February 2024
EOI Melbourne Trip
The Citrus SA committee invites expressions of interest for a study tour to Melbourne around the weekend of May 17-19. Potential areas of interest to visit include Incitec, Visy Board, the Melbourne Produce Markets, and the Crows v Collingwood AFL game at the MCG. Please send an email to Kerrie at contact@citrussa.com.au if you are interested in attending.
Freshcare Audits – Seeking Feedback
How did your most recent Freshcare audit go? Did you utilize the simplified version? How was your experience? Did it save you time, effort, and money? Was your auditor familiar with the citrus-specific version? Citrus SA is keen to gather grower feedback for Freshcare. If you have anything to add, please submit your comments via email to contact@citrussa.com.au.
PIRSA’s AgTech Producer Group Program
Applications for PIRSA’s AgTech Producer Groups will close on Monday, February 19. These groups aim to upskill primary producers in leveraging technology for industry-specific improvements and support the implementation of these advancements.
Key funding objectives include:
- Exploring and sharing experiences on how technologies can be used in enterprises.
- Learning from experts on using technologies for improved productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
- Assisting producers in applying technology to enhance productivity.
Eligible applicants can seek funding up to $18,500 (GST exclusive). The AgTech Producer Groups will conclude by May 31, 2025, with project activities to be conducted in South Australia.
For more information and to submit an EOI, visit the PIRSA website Please read the guidelines attached before submitting an EOI.
For inquiries, email pirsa.agtech@sa.gov.au.
National Roadmap Rollout – South Australia Forum
The ANZ Biochar Industry Group will host a forum at Urrbrae on Thursday, February 29, as part of the national rollout of the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap.
Venue: Plant Research Centre, Time: 9 am – 5:30 pm (networking 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm).
Cost: Live - $120 + gst, Virtual - $60 + gst.
Topics will include biochar and carbon drawdown at scale, biochar agricultural applications, novel soil amendments and fertilizer formulation, the range of biochar and renewable technologies, and EPA considerations.
Details: anzbig.org
Updates to PIRSA Fruit Fly Website
If you've visited www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au recently, you may have noticed some changes. New content explaining "outbreak end date," "area freedom," and "reinstatement of the PFA" has been added to the 'Outbreaks Explained' page, replacing the old pages. Check out the outbreak map for current information.
Water Infrastructure Grants Available
The Federal and State Governments are offering grants to support smaller water infrastructure projects with positive environmental and water security outcomes for regional and remote communities. Grants of up to $5 million per project are available, with total funding capped at $20 million. Eligibility criteria include a minimum 50 per cent outside funding contribution, delivering positive environmental impacts, and more.
Details: Shannon Andrews, Manager Water Planning, Department of Environment and Water, (08) 8463 6854, Shannon.Andrews@sa.gov.au.
February Production Notes
It's crucial to assess crop set and fruit size for each orchard to determine appropriate production strategies. Some timely reminders include:
- Pruning/Hedging/Skirting:
- Continue hand pruning and de-suckering of re-growth.
- Hedge where required but be cautious of sunburn and frost damage.
- Foliar Nutrient Spray and Fertigation:
- Apply potassium sprays to increase fruit size.
- Monitor each patch for crop load and adjust irrigation/fertigation strategy accordingly.
- Pesticide Sprays:
- Pay attention to critical timing for various pests.
- Irrigation:
- Increase irrigation and monitor soil moisture probes.
- Weed Control:
- Apply knockdown or residual herbicides as required.
- Fruit Thinning:
- Hand thinning is recommended to improve size; assess crop load before thinning.
- Crop Estimates:
- Perform frame counts and fruit size measurements in conjunction with the packer.
- Leaf Samples:
- Take leaf samples for nutrient analysis.
This is general advice. Growers should always check with their packing shed, grower liaison officer or reseller.
The Citrus Segment Podcast – How the Citrus industry shaped the Riverland
Have you had a listen to the latest episode of The Citrus Segment? It features PhD student Amanda Wells who has been researching the citrus industry in the Riverland from 1941-1970. The interview touches on how the Riverland became known by its name and the role the industry has had on the broader region.