This article was originally published in print in the May 2021 edition of Swan Hill Guardian’s monthly farming and agriculture feature, North West Farmer.
THE Steicke family from Beverford are set to become one of the largest pistachio growers in the region.
Stone fruit growers Deon, 54, and Melissa, 46, have gradually been planting pistachios on their second farm in Vinifera.
“The pistachios have been coming up for four years – it takes six years to produce,” Mrs Steicke said.
“Then in two years you’ll start seeing them.”
The family have been busy setting up the pistachio farm, which includes a processing plant.
The Steickes also have built up experience in importing and exporting their fruit.
In late June/early July, the family will welcome a family from South Africa on an immigration sponsor visa to work on their farm.
“It’s been quite a process,” Mrs Steicke said.
Mr Steicke has worked as a farmer since he left school aged 16, working as a stone fruit farmer for the past 30 years.
He also worked on his father Alan Steicke’s grape and vegetable farm.
Mitchell is studying medicine at James Cook University in Mackay, Queensland; Amber is studying at La Trobe University in Bendigo to become an occupational therapist; Mia is studying early childhood at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE in Swan Hill; and Zoe is in Year 10 at Swan Hill College.
Lillian Altman 