Australia’s Top Macadamia Growers Honoured in Awards of Excellence

The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) has unveiled the winners of its prestigious Awards of Excellence, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the nation’s macadamia growers. The industry’s peak body acknowledged the dedication and excellence of these individuals, showcasing their signifcant contributions to the macadamia sector.

In the category of Grower of the Year for Large Farms, Jason and Fiona Klotz of Red Rock Macadamias in Bundaberg claimed the honor. The Klotz family, with 80 hectares of orchard, achieved an impressive 1.69 tonnes of saleable kernel per hectare (1.69 t/ha SK) on average over the past fve seasons. This marks their third win in the last six seasons. Jason, a ffth-generation farmer, continues a family legacy of farming spanning 150 years.

In the Small Farm category, Gary and Julie Davis of Glendamia Park in the Glass House Mountains region secured the Grower of the Year award. Their 13.8-hectare orchard maintained an average of 1.91 tonnes of saleable kernel per hectare (1.91 t/ha SK) over fve seasons. Gary and Julie, with a farming background spanning three generations, established their orchard 25 years ago, with son Mitchell joining the operation in 2015. The family had previously won the Grower of the Year award in 2019.

Additionally, the AMS recognized regional award winners across macadamia growing regions, commending their productivity and quality. The dedication to on-farm innovation, collaboration, and long-term orchard health demonstrated by all recipients highlighted the industry’s commitment to excellence.

Clare HamiltonBate, CEO of AMS, commended the winners, emphasizing the industry’s reliance on collaboration and innovative thinking. She acknowledged the vital role of growers in maintaining Australia’s global reputation for high-quality macadamia nuts and world-class production practices.

Australia, recognized as the birthplace of macadamias, boasts approximately 800 growers producing around 50,000 tonnes of nut-in-shell annually. The industry’s commitment to excellence, from on-farm practices to post-harvest handling, contributes to the premium quality of the end product.

The Awards of Excellence not only honor the best in the industry but also underscore the signifcance of macadamia cultivation in Australia, where wild macadamia trees still thrive. With over 12.5 million commercially planted macadamia trees, the country continues to lead the global market, exporting 80% of its production to more than 40 countries.

As macadamias become an increasingly sought-after and heart-healthy nut, the dedication of growers remains crucial to sustaining the industry’s success. The AMS Awards of Excellence serve as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and commitment of Australia’s macadamia growers.

Regional award winners

Farm and/or business names where applicable, are listed in brackets.

Production fgures are from 2022 season. SK = saleable kernel RKR = reject kernel recovery.

Central Queensland

Best productivity

Large farms - Jason and Fiona Klotz (Red Rock Macadamias), 2.21 t/ ha SK

Small farms - Alloway Macadamias (AM2), 2.65 t/ha SK

Best quality

Large farms - Jason and Fiona Klotz (Red Rock Macadamias), 1% RKR

Small farmsMacadamia Farm Management (Quamby), 1.71% RKR

Gympie Queensland

Best productivity

Large farms - Garry and Andrea Sheppard (Ozmac), 1.68 t/ha SK

Small farms - Daniel and Belinda Blanco (Home farm), 2.04 t/ha SK

Best quality

Large farms - Lance Brady (Aleena Plantation), 1.94% RKR

Small farms - Mitchell, Gary and Julie Davis (Kilfenora South), 0.89% RKR

Glass House Mountains Queensland

Best productivity

Large farmsMichael Cooper (Mr Macadamia), 2.30 t/ha SK

Small farms - Gary and Julie Davis (Glendamia Park), 2.07 t/ha SK

Best quality

Large farmsMichael Cooper (Mr Macadamia), 1.43% RKR

Small farms - Barry and Pauline Morgan (BT & PA Morgan), 0.65% RKR

Northern Rivers NSW Best productivity

Large farms - Ian Macleod (Waila Macadamias), 1.64 t/ ha SK

Small farms - Steve McLean (Macadamia Allsorts), 2.01 t/ha SK

Best quality

Large farms - Anthony Hotson (Thebian Farms), 1.82% RKR

Small farms - Miles Gillespie (Serendipity Farm Company), 1.23% RKR

Mid North Coast NSW Best productivity

Large farms - Victoria Thynne (Elanora), 1.28 t/ha SK

Small farms - Tim Zeck and Dru Marshall (Wirrimbi), 1.52 t/ha SK

Best quality

Large farms - Victoria Thynne (Elanora), 1.13% RKR

Small farms - Grahame and Rebekah Elsley (Muddy Feet), 1.55% RKR