Events

Save the date for the AMS MacGroups, coming to six regional locations this July.

The July MacGroups will explore practical topics shaping orchard productivity and resilience, including pollination, disease prediction and emerging macadamia varieties.

Each event will include an orchard walk where growers can view new and emerging varieties in the field, discuss orchard management and compare regional performance.

This is a great opportunity to connect with other growers, share ideas and experiences and discuss seasonal challenges with others across the industry.

Topics will include:

Macadamia pollination – what growers need to know

Prof. Stephen Trueman and Prof. Helen Wallace

Recent research continues to highlight the importance of cross-pollination in improving nut size, kernel recovery and orchard productivity. This session will explore practical ways to improve pollination outcomes through orchard design, bee management and pollination planning.

Varroa mite update, hive management and pollination preparedness

Varroa Detection Officers

This session will provide an update on the current state of Varroa mite in Queensland and New South Wales, including practical guidance on hive inspection and monitoring. Discussion will also cover an industry honey bee and native bee hive standard, along with alternative pollination options and practical considerations for macadamia orchards.

Latest disease research and prediction tools

Prof. Femi Akinsanmi

Femi will share the latest research into flower diseases in macadamias, including how weather conditions during flowering can influence disease risk, nut set and yield. Growers will also hear about new disease prediction tools supporting earlier intervention and better orchard decisions.

AMS and industry updates

Receive updates on the industry outlook, market conditions and AMS priorities, and connect with new AMS CEO Ben Baldwin and Market Development Manager Laura Davies.

Dates and regions (all morning events including morning tea and lunch)

Bundaberg

Tuesday 14 July 2026

Nutbush Farms, 41 Pitts Rd, Farnsfield QLD, 4660

07:30am (Registration opens) for 8am start to 2pm (post-lunch orchard walk)

Gympie

Wednesday 15 July 2026

Noosa Natural Farm, 144 Bates Rd, Como QLD 4571

07:30am (Registration opens) for 8am start to 2pm (post-lunch orchard walk)

Glasshouse Mountains

Thursday 16 July 2026

Elimbah Hall, 10 Coronation Dr, Elimbah QLD 4516

Location for orchard walk to be provided on the day

09.30am (Registration opens) for 10am start to 4 (post-lunch orchard walk)

Mackay

Friday 17 July 2026

Souths League Club, 181 Milton St, South Mackay QLD 4740

Location for orchard walk to be provided on the day

07:30am (Registration opens) for 8am start to 2pm (post-lunch orchard walk)

Mid North Coast

Tuesday 28 July 2026

Macksville Ex Services Club, Cnr Cooper & Winifred St, Macksville NSW 2447

Location for orchard walk to be provided on the day

07:30am (Registration opens) for 8am start to 2pm (post-lunch orchard walk)

Register here

Northern Rivers

Wednesday 29 July 2026

Summerland Farm, 253 Wardell Rd, Alstonville NSW 2477

Location for orchard walk to be provided on the day

07:30am (Registration opens) for 8am start to 2pm (post-lunch orchard walk)

Register here

Tea and coffee will be available 30 mins prior to start time.

We look forward to seeing you in July.