Taranaki Farm Shelter and Forestry Association's branch secretary Bill Davies is urging land owners with knowledge about farm forestry, or those willing to learn, to become a member of the association.
Bill says the Taranaki Farm Shelter and Forestry Association began more than 50 years ago, "to help farmers in the area make decisions about planning the planting of trees and shrubs on their properties that will not only benefit them but the surrounding properties".
He adds that the group holds field days where they visit local farms and see what has been achieved.
"You can learn so much from other people's experiences, particularly their mistakes," Bill says.
There are many advantages to having the ideal trees growing on your property, he says, one of the biggest being your cattle's wellbeing.
"Not only do trees provide much-needed shade for your animals during the summer time, but you are protecting your pasture," he says, adding that wind can cause a huge amount of damage to unsheltered property.
"Protecting your waterways is another big advantage," he adds, saying that concerns about effluent runoff are decreased, and "trees are a brilliant buffer zone for waterways".
Planting trees on farms is about protecting land owners as well as neighbouring properties, says Bill.
"Often farmers consider planting trees to be a loss of usable land but they need to look at the bigger picture.
"If land owners work together to shelter their properties we can ensure our dairy industry continues to boom."
The association also provides an alternative to land owners paying consultants for their farm forestry needs. "Consultants are often from out of town; as a group we can provide information with local knowledge to allow farmers to get in there and do it themselves."
He adds that the group can address farmers' particular needs.
"Farmers can really benefit from being a part of the association as members can gain so much knowledge and inspiration from one another."
For more information about how to join the Taranaki Farm Shelter and Forestry Association contact Bill Davies on (06) 765 8121.