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Production

Our orchards are comprised of a multitude of cultivars of which our most common include:

Integrifolia and hybrids: 816, 788, 842, 791, 344, A4 and A16 which are grown to supply kernel.
Tetraphylla: 695 (Beaumonts) which are grown to satisfy our Dry In Shell market.

We strive to incorporate the latest technology, techniques and scientific research into our production systems with the aim to increase efficiency, drive down costs and ensure production sustainability, while maintaining a high quality. We are strongly invested in regenerative soil practices and IPM strategies. Some of our infield practices include:

OUR PRODUCTION

Regenerative Soil Practices

Our soils have been analysed for the presence and ratio of beneficial fungal and bacteria populations and the Soil Food Web is assessed in the process. Together with this, a root mass and root health analysis is undertaken. The compaction is measured, both in terms of severity and depth of compaction. From this information, we set about restoring the soil which means restoring a balance of the soil biology, creating a better soil physical structure and ensure a well-balanced chemistry.

We consider these 3 aspects of soil health as being equally important for the health and sustainability of our trees. Some of the regenerative practices include: Ripping to aerate, break up compaction layers and create an environment conducive to the growth of roots and microbes, whilst ensuring effective drainage and nutrient utilisation.

Part our our soil regeneration initiatives include the addition of beneficial microbes, like Trichoderma, soil conditioners such as Fulvic and Humic Acid, Kelp and Potassium Silica.

The resultant tree health naturally eliminates a number of common diseases, and as such the soil rejuvenation ultimately forms part of an IPM drive as it reduces the use of chemicals in controlling diseases like Phytopthora and Pythium.

We apply large quantities of woody mulch, up to 100 tons per hectare, to stimulate root production, maintain surface moisture and provide a food source to beneficial microbes.

PEST & DISEASE CONTROL

IPM Pest and Disease Control

We have been at the forefront of the use of predatory insects to control 3 of our major pests in our Macadamias. We have also incorporated a virus complex to control Macadamia Nut Borer. These have enabled us to significantly reduce chemical sprays and moved strongly into the Biological pest control arena.

WATER USAGE

Wise water Usage

We are a summer rainfall region, with an average of 1200mm per year. As we have a dry winter, supplementary irrigation ensures maximum production per hectare. We have Neutron moisture probes located at strategic points across all of our farms. These, together with physical moisture checks using hand augers, gives very good data to guide our irrigation scheduling decisions and ensure we supply adequate moisture at all times whilst not over irrigating.

PRECISION NUTRIENT DETERMINATIONS

Precision Nutrient Determinations

We do a complete leaf and soil analysis once a year to ascertain the nutrient needs and formulate the fertiliser programme for the season. We aim to use the least amount of fertiliser to promote microbial populations, reduce cost and protect sensitive feeder roots. We monitor nutrient uptake every three months by doing an orchard leaf analysis “spot check” and make minor adjustments to the program from this data.

PRECISION CHEMICAL

Precision chemical and fertiliser application

We utilise precision, variable speed/constant rate fertilizer applicators to ensure accurate fertilisation and ensure even distribution. Our Tractors use the latest GPS systems to guide these spreaders. We also use GPS guidance systems for our soil micronutrient application and herbicide control. These systems ensure efficiency and keep costs lower.

We run approximately 170 hectares of Low Flow Drip fed Macadamias. These trees are fed through very modern, state of the art automated fertigation systems, where all nutrients, both Macro and Micro, are injected through the irrigation lines, essentially providing enriched water at a pre-determined ratio. Moisture Probes are used to constantly monitor water use throughout the soil profile and together with weather prediction data, formulate irrigation schedules on a daily basis.

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