News

The recent AMS Showcase events in Queensland and NSW proved extremely popular, attracting more than 400 growers and industry representatives across both states.

At the events (staged at Alloway Macadamia, Bundaberg and Southern Cross University (SCU) orchard, Wollongbar) industry experts provided information about how to get the best out of harvest machinery and equipment. 

Attendees learned about the key features of all the major sweeper and fingerwheel harvesters on display and viewed live harvester demonstrations in the orchard. They also heard from experienced growers Dave Anderson (Bundaberg) and Tony Flick (Northern Rivers) who delivered a broad range of information about fingerwheels - including analysis of the different types available, orchard and machine suitability and maintenance/replacement guidelines.

In addition, Shaun Heidrich and Scott Pierantozzi from Muirs took everyone through the impressive line-up pf spray equipment, including some innovative new technology.

In Bundaberg, attendees toured Alloway Macadamia’s new post-harvest sorting and storage facility, and in Wollongbar they learned about SCU’s on-site macadamia nutrition trials and viewed parts of the orchard that had been affected by storm damage.

AMS CEO Clare Hamilton-Bate was on hand to give an industry update, including an overview of the improved technical market access to India for Australian macadamias. 

Industry development manager Leoni Kojetin said the events were focused on showing growers the wide range of machinery available and providing information on how to tailor machinery to suit their orchard needs and budget. 

“With industry expansion, comes more automation, innovation and improvements in machine capabilities and in the number of machinery options now available to help growers improve on-farm efficiency and retain quality,” said Leoni.

“It’s no longer ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to macadamia machinery. It’s all about using the right machinery for your individual orchard currently and recognising that as your orchard changes and grows, you will need to review your machinery options.”

Leoni said the events provided a great opportunity for the industry to come together just prior to harvest, to share knowledge and ideas about the season ahead.

Click here to view the Showcase brochure featuring all the exhibitor info and specs.

Thank you to all the AMS Showcase exhibitors, to the event hosts Alloway Macadamia and Southern Cross University and to Muirs, David Anderson and Tony Flick for generously sharing their expertise.