Were Riverland growers confident in the quality of fruit harvested this season?
The season began well with good fruit quality in colour, flavour and size. The heavy rain event toward the end of November caused significant damage and loss to fruit varieties at or nearing harvest.
hat rain event has even caused marking to fruit harvested during December and January.
Was there any significant increase or decrease compared to the previous year?
Production volumes were generally up on the previous year, with good fruit set and size.
What impact did summer weather conditions have on the development of fruit?
The Riverland climate is renowned for growing quality fruit. This summer has generally been ideal for growing quality fruit, with only a few very hot days.
Are Federal water buyback initiatives a concern for Riverland growers?
There is concern of the impact on the irrigation communities as a whole; in that it can affect the viability and sustainability of the irrigation distribution bodies like RIT and CIT. The flow on affect of that is likely to cause an increase in the cost of irrigation water distribution; which, of course, then it affects growers directly.
Have input costs been a challenge heading into this harvest?
Input costs are always a challenge; and ever increasing. Growers have very little to no control on these costs, and can only manage them within the framework of their business structure, in the hope that returns will be sufficient to cover those costs.
Are stone fruit growers confident fruit fly will be eradicated from the region in 2025?
We have seen little to no further detections in the Waikerie, Swan Reach and Loxton areas. We are constantly vigilant for possible re-incursions in these areas; something we want to vigorously guard against.
Renmark and Cooltong sections remain a concern, but I am confident that the fruit fly teams are using all the tools available to them to get those areas on track with other outbreak areas.
How have exports to key overseas markets been heading into 2025?
Exports to Asian markets have been difficult, due to impacts of the current China economy.
What should growers be doing to ensure tree health at this stage?
The main focus is on keeping soil moisture levels at an optimum to ensure that trees do not become stressed during hot conditions, especially those still to be harvested. It is also a good time to check on tree nutrient levels and plan nutrient and fertiliser applications for the coming year.