Reflecting on the past and looking ahead

As we reflect on the past season we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of Sunshine Seedlings. Your trust and partnership have not only fuelled our passion for forestry, but have also enabled us to provide the highest quality seedlings to your operations. Together, we have made significant strides in fostering sustainable forestry practices, and together, we look forward to an even more promising new season.

The forestry production team at Sunshine Seedlings would like to take a moment to share important updates regarding our production processes, as well as to reassure you about our commitment to providing the highest quality seedlings to meet your needs.

Positive Changes in Production 
In our continuous effort to enhance efficiency and quality, we have made strategic adjustments to our production methods. These changes will not only streamline operations, but also allow us to increase our output. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our production efficiency, we have changed certain wattle clone orders from paper pot plugs to Unigro plugs. While the change was necessary due to the consistent challenges we faced with rooting rates—averaging only 30% with paper pot plugs—we are pleased to inform you that the switch to Unigro has resulted in improved rooting success with rooting percentages of between 60% and 80%. This increased rooting ensures we have an increase in the supply of wattle clones to fulfil your orders, reducing any concerns about potential shortages.

Commitment to Quality and Timelines At our core, we remain committed to supplying quality seedlings in the correct quantities, and ensuring that deliveries are on time—every time. To further support this commitment we are expanding our production capabilities, and continuously investing in infrastructure and technology. These new developments not only increase our production capacity, but also to elevate the quality of our offerings. Our commitment to excellence stems from our desire to support your business and ensure your success. Expansion One of the standout additions is our brand-new tunnel, housing an impressive 88,000 wattle Ramets. (A ramet is a clonal cutting we plant and, when mature, we do cuttings from those. These cuttings are the rooted and grown out to eventually be the wattle seedling we sell) This more extensive facility will provide us with opportunities to do research on improving plant health, cultivation techniques, pest management strategies and improving the number of cuttings we do per ramet. We have also undertaken additional expansion at our sister nursery Top Crop Nursery. Here we have planted an additional 150 000 ramets. Combined, these expansions allow us a significant increase in the availability of wattle clones although there will remain restrictions on the quantity we can supply per customer. So, it remains extremely important to place your orders as soon as possible to take advantage of supply.

These expansions underscore our commitment to supporting sustainable forestry and agriculture by providing strong, disease free and site-specific seedlings to help our customers achieve their planting goals. Our nursery is ready to meet your needs with improved availability and even greater efficiency.

Your Needs Matter to Us
As we experience unprecedented demand for seedlings, heightened by recent fires and extensive frost damage in the area, we want to ensure you we are meeting your requirements. If you anticipate any changes in your order, or need additional seedlings, please let us know as soon as possible. Our team is here to accommodate your needs and adjust our production accordingly.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can navigate these changes positively, and ensure a successful growing season ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Planting Techniques During the past season we have noticed a dramatic increase in poor planting techniques. It is advisable that all growers refocus on their planting teams. We noticed an increase in “J rooting”, seedlings being planted far too deep, seedlings being planted with dry root plugs, planting pits too shallow, and reduced watering after planting. These might seem insignificant on their own but combined  can have an effect of up to 40% mortality in field. Holding Nurseries Growers who have holding nurseries should also just check on their facilities, as we have noticed several problems in these facilities. Over watering is a major factor and leads to an increase of fungal diseases on the plants, which leads to mortality infield. Over watering causes an algae build up on the ground, which leads to fungus gnats.

Trays are not spaced on the tables, thus reducing air movement, and a microclimate develops which increases disease pressure. You are welcome to contact us for an onsite visit to assist in improving the management of the facility.

Communication
Communication between you ,the grower, and us, the nursery, is vital for a successful planting season. Here are reasons highlighting its importance, particularly regarding placing orders by Wednesday for delivery the following week:

1.Timely Availability of Seedlings: By establishing a clear order schedule, you can ensure that the necessary seedlings are available when they are needed for planting. This prevents delays that might arise from last-minute orders or miscommunications.

2.Planning and Coordination: Effective communication allows us to synchronize our schedules. This ensures that the production timeline aligns with the grower’s planting schedule, allowing for better resource management.

3. Quality Control: Regular communication enables you to specify the quality and type of seedlings required. This helps the nursery manager to prepare and grow seedlings that meet specific requirements, ensuring that you receive healthy plants ready for planting.

4. Flexibility and Adaptability: If there are changes in your planting plans due to weather, market demand, or other factors, effective communication allows for adjustments to orders. This flexibility can help mitigate potential losses and ensure that both parties are on the same page. 5. Building Relationships: Consistent communication fosters a strong working relationship between you, the grower, and our nursery manager. Good relationships can lead to better service, trust, and a shared commitment to successful outcomes. 6. Feedback Loop: Regular discussions provide an opportunity for growers to give feedback on seedling performance and quality, while nursery managers can share insights on the best practices for care and handling.

In summary, placing orders by Wednesday for delivery the following week is a strategic practice that benefits both the grower and nursery manager. It enhances planning, communication, and coordination, leading to a more successful planting season.

Those farmers who have yet to join our community of resolute customers, we invite you to take this opportunity to make the switch to Sunshine Seedlings. Our commitment to your forestry operations is steadfast. We are here to support you with the quality products and personalized service that you deserve. By choosing us, you are not just placing an order; you’re partnering with a nursery that understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the forestry sector.

Now is the perfect time to reach out and place your orders. Let us work together to lay the groundwork for a successful season ahead, filled with growth and prosperity. If one-third of the value of your seedling order is paid to us by the 30/6/2025. A 10% discount is applicable on your seedlings.

Contact the Forestry team:
 

Our team is excited to collaborate with you and support your farming journey, we understand the dedication and hard work that goes into farming, and we are committed to supporting you in every way possible. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact: Sunshine Seedlings Services

Source: Forestry & Timber Value Chain – May 2025 Newsletter

Back to NEWS:
BUSINESS  l  CLIMATE CHANGE  l  CONSTRUCTION  l  EDUCATION  l  ENVIRONMENT  l  FORESTRY ENGINEERING  l  FORESTRY  l  GOVERNMENT  l  INTERNATIONAL  l  LAND  l  RECYCLING l  RESEARCH  l  ROOFING  l  SHORT HAUL  l  SILVICULTURE  l  SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY  l  TRANSPORT  l  TREATMENT  l  TRANSPORT  l  VALUE ADDING