The area has received good rainfall lately and fruit size for this group appears larger. Early European plums started last week with reasonable size and good quality. Growers have re-thinned some pear blocks trying to get better fruit size. Orchards without irrigation look stressed and sizing fruit will be difficult. Irrigation in many sites continues despite the fact we have had good rains as growers try to replenish the subsoil.
Irrigation continues in many vineyards for the first year using overhead travelling guns.
Shoot growth is slowing down. Bunch thinning and some hedging has started. Growth is better on young vines as they look after the recent rains. Irrigation in many vineyards has added pressure to the NOTL Irrigation System but committee continues to find ways to bring water to the growers. Earliest areas have harvested Sovereign Coronation with high sugars and good colour.