A group of 11 Elders employees were given the opportunity to travel to New Zealand this month, in order to learn about horticulture and viticulture across the ditch.
The study tour group pictured outside Corteva’s Waireka Research Centre.
Corteva Agriscience funded and facilitated the study tour for the group of Elders, Ace Ohlsson and DJ’s Growers agronomists, which covered a range of topics specific to horticulture and viticulture on New Zealand’s north island.
The itinerary for the trip included a tour of Corteva’s New Zealand Headquarters, visits to various vineyards and orchards, and information sessions from a range of specialists.
Through these activities, the team gained insight into New Zealand’s vineyard management systems, and strategies for pest and disease control. With plenty of discussion around recovery from Cyclone Hale and Cyclone Gabrielle, sustainability and climate resilience strategies were also high on the agenda.
John van der Linden, Corteva’s Horticultural and Viticultural Technical Specialist, explained that a key focus of the trip was providing the group with exposure to new and diverse environments, and how this can impact management style.
“One of the areas we visited was the Gimblett Gravels, which is one of the world’s first appellations based on soil type,” John said.
“The gravel was exposed after the Ngaruroro River changed course, and now it has become a really well-known wine growing region.
“It is actually ideal for vines because we can control the grape vigour, and therefore quality. Due to the soils unforgiving nature, we often say that if you can grow wine and grapes in the Gimblett Gravels you can grow them anywhere!”
James Hook, agronomist at DJ’s Growers in McLaren Vale, said that it was interesting to get a glimpse of such fascinating parts of the sector in New Zealand, and to better understand some of the strengths and weaknesses of their operations.
“We have seen some really interesting things on the tour,” James said.
“In some ways, we have found that New Zealand is more advanced in its horticulture operations, particularly in spray technology, as they are under more severe disease pressure.
“But then in other ways, particularly in terms of labour management, water use and moisture monitoring, Australia seems to have adopted different solutions. So, it has been incredibly valuable to be able to learn, and also share insights.”
A key part of the trip was a visit to Corteva’s Global Field Station, ‘Waireka’, which is used to conduct research and testing at each phase of product development.
Brian Husband leads Waireka, and said that these types of trips are crucial for advisors to understand the whole product pipeline.
“It is really important for agronomists to understand what goes on behind the scenes to get a product registered,” Brian said.
“A lot of people don’t realise just how much work goes into the research and testing phases for new products. We are hoping to equip the group with that knowledge, and then they can go home to their clients, and pass those learnings on.
“It helps everyone to have a better understanding of how buying a Corteva product means you are buying a well-researched product which is safe, and one which works.”
Paul Reynolds, Elders National Category Manager for Crop Protection, explained that the group was also able to gain an understanding of emerging chemistry which is yet to hit the Australian market.
“Elders is very fortunate to have such a strong relationship with Corteva, as it helps foster access to new molecules that can solve new problems, which may not yet be widely available,” Paul said.
“We are very grateful to Corteva for the opportunity.”
Horticultural agronomist based at Elders Robinvale, Molly Black, said the tour was a valuable way to build relationships and share experiences to bring back to local growers.
“This trip has been a fantastic way to progress our knowledge and skills,” Molly said.
“New Zealand is doing some amazing things in their horticultural and viticultural sectors, but so are we in Australia. It just comes down to being able to exchange information and ideas to better both industries.”
Elders thanks Corteva Agriscience, a key crop protection supplier, for their support in sponsoring, facilitating and organising the tour.
Meet some of the team:
