14 | HORTICULTURE » Clyde Orchards A ‘dream season’ weather-wise helps Clyde Orchards works closely with the Yummy Fruit Company that markets its fruit in New Zealand. Russell Fredric For the first time in the past three seasons Clyde Orchards have, figuratively speaking, been able to pick off their low hanging fruit. With covid-related staffing difficulties in the rear view mirror and a dream season weather-wise, general manager Kris Robb is extremely pleased with how things have panned out. However, his optimism is tinged with sadness for orchardists in the North Island who have faced the wrath of Cyclone Gabrielle. “We’ve had a fantastic summer, it’s been hot and it’s been nice, it almost creates a feeling of guilt with the turmoil that’s been going on around the rest of the country; we really are in a slice of paradise.” Clyde Orchards works closely with the Yummy Fruit Company that markets its fruit in New Zealand. The company is owned by the Paynter family who have large holdings of orchards in Hawkes Bay. “They’ve had orchards just totally obliterated that they don’t think they’ll grow fruit on ever again. It’s just horrible. We are waiting to see in what way we can be of most assistance going forward.” Clyde Orchards is located in Earnscleugh, a short distance from Alexandra, and in Bannockburn near Cromwell. It is one of the region’s best known producers of high quality cherries, peaches and nectarines. The business is a partnership between brothers Kevin and Ray (better known as Musso) Paulin who have owned the orchard more than 30 years. It exports to markets in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, the Middle East and the United States of America. In recent years the orchard has invested in two Canadian-designed Cravo retractable roof systems at Earnscleugh for protection against environmental factors such as weather events, birds and pests and to provide consistency in its crops. Proudly supporting Clyde Orchards. Keep it FREE THE new season pickingnow! 3603 0275 083 789 unearthag.com Digitroll Blockage Monitoring Systems and Spares. • • Suppliers of Needham Ag John Deere JD750A Air-Seeder Parts and Modifications
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