A heavy hailstorm in Batlow on Sunday has caused around a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of damage to the pre-harvest crops in the area.
The hail damage has been largely confined to just two orchards, growers say. “Around three other adjoining orchards have a small amount of damage. The total area affected is around 13 Ha and around 400 tonnes of apples,” confirms John Power, General Manager of the Batlow office. That amount represents only about 3% of the total crop, and growers expect to lose around 5% of their crop in any given year, adds Mr Power.
While the apples damaged directly by hail have begun to show bruising spots immediately, in other less affected areas the spots are only just now appearing. As harvest is due to start within two weeks, now is the time when growers will assess their options.
The fact spots may still be appearing makes it difficult to put a price on total damage estimates, however according to Mr Power the monetary loss is investment in the crop pre-harvest, or around $260,000. It is now for growers to decide whether or not they will employ pickers to pick the apples to sell for juicing. The fruit will only be useful for juicing if picked within the next few weeks, Mr Power adds.
For more information contact John Power, Batlow Apples
Email: johnp@batlow.com.au
Phone: +61 2 6941 4207
website: www.batlow.com.au