Melons Australia's CEO Update


August has been a dynamic and productive month for the Melons Australia team, and while there’s far too much to cover in a single update, I wanted to share a few key highlights and priorities as we move into spring.

🛒 Retail Engagement & Melon Cutting Challenges We’ve heard your concerns loud and clear regarding current challenges with retail engagement and the handling of cut melons. These are critical issues for our industry, and we are actively working to engage with retailers to improve practices and outcomes. Your feedback is invaluable, and we’ll continue to advocate strongly on your behalf.

📅 Upcoming AGM – Monday 22nd September We’re looking forward to connecting with you at the upcoming Melons Australia Annual General Meeting, scheduled for Monday 22nd September. Formal notification will be circulated shortly. If you’re interested in joining the Board and contributing to the future direction of our industry, please reach out to me directly as soon as possible.

🤝 Membership & New Partnerships We’re working hard to deliver real value to our members, and I’m excited to share that we have several new partnerships in the pipeline that will bring tangible benefits to our network. If you’re considering membership or want to learn more, I encourage you to contact me at ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au.

🚜 Roadshow Series & Field Days Preparations are well underway for our upcoming roadshow series, which will include dedicated field days to showcase innovation, share insights, and strengthen regional engagement. These will kick-off through Queensland in late October/early November 2025, and Western Australia in early December 2025 – to coincide with the Carnarvon Melon Field Day on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 (contact us for more information).

We’ll be finalising and announcing more dates and locations soon… stay tuned!

🌍 2026 Study Tours – Planning Underway We’re also laying the groundwork for our 2026 Study Tours, which promise to be an exciting opportunity for learning, networking, and global industry exposure. We welcome your input and interest as we shape these plans.

📬 More to Come As mentioned, August has been a huge month for our team, and there’s much more to share. Keep an eye on your inbox as we’ll be circulating a series of important updates and announcements in the coming days and weeks.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected melon industry.

As always, if there is anything that the Melons Australia team can support or assist you with please feel free to reach out.

Johnathon Davey CEO

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

P: +61 407 032 023

www.melonsaustralia.org.au

Grow Your Farm's Reach: Social Media Tips for Melon Growers


Ready to Share Your Story?
This social media video guide was created especially for melon growers and is packed with easy tips to help you get started. You’ll find ideas for making short videos, showing off your best melons, and giving people a peek behind the farm gate. We’ve also included handy advice on hashtags and creating genuine content that connects with customers and other growers. It’s all about making it simple (and enjoyable) to spread the word about Aussie melons.

Project - Reducing Agricultural Losses From Feral Pigs Project


There is a project team working with the National Feral Pig Management Coordinator (who drives delivery of the National Feral Pig Action Plan (2021-2031) [NFPAP]) to undertake a review of the program, ensuring it is meeting the needs of industry. This project is being funded by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) as part of their work to address priority pest animals.

The new research is largely focussing on investigating the level of losses and how to reduce residual agricultural losses from feral pigs. Melons Australia met with the team earlier this week, and they are interested in speaking to growers and stakeholders to further understand impacts on agriculture due to feral pigs and hear perspectives on how to better support land managers with applying feral pig management effectively to reduce losses.

Should you wish to be involved, or have a brief conversation with the team, please contact Johnathon at Melons Australia – ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au – who will connect you with them.

Sclerotium rolfsii – what is it and what can you do?


Sclerotium rolfsii (aka Athelia rolfsii) is a soilborne fungal pathogen that affect over 500 plant species including melons. (Image above shows Watermelon crown showing the tan sclerotes and fan-shaped fungal growth of Sclerotium rolfsii (Photo Courtesy of Eilis Walker, Nutrien, Ayr).

In Australia, this pathogen causes diseases called sclerotium or sclerotinia wilt which is often confused with diseases caused by other fungi with similar names (e.g Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotium). A major difference is S. rolfsii occurs in tropical and subtropical climates whereas S. minor and S. sclerotium are cooler climate pathogens. Common disease symptoms include white fungal growth on plants stems, usually starting near the soil line and round fruiting bodies called sclerotes which look like mustard seeds (Figure 1).

Given the wide host range of this pathogen and its longevity in the environment, management is difficult to achieve, especially during an outbreak. The three key cornerstones to manage S. rolfsii are (1) use quality seedlings, (2) reduction of plant debris prior to planting and (3) strategic use of fungicides. Limiting risk of S. rolfsii disease is through management of blocks prior to planting. Ensuring plant debris are well degraded prior to planting will be highly beneficial and avoid crop rotation with plants that degrade very slowly such as corn.

For further information please refer to the fact sheet available through the Melons Australia website HERE. Simply copy and paste this in to the search function “Sclerotium rolfsii- fact sheet”.

Rethinking mulch and soil health


Melon growers often rely on black plastic mulch to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. With the broader project of progressing Soil Wealth, a new trial is underway in Lakeland, Far North Queensland to explore whether cover crops and biodegradable mulches can provide a sustainable path for industry to consider adopting. This work will critically consider the cost vs benefit for the different applications.

Halfway-mark Shows Melon Quality Heading in the Right Direction


At the end of August, the melon quality project reaches its official halfway point and results so far show it’s on track to achieve its objective to improve the quality of melons available to consumers at wholesale and retail. Since the project started in March 2024, 847 wholesale and retail inspections have been carried out across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. This has provided the industry with valuable data to benchmark fruit maturity and track progress.

Rockmelon compliance has already reached the minimum maturity standard set to give 80% of consumers a positive eating experience (up from 60% two years ago). Honeydew compliance has doubled from 25% to over 50% over the same time period, putting it well on the way to meeting the industry’s 70% target by the project’s end. Watermelon compliance, currently at 56%, remains the biggest opportunity for improvement, and will be a major focus for the second half of the project.

Ongoing monitoring will continue through to the project’s completion, with inspection reports sent to identified growers in near real time to provide feedback on their fruit’s maturity, skin and flesh condition. This will continue to allow growers to see exactly what consumers are experiencing in the market and to use that information as a quality assurance tool within their supply chain. This targeted feedback is proving a powerful tool in helping growers lift compliance and, ultimately, deliver consistently better-quality melons to consumers.

National Biosecurity Week


National Biosecurity Week held from August 25–31, 2025 shines a spotlight on the vital role biosecurity plays in safeguarding Australia’s environment, agriculture, food security, communities, and economy. This annual event underscores the importance of collective action, bringing together government, industry, peak bodies, and the public to strengthen our biosecurity system and protect the Australian way of life.

With approximately 40% of global crop production lost to pests each year, robust biosecurity is essential for food security. Australia’s rigorous biosecurity measures work to prevent exotic pests, diseases, and invasive weeds from entering the country, but occasional breaches highlight the need for vigilance. National Biosecurity Week inspires everyone to adopt strong biosecurity practices to keep our nation safe.

Do you have an up-to-date biosecurity plan? Join the effort during National Biosecurity Week to ensure a resilient future for Australia.

Information on the Machete Ban in Victoria


A machete is a large broad-bladed cutting knife, varying in shape/size (e.g., straight, curved, hooked blades).
Key Dates and Restrictions
  • Interim Sales Ban: Ongoing since May 28, 2025, prohibiting all machete sales (in-store or online) with no exceptions; enforced by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
  • Permanent Ban: Starts September 1, 2025 – illegal to own, use, carry, transport, sell, or buy machetes without exemption or approval.
  • Amnesty Period: September 1 to November 30, 2025 – penalty-free disposal at safe bins in over 40 police stations (map available from early August at www.vic.gov.au/machete-ban).
 
Exemptions

Automatic if criteria met (no application needed); must comply with secure storage/concealment and prove eligibility. Categories include:
  • Agricultural: For farmers, horticultural workers, students/apprentices using for work/study; not for recreation.
  • Cultural/Historical/Traditional: For items with genuine significance used in recognized activities (e.g., Samoan dance, Latin American heirlooms); not for everyday tasks.
  • Other: Museums, collectors, reenactment groups (extending existing weapon exemptions).
 

Full list: Governor in Council Exemption Order (via police.vic.gov.au).
Approvals

For legitimate needs not covered by exemptions:
  • Apply to Chief Commissioner of Police (case-by-case; explain reason).
  • Fee: ~$225; valid 3 years if granted.
  • Info: police.vic.gov.au/chief-commissioner-approval.
 

Risk analysis for melons from Japan: Final report


The final report reviewing biosecurity import requirements for melon fruit from Japan is set for release on September 9, 2025. You can stay updated by subscribing to the ‘Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant’ through the Department’s online subscription service HERE. However, we will ensure to keep you updated of any progress or changes. If you have any questions, please contact If you have any questions please contact Jo biosecurity@melonsaustralia.org.au, or Johnathon ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au.

Note that the report’s completion does not immediately permit trade. Imports will only begin after Japan verifies its ability to meet risk management measures, import conditions are published on the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON), and necessary import permits are issued.

Ag apprenticeship idea praised at National Skills Week


The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has announced progress on the Agriculture Trade Apprenticeship during National Skills Week in Canberra. NFF President, David Jochinke, confirmed the concept phase has been completed, with the program now moving into product development.

The apprenticeship is designed to tackle workforce shortages, lift professionalism, improve safety, and support the NFF’s target of growing the agricultural workforce by 25% by 2030.

Developed in partnership with Skills Insight, the program will require apprentices to complete up to 40 units from a nationally recognised curriculum, building capability and helping to attract new talent to the sector.

Property Fire Management Planning Various Dates and Locations


Learn how to create a fire management plan for your property at this free Property Fire Management Planning Workshop. This workshop is being held across various dates and locations.

The workshop will provide information and guidance to primary producers on creating individual fire management plans with the use of a map specific to each property. These plans aim to mitigate the risks associated with bushfires, with a focus on helping communities safeguard individual and collective properties.

Representatives from the Healthy Land & Water's Queensland Fire & Biodiversity Consortium, and the Queensland Government's Department of Primary Industries will share expert advice on their role in bushfire awareness and provide practical guidance to help you prepare for the upcoming fire season.

Tailored to your property, this session covers:
  • Fire management for primary producers.
  • Fire ecology and behaviour.
  • Take home a BIG map of your property.
  • Asset protection and bushfire mitigation.
  • An opportunity to discuss bushfire matters in your community.
 

Spray Precision in Practice Various Dates and Locations


One of the most important considerations when applying chemicals is efficacy. Am I getting good spray cover? How effective has the spray treatment been? Is the chemical doing its job?

Getting this right starts with your spray rig calibration. Join horticultural spray expert Don Thorp and Growcom for this targeted, on-farm spray calibration training.

Sessions are limited to eight participants, maximising the hands-on learning opportunities and one-on-one support.
What's Covered
  • Fundamentals for crop protection & nutritional spray application
  • Spray calibration exercises, air assessment & testing
  • Best practice equipment management
  • Label interpretation, safety & record-keeping
  • Future technology
 
Grower Benefit
  • Less waste and better spray distribution
  • Optimise disease control & plant health
  • Understand sprayer performance & maintenance needs
  • Ensure compliance through accurate calibration & product usage
  • Improve sustainability outcomes
 

AgXchange Australia 2025


From farmers navigating floods and droughts, to industry leaders driving innovation and sustainability, AgXchange is where the full supply chain comes together to tackle the challenges that matter. Across two dynamic days, you’ll:
✅ Gain practical insights from producers and experts
✅ Connect with 600+ people shaping the future of food & fibre
✅ Hear unfiltered conversations about risk, resilience and opportunity
✅ Build partnerships across agri-business, policy, research and community

Who should attend?
Farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, researchers, consultants, service providers, manufacturers - anyone invested in the future of Australian agriculture.

📅 23 September - 25 September 2025

📍 Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD

🚜 Farmer & NFF Member: Discounted access for NFF members

🧑‍🎓 Emerging Leaders: Special rates for under 35s

🧭 One Day Passes: Flexibility to suit your schedule

QLD: 2025 Gatton AgTech Showcase announced


Back by popular demand –the Gatton AgTech Showcase returns 15th & 16th October 2025.The Showcase will deliver an expanded program over the two-day event featuring:
  • More live and static field AgTech and machinery demonstrations as well as exhibition displays
  • Official launch of DPI’s Centre for Mild Winter Climate Protected Cropping. And a dedicated protected cropping showcase with the support of NFF’s National Horticulture Roadshow
  • AgTech speaker and student immersion program
 

As a national, grower-focused event, the Gatton AgTech Showcase is expected to attract growers from all over Australia, with even greater international reach in 2025. Organisers are gearing up for 1,500 attendeesacross the two-day event.


Contact:

Melons Australia

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

Copyright © 2025 Melons Australia

All rights reserved.

unsubscribe from this list

Sign up for our newsletter
Originaltext
Diese Übersetzung bewerten
Mit deinem Feedback können wir Google Übersetzer weiter verbessern