Same challenges, obvious differences in on-farm approach, in Victoria, Australia

Laser weeder in action

Differences in approach between growing operations facing the same issues were obvious to participants on the New Zealand Vegetable Council (NZVeg), and Fruitfed Supplies and Syngenta Biologicals’ study tour to Victoria, Australia in early May.

The tour visited Hussey & Co in Newry, Schreurs & Sons in Middle Tarwin, and Gazzola Farms in Somerville on the Mornington Peninsula. The tour concluded that while the operations were similar in size and crop types (leafy greens, celery and leeks), and faced the same challenges, they were three quite different operations due to their different approaches.

Weeds are a common challenge. While Hussey & Co said they would like two more laser weeders in addition to the one they already have and work almost 24/7, Schreurs & Sons is helping develop an electric weeder as an alternative to laser weeders, and Gazzola Farms said they would ‘wait and see’, as their current, more traditional approach to weeds is working.

Read the full story by clicking here.