April Newsletter
Spray Day – details to be advised
Citrus SA will conduct a spray technology day at the end of April/early May. The session will a great for growers and their employees to learn new skills from expert Don Thorp. Don has been in the Agricultural industry for close to 40 years, a large chunk of which has been spent in the horticultural spray application sector. With contacts world-wide from all the years working in the industry, growers will be able to draw on Don's knowledge. As global fruit quality demand increases, it is vital that growers apply Crop Protection products correctly. EE Muir & Son with Don’s assistance will help growers and their staff improve their Spray Application in the field. The date and location will be confirmed ASAP. We will notify growers via email and SMS when more information is available.
Can you provide evidence to support piece rates?
Do you support piece rates? Citrus SA would like to hear from you and your pickers so it can provide evidence to the National Farmers Federation. The Australian Workers' Union has lodged a submission to the Fair Work Commission, wanting to amend the award to ensure a minimum payment for those paid piece rates. The matter is expected to come before the Fair Work Commission in July. Please email contact@citrussa.com.au if you can provide information to support the NFF.
New product to help control earwigs
There is a new chemical that has been registered for use in controlling earwigs. It is expected to be available for use this month. The product is called Transcend and is produced by Imtrade Crop Sciences. You can find out more information by visiting their website or googling the product name.
Tickets open for SA’s AgTech conference
Tickets are now available for the AdvanceAg event at the Adelaide Convention Centre on July 23. More than 300 people attended last year’s event and the organisers are hoping this year will be even bigger.
The State Government’s AgTech Advisory Group independent chair Dr Leanna Read said the 2021 event aims to build on last year’s success, with a key focus this year on sharing producers' real-life experiences with adopting technology.
“Not only will we have keynote speakers but we will have breakout sessions focused on a number of industries and technologies, and a pitch session," Dr Read said.
“There are many AgTech events across Australia that demonstrate ‘blue sky’ technology but the aim of AdvanceAg is to showcase affordable technology solutions to farmers they can readily adopt.”
To purchase tickets for the event and for further information, visit: www.advanceagsa.com.au
Fruit fly update
You can keep up to date with all the latest news and restrictions in regard to fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland by visiting https://fruitfly.sa.gov.au/outbreak-map
The following are the current outbreak areas and how longs restrictions will be in place for:
Monash – Queensland fruit fly – 16 November 2021
Renmark West – Queensland fruit fly – 17 November 2021
Cooltong – Queensland fruit fly – 16 November 2021
Berri – Queensland fruit fly – 21 November 2021
Pike River – Queensland fruit fly – 6 November 2021
There is a dedicated industry support hotline 1800 255 556 or visit https://fruitfly.sa.gov.au/industry-support
South Australia’s Planning and Design Code
South Australia’s Planning and Design Code became fully operational on March 19, but it seems it has a few teething problems, particularly in regards to primary industry businesses. PIRSA is considering an informal Rural Code Review Process to monitor implementation issues over the remainder of 2021 and help resolve problems for primary producers and agribusinesses as they emerge. It is calling for feedback on any issues with code policies or ePlanning processes that are particular to primary industry business and are not easily resolved through the online ePlanning support or with local councils. If you have experienced issues, please email contact@citrussa.com.au and we can forward on your concerns to the relevant people.
April production tips
Copper sprays: Aim to begin your copper application at the start of April to help minimise any fungal diseases. Spray by variety order starting with early navels and mandarins, Mid-season navels, Cara Cara’s, Bloods and mandarins and then late season navels and mandarins.
Stop Drop 2,4D application: Start applications from mid-April but make sure that its applied at least two weeks minimum after your last copper application.
Autumn GA: Consult your agronomist about rates and your packer regarding your harvest strategy. Delaying or lengthening your harvest window coming into a year with so many uncertainties could prove to be beneficial.
Quality control: Continue removing sunburnt fruit, removing now while visible with help aid with your pack out.