As Farmlands horticultural specialists, Skeltons provides the best technical advice and products to commercial growers to maximise quality production.
Kiwifruit
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Psa information and advice Skeltons Bay of Plenty technical advisors have taken a leading role in supporting the region’s kiwifruit growers since the Psa disease struck the region in 2010. We have spent considerable time researching international information about the disease, its symptoms, protection and control measures. We have provided professional and personal support to many of our growers, sharing the latest advice and offering moral support in the face of this devastating disease and its dire consequences. We are working with growers to provide control and protection action plans, and providing options on alternative crops for those growers who are looking to move away from kiwifruit. Our technical advisors are available for no-cost discussions. Dean Gower - Bay of Plenty Field Manager Skeltons technical advisors on the road visiting kiwifruit growers particularly at key times around crop growth stages, taking note of what’s happening with the vines, fruit and soil (ground). We have an inherent understanding of the kiwifruit production cycle and the experience to identify solutions to problems. Our objective, unbiased advice is given freely at no charge. We provide our growers with verbal advice when we visit as part of our normal rounds – we often see things that the grower may not have noticed evolving over days or weeks, plus we’re aware of what’s happening on vineyards (or is it orchards?) around the region, so we pass on information and solutions. If we’re called on to make a visit to look at specific matters of concern, we can either make verbal or written reports, outlining the issues and making recommendations for solutions. Contact a Skeltons technical advisor if you would like one to visit your kiwifruit orchard. Skeltons fully understands the Zespri crop protection programme and assists growers to implement this. With well-trained eyes and sound science to back us, Skeltons technical advisors can assess and provide advice on what nutrients may be deficient in your soils and plants, and how this may be remedied. We have developed comprehensive nutritional programmes for both green and gold kiwifruit that are available to our customers. We also make suggestions on appropriate actions if we identify any issues during our in-field inspections. Organic and Biological Production Advice » Skeltons is at the forefront of organic and biological production in horticulture and viticulture. Skeltons Biological Unit evaluates and establishes products and practices to assist growers to produce crops in sustainable growing systems. The drive to nil to low reside produce is a key goal in this activity. Skeltons have been instrumental in developing specific recommendations for crop protection and nutritional programmes in organic and biological growing. Contact a Skeltons technical advisor if you wish to discuss aspects regarding organic or biological production. Skeltons and Farmlands stores have or can source stocks of all equipment needed to successfully harvest kiwifruit crops. Skeltons has a close association with specialist nutrient analysis experts, Hill Laboratories. Our technical advisors can take soil and plant samples at the appropriate time and using the information determined by Hill’s comprehensive testing, prepare reports that identify any issues and give unbiased recommendations on remedial action. These test results form a base line that we then use in assessing and addressing your soil’s nutritional levels and your crop’s nutritional requirements in subsequent years. Contact us if if you would like a soil or leaf sample test undertaken by a Skeltons technical advisor. Maps are often required to assist with production or export processes. Skeltons technical advisors keep a sharp eye on the weather through in house monitoring services with access to HortPlus or Metris data to ensure that we anticipate the protection needs crops at critical times. We can also sign growers up onto weather forecasting services specific to the region if required. |
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