More than 45 growers and industry reps attended the APAL Future Orchard walk in Donnybrook on 7 July to discuss effective chemical thinning strategies for the upcoming season. AgFirst Horticultural Consultant Jonathan Brookes described factors to take some mystery out of chemical thinning by considering previous yield patterns, weather conditions, and cultivar characteristics when choosing a strategy. Choosing optimum weather conditions was often more important than perfect fruitlet size.

Guest speaker Graham Hope of Kiwicrunch described 50 years in the industry as New Zealand has moved from a regulated industry of family farms to a deregulated, export-focused industry dominated by corporate structures. Two growers on the APAL immersion program Callum Burns of Glenbernie Orchard (Darkes Forest Southern NSW) and Simon Favaro of Eastern Colour (Stanthorpe Qld) shared their stories, each on family farms with very different structures.

Giuseppe (Joe) Patane and Sam Licciardello Red Moon Orchard

The orchard walk explored 3 pear blocks at Redmoon Orchard, with the use of drape netting making chemical thinning a very attractive option. Tree vigour, canopy structure, high spring temperatures, and previous fruiting behaviour all informed a different strategy for each block.

Nic Finger from APAL launched a new WhatsApp group as part of the Future Orchards – Adoption and Innovation in Apples and Pears (AP25004) project, funded by Hort Innovation through the apple and pear research and development levy, with contributions from the Australian Government.

This new initiative complements the Future Orchards program by providing an additional communication channel for growers and industry participants. As part of the next phase of the project, WhatsApp groups has been established for each region and interest group, enabling more timely and interactive communication. The groups provide a platform for participants to share observations, ask questions, and post photos relating to seasonal conditions, orchard management, and industry issues, helping to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange across the apple and pear industry.

Presentations and a recording from the day will be available soon on the Future Orchards Library | Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL)

Thank you to Sam Licciardello of Orchard 1 Sixty for hosting the presentations and Giuseppe Patane of Redmoon Orchards for hosting the orchard walk discussion.

Successful APAL Future Orchard Walk focuses on Pears on the Golden Mile in Donnybrook

Nic Finger from APAL launched a new WhatsApp group as part of the Future Orchards – Adoption and Innovation in Apples and Pears (AP25004) project, funded by Hort Innovation through the apple and pear research and development levy, with contributions from the Australian Government.

Thank you to Sam Licciardello of Orchard 1 Sixty for hosting the presentations and Giuseppe Patane of Redmoon Orchards for hosting the orchard walk discussion.

Photo Gallery of all the highlights of the day