Vol.4 No.5 July 2012

Around the Orchard is published by APGASA as part of the ‘Developing sustainability through extension of best practice in the South Australian apple and pear industry’

project. This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited with co-investment from APGASA and funds from the Australian Government.

Publication of any information contained in this Newsletter either wholly or in part is not permitted without approval.

Newsletter of the Apple and Pear Growers Association of South Australia Inc.1655 Lobethal Road, Lenswood, S.A. 5240

Ph: 08 8389 8300 [Ext 105] Fax: 08 8389 8570 Email: aplnpear@ozemail.com.au

Editor: Susie Green

Calendar of Events

Latest Industry News

Rainfall(Rainfall for the month to date - 30 Nov 2015 source BOM)Milbrook Reservoir - 20.0 mm (avg 44.2mm)Lenswood - 17.4 mm (avg 44.7 m)Loxton - 40.8 mm (avg 21.6 mm)Mt Gambier - 23.2 mm (avg 46.1 mm)Prospect Hill - 14.3 (avg 42.1 mm)Uraidla - 21.8 mm (avg 53.9 mm)

Around the OrchardVol.7 No 9. December 2015

Newsletter of the Apple and Pear Growers Association of South Australia Inc.5 Plummers Road, Lenswood, S.A. 5240

Ph: 08 8389 8453 Email: aplnpear@ozemail.com.au

Website www.apgasa.comEditor: Susie Green

Wed 13 January 2016 - APAL Apple & Pear Postharvest Seminar, 9.00am – 4.00pm, Best Western Airport Motel & Convention Centre, Melbourne 3rd February 2016 - Future Orchards Adelaide Hills Orchard Walk 3rd - 5th February 2016 - Fruit Logistic Berlin

Agroplus F 75 Keyline

31-33 Milnes Road Strathalbyn 5255

P 85363733 www.gjeaststrath.com.au

72 hp 12/3 Synchro

30 km road speed

Cab Models Available

Rockit apples developing in the Adelaide Hills

From the Office

Apple & Pear Postharvest Seminar - page 2

Climate Outlook - page 2

Tasting Australia 2016 - page 2

Pink Lady Apple a Day - page 3

Pear-ilicious - page 3

Scholarships to study agribusiness - page 3

In the Orchard

Beneficial Predators in your Orchard - page 4

Netting Cost Benefit Calculator - page 4

Managing for the Heat - page 5

Save the Date - Future Orchards - page 5

Stamp Duty Changes and Impacts for Growers

- page 6

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From the Office

Components are fully painted before assembly increasing corrosion protection

Over run clutch in gearbox for driveline protection

Chassis made from high resistance steel Quality belts for high

power transmission

Precision balanced rotors for vibration-free operation

1300 745 826 silvan.com.au

Paech Motors 206 Onkaparinga Valley RdOakbank SA 5243

Phone: 08 8388 4111www.paech.com.au

FOR A SUPERIOR FINISH TRUST NOBILI MULCHERS

Apple and Pear Postharvest Seminar

APAL is holding an Apple and Pear Post-harvest Seminar in January 2016 to educate and inform packing shed managers, growers and industry about the latest in cold storage.

Wednesday, 13 January 20169.00am – 4.00pm

Best Western Airport Motel & Convention Centre, Melbourne

This year, special guest Dr James Mattheis from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will join the team of expert researchers and consultants. As a post-harvest physiology Research Leader in apples, pears and cherries, James specialises in the indications of maturity and quality factors as well as developing and applying optimal cold storage environments for new and specific varieties. James will present on two topics including: harvest maturity, postharvest technologies, quality and disorders; and apple volatiles as an indicator of fruit physiological condition.

Also joining the list of speakers is post-harvest physiologist researcher Dr Robert Prange who recently retired from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Robert is best known for discovering the potential of chlorophyll florescence to detect low oxygen stress in fruit in controlled atmosphere, and subsequently developed HarvestWatch as a method used to monitor the health of apples and pears during storage. HarvestWatch is now used worldwide and its major application is with Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere (DCA) storage for apples and pears as well as other fruit and vegetables. Robert will speak on post-harvest technologies including the technical aspects of HarvestWatch.

Australian based speakers include horticultural consultant Marcel Veens who will link the in-field pre-harvest conditions and management with post-harvest quality and provide examples. Stephen Tancred, an industry advisor with Orchard Services in Queensland, will discuss a demonstration trial currently running with different treatments of SmartFresh and DPA for scald control in apples and pears.

Other technical speakers will be Dr Dario Stefanelli and Dr Robert Holmes from Victoria’s Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, speaking on new technologies for managing maturity and post-harvest diseases respectively, and consultant Dr Robert Premier covering food safety.

Melbourne based economist Brad Georges from Greeneye will provide a look at the economics and new strategies of exporting apples and APAL Market Development Manager Olivia Tait will provide a snapshot of the recent export results.

The program will be well-rounded and full of information about both pre- and post-harvest applications.

Attendees will be presented with the essentials required when managing to achieve optimal storage and quality in the packing shed. Information will also be provided about the linkages between pre-harvest conditions and post-harvest quality – looking at better ways to utilise current technologies and new ones coming our way.

For more information or to book your place, contact APAL Technical Manager Angus Crawford on acrawford@apal.org.au or 03 9329 3511 or go to http://apal.org.au/postharvest2016/.

Climate Outlook

The Bureau of Meteorology have just released their latest climate outlooks. According to their predictions, for most of Australia the chance of above or below average January rainfall is roughly equal. The first three months of 2016 are likely to be drier than average across parts of northern Australia, and the southeast mainland.

January to March daytime and night-time temperatures are likely to be cooler than average across the southeast of Australia, including southeast SA, southwest NSW, western to central Victoria and most of Tasmania. Elsewhere, temperatures are likely to be warmer than average.

For further details go to http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/overview/summary

Tasting Australia 2016

Tasting Australia is the premier ‘Eating and Drinking’ event in Australia, where chefs, media, trade and consumers will come from around the world to uncover South Australian flavours and find out what our food scene is all about. Dates for the 2016 event are 1-8 May. Growers, juice & cider producers and other organisations are invited to get involved to showcase our regional produce.

Associated Events of Tasting AustraliaAssociated Events are events initiated and run by individual operators that form part of the Tasting Australia program. These events could be based around a meal or an experience such as cider tasting, an orchard tour or cooking class. To find out more about the Associated Events program view the Associated Events program information or apply by filling out the online application form. See http://www.tastingaustralia.com.au/en/about-us/get-involved . Note: Applications close Thursday 31 December.

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“Friendly service, Quality advice, Prompt attention, Excellent prices” • Horticultural and Viticultural Chemicals. • Organic and Mineral Fertilisers. • Hardware for the home & garden.• Pruning equipment sales and service. • Rainwater tanks and stock troughs.• Irrigation and fertigation equipment. • Rural Fencing – pine posts, droppers, steel fence rails, gates and

more. • Great prices on galvanised water pipe – from ½” to 2”• Wide range of general hardware and homewares. and don’t forget...• Wine and self-storage facilities available – talk to Peter about your

particular needs.

ASHTON CO-OP WOODS HILL ROAD,

ASHTON 83903211

Pink Lady® Apple a Day

Do you have a beautiful or interesting photo of a Pink Lady® apple?

Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2016 are looking for the most exciting, creative, inventive, beautiful images of Pink Lady® apples. They could be on a tree, on a plate, floating through the air, bobbing in water, in a child’s hand, however you see them.

If you’d like to use just one Pink Lady® apple in your photograph, please do. They want to see the simplest, most delicious of foods represented in the most inspiring way.

The winning image will receive a prize of £1000 and will be used by Pink Lady® in its UK multi media marketing campaign. For more information go to http://www.pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com/photo-category/an-apple-a-day/

Pear-ilicious

With a focus in recent years on the pear as a cooking ingredient, this great little chart from USA Pears is a perfect way to introduce cooking with pears. Thanks USA Pears!!

• Gear drive slashers

• Rotary slashers • Life style

implements

• Mulchers • Rotary Hoes • Power Harrows

• Trailed sprayers • 3 Point linkage

sprayers • Ute and ATV units

WE HAVE CHANGED THE NAME , MOVED TO BIGGER PREMISES, AND ARE NOW STOCKING EVERYTHING YOU NEED!

Scholarships to study agribusiness in 2017

School leavers interested in a career in the apple and pear industry can take advantage of a $10,000 scholarship if they want to spend a year working in the industry and will be ready to study in 2017.

APAL and Horticulture Innovation Australia are again partnering with Marcus Oldham College to offer two students the opportunity to each receive $10,000 from the New Horizons Scholarship. Successful applicants will commence studying a Diploma of Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham in 2017 after working for at least 12 months in the apple and pear industry.

APAL Industry Services Manager Annie Farrow said school leavers considering taking a gap year from study should look at the range of opportunities horticulture offers.

“This years’ school leavers are in an ideal position to take a break from their studies, gain some experience through working in the industry – be it in the orchard, packing shed, nursery or cool store – and commence studies at Marcus Oldham the following year,” says Annie.

“The Agribusiness course at Marcus Oldham is so popular that we were unable to offer a scholarship placement for this coming year because it filled up so quickly. So two scholars, hopefully one each from the apple and pear industries, will have an opportunity to study at this prestigious, independent college in 2017.”

Marcus Oldham’s one-year Diploma of Agribusiness is based on case study learning with a focus on the practical application of business management knowledge. Students will graduate with skills in farm business administration and business planning; an ability to produce and understand farm financial reports; and a strong understanding of information technology and its uses in agriculture.

For more information read the Apple & Pear New Horizons Scholarship brochure (http://apal.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2017-New-Horizons-Scholarship-Brochure-FINAL.pdf), visit the Marcus Oldham website (http://www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au/) or contact Annie on 03 9329 3511, 0408 526 786 or afarrow@apal.org.au. Applications close Thursday, 30 June 2016.

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Beneficial Predators in your Orchard By Hayden Hands DJS Growers and Services, Senior Agronomist

What are Beneficial Predators?Beneficial predators are insects that feed directly on common pest in your orchard. There are many familiar examples such as ladybirds, green lacewings and spiders that can be found throughout your orchard. Encouraging predators to establish at high enough levels so they control a target pest, requires an integrated approach to pest management. For example the use of selective insecticides to only target the pest and allow existing beneficial insects to survive a chemical spray, forms an important part of your farm’s management.

Trichogramma carvarae use in Apple & Pear OrchardsT. Carvarae is commonly known as a parasitic wasp, which will specifically target Codling Moth (CM) and Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM). They do this by parasitising the eggs of CM and LBAM. This in turn is beneficial to your orchard, as trichogramma will seek out pest eggs, preventing them from hatching and harming your crop. A female trichogramma wasp will typically parasitise up to fifty pest eggs over a ten day period, with well-timed releases.

Potential short falls of Trichogramma waspsOrchard pests such as CM and LBAM are highly effective at establishing quickly in your orchard and will lay their eggs over a number of weeks in order to increase their chance of creating new generations. Under normal conditions caterpillar numbers can increase significantly before predators numbers can start to establish naturally. Because Trichogramma requires a host pest to complete its life cycle, pest numbers can accelerate before the beneficial predator can establish itself.

Trichogramma wasp

Commercial rearing of beneficial insectsIn order to increase the success of using predators for pest control, we need to commercially rear large numbers of predators and release the wasps once pest activity occurs in your orchard. Using moth traps in your orchard will help determine the best timing for release. Follow up releases of predator wasps will then need to occur to ensure adequate coverage. A typical program will involve three weekly releases following a peak moth flight.

For further information please contact Hayden Hands at DJS Growers and Services Woodside. I would also like to acknowledge the help of Paul Jones from Bugs for Bugs for photos provided.

Trichogramma heliothus egg

In the Orchard

Netting Cost Benefit Calculator

Last edition we featured the new netting cost benefit calculator developed by Apple & Pear Growers Association of SA. If you would like to use this tool but need some assistance, please give Susie Green a call of 0417 451 999.

We would also love to hear your feedback on how you have found the tool to use. You can download it from http://apgasa.com/industry-news-and-resources/communication-and-publications/

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hillsirrigation@ashton.coop

Ph 08 8389 8233lenswood@eem.com www.eem.com.au

South Australia’s Apple &Pear Specialist

EE Muir & Sons is your total solution for chemical, fertilisers &

horticulture productsEE MUIR & SONSLENSWOOD

Managing for the Heat

With the very warm, dry conditions through December and two months of summer ahead, growers will be mindful of managing to minimise heat damage.

CanopyFruit exposed to the sun can be significantly hotter than shaded fruit. Therefore managing the canopy can help with reducing heat damage to fruit, particularly on the north-western side of the tree which has the greatest impact from the late afternoon sun.

Applying nitrogen fertilisers can encourage the growth of larger leaves that provide more shade. However, increasing nitrogen availability to trees can have negative impacts on the development of colour in red varieties. A healthy, well functioning canopy will provide more protection; wilted leaves and floppy load bearing branches will cause fruit to be exposed and reduce air movement through the canopy, therefore good nutrition is important.

Summer pruning should be avoided during extreme heat as the sudden exposure of previously shaded apples to the sun are at greater risk of damage. Branches that shift suddenly under increasing fruit loads can also expose apples to the sun.

During late thinning, avoid removing the upper fruit from a cluster, particularly if hot weather is predicted soon after thinning. It is safest to remove the lower fruit in the cluster.

Use of sunscreens can also offer some protection and your local rural supplier can offer some helpful advice on the attributes of the different products.

Water management through the extreme heat is also critical. Water can have a cooling effect. Maintaining adequate soil water content also helps the plant to maintain turgor pressure and helps the tree to recover quickly from the hot conditions. If water supplies are limited, prioritise more exposed blocks and use short, frequent irrigations through heatwaves.

Save the Date - Future Orchards

The next round of Future Orchards® walks is set to come to the Adelaide Hills on Wednesday 3rd February, with special guest Dr Nigel Swarts from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tasmania. The Southern Loop will be focusing on tree crop nutrition and physiology.

Nigel is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow and is interested in the field of tree physiology and specifically tree crop nutrition. Nigel leads two collaborative projects on nitrogen management in tree crop production systems, and is currently supervising three PhD students and two honours students. Nigel has a background in conservation biology with research focusing on rare and endangered orchids from across Australia. He has a strong track record in the field of orchard conservation with two highly cited review articles.

Craig Hornblow from AgFirst will also be joining the team. Further details will be distributed closer to the date. For further information please contact Front Line Adviser Paul James on 0419 826 956 or paul@lenswoodcoop.com.au.

The region’s Focus Orchard host for the coming 3 year period is Joel Brockhoff of Otherwood Orchards.

Thanking our industry supporters:

Stamp Duty Changes and impacts for growers

Article by John Stankevicius - BEc (Acc) CPA FTIA DFS(FP) from Jonas & Associates

The state budget announcements on the 18 June 2015 were passed as law on the 26 November 2015. This is a major incentive for growers and farmers with the value of assets no longer being distorted by state taxes.

The main initiatives which have been passed as law and took effect from the 18 June 2015 are summarised as follows:

1. Stamp Duty on transfer of shares not listed on a recognised stock exchange are abolished

2. Stamp Duty on the transfer of Non Real Property is abolished 3. Stamp Duty on Corporate Restructures are abolished4. Stamp Duty Exemption for a principal place of residence

transferred into a special disability trust for no consideration 5. Expansion of the stamp duty exemption on inter family farm

transfers 6. Commencement of the abolition of stamp duty on Commercial

Property phased in over three years which has been bought forward from the from 1 July 2016 to the 26 November 2015

7. Extension of the payroll tax rebate to be expanded to payrolls less than or equal to $1.2million

The abolition of stamp duty on the transfers of non publicly listed shares will allow shares of private companies to be transferred free of stamp duty. This will be particularly helpful for estate planning purposes where shares are passed to the up and coming generation or where businesses are wishing to restructure their affairs.

The abolition of stamp duties on commercial properties will allow business owners to transfer their commercial properties to their superannuation funds or risk free trusts without the threat of stamp duty. On retirement this will mean more of the proceeds will be available to the owners rather than to the Tax Office.

Investors have begun to look at opportunities to buy commercial properties to take advantage of the announcement.

For example average commercial property valued at $1 million, the stamp duty is $48,830.00. Investors are purchasing properties with settlement occurring after 26 November 2017 thinking they will avoid the payment of the stamp duty. But it is the signing date of the contract rather than the settlement date which is the relevant date. Further, there are anti avoidance provisions in the small print to deter investors from trying to work around the changes and save the duty.

Land used for primary production is specifically excluded from the definition of commercial property.

Transfers of fishing licences, business transfers including stock, goodwill, plant and equipment not fixed to land, receivables and intellectual property will be free of any stamp duty.

Purchase of farm machinery will no longer have stamp duty levied on the purchase price. The return on the investment will increase for farm machinery and make the upgrade of equipment affordable.

People selling businesses will not have to lower their asking price because of the impact of duty while purchasers will not be discouraged from buying businesses because of the additional duty on top of the asking price.

The state budget consolidated the long standing practice of exempting the transfer of the family farm between family members and in particular transfers to certain types of trusts.

The transfer of the family farm between generations will be exempt from duty and makes it easier for business succession and estate planning.

The payroll tax reductions announced in the 2014 financial year have been continued for the 2016 financial year. The rebates range from 2.45% to .45% for payrolls between $600,000. to $1,200,000.

The budget measures announced are game changing and should you wish to find out more on how they could benefit please call Jonas & Associates on 7226 2142.

On behalf of the Apple & Pear Growers Association of South Australia, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and prosperous year ahead.

APEN field trip

The Australasian Pacific Extension Network held their conference in Adelaide in November and 50 extension professionals from Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and The Phillipines toured the apple growing regions of the Adelaide Hills.

Feedback from participants was that this was one of the highlights of the conference - in particular hearing about the successful Future Orchards program and the impact it has had on production practices across Australia, such as Robert Green’s orchard.