Australian berry farm expecting record breaking season
Farm manager Stewart ‘Blade’ McKenzie and his wife Julie have been busy testing different varieties for viability in the market and have expanded their farm and now oversee 500,000 trees. They have been experimenting with planting methods and even shade cloth options since the property was established in July 2013.
The tree’s positive results to the dry, warm weather saw an extra 20 hectares of irrigated shelter constructed on the property late last year. Just last year they produced around 700 tonnes of fruit but this year they expect around 1200 tonnes to leave the farm.
Mr McKenzie noted his uncertainty when he first started the farm.
“I knew we would get something but I didn't know how much,” he said.
“It’s everything you could ever hope for because when you start off you don’t know what to expect,” Ms McKenzie added.
There are 14 different blueberry varieties on the property to accommodate different seasons and markets.
“No matter what you do, you can’t grow in all areas. We are going to have a couple of varieties to get the different seasons and markets. Asia like the real sweet ones...and some people here like the tang taste to it.”
source: queenslandcountrylife.com.au
