Fruit Growing Is More Than Just Growing Fruit

June 2023 | Presented by Noel Mason, AG & HC Mason, Adelaide Hills | Future Orchards® presentation

Noel Mason shares the redevelopment and management approach used on a 20-hectare Adelaide Hills orchard growing a mix of open and club apple varieties including Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji, Jazz, Envy and Kissabel.

The presentation argues that inefficient orchard systems can carry a high opportunity cost even when they produce attractive fruit. Mason discusses the value of planting the best nursery trees available, supporting early tree growth, managing wind, water, fertiliser, pests and disease, and designing new systems around labour and platform efficiency.

A Rosy Glow redevelopment example illustrates the trade-off between retaining an older, low-yield system and rebuilding for higher efficiency. Mason also highlights the importance of uniform canopies and consistent production, showing an Envy block delivering around 100 tonnes per hectare, with 95 tonnes per hectare picked in the first pass. Simple daily record-keeping is presented as another key part of understanding the numbers required for consistent profitability.