PROFILE: JFT NURSERIES
JFT Nurseries Team: working together to deliver quality trees and enhance the workplace By Renee Byrne, Beth Sands and James Nicklen For JFT Nurseries, 2023 was a busy year that marked a significant transition for the familyowned business. The next generation of Andrew James, Billie Hicken, Chris Sands, and Renee Byrne, took the reins on July 1, injecting fresh energy and innovative ideas into the business. This next gen’s clear focus is to continue to grow and supply top quality trees to their loyal customers, and to work alongside their 40+ hard-working staff while making continual improvements across the workplace. There are many exciting developments taking place at JFT in 2024. The team recently provided an update on the season and insights into what’s in store for the future:
Bare Root season kicks off A busy season ahead for JFT as Bare Root season begins. Having recently distributed their Bare Root order form, the team have been thrilled with the response, with orders flooding their inbox. The team is currently counting trees, with plans to allocate stock to orders in February (prospective buyers are urged to place orders ASAP).
Container team's commitment to quality Billie Hicken emphasises how busy the summer months are for the container team. From picking orders to packing for dispatch, their commitment to delivering products that are healthy and looking great remains a source of pride. Their beautiful, containerised stock is offered to customers from around mid-November right up until the end of March and into April, to help customers keep stocks up until the Bare Root season kicks off again. If you’re in need of some fresh stock for your nursery, please reach out the JFT for the latest availability list.
Optimal growing conditions and teamwork Managing growth challenges Andy James, manager of the production team, reports on the excellent growing conditions in 2023. The team have been tirelessly engaged in de-suckering, staking, tying, topping, and limbing to ensure the trees maintain their superb appearance. As they embark on the new year, the focus shifts to pruning, stocktake completion, and preparation for the upcoming budding season.
Chris Sands, overseeing farm management, reiterates that it’s been a great growing season, not only for the trees but unfortunately the weeds as well. The Farm Management team have been kept well and truly busy this summer, trying their best to keep on top of the weeds, which have been loving the weather. On the bright side, the wet days at least allow them to catch up on machinery maintenance. u
GROUNDSWELL FEBRUARY 2024
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