The regions climate is ideal for citrus production. The clear sunny days and cool nights assist with fruit ripening and the low rainfall and humidity does not favour the outbreaks of citrus pests and disease. The Murray sands in the region are well suited to growing citrus. Most of the orchards are located on the sandy ridges to take advantage of these soil types. Stone Fruit Suitable land with access to irrigation water is available for large scale development of stone fruit orchards in the northern areas of the Shire.
Water rights are now transferable which provides flexibility and scope for expansion of plantings.
The water is of good quality and relatively inexpensive. Fruit trees grow well in the sandy loams of the Northern Mallee. Production areas are close to major towns and have access to labour for pruning and harvesting. The area is serviced by two major transport companies who are capable of transporting peaches, plums and nectarines to the local or growing world market. Productivity Production and productivity have increased substantially since 1985, as shown below.