Project yields promising results

The 10 Tonne Project, funded by the Australian Government under the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program has come to an end.

The four demonstration sites have proven that Sunmuscat and Sunglo can average yields of more than 10 tonnes/ ha over three consecutive seasons. Increased fertiliser application to replace the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) removed with 10 tonnes of fruit was a key to maintaining the yields.

It is also essential to maintain adequate irrigation during the season and post-harvest, as well as maintain pest and disease control.

The GrowCare pest and disease alerts were funded through the 10 Tonne Project.

Over winter, the DFA will look at how timely pest and disease warnings can be provided for growers now that the funding for the alerts is no longer available. Another positive outcome identified in this project is the industry-wide shift

Hello from the communications desk…

I join Stephen in this edition’s column to give a brief update on what’s been happening behind the scenes in communications for Dried Fruits Australia.

In addition to our regular fortnightly Currant News editions, as well as our quarterly Vine magazines, we’ve also been working on several other communications-based projects.

You may have noticed our Season Update films we’ve been producing for the 2023 season. We will continue in varieties. Sultana was, historically, the backbone of the industry, but it is very difficult to get this variety to crop consistently from year to year at or above the 10 tonnes per hectare target.

As of January 2022, for the first time in the industry’s 130-year history, the sultana variety is no longer the dominant planting, handing over the mantle to Sunmuscat.

It is clear from the SunRISE Mapping data that the industry is investing in a transition to those more consistently producing varieties (Sunmuscat, Sunglo, Selma Pete, Sugra 39 and Carina Currants).

Trellis systems on show

Field walks have focused on alternative trellis systems this summer.

A comparison of some trellis systems developed in Sunraysia recently and Shaw swingarm is presented on page 18-19.

Tractors go electric

There is lots of news in the press about electric cars and trucks – but what about tractors?

Well, they exist, and they are already on the market and can be ordered from the USA, with a list to bring you updates throughout the year, with the films being posted on our YouTube channel and shared on our social media platforms and in our newsletter. price of about AU$100,00, what’s more they are autonomous.

In preparation for the return to overseas marketing activities (more on this on P27), our industry brochure is having a well-overdue refresh, while the film showcasing our industry is also being updated to reflect areas of the industry that have become more modern and mechanised. Meanwhile, our new DFA website is nearing completion and we look forward to launching that soon.

A single operator can operate up to eight tractors at a time.

The operating costs of an electric tractor are 90 per cent less than a diesel-powered machine. This is because the cost of diesel and diesel drivetrain maintenance are eliminated. The battery has a 14-hour run time. The Monark MK-V is sold out until the end of 2023. The fully electric tractor produces 40 hp (30kW) continuous and 70 hp (52.5 kW) peak. It has a 540 PTO RPM, and can tow a 1000-litre spray cart.v

Stephen Kelly

Dried Fruits Australia field officer 03 5023 5174 projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

If you do not receive our fortnightly Currant News newsletter, please email your details (name, company/ role in industry) to communications@ driedfruitsaustralia.org.au to be added to our mailing list.v

Megan Frankel-Vaughan