User Profile

Hugh Schuitemaker

Nothing but dry…

A SENIOR Riverland agricultural industry figure is among countless South Australian farmers hoping for some decent rainfall to arrive. Farmers across South Australia have been struggling with drought conditions since the beginning of 2025, with...

Hugh Schuitemaker

May 2025

Wine

Wine sector sees signs of adjustment, but red stocks remain high

A MAJOR industry report shows stocks of Australian red wines – including those produced in the Riverland and Barossa – are beginning to drop, however challenges remain in increasing overseas exports. Total sales of Australian wine exceeded...

Hugh Schuitemaker

March 2025

Autumn Update

The pistachio potential

INCREASING harvest volumes and demand in Australian markets is driving the ongoing success of a Riverland pistachio grower. Third generation Paringa-based grower James Simpfendorfer – operator of Permedah Fruits – is preparing to harvest his...

Hugh Schuitemaker

May 2024

Weather & Water

Making every drop count

A RENOWNED Riverland horticultural specialist says South Australian primary producers must adapt toward sustainable farming practices to combat growing water supply constraints. Renmark-based Ian Tolley has consulted in horticultural regions around...

Hugh Schuitemaker

October 2023

Weather & Water

Basin plan recommendations still a priority

FULFILLING an election promise by implementing recommendations of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is still a goal for the state government. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven appeared in a Q&A session held by...

Hugh Schuitemaker

July 2022

Wine

No tank space for Riverland grapes, no demand for local wines… Growers ‘under siege’

MOTHBALLING or removing vineyards altogether are among drastic options being considered by “under siege” Riverland growers faced with a crippling oversupply of wine grapes. An unprecedented lack of storage space means wineries are unlikely to...

Paul Mitchell

July 2022

Wine

Our winemakers to rise through new a lens

Any local grape growers, or wine producers, seeking further information regarding the Riverland Uprising project can contact Lyndall Rowe via email

Hugh Schuitemaker

June 2022

Ag News

Riverland fruit fly outbreaks continue to grow

Further information regarding fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland is available by visiting the website

Hugh Schuitemaker

May 2022

SA Farmer

Backyard battle as Riverland fruit fly list grows

RIVERLAND backyards are the new battlegrounds amid the declaration of an eighth local fruit fly outbreak. PIRSA last week declared a new fruit fly outbreak at Renmark North, following the detection of five wild flies within 14 days, all inside a 1km...

Hugh Schuitemaker

May 2022

Weather & Water

100 per cent in sight, but focus is on buybacks

A LOCAL Liberal MP says re-instating a water buyback policy to achieve Murray-Darling Basin Plan targets would have negative economic consequences for the Riverland. The state government last week announced water allocations for SA River Murray...

Hugh Schuitemaker

April 2022

Ag News

New PI minister enters fruit fly warzone

Further information regarding fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland can be found by visiting the PIRSA website

Hugh Schuitemaker

April 2022

Ag News

Local growers, mayor, react to federal Labor’s water policy… (Buy) Back-off

THE potential re-introduction of water buyback schemes under a federal Labor government would harm the economic security of local communities, according to two senior growers, an MP, and a Riverland mayor. Just days ago, Opposition Leader Anthony...

Hugh Schuitemaker

April 2022

Ag News

New trade deal to bring new markets and new opportunities

A NEW international trade deal means Riverland citrus producers will benefit from easier export access to one of the world’s biggest economies. The federal government this week announced the finalisation of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation...

Hugh Schuitemaker

April 2022

Biosecurity

Fruit fly quarantine restrictions imposed on Riverland town

FRUIT fly quarantine restrictions have been imposed on another Riverland town, after the detection of larvae in backyard fruit caused a new outbreak to be declared. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) last week declared an...

Hugh Schuitemaker

March 2022