We are in process of planning and commencing the implementation of PROJECT SWITCH. After 16 years of successful operation of 2 separate Australian Lowline Studs, namely the Fiddleleaf Lowline Stud at Berwick and the Astralgus Lowline Stud at Gisborne, including the breeding of multiple red bulls and red heifers (notably FIDDLELEAF RED IVAN whose progeny are now found in many countries across the world), we have decided to transition the Gisborne farm from Lowline breeding to hazelnuts and olive production.

We have a 5 year plan, focusing initially on continued pasture improvement (which we commenced 2 years ago), followed by planting up several paddocks each year with hazels and olives.

Initially we will be planting up paddocks G2-1 and G2-2 with olives. We have previously (12-15 years ago) grown both hazels and olives on the farm, but we opted back then to commit 100% to Lowlines. We are confidant that we can again grow both hazels and olives on the farm. We shall continue to run a few Lowlines on the back paddocks not initially being used for olive and hazelnut production, mainly to keep the grass levels down and maintain some farm income.

The main drivers for PROJECT SWITCH are our desire to free up some time during winter to spend away from the farm and our feeling that after 16 years we need to embark upon some new farming activities to freshen us up mentally. We aren't getting any younger.

It is all very exciting. Watch this space as PROJECT SWITCH evolves.