Regional Round Up for Murraylands and Mallee growers

Regional Round Up speaker Joanna Andrew

A standout event of the VegNET SA calendar was the Regional Round Up Murraylands and Mallee, which was held Wednesday 30 April at the Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge. VegNET SA, AUSVEG and Hort Innovation collaborated on the event, bringing together content and speakers to provide value to the growers. The event was delivered with funding support from the National Farmers Federation National Horticulture Roadshow.

The event proved to be a high value gathering for growers looking to stay informed and connected in an evolving horticultural landscape. There was strong attendance from vegetable and onion growers in the region, along with members of the National Onion Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) who were meeting in South Australia.

To open the evening, AUSVEG SA CEO Jordan Brooke-Barnett and AUSVEG National Manager of Extension and Engagement Zarmeen Hassan shared timely updates on national projects, grower support initiatives, and current challenges affecting South Australian producers. This session set the tone for a practical, forward-focused discussion on industry priorities, innovation, and support systems available to the grower community.

A highlight of the evening was the curated lineup of expert speakers, each offering insights highly relevant to the commercial and operational realities of vegetable and onion growers.

Tom McCue, R&D Manager – Production at Hort Innovation, leads national research investments focused on improving crop production systems and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in Australian horticulture.

Tom shared developments in the agtech space, from laser weeders and robotic harvesters to AI-guided smart sprayers— now being trialled in Australia through the VG23003 program. He also introduced opportunities for leadership development, including the recently announced open- ing of Nuffield Scholarships for 2026— offering a pathway for ambitious growers to undertake international study tours and bring global insights back to their operations. These leadership initiatives are invaluable in equipping growers with a competitive edge in a fast-changing global market.

Stuart Peevor and Nick Sayer of Waterfind Pty Ltd provided an essential update on South Australia’s water markets, with a particular focus on the Murray River, emphasising a range of strategies to help growers navigate South Australia’s evolving water landscape.

Topics included the importance of water portfolio diversification and the strategic use of carryover to manage seasonal variability. Growers were introduced to options such as forward trades and long-term leasing arrangements, which can offer greater security and flexibility in water access. Intervalley trading was also explored as a mechanism to maximise resource efficiency across regions. The presenters highlighted the value of proactive water planning and budgeting, encouraging growers to adopt structured approaches to managing water assets. Additionally, the session showcased emerging technologies designed to support precision irrigation and data-driven decision making, helping producers optimise water use and improve overall farm sustainability.

Joanna Andrew and John Love, partners at Mellor Olsson Lawyers, tackled two significant issues for farming families and agribusinesses: succession planning and employment law. Joanna and John addressed common challenges such as transitioning control, managing on and off-farm family members fairly, and navigating recent changes in industrial relations and workplace law.

John’s session addressed recent SafeWork and industrial relations developments, giving growers clear, practical advice to ensure compliance and long-term business viability. Joanna’s presentation highlighted that succession planning is not just a legal or financial process—it is a critical business strategy that ensures the long-term stability and success of family farming enterprises. By openly discussing goals, roles, and responsibilities, families can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, while giving future leaders the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to take the reins. Their advice underscored the need to begin planning early, communicate clearly, and seek professional guidance to safeguard both the business and family relationships.

Emi Schutz, Assistant Director of Permits Registration Management at the APVMA, demystified the regulatory process governing agricultural chemicals. Her talk provided growers with a better understanding of how to engage with the APVMA and why regulatory compliance matters to industry sustainability and community trust. In an environment where market access is closely tied to chemical use practices, this transparency builds grower confidence.

Beyond the knowledge exchange, the evening was a celebration of community. Over a hearty roast dinner, growers had the chance to catch up, share ideas, and form connections across growing regions. Feedback following the event highlighted the quality of the conversations and presentations, with one grower commenting that “different speakers will appeal to different people – everyone would have found something of interest.”

The strong turnout and energy in the room was a clear reflection of the value placed on events that not only inform, but also bring people together. The success of the evening was a testament to the collaboration between the VegNET SA team, AUSVEG and Hort Innovation showing what’s possible when local knowledge and national coordination combine.

As industry continues to evolve, events like the Regional Round-Up play a crucial role in ensuring growers are supported, informed, and connected— ready to tackle challenges and seize new opportunities in horticulture.

Supporting the future of horticulture

University of Adelaide students with Anthony De Ieso of Thorndon Park Produce

Students at the University of Adelaide studying an intensive winter school subject, Horticultural Production and Quality, had a whirlwind couple of weeks visiting different farms in SA. This course takes them touring the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Northern Adelaide Plains, giving the students an overview of horticultural industries across the domains of annual field vegetable crops, perennial tree and vine crops, protected cropping, peri-urban and amenity horticulture.

VegNET SA Regional Support Officer Kirsty Kittel attended the students’ visit to Thorndon Park Produce. Grower Anthony De Ieso led the students on a field tour, discussing the value of different crops, how they are picked, washed and distributed. The students asked lots of questions and gained knowledge of the production cycles, environmental management and quality control of horticultural crops. Furthermore, the tour helped students develop knowledge and skills in identification of horticultural pests and diseases, irrigation technology, plant health, post-harvest and supply chains.

Kirsty represented VegNET SA on the day, explaining the VegNET project to the students and how it is delivered in South Australia. The visit was also an opportunity to highlight the exciting and diverse career pathways in the industry.

VegNET SA then had the opportunity to attend the assessment for this horticulture subject, a ‘Shark Tank’ style presentation at the Waite Campus. This involved the students presenting a unique problem in horticulture and then pitching their innovative and sustainable solution to that problem. This assessment was designed to give them a scientific understanding of a crop and develop the capacity to provide recommendations for the establishment and management of a new commercially viable horticultural enterprise. There were some creative ideas such as using the discarded part of a carrot crop to create a powder used for baking and smoothies.

Anthony Kachenko, General Manager Sustainability and Production R&D at Hort Innovation, who was also in attendance gave his feedback to the students. The day was a positive step in strengthening the ties between the university and industry. Overall, these collaborations between VegNET SA and The University of Adelaide have been an exciting investment in the future of horticulture.

FIND OUT MORE
Please contact Peta Coughlin, AUSVEG SA on 0409 029 745 or email peta.coughlin@ausveg.com.au