62 | Can’t beat a science-based approach Brett Wheeler planting his first block of rootstock. Sue Russell Glenbrook in South-West Auckland is home to Brett and Fenella Wheeler’s kiwifruit orcharding business BFG Kiwi Ltd. The couple established BFG Kiwi Ltd in 2015 when they purchased their first Kiwifruit Orchard in Glenbrook. In 2018 they purchased a second property, an avocado orchard which they are in the process of converting to kiwifruit. “There was no money to be made in avocado and we could see a good future given the new varieties of kiwifruit, Zespri had developed to counter Psa,” says Brett. Today, the couple grow gold and red varieties over 22 ha (13 ha effective) across their two orchards. Brett and Fenella have adopted a thoroughly science-based approach to nurturing their kiwifruit vines and this is bringing results and recognition. Soil is tested annually and the entire orchard has been fully mapped. As a result irrigation and fertigation is tailored to each plants needs. “The varieties have many needs in common but also distinction and its been understanding this that has led to our success,” Brett explains. The orchards are divided into seven sections with each area’s water metre and irrigation system controlled through a mobile app. Add to this thorough leaf testing and an active pest control programme, including hail netting stretching across most of the orchards and anchored to the ground around the borders, and one can understand the lengths the couple have gone to to secure the best possible crop quality and volume outcomes. It’s been a bumper year in other ways too, with BFG Kiwi Ltd announced Supreme Winner at the Auckland region Ballance Farm Environment Awards, picking up three additional awards: Hill Laboratories Agri-Science Award Norwood Farming Efficiency Award NZFET Innovation Award Asked why he decided to enter the competition this year, Brett says he was encouraged last year to enter and said no. “When I was asked again this year it wasn’t possible to give the same excuse.” Having won the coveted title for Auckland region, when Rural North spoke with Brett, he and Fenella HORTICULTURE » BFG Kiwi were about to head to Wellington to participate in the national finals late May. Orcharding is in the couple’s blood. Brett is a third generation orchardist and Fenella is a second generation grower. “We actually met through Kiwifruit. My wife worked for Zespri and I was General Manager for a packing business.” Asked about the impact, if any, of Cyclone Gabrielle Brett says the severe weather and massive amount of rainfall brought negatives and benefits. “The areas where we knocked our the avocado and planted kiwifruit came through without losing a single tree. We’re in the process of rebuilding the drainage system in the areas impacts. We’re taking some big steps in terms of self-ensuring and taking learnings from the cyclone and in that way it has been a positive.” Put simply, Brett understands you learn from your mistakes and from doing and with that practical approach in mind he’s confident the orchards will do well into the future. It takes three years to produce a first crop and in 12 months the first Red’s will be harvested, a moment he and Fenella are looking forward to. “We’ve picked our second crop of gold and the increase in volume has been significant, growing 400% more fruit from the previous first harvest.” Brett’s confident about the future of kiwifruit growing in New Zealand, as the industry moves away from a focus on growing volume, to growing quality. “It’s going to be that distinction between what we grow and what other countries produce that will create the long-term value and viability for growers here.” Ph: (09) 236 3818 www.punchbowl.co.nz Congratulations BFG! From: Agri Technovation The Precision Farming People
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