Grower name
Robert McLeod
Orchard name
R & S McLeod
Brief family/orchard history...
Moved from Gundaroo to Batlow in 1981. Bought 40 acre block with house and raised 6 kids.
I worked as a technical officer with CSIRO for 3 years from 1985 in a joint project with the Co-operative to introduce and manage predatory mites to the orchards. I later ran the field service operations at the Co-operative for six more years, when the now Field Services Division took over.
How long has your family/you been growing Batlow Apples?
We planted our first orchard in 1983 and continued to plant until 2005. The farm was, and still is family operated.
Is there a history to the orchard?
All the Kunama blocks of 40 acres are 1st WW soldier – settler blocks. None of the original orchards survived. We purchased an adjoining block in 1990 – and now have 90 acres.
What varieties do you grow and what is your favourite?
Red Delicious, Bonza, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn. Our favourite to eat is Fuji. Our favourite to grow is Red Delicious.
Life in Batlow for a grower...
Hard work to make a good living. It’s not too far from main centers – Wagga 1,1/2 hours, Canberra 2,1/2 hours. Beautiful.
Great challenges you face as an apple grower...
There are several challenges to us as apple growers. Firstly, rising costs of production. Secondly the threat of imports and its consequential pressure on fruit prices. Finally, finding good labour for a small operator which can’t guarantee permanent work.
Why are you proud to be part of Batlow Fruit Cooperative?
The Co-operative has enabled small growers like myself to benefit from the best prices and promotion in the market. All Co-operative members have equal status and can compete with the big operators. The joint ownership of the Co-operative’s facilities means that costs can be minimized for all the members.