Ironbark Citrus, based in Mundubbera, west of Bundaberg in Queensland, has over 88,000 trees across three farms, and started its harvest this week.
"We're probably a little later than we usually are," Operations Manager, Hugh Tully explained. "We are just waiting for the colour to come through on some of our blocks, so hopefully a few more cooler nights will sort them out. But fruit from some of our earlier blocks is starting to go into the boxes, and we are excited for the season ahead."
Ironbark Citrus produces over 5,000 tonnes a year, and while admitting that it will not be a "record breaker" in terms of volume, staff are optimistic of beating that target.
"Early season crops are mostly Fremonts and Novas and from there we move into our own variety which is the Royal Honey Murcrott, or RHM, which is an early season Murcrott, so that will be our mid-season variety," Mr Tully said. "The size of our late season Murcotts is up quite a lot from last year because we've had slightly better rainfall and worked on our irrigation planning, which has helped out."
Weather across the farms has been 3-4 degrees hotter than average, but Ironbark was surprised at how the size of the fruit held up throughout the summer, which was dealt with by using a constant irrigation system.
Mr Tully said while nothing compares to actual rainfall, having the ability to use these pumps helps keep the size, quality and taste of the fruit under control.
"The size is definitely up on last year," Mr Tully said. "All of our (taste) testing has been pretty good so far. I guess with the added size also helps with lower acid levels and the sugar levels have been pretty good as well.”
The family run business, owned by Susan and Allen Jenkin, focuses solely on the export market.
While the company did a lot of trade through Indonesia, until the citrus ban came into effect, it has found other opportunities in Asia and the Middle East.
"There is plenty of demand," Mr Tully said. "The Murcotts are popular in Asia, in particular China and Thailand love our RHM variety, which seem to sell themselves.”
The citrus harvest season runs until October.
For more information:
Hugh Tully
Ironbank Citrus
Tel: +617 4165 4670
Email: ironbark@ironbarkcitrus.com.au
www.ironbarkcitrus.com.au
Author: Matt Russell