My Orchard walk – comparing apples in Orange
Tomorrow Orange apple growers will return for their first in-orchard Future Orchards® walk since late 2019, with a tour of Joe Caltabiano’s Apple Country Orchard.
Local Future Orchards FLA Jess Fearnley said the Caltabiano’s orchard reflected a simple philosophy – to grow premium quality fruit.
“Joe has been on the premium-quality pathway for many years, and he has proven his ability to adjust his operations in response to the many and varied seasonal challenges – from drought to labour – while remaining true to his commitment to produce quality fruit,” said Jess.
Apple Country Orchards will host this week’s Future Orchards® Walk in Orange, providing apple growers with an opportunity to see and discuss what it takes to consistently produce high quality fruit in the Orange area.
With the COVID-19 pandemic slashing the number of available pickers, Joe has tried a range of labour options in the race to harvest his crop. This year has proven difficult to ensure enough labour is sourced and kept for the harvest period.
With 100% of the orchard under netting, the orchard walk will visit blocks of:
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- Pink Lady
- Gala
- Fuji, and
- High colour Red Delicious
Attendee will also have opportunity to discuss how Joe is managing the labour crisis and his approach to ensuring top-quality pack outs every harvest.
To ensure compliance with local coronavirus restrictions please ensure you register prior to the event.
For full program details, times, location and to register, please go to:
- Orange – Thursday 11 March 2021
- Batlow – Friday 12 March 2021
- Goulburn Valley – Monday 15 March 2021
- Western Australia – Thursday 18 March 2021
- South Australia – Thursday 18 March 2021
- Stanthorpe – Monday 22 March 2021
- Tasmania – Friday 26 March 2021
