The Citrus Segment

Citrus SA
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BI-MONTHLY

Providing growers, packers and industry representatives with important information, profile pieces and extension research relevant to South Australia and beyond. Funded by Citrus SA and produced by The Podcast Station.

  1. 08/12/2025

    December Chair Chat with Mark Doecke

    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.

    7 min

  2. 22/08/2025

    August chair chat - season update, fruit fly and show

    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.

    6 min

  3. 08/05/2025

    Chair Chat: Early Season Insights, Fruit Fly Update & What’s Ahead

    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.

    4 min

  4. 03/03/2025

    Chair Chat - March 2025

    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!

    5 min

  5. 28/11/2024

    Chair Chat November 24

    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! 🍊

    7 min

  6. 26/09/2024

    Chair Chat - September 2024

    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

    6 min

  7. 27/08/2024

    Chair Chat - August 2024

    The Citrus Segment: Episode Summary Host: Kerrie (Lush) RobertsonGuest: 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.

    8 min

  8. 30/04/2024

    Chair Chat May 2024

    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.

    6 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Providing growers, packers and industry representatives with important information, profile pieces and extension research relevant to South Australia and beyond. Funded by Citrus SA and produced by The Podcast Station.

Information

  • Creator
    Citrus SA
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Citrus SA
  • Show Website
    The Citrus Segment