May

Spray day summary

Citrus SA recently held two practical spray workshops and demonstration days for Riverland citrus growers, focusing on improving spray application and achieving better outcomes in the orchard.

The sessions were held at Venus Citrus and at Sunlands, bringing together growers and industry representatives for a combination of presentations and hands-on demonstrations.

Presenters Don Thorpe from Horticultural Spraying Specialists, Courtney Lean from Nutrien and Darren Alexander from Bayer shared practical information on spray application, coverage and orchard management considerations before moving into field demonstrations with spray equipment.

The workshops provided growers with the opportunity to see equipment and spray practices in action, ask questions and discuss practical approaches to improving spray efficiency and effectiveness in Riverland orchards.

Citrus SA thanks all presenters, hosts and growers who attended the sessions and contributed to the discussions across both days.

Useful harvest resources

As the 2025 citrus harvest starts to kick into gear, there are several resources on Citrus SA’s website which may be useful to growers. These include a labour hire template, the Australian Citrus Harvesting Handbook in both English and Punjabi,

Upcoming Citrus Growers Fund public meeting

All citrus growers across South Australia will soon be invited to attend a public meeting to review and discuss the revised Citrus Growers Fund Management Plan.

As required under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998, a management plan for the fund must be updated each year and presented at a public forum. This revised plan outlines projected contributions over the next five years, proposed investment strategies, and how the fund will support eligible projects.

This is your opportunity to hear what’s planned, ask questions, and provide feedback on how your industry fund is being managed.

More details on the time and date will be available soon. 

Are you Bogged Mate?

Are You Bogged Mate? is continuing its work supporting rural men’s mental health through practical, non-clinical programs designed specifically for people living and working in regional Australia. The organisation delivers Mary’s Bogged Talks presentations and Bogged Brakes getaways, encouraging rural men to take a break, connect with others and learn practical tools to manage mental health. 

Applications for the 2026 Bogged Brakes events close on May 31. Citrus SA encourages growers and industry members to learn more about the program and available support through the Are You Bogged Mate? website. 

More information, upcoming events and applications for Bogged Brakes can be found at Are You Bogged Mate?.

Book Examines Consequences of Basin Plan Decisions

The book Caught in the Current – The Dire Consequences of Politics Driving the Murray-Darling Basin Plan was officially launched in Albury on May 4. Written by John Lolicato, the book explores the impacts of political decision-making surrounding the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and its consequences for regional communities.

Copies of the book are available now for $35, with interested readers encouraged to contact John Lolicato directly on 0428 539 226 for more information or to arrange a copy. 

May production notes

Pruning and Hedging: De-suckering of regrowth. Maintain skirts if registered for KCT.

Foliar spray: Copper spray application if not already completed. Stop drop spray on required variety’s two weeks either side of copper application. Apply GA spray at colour break for delaying harvest and extended shelf life. It is important to make decisions based on crop set for each patch. 

Snail baiting: Ensure orchards have snail control measures in place. Check loading areas and bait also.

Irrigation: Continue monitoring soil moisture probes. Regular flushing required - consider a chlorination flush.

Weed Control: Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required.

Trapping loading pads: Ensure that you have Fruit fly traps in place even over winter at all loading pads as this is one of the main opportunities that Fruit Fly use to transport themselves around our districts, especially from interstate.

*All advice is general in nature and growers should refer to packing sheds and consultants for individual advice.