchard.
Once in the orchard the new tree would be supported and 'pampered' while it strengthens and becomes established, taking at least another three years before it begins to produce a small crop of fruit, with a full yield not coming until the fifth year.
Time is of course not the biggest obstacle they face.
"Our environment is our biggest challenge ‐ too wet, too dry, hail, drought, frost, birds, pests ‐ you name it..." ‐ Justin Miller
Justin and the team can only minimise these threats with measures such as hail and bird netting, bigger water storage capacity and frost prevention. Even once the crops have been successfully harvested, the prices they fetch as a (tasty) commodity can drop through oversupply ‐ sometimes forcing a sale for less than the cost of production.
That many hurdles, not to mention the long hours involved, would give many people cause to give up. But Justin is committed to sticking it out. The support from family and friends has helped him get through the tough times, and he knows not every season is the same and hopefully his perseverance will pay off.
And that's the kind of advice he'd give to the younger generation of farmers:
"It is hard work, but it's also rewarding. You need to be a strong‐minded person that can take the good with the bad." ‐ Justin Miller
He'd add that you need to be passionate about what you do or you simply won't like it, or stay at it for long. Ag school would be a great starting place to get a better insight.
For all the effort, Justin knows first‐hand how farming's a fantastic environment to raise a family and give children a good upbringing with so many life experiences.
Perhaps he's so happy to give advice because he's taken so much himself. Farming's the kind of lifestyle where you need to listen as well as learn from your mistakes. So good advice is always welcome. Justin's two favourite pieces are simple, but strong:
"Never put all of you eggs in the one basket, and listen and learn from the best, but also from anyone." ‐ Justin Miller
All of which has helped Justin and his family to supply Woolworths directly since 2003, and indirectly for the six years immediately prior.
Justin's aim isn't to be the biggest supplier of fruit, but the best quality one. GC Miller & Sons currently supply Woolworths with over 560 tonnes a year of loose and pre‐packed apples (Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Sundowner, Fuji, Granny Smith & Jonathon) as well as loose and pre‐packed pears (Beurre Bosc, Packham, Corella, Comice & William Bartlett).
Although most people already know, Justin loves reminding everyone that not only do they taste great, but apples are a natural antioxidant with good fibre and plenty of important vitamins and minerals, while pears are also low GI.
And remember to eat the skin too!