Business Development Group Update – November 2018

November 2018 | Prepared by Nic Finger, AgFirst | Future Orchards® Business Development Group newsletter

The November 2018 Business Development Group update focuses on the data growers need during hand thinning. Nic Finger recommends recording chemical-thinning results, pre- and post-hand-thinning fruit counts and fruit-size progression so that crop-load decisions can be evaluated objectively.

The newsletter explains why crop estimation matters beyond the orchard gate. Gross crop volume, expected packout and fruit-size estimates inform picker numbers, bins, machinery, storage, packaging, marketing and infrastructure decisions.

Cluster counting is presented as a practical way to simplify thinning instructions. By recording fruit per cluster and separating tree tops from bottoms, growers can develop rules such as thinning particular zones or cluster sizes to singles or doubles while still working towards a defined target crop load.