Providing growers, packers and industry representatives with important information, profile pieces and extension research relevant to South Australia and beyond.
Funded by Citrus SA Inc. and produced by The Podcast Station.
Chair Chat: Packouts, export returns and fruit fly
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 (http://www.citrussa.com.au/)
Produced by The Podcast Station for Citrus South Australia.
www.thepodcaststation.com.au (http://www.thepodcaststation.com.au/)
2 Jun 2026
Chair Chat: Season Update, Markets and Fruit Fly Progress
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.
5 Apr 2026
Riverland Citrus Stories | Mike Arnold – A Lifetime in Citrus and Industry Development
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.
This special series is hosted on The Citrus Segment, the Citrus SA podcast, and has been made possible through funding from the Rex Andrew Trust, administered by the SA Citrus Improvement Society.
More information:
The Podcast Station – www.thepodcaststation.com.au
Citrus SA – www.citrussa.com.au
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