The Citrus Segment

Chair Chat | August 2026 In this month’s Chair Chat, Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke provides an update on the 2026 citrus season as the Riverland moves through the final mid-season varieties and towards late navels. Export demand remains strong and Mark says the returns are there for growers who can produce Class 1 export fruit. However, increased wind blemish and some sunburn are affecting the cosmetic quality of this season’s crop and returns for second-class fruit. Importantly, eating quality remains strong. Mark also discusses the latest work on Queensland fruit fly management, including Citrus SA’s input into the 2026–27 response plan and the industry’s push for areas without detections to be released from restrictions sooner. Also in this episode, Mark provides an update following the Citrus Growers Fund public meeting and looks ahead to Citrus SA’s involvement in the Royal Adelaide Show, where thousands of visitors will have the opportunity to connect with the South Australian citrus industry. In this episode: • Where the 2026 citrus season is at • Export demand and returns • Wind blemish, sunburn and fruit quality • The latest on Queensland fruit fly management • Citrus Growers Fund update • Citrus SA at the Royal Adelaide Show The Citrus Segment is the podcast of Citrus South Australia, sharing news, information and conversations for South Australia’s citrus industry. Find out more about Citrus SA: www.citrussa.com.au Produced by The Podcast Station for Citrus South Australia. www.thepodcaststation.com.au

The South Australian citrus season is underway, with early varieties now being harvested and growers turning their attention to fruit quality, market conditions and the months ahead. In this chair chat, Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke provides an update on how the season is tracking, including the impact of recent rainfall, summer conditions and what growers are seeing in orchards across the Riverland. Mark discusses current demand for Australian citrus, the importance of producing high-quality fruit, and why pack-out rates remain critical to grower returns. He also reflects on the recent Citrus SA spray workshops held at Loxton and Waikerie, highlighting the value of ongoing education around spray calibration, machinery maintenance and orchard management. The conversation concludes with an update on fruit fly management, including the success of sterile fly releases and the ongoing push towards restoring Pest Free Area status across the Riverland. Key discussion points: How recent rainfall has affected citrus crops and harvesting conditions. The impact of a hot, windy summer on fruit quality and sizing. Current market demand and outlook for Australian citrus. Learnings from the recent Citrus SA spray workshops. Progress in fruit fly management and sterile fly release programs. The Citrus Segment is the podcast of Citrus South Australia, sharing news, information and conversations for South Australia’s citrus industry. Find out more about Citrus SA: www.citrussa.com.au Produced by The Podcast Station for Citrus South Australia. www.thepodcaststation.com.au

In this episode of Riverland Citrus Stories , we feature Mike Arnold from GM Arnold & Son at Waikerie, a long-standing citrus grower with more than seventy years in the industry. Mike’s experience spans generations, from early orchard practices through to modern production systems, and includes significant contributions to citrus propagation and variety development at a national level. Mike reflects on the evolution of the industry, from manual handling and furrow irrigation to automation and improved efficiencies. He also shares insights into the development of new citrus varieties in Australia, the establishment of national propagation systems, and the importance of clean plant material in maintaining a strong industry. The episode also highlights Mike’s leadership roles, including his long involvement with Auscitrus and the Australian Citrus Improvement Society, and his commitment to both industry and community. His story provides a practical perspective on long-term industry development, innovation and the importance of staying the course in a cyclical agricultural environment. Riverland Citrus Stories is a special series of The Citrus Segment, sharing the people, stories and history that have shaped South Australia’s citrus industry. The series was produced by The Podcast Station for the SA Citrus Improvement Society, with funding from the Rex Andrew Trust. More information: The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

In this episode of Riverland Citrus Stories , we hear from Helen Aggelettos, Managing Director and Marketing Manager of Venus Citrus at Loxton. Helen shares the story of how her father established the business after moving from Sydney to the Riverland, starting with a small citrus property and selling fruit directly into the Melbourne market. Helen reflects on stepping into the business in 1989 under difficult circumstances, following her father’s illness and the closure of the operation. With no formal background in citrus, she rebuilt the business alongside her husband, navigating a male-dominated industry and gradually earning respect in both grower and market networks. The episode explores the growth of Venus Citrus into a well-recognised brand, Helen’s focus on quality and market positioning, and how the business has adapted through drought, market shifts and changing consumer behaviour. It also highlights the importance of family, growers and long-term thinking in building a sustainable citrus business. Riverland Citrus Stories is a special series of The Citrus Segment, sharing the people, stories and history that have shaped South Australia’s citrus industry. The series was produced by The Podcast Station for the SA Citrus Improvement Society, with funding from the Rex Andrew Trust. More information: The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

In this episode of Riverland Citrus Stories , we look at the Yandilla Park story and pay tribute to its founder, Andrew Weigall. Through the recollections of former employees Phil Binder and Steve Burdette, the episode explores how Andrew built a major horticultural enterprise from modest beginnings and helped reshape the Riverland citrus industry. Phil reflects on Andrew’s early move from journalism into fruit growing, his decision to focus on citrus, and the way Yandilla Park expanded from a single eight-hectare property into a large-scale integrated business. He also describes Andrew’s role in forming the Vitor group, developing infrastructure, supporting new varieties, backing research, and creating opportunities for staff and younger people entering horticulture. Steve Burdette shares his experience of being recruited from South Africa to lead Vitor Marketing and explains how Andrew’s leadership, values and long-term thinking influenced both the business and the wider industry. Together, their memories paint a picture of a private but highly influential figure whose legacy continues to be felt across the Riverland. Riverland Citrus Stories is a special series of The Citrus Segment, sharing the people, stories and history that have shaped South Australia’s citrus industry. The series was produced by The Podcast Station for the SA Citrus Improvement Society, with funding from the Rex Andrew Trust. More information: The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

John Plush from Winkie reflects on more than a century of family involvement in the Riverland citrus industry. His grandfather, Cecil Plush, selected horticultural land in 1914 and began developing a mixed property of citrus and stone fruit in 1915. In the early years, the operation relied on basic irrigation channels, manual land clearing and diversified production to generate early cash flow while citrus trees matured. By the mid 1920s, the Plush family had established their own packing plant after moving away from cooperative marketing Over the decades, the business expanded, adopted bulk handling, waxing systems and later cool storage, and marketed fruit across Australia and into export markets. John discusses the shift from horse and cart to tractors, from furrow irrigation to sprinklers and automated systems, and from wooden boxes to cartons. He also outlines the increasing scale and capital requirements of modern packing, the challenge of securing reliable labour, and the additional management layers introduced by pest pressures such as red scale, gall wasp and fruit fly Ultimately, the family ceased packing in the late 1990s and transitioned away from commercial citrus about five years ago as scale and labour demands intensified. Riverland Citrus Stories is a special series of The Citrus Segment, sharing the people, stories and history that have shaped South Australia’s citrus industry. The series was produced by The Podcast Station for the SA Citrus Improvement Society, with funding from the Rex Andrew Trust. More information: The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

In this episode of Riverland Citrus Stories, Jeff Knispel, Joint Managing Director of Nippy’s, outlines how a small ten-acre mixed fruit property at Moorook in the 1930s evolved into a vertically integrated citrus, juice and dairy business Jeff explains how his father Alic began by growing, packing and wholesaling his own oranges in Adelaide, before industry regulation through the Citrus Board disrupted that model The family responded by building a packing shed at Moorook and, when faced with surplus juice fruit, began squeezing oranges by hand before school each morning to create what would become the Nippy’s juice brand The conversation traces the move into long life processing, the pivot into flavoured dairy products that underpinned business growth, and the expansion into modern citrus packing at Waikerie. Jeff also reflects on food safety lessons and rebuilding the brand following the 1999 salmonella incident, the technical challenges of juice blending, and the ongoing importance of water security, compliance and scale in a changing industry. Riverland Citrus Stories is a special series of The Citrus Segment, sharing the people, stories and history that have shaped South Australia’s citrus industry. The series was produced by The Podcast Station for the SA Citrus Improvement Society, with funding from the Rex Andrew Trust. More information: The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

David Ingerson represents the third generation of a Riverland citrus family that began with a small mixed orchard at Berri in 1930. From those modest beginnings, the family business has expanded across multiple site, now producing its largest ever crop and exporting the majority of its fruit. In this conversation, David reflects on nearly a century of industry change. He discusses the transition from rail freight and wooden cases to automated irrigation, export partnerships and data driven production systems. He also shares insights into varietal selection, geographic diversification, marketing evolution and the growing importance of technology in orchard management. The episode offers a candid look at the realities of modern citrus production, including regulatory pressures, energy costs, labour challenges and global market dynamics. It also highlights the role of strong industry leadership, mentorship and family succession in sustaining long term business growth. Riverland Citrus Stories is a special series of The Citrus Segment, sharing the people, stories and history that have shaped South Australia’s citrus industry. The series was produced by The Podcast Station for the SA Citrus Improvement Society, with funding from the Rex Andrew Trust. More information: The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

This is the first episode in Riverland Citrus Stories , a new special series on The Citrus Segment podcast for Citrus SA, examining how South Australia’s citrus industry developed and evolved over time. To set the scene, Barry Philp from the Primary Industries and Resources SA History Group provides a detailed historical overview of citrus growing in the state. From early Adelaide orchards to the establishment of River Murray irrigation districts, the episode outlines the structural, technological and market forces that shaped the modern industry. The discussion explores key turning points including the growth of the juice industry, export market development, cooperative packing sheds, the impact of Brazilian frozen concentrate, structural adjustment during the millennium drought, and advances in irrigation and orchard systems. Future episodes in the series will feature growers, packers and industry leaders, building on this foundation and exploring the stories behind South Australia’s citrus sector. You can read Barry's research on the Development of the South Australian Citrus Industry here Riverland Citrus Stories is a special series of The Citrus Segment, sharing the people, stories and history that have shaped South Australia’s citrus industry. The series was produced by The Podcast Station for the SA Citrus Improvement Society, with funding from the Rex Andrew Trust. More information: The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

Riverland Citrus Stories explores the people, decisions and developments that have shaped South Australia’s citrus industry. From early plantings around Adelaide to the River Murray irrigation districts and modern orchard systems, the series follows growers, packers and industry leaders as they reflect on how the industry began, how it adapted through drought and changing markets, and how research and innovation continue to influence citrus growing today. Produced by Kerrie Lush of The Podcast Station for the SA Citrus Improvement Society and hosted on The Citrus Segment , the Citrus SA podcast. Made possible through funding from the Rex Andrew Trust. More information: The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au

In our final Chair Chat for 2025, Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke updates growers on what he’s been working on over the past couple of months, including fruit fly management, import concerns, industry advocacy, and how the season has wrapped up. He also shares insights on juice market prices and finishes with a Christmas message for growers. Citrus SA continues to push for effective fruit fly tools, including sterile insect technology (SIT) . SIT has now been deployed in Renmark , with numbers dropping significantly. The team is also working on improving the process for bringing empty bins into SA , which is currently costly and complex for growers. A proposal to allow pomelo imports from Vietnam is raising red flags due to canker, HLB and other pest risks. Citrus SA is supporting Citrus Australia’s submission calling for stronger risk assessment. Letters have also been sent to the SA Minister to reinforce industry concerns. Expectations for improved fruit quality didn’t quite eventuate, with smaller fruit in some areas and some albedo issues . Hot weather and lack of rainfall contributed to size issues. Mark stresses the importance of good nutrition, GA, calcium sprays and regular leaf analysis . High returns continue to rely on growing high-quality packing fruit . Last year’s high juice prices were due to a world shortage, prompting processors to take large volumes. This year, stocks are higher and retail prices have dampened demand, so juice prices have returned to normal levels . Smaller fruit this season has also contributed to faster fill of the juice bin. Mark attended the Japanese Trade Night at Parliament House, helping strengthen export relationships with one of our key markets. Mark wishes all growers a safe and happy Christmas, hopes you get some time with family (apart from irrigation!), and looks forward to catching up again in the New Year.

Chair Chat with Citrus SA Chair, Mark Doecke In this episode of The Citrus Segment , Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke discusses: Season update – late varieties still in demand, but fruit size and pack outs have been mixed. Juice fruit markets – prices dropping back after last year’s highs. Fruit fly management – how the industry is working with PIRSA to target hotspots in Renmark and push for regional “decoupling.” Royal Adelaide Show – What’s planned for Citrus SA’s stall this year. 🎧 The Citrus Segment is the official podcast of Citrus SA, the peak body representing citrus growers in South Australia.

In this episode of The Citrus Segment , Kerrie Lush-Robertson sits down with Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke for a timely update on the South Australian citrus season. Mark shares what’s currently being picked across the region—including early Satsuma mandarins and M7 navels—and why this year’s fruit quality is looking strong after a more typical Riverland summer. He also provides a detailed fruit fly update, including persistent hotspots in parts of Renmark, and outlines the steps being taken to address the issue. Mark discusses recent meetings in Griffith and Adelaide, including talks with Riverina growers and Minister Clare Scriven, and previews the upcoming season launch event on May 30 at the Adelaide Central Market. Tune in for practical insights, seasonal outlooks, and the latest from the team representing citrus growers across South Australia.

Welcome to The Citrus Segment, the official podcast of Citrus South Australia, the peak body representing citrus growers in the region. In this episode, Kerrie Robertson sits down with Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke for the latest instalment of The Chair Chat, covering the current state of the season, fruit fly updates, and insights from international industry visitors. Key Topics Covered: 🍊 Season Update – How growers are managing irrigation, heat stress, and gearing up for the 2025 season. ☀️ Sunburn Prevention – The role of irrigation and kaolin clay sprays in protecting citrus crops. 🦟 Fruit Fly Control – Progress in the Riverland, the impact of sterile insect release, and final eradication efforts. 🌍 International Industry Exchange – Insights from a Moroccan citrus delegation visiting Waikerie, including their water challenges and industry size. 📅 What’s Next? – Upcoming meetings with the State Minister, regulatory reviews, and ongoing industry initiatives. 👥 Stay Connected with Citrus SA: 🌐 Website: www.citrussa.com.au 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Citrus Segment!

In this episode, Kerrie Robertson chats with Mark Doecke, Chair of Citrus South Australia, to discuss the latest updates on the citrus industry in South Australia as the season wraps up. Here’s what you can look forward to: Season Update : Insights into the final stages of the season, including Valencia orange sales and juice fruit trends. Juice Prices : Discover how global factors like Florida's declining production and Brazil’s citrus greening disease have impacted juice fruit prices for South Australian growers. Seasonal Conditions : Mark shares how frost, rainfall, and average temperatures have influenced crops and tree health this year. Pests and Diseases : Encouraging news about fruit fly management and updates on other pest control efforts. International Visitors : A group from Nepal toured the Riverland, learning about Australian citrus farming practices. Innovation in Pest Management : Progress updates on citrus gall wasp traps, including testing and development milestones. Media Highlights : Riverland citrus was recently featured on South Aussie with Cosi . Learn how this promotion is benefiting the industry. Festive Message : Mark reflects on a successful year and shares his best wishes for growers during the festive season and into 2025. 🌟 Don’t Miss Out! This is the final Chair Chat for 2024, so tune in to hear all the latest insights and reflections on the citrus industry. 📢 Subscribe Now If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Citrus Segment podcast so you won’t miss any future updates. Happy holidays and best wishes for a successful 2025! 🍊

This month's conversation between Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke and Kerrie Lush-Robertson covers topics including: *Upcoming AGM and why it is crucial for growers to attend to determine the future of Citrus SA. *How the season is progressing *The pickers handbook has been translated to Punjabi and is now available *The Royal Adelaide Show - another successful year

The Citrus Segment: Episode Summary Host: Kerrie (Lush) Robertson Guest: Mark Doecke, Chair of Citrus SA In this episode of The Citrus Segment, we catch up with Mark Doecke, to discuss the current state of the citrus season in South Australia and other industry updates. Key Topics Covered: Current Citrus Season Overview: The season has seen good tonnages and high-quality fruit, leading to increased packing shed throughput. The favourable conditions from a normal spring and summer have positively impacted fruit quality. Impact of Weather Conditions: Recent rains and frosts have not significantly harmed the fruit. In fact, they have helped improve the quality and colour of the citrus. Export and Domestic Sales: The majority of the fruit is being exported, particularly to Asia, with smaller shipments to America and India. Domestic sales are steady, and high-quality exports have prevented the usual surplus in the domestic market. Juice Market Trends: Juice prices are notably high due to a global shortage, making even typically low-value juice fruit profitable this year. Upcoming Adelaide Show Preparations: The Citrus SA is gearing up for another big year at the Royal Adelaide Show, with plans to engage visitors through freshly squeezed juices, fruit displays, and educational initiatives. Promoting the Citrus Industry: Citrus SA is collaborating with "South Aussie with Cosi" to promote the industry through television and social media, while emphasizing the importance of keeping South Australia fruit fly-free. Fruit Fly Management Efforts: Significant progress has been made in controlling the fruit fly population, with certain areas being fruit fly-free for over a year. The Port Augusta facility plays a crucial role in this effort. National Water Agreement Consultation: Mark discusses the recent consultation on the National Water Initiative and its implications for water management in Australia, including the Murray-Darling Basin. Upcoming Citrus S.A. AGM: The AGM is scheduled for October 11th at 10am at the Riverland Event Centre, focusing on financial strategies following Costa Farms' decision to reclaim their levies, and featuring a trade display for growers. Closing Remarks: Don't forget to read more about these topics in the latest Citrus S.A. newsletter available on their website. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the citrus industry in our next episode.

In this episode of the Citrus Segment, brought to you by Citrus SA we speak to Mark Doecke for his monthly Chair Chat. This month, fruit fly continues to be a hot topic. Particularly with the South Australian season about to kick off. We also cover immature fruit and why it's not helpful for the industry if fruit goes to market too early.

In this episode of The Citrus Segment, brought to you by Citrus SA , we’re back to normal programming with our monthly chair chat with Mark Doecke. Mark shares what the committee has been dealing with over the past month or so. These issues include: · Fruit Fly · ICA 30 around fruit movement · Gall Wasp trap development · Freshcare citrus version update

Amanda Wells, is a PhD candidate, researching the environmental history of citrus growing in the Riverland between 1948 and 1970. In this episode, Amanda explains what she’s been exploring and why.