Citrus

Squeezing to perfection at Venus Citrus

IT is little secret that the Riverland is known for its citrus production, and it’s something deeply rooted in the lives of growers across the region. The region’s climate is one of the key reasons helping produce some of the freshest citrus in...

Lachlan Dand

August 2025

Agriculture

Precision agriculture can benefit citrus and almond growers

SUSTAINABLE harvesting is amongst the ideal situation for any farmer in Australia, but with recent climate disruptions, new pests and rising costs, the use of new technologies and the responsible but effective limitation of fertilisers are among...

Sebastian Calderon

December 2024

Citrus

Meet your new favourite mandarin variety

THERE is a good reason all tracks lead to a new variety of mandarins at the Arnold’s Pyap property. The new early Sicily variety is proving to be popular with both growers and consumers, ticking all the boxes to become a favourite mandarin...

Stephanie Thompson

September 2023

Citrus

Riverland West citrus leader’s lifetime of dedication

CITRUS Australia has recognised retired iconic Waikerie citrus grower Mike Arnold’s leadership, vision, and commitment to the industry by inducting him into its Hall of Fame. The 85-year-old started in horticulture in 1954 during a period when...

Christine Webster

July 2023

Winter Update

Industry Expert: Mark Doecke - Citrus SA chair

Our fourth and final industry expert from our winter 2023 edition of SA Farmer. Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke chats all things citrus in the Riverland including varieties, fruit development, weather conditions and challenges. Which citrus varieties...

SA Farmer

June 2023

Industry Expert Update

Industry Expert: Mark Doecke - Citrus SA chair

Our third and final industry expert from our autumn 2023 edition of SA Farmer. Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke chats all things citrus in the Riverland including varieties, fruit quality, weather conditions and challenges. What varieties of citrus are...

SA Farmer

March 2023

Horticulture

Darrel and Charmaine found their Niche, and stuck to it

FROM a third-generation family fruit salad block to a successful dried fruit business, a husband and wife team are navigating the challenges and triumphs of growing 17 acres of fruit together. Darrel and Charmaine Size run Niche Fruits out of their...

Elyse Armanini

March 2023

Industry Expert Update

Industry Expert: Mark Doecke - Citrus SA chair

Our fourth and final industry expert from our spring 2022 edition of SA Farmer. Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke chats all things citrus in the Riverland including varieties, labour, shipping and healthy trees.

SA Farmer

December 2022

Horticulture

Take a gander at Fat Goose Fruits

FOR more than a century, the Howie family has grown citrus trees in Renmark, and Humphrey Howie has taken the next step into the future: converting his orchard to certified organic. The five-acre home block is a small snapshot into what the 50-acre...

Elyse Armanini

December 2022

Ag News

Citrus resources to save growers ‘time and money’

SIMPLIFYING record-keeping processes and the implementation of food safety guidelines for Riverland citrus growers is the goal of new resources being created by a state industry body. Citrus SA, in partnership with New South Wales-based company...

SA Farmer

December 2022

Citrus

Loyalty rewarded for Riverland West citrus packer

CITRUS industry hall of fame inductee Robert Lochert attributes the recognition he has received to the hard working and loyal staff at his Riverland West company, Lochert Bros, based in Ramco. Mr Lochert was installed into Citrus Australia’s Hall...

Christine Webster

November 2022

Spring update

Mark Doecke, Citrus SA chair

What varieties of citrus are currently being harvested in the Riverland? Mid-season varieties like Washington oranges and amigo mandarins are virtually finished. Late navels and afourer mandarins are starting now. Have weather conditions benefited...

SA Farmer

September 2022

Winter Update

Mark Doecke, Citrus SA chair

How far into the citrus harvest are we? We started harvesting in the last week of April. That’s a little bit later than last year but it was a very cold spring in 2021, so the fruit is a bit behind in maturity. Are growers confident in the volume...

SA Farmer

June 2022

Citrus

Citrus SA: May picking guide and production tips

Picking guide As harvest is about to get into full swing, don’t forget you can download the NSW DPI’s resource, the Australian Citrus Harvest Handbook. The handbook helps pickers use the correct harvest methods to reduce fruit damage and help...

SA Farmer

May 2022

Citrus

Citrus SA: Shipping and costs updates

Shipping updates and chemical supply and costs were the dominating topics at Citrus SA’s Grower Information Day held in April. Michael Byrne from DFAT spoke about the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) – a temporary, targeted...

SA Farmer

May 2022

Citrus

Citrus SA: Riverland fruit fly update

Fruit fly outbreak restrictions have been extended across many parts of the Riverland. These include: Renmark West: Queensland fruit fly – 14 December 2022 Pike River: Queensland fruit fly – 14 December 2022 Pike River West: Queensland fruit fly...

SA Farmer

May 2022

Citrus

Fruit fly outbreak headache ahead of citrus season

More information can also be found at www. fruitfly. sa. gov. au

Christine Webster

April 2022

Citrus

Hall of Famer retains zest for citrus

THE managing director and owner of Riverland West citrus packer and exporter Lochert Bros has been inducted into Citrus Australia’s Hall of Fame. Robert Lochert, 79, was recognised for his services to the citrus industry during the Citrus...

Christine Webster

April 2022

SA Farmer

Export market improvements, biosecurity vital to citrus future

GROWING new export destinations and increasing biosecurity protection are necessary to continue expanding the Riverland’s citrus production, according to a peak industry body. Citrus Australia last week outlined the priority areas that would need...

Staff Contributors

April 2022

SA Farmer

Workforce still a citrus priority

COMPLETING new visa legislation, and finding more accommodation for seasonal workers, are crucial to supporting local citrus growers through current economic challenges, according to a beak industry body. Citrus Australia last week outlined its...

Staff Contributors

April 2022

Autumn Update

Mark Doecke, Citrus SA chair: “The 2022 crop looks promising...“

What varieties of citrus are currently being harvested in the Riverland? Currently the Riverland is finishing our season, with a few valencia oranges left to harvest. Are growers confident in the quality, and volume, of fruit at this stage? The 2022...

SA Farmer

March 2022

Agriculture

Citrus ‘blessed’ to avoid serious damage

THE true extent of damage caused by the October 28 storm to the Loxton Waikerie region’s citrus orchards will not be known until February or March, but a senior local grower says the industry is counting its blessings. A series of intense...

Christine Webster

November 2021