At the same meeting, growers were thanked for achieving their Australian Sustainable Viticulture accreditation, which was compulsory for this winery.
It’s a marketing initiative which shows the supermarkets the growers are careful about how they utilise all inputs, such as packaging, chemicals, fertilisers and efficient water use – and demonstrates how we are not causing trouble to the environment.
The point I’m getting too is that it’s apparently important to promote the fact we are farming in a sustainable way environmentally, but offering a sustainable price for the grapes we produce is not important.
Another company putting shareholders ahead of its producers!
Grapevines are experiencing the highest disease pressure in more than 30 years.
Downy Mildew is occasionally a problem in this, and in neighbouring regions, but this year every vineyard has it to some degree.
And the most frustrating part has been the inability of growers to get the chemicals they need to fight it. Indeed, with the low prices that had been already indicated, some growers have chosen not to spray.
I reckon we have lost less than 10 per cent so far, but this is a battle which still has a way to go.
The development stage of the grapes is also about three weeks behind because of the continuing cooler conditions.
It’s great to see the Mallee cereal crops currently being harvested, and plenty of spraying will be required there to clean up weed issues in the paddocks.
Having our fruit rejected because of 24D spray drift is not desirable – a neighbour almost had this happen last year – so we are asking broadacre croppers to be careful please.
On a lighter note, the Orbs have looked at the calendar and are strengthening and tensioning their webs in readiness for the 25th, with some elaborate webs spread between a number of power poles.
They have caught plenty of elves and Santa`s helpers in the past, but are after a reindeer this year. The snails are also all getting excited, and sending their letters to Santa.
Going by the number of snails around, some colourful lollies from Bayer may be the go here.
Finally, please have a great Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
