Who grows your apples and pears? People like Noel do! Get Munching South Australia!
Noel has always had a passion for farm and fruit production – particularly apples.
He was born into the industry on his family’s farm in Forest Range – a property they have lived on for just over 100 years. Now married with three children, Noel runs his family business AG & HC Mason with his father and two cousins.
Noel says the Adelaide Hills are incredible for growing apples.
“It’s a very small micro-climate with the right mix of sunshine, warmth and cool night time temperatures that all contribute to growing a really good apple.”
Noel says that when eating an Adelaide Hills apple, consumers can expect a piece of fruit grown with passion and dedication in a really great environment, producing that beautiful taste and crunch every time.
It’s important for the consumer to have a good eating experience. It’s very rewarding for Noel when he hears the words, “this Adelaide Hills apple is the best apple I’ve ever had.”
“Growers work very hard to grow and deliver fruit that has great flavour and texture to give the consumer that great eating experience,” says Noel.
“It’s a very small micro-climate with the right mix of sunshine, warmth and cool night time temperatures that all contribute to growing a really good apple.”
Noel says that when eating an Adelaide Hills apple, consumers can expect a piece of fruit grown with passion and dedication in a really great environment, producing that beautiful taste and crunch every time.
The team farm across 20 hectares and grow Galas, Granny Smiths, Fujis and Pink Lady, as well as some of the newer varieties including Jazz, Envy, Bravo and Red Love.
Noel says there is a lot of attention to detail including pruning, thinning and irrigation in the 12 months or more before harvest, and harvest time is the most satisfying part of the job for him.
“To have worked all year and then, hopefully, at harvest time you’ve got a good quality crop that consumers are going to be satisfied with is pretty rewarding.
“It’s a very committed occupation, both financially and time-wise.”
Noel finds the most challenging aspect the ever-changing environment.
“Apple growing today is totally different to when I left school and there are new challenges every year,” he says.
Noel has adapted over the years to work with new technology and changing weather conditions.
“We have systems that we can utilise our land efficiently with greater yields and the tree structures are more adaptable to make tasks like picking more efficient.”
The team is also putting up environmental netting to combat weather pressures.
The biggest thing that stands out for Noel in being involved in the SA apple industry is how tight-knit the SA growers and industry workers are.
“Most people get along with most people and everyone’s very open with each other. We value sharing information with each other.”
When Noel’s not working hard to produce delicious apples you’ll find him fishing on one of his favourite beaches.
So get Munching South Australia!
AG & HC Mason
116 Masons Rd, Forest Range, SA 5139
P: 0429 838 985
E: masonnoel@hotmail.com
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