The weather for the next three months is a little uncertain as the change from La Niña to El Niño is yet to happen.
That means some warm and some wet weather may still occur.
Take advantage of the dry conditions to follow up on the jobs that can be done so that when the wet conditions roll in, work is up to date and the orchard appears as it should.
Use the wet conditions to tidy up the shed, service equipment, plan work ahead, also do not neglect labour supply issues.
Uncertain labour supply
Labour supply is a subject that requires forward planning as there are many unknowns.
For example we don't know the number of local backpackers that might be available, or the number or origin of overseas or visa workers.
Also likely to affect labour availability is Australia’s high employment rate, and the fact that thousands of workers will be required to repair or rebuild houses and infrastructure following the disastrous floods in NSW and Qld.
Then add the possible extra demands placed on farms to maintain COVID-19 safety requirements, for Occupational Health and Safety compliance, and for keeping an active quality assurance program relevant and up to date.
All of these are now a part of orchard management and require sufficient resources to maintain.
Someone once said “you would have to be mad to be a cherry grower”, so maybe throw in a mental health check as well, as there are programs to support you, your family and staff.
See this article in Tree Fruit March 2022
