The commencing of picking Gold 3 last week signalled the start of the 2016 kiwifruit harvest.
Monitor data for this year’s Gold 3 crop is showing dry matter and brix levels are behind compared to a similar time as last year however, fruit weight and colour are ahead of last year. Zespri has scheduled a shipping programme due to commence this week and have indicated from their perspective the dry matter and brix levels may hold back harvest. Accordingly a modified maturity standard is likely to be proposed by Zespri later this week.
The change to the minimum taste standard (MTS) for Gold 3 could mean some growers need to take action to ensure their crop meets the class 1 standard. Monitor data is showing some orchards may not achieve the MTS by week 20, based on current rates of dry matter accumulation. If you have any concerns about dry matter you need to discuss this with your Client Relationship Manager [CRM].
The Hayward maturity monitoring is showing the traditional early kiwistart area’s are likely to provide the first Hayward for harvest this year. Zespri advised on Friday that they have reviewed the Hayward Conventional kiwistart rates and are concerned that maturity is tracking a week behind which will constrain fruit supply with the current rates, especially in weeks 16 – 18. The proposed rates push more money into the later weeks, and if approved it is estimated that this will cost the pool an extra $3.5 million in early kiwistart premiums. This decision is being made Wednesday this week.
Current Kiwistart rates are:
The Seeka team has been focused on the planning for the 2016 season, with the build at KKP on schedule and the additional precooling and coolstorage at Main Road we will be ready in time to meet the requirements of the capacity plan. All of the operational standards have been reviewed and updated especially in the area of Gold 3 colour management. Our sites are ready to start receiving and packing the 2016 season’s crop. Growers are welcome to visit however this must be done in conjunction with your CRM as your safety onsite is important to us.
Seeka welcomes the new growers who have signed up to supply in 2016, and thanks its existing growers for their continued support.
From all the Seeka team, we wish Growers a safe and successful harvest.
Michael
Seeka Key
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