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Frank Butera Frank Butera, has farmed all his life and has lived in the area for over 40 years. Frank, Director of VBA Farming Pty Ltd and his wife and business partner Nella, have been growing asparagus for ten years. “The fresh clean air, mild climate and the rich fertile soils make this area one of the world’s best places to grow asparagus,” says Frank Butera. “I fell in love with asparagus when I first worked as a picker. I said to myself that one day I would own an asparagus farm and I’ve not only achieved this, but I also have a packing shed! What I love about asparagus is the way it grows. It is unique. One day it can be 5cms high and the next day it can be 30cm high - it grows faster than bamboo!” Frank discovered an innovative way to dispose of fern debris, albeit very much trial by accident. A friend in another area recalled the story of how his son accidentally set fire to a section of the paddock, and how production was surprisingly good the following year. Frank has since developed a naked flame burner to clean up the asparagus fern debris and help prevent disease. The fourth model (see pictured) is six feet wide - the width of an asparagus bed - and has four sets of twin burners that run on LPG. The burner cleans up the debris and instantly turning it into ash for incorporation back into the soil. He has noticed a big improvement in the growth of his asparagus crop during trials of the burner and has been able to reduce his herbicide and pesticide use. Frank and Nella Butera, VBA Farming can be contacted on Ph (03) 5997 7329 Mobile 0417 363 290 and email vbafarming@netspace.net.au | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Back | Home | About Asparagus | Recipes & Tips | What's New | From the Chefs | Supplying Asparagus | Contact us | Site Map Copyright© Australian Asparagus Council. Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information on this website is correct and up to date, no representation is made or warranty given (either express or implied) as to the completeness, accuracy or currency of the information that it contains. Last updated August 2007 | |
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