AUSTRALIAN ALMOND
CONFERENCE
Expert advice on efficient farming
Data David Doll collects :
• Weather forecast and ETo estimates
• Soil moisture data
• Mid-summer leaf data
• Soil samples
• Satellite imagery
• Aerial imagery
• Hull analysis
• Pressure bomb / chamber
• Water meter data
• Valve pressures
• Various tree count data ,
• Yield and yield parameters
• Sap analysis
• Activity progress .
Data used for strategic decisions :
• Weather forecast and ETo estimates
• Soil moisture data
• Mid-summer leaf data
• Soil samples
• Aerial imagery
• Hull analysis
• Yield and yield parameters .
Data used for spot decisions :
• Valve pressures ( adjusted on the spot )
• Pressure bomb / chamber
• Activity progress , pest reports .
Data not used regularly :
• Satellite imagery
• Various tree count data
• Sap analysis .
RENOWNED almond expert David Doll spoke about the importance of operating properties efficiently and economically to hundreds of attendees at the recent Australian Almond Conference . Mr Doll , who attended the conference from Portugal , used his decades of experience and knowledge to share how growers can be more efficient by collecting the right data . He urged growers to collect a mix of ‘ backward looking ’ and ‘ forward looking ’ information . ‘ Backward looking ’ data includes the results of past activities and provides insights on how to operate in future , while ‘ forward looking ’ data allows for providing adjustments for in-season practices , such as irrigation and fertility .
Collecting this data through a range of methods helps focus efforts and ensures the relevant tasks are being taken care of , Mr Doll said . He shared what data he collects on his property , and how the information collected is used . Mr Doll said the most important step in becoming more efficient is identifying waste by categorising activities by ‘ actions that add value ’, ‘ actions that do not add value , but are necessary ’, and ‘ unneeded actions ’. He said ‘ unneeded actions ’ can include over-irrigating , unnecessary pesticide applications , excessive driving to complete tasks , and collecting date and performing analysis that will not be used . Mr Doll showcased examples of how he has made his property
more efficient by taking the audience through real-life scenarios , demonstrating how even a small change like moving a pump station to cut down on travel resulted in a significant saving . Mr Doll also spoke about farming in Europe and the different conditions and challenges faced by almond growers in Portugal , with the biggest concerns at his orchard associated with rain , pests and diseases , which have wiped out some years ’ crops . Battling pests is made more challenging by strict pesticide regulations , with more registrations being cancelled each year . Mr Doll ’ s presentation will be made available online .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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