African Mahogany Australia makes the finals in the 2017 Chief Minister’s NT Export and Industry Awards

African Mahogany Australia (AMA), were finalists for the NTEIA Industry Innovation Award for their use of integrated land management technologies. AMA is an agribusiness management company managing the world’s largest African mahogany timber plantation estate, along with cropping for cattle feed production. Formed in 2006, the Northern Territory based company of just three employees manages more than 14000 hectares of timber plantations, produces more than 15000 tonnes of hay, and partners with local cattle producers to graze 3500 head beneath their plantations. 

This integration of commodities allows AMA to optimise land productivity through smart, sustainable partnerships in their farming community. In the last 12 months AMA has achieved a significant number of milestones including: leading a research and development project to optimise wood products; increasing the capital value of the lands they manage with no capital outlay through grazing and hay production; and reducing fire risk, weed control costs, chemical use, herbicide resistance in their plantations while improving the productivity of their long term product – high value timber. While not winning the award, AMA were excited to be part of the awards and look forward to continuing to integrate technology and innovation into their property management.

Figure 6. AMA's Regional Manager Chris Oliver (L) and CEO Frank Miller (R), finalists in the Chief Minister's Northern Territory Export and Industry Awards, Darwin, September 21 2017.