Learn from growers at the forefront of their respective expertise. See how they deal with adverse conditions, make the most of their growing seasons, and their strategies for sustainable, long-term crop protection.
Strawberries of high quality that taste great are the goal for Mick Molluso on his property at Silvan, in the Yarra Valley of Victoria. This is achieved through a combination of variety selection, good agronomics, and a range of chemistry to produce strawberries that are in demand by Australian consumers.
The regular monitoring of insect pests and the number of beneficial insects is helping to reduce the amount of insecticide applications needed in avocado orchards in the Bundaberg region of Queensland.
Agronomist Jonathan McDonald, Agronica, Bundaberg, said they utilised drop sheets in avocado orchards to identify insect populations.
A capacity to grow great crops of onions, in some challenging conditions, provides its own rewards for Jarryd Dolling, of Dolling Produce in the south-east region of South Australia.
“Dad’s been involved in onions for 40 years and I’m third generation,” Mr Dolling said. “I like working with a good group of people and getting great crops.”
The need to produce high quality mangoes for markets throughout the country is a driving force for Nick and Whitney Ormsby, of Katherine in the Northern Territory.
Five years ago they took on the mango orchard and are currently doubling the number of hectares
Kim Martin, who manages Frais Farms, a leafy vegetable and brassica operation in East Gippsland, Victoria, said the introduction of Entrust® Organic to Australia will be a game changer for the local horticultural sector.
Andrew Bulmer, Managing Director of Bulmer Farms, believes no matter the scale of the farm, all consumers benefit from the positive practices being used by Australian growers, and that informing buyers about those initiatives is essential.
Ensuring the long-term viability of their enterprise by using sustainable farming practices is a cornerstone of Harvest Farms, which is part of the One Harvest Group, at Richmond, near Hobart in Tasmania.
General Manager - Harvest Farms (one Harvest Group), Lawrence Cowley, said sustainability was front of mind when they first established the baby leaf salads operation.
Fifth generation onion grower, Darren Rathjen from Delta Produce, explains how Zorvec® Enicade® provides an unmatched combination of consistency and control of Downy Mildew, to help achieve a better crop – even under challenging environmental conditions.
Wet weather and the onset of Downy mildew are major challenges for agronomist Shane Ebert on onion crops in the south-east region of South Australia.
Mr Ebert was standing in a crop of onions, in early October, following a week of wet weather and contemplating a forecast for a lot more.