Michelle Jones and Ron Geritz run Scotch Hill at Neerim South

From maths and science teachers to running a successful tree farm business, this dynamic Gippsland duo are now building their success in a growing industry.

An initial foray into farming on the advice of an accountant has led to more than a decade of success for this Gippsland couple.

Former maths and science teachers, Michelle Jones and Ron Geritz run Scotch Hill, a truffle and citrus farm also offering luxury accommodation at Neerim South.

It’s been quite a journey for the dynamic duo, whose first venture into farming was to plant some bircher trees on their land for tax purposes, before growing it into successful business producing about 10,000 trees a year – which saw China come calling.

Michelle and Ron run Scotch Hill Truffle and Citrus Farm. Pictures: Zoe Phillips

“People in China found us on Google because we were listed number one in Australia on the internet for red maples, and they were hoping to set up large-scale tree farms in China but they didn’t have the knowledge,” Ron said.

“So we agreed to go have a look and it became a ten year partnership in which we helped them grow a start up to quite a large company with multiple farms … (and) we ended up winning a Westpac Australia China Business Award in 2016.”

On returning to Australia, they decided they initially wanted to grow something that wasn’t as intense and demanding as tree farming, and landed on truffles.

While possibly more demanding than they originally envisaged, Michelle said “it’s been a really great journey.”

“It’s really exciting to be part of an emerging industry … It’s very inclusive too because everybody’s learning so people are quite open about sharing know-how and what does and doesn’t work for them,” she said.

Michelle and Ron with their dogs Charlie and Boogie.

Along with truffles they grow various citrus trees, and have planted about 40 cherry trees and about 300 plum trees on their 17ha farm.

With their two dogs, Charlie and Boogie, Michelle and Ron found their first truffles earlier this year.

Boogie was adopted from a pound in Rockhampton, with Michelle saying it’s proof that “any dog is capable” of being a truffle hunter.

“You don’t need a very expensive Lagotto or anything like that. It’s more about the temperament. I just think there’s something wonderful about rescue dogs. I think they know what you’ve done for them.”