Grower name
Darral Ashton
Orchard name
Dundee Orchards
Brief family / orchard history…
Marion and I both grew up in Sydney and, well before the terms “sea change” and Tree change” came into being, we both decided it was time to leave Sydney and work for ourselves. We had both worked part-time on a stonefruit orchard on the edge of Sydney and it was then that we decided that growing was the direction we wanted to head.
Marion’s father had been a wholesaler in Sydney Markets and my father had been a market gardener so I guess it was bound to happen.
How long has your family / you been growing Batlow Apples?
We moved to Batlow on the 3rd July 1974.
Is there a history to the orchard?
It was part of the original Sedgwick orchard in the 1920’ and ‘30’s. We have two adjoining properties totaling 262 acres.
What varieties do you grow and what is your favourite?
All the usual culprits – Gala, Red Delicious, Braeburn, Fuji and Pink LadyÆ. My favourite is Cripps Pink, which is better known as Pink LadyÆ. While it is not an easy to grow it is quite different from all other varieties in both appearance and taste. It is also a great story being the product of an Australian breeding programme and now the pacesetter internationally.
Life in Batlow for a grower…
Can be challenging. Just when you think that you are on top Mother Nature gives you something else to think (and worry) about. However we live in one of the best parts of the country and that makes up for some of the problems that we face.
Why are you proud to be part of Batlow Fruit Cooperative?
The Batlow Co-op is seen by most other parts of the Australian apple industry as being the leader in many ways. We have been around since 1922 and that in itself contradicts a commonly held view that Cooperatives are not successful. It also allows us to be growers and employ professionals in all of the other areas of our business. Together we can challenge the world but individually we are minnows. For me personally being the Chairman of the Co-operative is an honour. To be part of a team that continues to
make a real difference in not only in our district but Australia wide is very rewarding.