July Newsletter.
Citrus season launch - SA Produce Markets
Keep an eye out on local and social media for a range of citrus promotions over coming months. Citrus SA is again supporting the SA Produce Markets in its launch of the SA citrus season.
Freshcare
Citrus SA is continuing to talk with the directors of Freshcare in the hope of negotiating a simpler format for citrus growers. We are hopeful our lobbying will be effective and result in a better outcome for growers.
Tell us what you want
We have put together a very quick survey to determine where you would like to see your Primary Industries Funding Scheme (PIFS) contributions best utilised. You can take the survey here/ check your inbox for the link.
Call for Citrus SA committee members
Would you like to join the committee? We have a couple of positions which will become available later in the year. Please email us at contact@citrussa.com.au or get in touch with one of the current members to find out more.
State budget
We welcome a range of announcements in this year’s budget, in particular the funding for regional projects including continuation of the fruit fly eradication program, mobiisation of the seasonal and regional workforce, a range of drought support measures and the AgTech adoption program. The announcement of $202 million for the Truro bypass was also welcomed.
Producer and adviser input needed for new climate resilience tool
The Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO are building a new digital platform bringing historical climate information and future climate projections in one location. Funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, the $10 million Climate Services for Agriculture platform will tailor climate information to the agriculture sector.
The first prototype is now available for testing and feedback is now being sought before it is developed further to ensure it meets the needs of farmers and growers.
On Wednesday, July 14, from 1-2:30pm, Luke Shelley from the Bureau’s Agriculture program will present a webinar on the Climate Services for Agriculture program unique to the Victorian Mallee and South East South Australia. He will walk you through the first prototype and ask you what type of climate information you’d like to see in the platform and what is the best way for you to see it. You can also register to stay involved in the continuing development of the platform over the next 12 months.
Contact: Kylie Dunstan on 0417 437 922 or kylie@farmlink.com.au if you’d like to learn more about the project, access the prototype or register to be involved in the co-design
Agmove paying workers’ relocation costs
If you’re still looking to attract harvest labour, the Federal Government’s AgMove could help with paying relocation costs for workers.
People relocating to take up short-term harvest work in a harvest, regional or remote area can receive up to $6000 in relocation costs.
It’s paid in two instalments – up to $2000 after will be paid after the completion of 40 hours of work in at least two weeks. There’s a further $4000 of relocation costs after completing 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.
There’s also up to $2000 for temporary visa holders with general working rights like working holiday makers and some international students.
• With up to $650 for relocation costs after completing 40 hours of work in at least two weeks.
• Up to a further $1350 for relocation costs after completing 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.
You can find out more information at https://www.dese.gov.au/harvest-trail/agmove
Apply now to become a Nuffield Scholar
Citrus growers from around Australia are being encouraged to apply for one of the 20 Nuffield Scholarships available this year.
The scholarships are open to farmers, fishers and those in associated industries aged between 28-45 and no tertiary education qualifications are required. Each scholar receives a $30,000 bursary to spend 14 weeks of travel over 18 months to study a topic important to the industry.
Applications close on Friday 6 August 2021.
Find out more and apply at www.nuffield.com.au
In case you missed it - spray day summary
If you missed Citrus SA’s recent spray day with Don Thorp from Horticultural Spraying Specialists, you can access a full summary of the day as a PDF document. Please email contact@citrussa.com.au to have the summary emailed to you. Or you can listen to Don’s summary of the day at The Citrus Segment Podcast by searching on your favourite podcast application.
AGM – save the date
The second Annual General Meeting of Citrus SA Inc. will be held on Friday, October 15 at the Riverland Events Centre. More details will be provided closer to the date.
Production hints for July
Later winter GA spray: The main objective for this spray is to regulate flowering.
Winter foliar Urea Spray: This spray can assist in producing healthy bud initiation, especially following heavy crop set.
Frost Control Measures: It is important to identify frost prone areas and implement measures to prevent, detect and reduce frost risks (see above).
Irrigation Maintenance: This is an ideal time to do irrigation maintenance and flush irrigation lines.
Crop estimates and size: It is important to regularly update your fruit size and yield estimates and communicate this with your packer. This will assist with marketing strategies in particularly the export markets.
Pruning of early maturing varieties: Your pruning program should commence once harvest on early maturing varieties has been completed.
Snail baiting: Areas to be controlled are centre sods/rows, under skirts, headlands and bin storage areas. Snails are a quarantinable pest for the USA markets.