Following the recent Vic Cherry Growers Association Annual General Meeting at Tatura, key speakers took to the podium, including the CEO of Cherry Growers of Australia (CGA), Simon Boughey.
Simon presented an update of happenings in respect to CGA, and spoke of some uncertainty in relation to the operation of Hort Innovation Australia.
Penny Measham spoke of factors affecting cherry quality, and Jesse Reader presented on the importance of gathering industry data and how important it is to have data to assist in decision making.
Pickworth Orchards
An enthusiastic group of growers then took part in an orchard walk at Pickworth Orchards.
A number of interested growers were able to hear Stuart Pickworth talk about and look at rain covers; cherries grown on different growing systems and different rootstocks; and generally get a feel for the good crop that at this time of the year was setting on the trees.
Growers inspected a block where rain covers had been installed over cherries trained on Tatura Trellis; and looked at a high density planting—which created quite a bit of discussion amongst the participants.
Those who missed it missed a good day.
What seems to be clear is that good winter chill has set a good crop in most growing regions. However, with an El Nino approaching it will be important to be clear about the irrigation requirements for the crop and for tree health after harvest.
While a bit early to make an educated forecast about the crop, there is potential for a good national harvest—providing any adverse weather (such as the hail that hit part of the Goulburn Valley on October 11) stays away. Only time will tell.
See this article in Tree Fruit Oct 2015
