Monterey issue , given its widespread use in new plantings across the industry . The kernel is popular with customers and is readily accepted as a preferred Carmel Type . On average its kernel sizing profile is larger than carmel which also helps boost volumes of the higher priced larger Carmel Type varieties . The downside ( before the bud failure issue ) has been that it is one of the latest varieties to mature , leaving it potentially exposed to more adverse weather before and during harvest . The emergence of the Riverina as a key growing region will be recognised in new and ongoing research projects to ensure trials involving rootstocks , carbon metrics and soil management are expanded into the region to maximise the relevance of outcomes peculiar to the district . For the first time , an ABA board meeting will be convened in Griffith next month .
ABA Conference Adelaide bound
The ABA Conference is back on the calendar - four years since our last event . The event will held at the Adelaide Convention Centre and an updated sponsorship prospectus is about to be released . The program will be designed to attract as many growers as possible by providing a range of speakers and activities that add value and insights into the challenges faced on farm and throughout the supply chain . This year there will also be an alternative conference program for spouses to encourage more couples to attend and make a week of it in Adelaide . More to come on this in the near future .
New sustainability officer
The Almond Board of Australia has appointed Environmental Science Honours graduate Ella Henson as the industry ’ s new sustainability officer . Ella graduated with first class honours from Deakin University and has a wide range of experience in wildlife and conservation biology . She will be based in the ABA ’ s new Waite Campus office in Adelaide alongside our Marketing Officer Lou Martin , but will be travelling through the growing regions extensively to develop first-hand knowledge of the industry . Ella grew up in Hallett Cove south of Adelaide and has travelled extensively and worked on a number of conservation projects . She succeeds Megan Coles who has left the ABA to take a positions in the Meat and Livestock industry .
Making news ...
Sustainability champions
THE ABA is seeking examples of on-farm initiatives that help showcase the industry ’ s commitment to improve sustainable growing practices . As suspected , our consultation process is revealing the almond industry ’ s record in this space is much better than some critics would have others believe . The ABA ’ s objective now is to aggregate examples of best management practice in order to educate those beyond the industry of our track record . We have heard from growers creating native vegetation that attracts native bees , adopting new technologies that reduce water use and improve yields , of cover crops that improve the soil and reduce access delays after rain . What has also become evident is that some technologies taken for granted within the industry , like zero waste from each crop harvested , soil moisture monitoring and drip irrigation , can be promoted more widely to underline the level of commitment to sustainable practices . If you ' d like to share your on-farm experiences , get in touch with us at tjackson @ australianalmonds . com . au .
ACE Orchard harvest
IT ' S been all hands on deck during harvest at the Almond Centre of Excellence ’ s ( ACE ) Experimental Orchard at Loxton . Unlike commercially operated orchards , harvest is a painstaking process with yields being measured and recorded after each small segment of specific trees and rootstocks which can be a sample size of 2-3 trees at a time . This is all in the name of science as our team of researchers use the data to compare , verify and analyse what represents the optimum tree for growers . As some of the industry ’ s older larger orchards come toward the end of their productive life , a lot of consideration is being made around tree spacings , tree architecture and tree size for next generation redevelopments . The ACE orchard features a wide range of spacings underway and has utilised a lot of variations in varieties and rootstocks . The industry is also redefining the type of machinery required to best manage narrow rows and condensed plantings . Work on infield impact hulling , using smaller equipment and autonomous tractors will be trialed in 2022 . Updated analysis from researchers on all these projects will be forthcoming and accessible via our website .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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