Strathfieldsaye Estate in East Gippsland is an 1800 hectare grazing property that dates back to the squatting era of the 1840's. It was owned by the Disher family for 107 years. In 1976 it was bequeathed to the University of Melbourne by Dr Clive Disher, on condition it be used to investigate and promote improved farm management practices for the region. In 2003 ALT established Strathfieldsaye Estate Limited to take over management of the property from the University, and established the Disher Institute on the site as a dedicated facility for investigating sustainable production.
Strathfieldsaye faces all environmental and economic issues that confront the broader region. ALT accepted responsibility for Strathfieldsaye Estate because it believes in ‘practicing what it preaches.' In partnership with the local community, ALT is using the property to ‘road-test' ways that address the sustainability issues facing the region.