News

The AMS Masterclass recently completed two days of big-picture thinking around sustainability, productivity and the future of macadamia farming.

Led by Dr Theunis Smit, Omen Ag, the sessions explored carbon footprints, resource use efficiency and practical orchard approaches, reinforcing that sustainability is not just a buzzword but critical to long-term productivity, profitability and market access.

These insights were then brought to life at MFM’s Project Paradise, showcasing sustainability in action. From efficient resource use and automated robotics to native plantings supporting biodiversity, the orchard visit demonstrated how practical innovations are being applied on farm to drive productivity and resilience.

Day two shifted to productivity, with Professor Stephen Trueman (Griffith University) breaking down pollination: what we know, what we don’t, and why it matters for yield and kernel recovery. This was followed by insights from the QDPI benchmarking team, Shane Mulo and Grant Bignell, and an update on Regional Variety Trials from Max Cowan, providing growers with valuable data to support on-farm decision making.

A huge thank you to our expert speakers, host farms and machinery exhibitors for supporting the event and giving growers the opportunity to learn, connect and see these practices in action.