A group of Almondco Australia 's growers who took up the company's offer of an orchard management course have claimed that the experience will make their businesses more profitable.
The claims were made during the course graduation dinner at the Renmark Country Club earlier this month.
A number of seasoned almond growers reported that they had learned a lot about different aspects of their operation and how they can improve yields. The course's facilitator, Graham Johns, said the curriculum was designed to provide growers with the chance to learn more about the many aspects of managing an almond orchard.
Many growers at the dinner said they had underestimated the importance of their post harvest irrigation and fertilising regimes. Mr Johns was able to illustrate to growers that with the right timing in key areas like irrigation and nutrient application, yields and sizing can increase significantly.
Growers from the Adelaide Plains, Riverland and Mildura took part. Almondco plan to run the course for grower members again this year. Almondco general manager Brenton Woolston said at the presentation it was the company's aim to make their grower members the most profitable in the industry, and thanked the graduates for supporting the initiative.
"We've learnt a lot from the course," Almondco director and Adelaide Plains grower Jim Pierson said.
