Grower R&D Day and Orchard Tour
Hosted by the APAL team behind Future Orchards®, the much-anticipated Grower R&D Day will take place in Melbourne on 1 September, followed by an orchard and packhouse tour on 2 September 2022.
Connect with 80+ growers, crop advisors and renowned researchers to explore the latest research findings from the world of pome fruit.
Dedicated to sharing the latest research projects and highlights from the world of Agri-Technology, the program explores:
- selection and integration of automation and precision tools in orchards
- future of crop protection
- apple and pear grower levy-funded PIPS3 research
- business and benchmarking to make financial decisions
- in-orchard demonstrations and discussion of orchard business and packhouse tour in Southern Victoria
Why attend?
High-calibre agenda: World-renowned researchers and fellow growers will challenge your thinking on orchard management techniques.
Unparalleled networking: Connect with growers and researchers to discuss key industry topics and enjoy a behind-the-scenes orchard tour and build relationships with experts and peers at networking drinks.
News you can use: Our packed agenda will provide you with the R&D insights, first-hand perspectives and hands-on learnings to drive change in your orchard.
Speakers & Presentations
DAY 1 – THURSDAY 1 SEPTEMBER
Smarter orchards: Integration and adoption of agtech in orchard business
- Agtech decision-making frameworks: Implementation vs impact | Jesse Reader, Costa Group
- Being part of tech development and integration | Gaethan Cutri, Cutri Fruit
- Integration and adoption of mechanisation and data collection to improve labour efficiency and business decision-making | Mark Trzaskoma, Battunga Orchards
Apples and pears now and into the future
- SINATA (Strategic Irrigation and Nitrogen Assessment Tool) for apples | Nigel Swarts, University of Tasmania
- Mastrus Wasp update | Greg Lefoe, AgVic
- Pneumatic leaf defoliation: Benefits and issues explored | Nic Finger and Eric Zhang, Fruit Help
- The New Zealand Sustainability Project and zero sprays by 2050 | Rachel Kilmister, New Zealand Apples and Pears
- Crop protection in apple and pear orchards: What does the future look like? | Dave Rumbold, Nufarm
- Plant growth regulators: Where are we now? | Jack Bartels, Sumitomo Chemical Australia
- Biosecurity: Why should I bother? | Kevin Clayton-Greene, Biosecurity Consultant and Rose Daniel, APAL
- Pollination and pollinisers in netted apple orchards | Katja Hogendoorn, University of Adelaide
- Pear training systems: Recommendations for growers | Lexie McClymont, Agriculture Victoria Research
- Next generation rootstock demonstration updates | Tom Frankcomb, APAL
- Soil health and apple orchard floor management | Sally Bound, University of Tasmania
- Biennial bearing | Tim Plozza, Agriculture Victoria Research
Orchard Business
- The economics of replanting | Dave Gleason, Horticulturalist and proprietary variety developer, Domex Superfresh Growers
- Using the OBA to support your orchard business and decision-making | Ross Wilson, AgFirst NZ
- WA PlanFarm benchmarking | Mark Scott, APAL
DAY 2 – FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER
Orchard and Packhouse Tour, Southern Victoria
During the Orchard Tour, hear discussions on precision horticulture and technologies to improve orchard efficiency and decision-making in-orchard.
The Orchard Tour will be followed by lunch at Montague’s and a tour of the packing shed.
Tickets
Please see below the ticket options available for purchase for the APAL Grower R&D Day and Orchard Tour:
- APAL Member | All-Access Pass (Day 1 & 2) – A$155.00
- APAL Member | Grower R&D Day Pass (Day 1 only) – A$105.00
- Non-Member | Grower R&D Day Pass (Day 1 only) – A$195.00
Note: Tickets for the Orchard Tour (Day 2 only) are not available for purchase.
Places on the Orchard Tour are strictly limited, APAL Members will be prioritised.
If you would like further information on APAL Membership, please contact us at APALinfo@apal.org.au or phone +61 3 9329 3511.
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