Grow Nt Mag -may 2021

WA – Gin Gin/Carnarvon trip
In late February a valuable extension trip
across to the horticultural regions north of
Perth and Carnarvon allowed for the continuity
of relationships between the NT and
the WA industry. Sarah Hain (IDO, AMIA)
and I travelled across to WA and visited a
number of growers and producers as part
of those ‘building relationships’ model.
Farms in these regions are known for the
production of citrus, mango, avocado,
melons, tomatoes, vegetables and herbs.
Truyen Vo (VegetablesWA, RDO) hosted a
valuable irrigated farm visit in Carabooda
to Mr Vu’s farm. He grows between 50-60T
leafy green Chinese vegetable, herbs and
spinach weekly off his 32 acre property and
all produce grown is done on a rotational
basis. This produce is sent directly to the
wholesale markets in Perth. All crops are
grown without the use of agplastic formed
beds with a strong influence of using IPM
programs.
Watering is achieved using overhead sprinklers.
Soil composting is done to improve
soil properties every 3 years which is incorporated
into the soil when preparing seed
beds. Mr Vu produces his own compost on
farm to ensure quality control and to minimise
any biosecurity hazards. Carnarvon
Growers Association, the peak body for
horticultural industry and leading supplier
of agricultural inputs in the Gascoyne area
held their first field day in over 10 years
showcasing local regional producers and
industry activities. ‘It’s time to grow’ was
the theme.
WA Agricultural Minister, Alannah Mac-
Tiernan officially opened the event and a
number of industry representatives, local
and further afield presented on the central
theme of sustainability of industry and future
pathways for production. A visit to the
Department’s Research Farm was another
highlight. Protected netting/cropping is
a significant feature in the region due to
the extremes in weather conditions especially
prevailing winds. These structures
are a common site around the region with
many farms using the structures as wind
breaks between blocks. The department
has a newly constructed housing that will
be planted to a variety of vegetables this
season looking at new potential varieties
for the region.
2019
35
Vegetables Carabooda
NT FARMERS GROW NT MAGAZINE.