Shows
The Full BottleEpisode 35: Bug WarsTaking on citrus pests in Far North Queensland
Ever wondered what it really takes to keep Australia’s citrus safe from some of the world’s most stubborn little pests? In Episode 35 of The Full Bottle, horticulturalist Emily Pattison squeezes out the details around her quest to outsmart Oriental spider mites and mealybug in Queensland’s lime and lemon country.
Find out how Emily is using predatory mites and Cryptolaemus beetles to help growers cut back on chemical sprays — and why getting the timing right is absolutely crucial. She also shares her trials with sulphur sprays, th...
2025-06-2727 minThe Full BottleEpisode 34: Tree TrackerTracking trees and growing insights!
In this episode of The Full Bottle, Sarah and Rachel sit down with Paul Stephens, Advanced Citrus Traceability Project Officer at Citrus Australia, to explore how mapping citrus plantings is transforming the industry. Paul explains the "block-building" program, which captures and collates data on citrus orchards, nurseries, storage facilities, and more.
With thousands of hectares already mapped — and many more to go — this data is proving vital for industry advocacy, biosecurity planning, and boosting productivity. Tune in to learn how the citrus sector is using information to shape a more inform...
2025-05-3027 minThe Full BottleEpisode 33: Crop CodesIn this episode of The Full Bottle, Sarah and Rachel are joined by Sharon Chapman, CEO and Founder of ABC Software. Born and raised in New Zealand’s fruit bowl, Hawkes Bay, Sharon is here to share her story in business and IT – and show how her company is helping horticulture businesses of all shapes and sizes integrate technology.
🍊 Like, subscribe, and leave a review to get the most out of every episode!
🌐 Learn more at citrusaustralia.com.au
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review of our podcast to squeeze the most out of...
2025-04-3031 minThe Full BottleEpisode 32: Pest ControlIn this episode of The Full Bottle, Sarah and Rachel dive into the highlights of the 2025 Australian Citrus Congress, joined by special guest Dr. Meena Thakur — entomologist with NSW DPIRD and Congress panellist.
Dr Thakur shares the latest in citrus pest research, from effective gall wasp management to strategies for preventing Huanglongbing (HLB disease, also known as citrus greening disease). Discover what industry and government are doing together to keep Australia’s citrus orchards safe from serious pest incursions.
🍊 Like, subscribe, and leave a review to get the most out of every episode!
🌐 Learn more at citru...
2025-03-3129 minThe Full BottleEpisode 31: InnovationsIn this episode of The Full Bottle, Sarah and Rachel sit down with Hort Innovation’s Industry Communications Manager Sharon Watt to discuss the important work she undertakes on behalf of the leading research and development giant. With a background in journalism and agriculture, Sharon has extensive regional and rural experience including senior news and editorial roles with leading Australian newspapers. She has also helped navigate the complexities of Australia-China trade with top research and development corporations.
For more information on Hort Innovation, visit www.horticulture.com.au.
Squeeze the most out of each episode by likin...
2025-02-2832 minThe Full BottleEpisode 30: Garden GateWelcome to 2025! It’s a new year and a new episode - with Sarah and Rachel chatting with our Citrus Australia colleague, Jacqui Mitchell. From helping folks at events to connecting rural growers to our city-living friends and to bringing biosecurity to the masses, Jacqui is here to talk all about her role as Citrus Australia’s Urban Biosecurity Coordinator.
For more information on CitrusWatch, visit www.citrusaustralia.com.au/citruswatch or follow @citruswatchprogram on Instagram.
To download the MyPestGuideReporter app, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/apps/mypestguide-reporter.
Squeeze the most out of each...
2025-01-2832 minThe Full BottleEpisode 29: Golden HoursIt’s the final episode of 2024, summer is on the way and Sarah and Rachel are looking back. After our first few months at Citrus Australia, we are reflecting on everything we’ve learnt so far, and what we’re looking forward to over the coming months – including our 2025 Australian Citrus Congress.
Squeeze the most out of each episode by liking, subscribing and reviewing, or visit our website at citrusaustralia.com.au.
This podcast contains portions of an interview from ABC Drive Melbourne with Ali Moore.
2024-11-2524 minThe Full BottleEpisode 28: Days with DavidWelcome back to The Full Bottle! Today, Sarah and Rachel are chatting to our General Manager of Market Development, David Daniels, about his long tenure at Citrus Australia – how things have changed, how regulations have affected growers and businesses, and how critical market access is to a thriving citrus industry.
Squeeze the most out of each episode by liking, subscribing and reviewing, or visit our website at citrusaustralia.com.au.
2024-10-2834 minThe Full BottleEpisode 27: Forums & New FacesMeet the new voices of The Full Bottle! Join Sarah Porter as she introduces our new co-host and Citrus Australia Communications Officer, Rachel Hall! Today, we’re chatting with Citrus Australia’s CEO Nathan Hancock about our annual forums and the benefit our Aussie citrus growers can gain from attending.
Squeeze the most out of each episode by liking, subscribing and reviewing, or visit our website at citrusaustralia.com.au.
2024-10-0144 minThe Full BottleEpisode 26: Keeping ahead of the curve (with CEO Nathan Hancock)***Correction: The Riverland Regional Forum will be held on Thursday, 19 September, not 18 September as mentioned in this episode.***
Welcome back to your go-to-podcast for all things citrus. Tune in with your hosts Matt and Sarah as they unpack the latest news in the Australian citrus industry. Joining them on this month’s episode is Citrus Australia CEO, Nathan Hancock. Nathan provides updates on national production and exports, and outlines next year’s Australian Citrus Congress, being held in Griffith from 18-20 March 2025.
Squeeze the most out of each episode by liking, subscribing and reviewing.
...
2024-09-0225 minThe Full BottleEpisode 25: Serious on sustainability with Eastcoast BeveragesHello, and welcome to the twenty-fifth episode of The Full Bottle podcast!
In this episode, we welcome our new co-host, and Citrus Australia’s new Communications Manager, Sarah Porter (0:40).
We’re then joined by Eastcoast Beverages Managing Director Sam Lentini, who discusses his company’s goal of becoming Australia’s most sustainable juice business. Helping us understand what this means is Calyx.eco CEO Lauren Branson, whose company has helped Eastcoast on its data-driven sustainability journey (9:40).
Finally, we have some big news about the 2025 Australian Citrus Congress (28:50).
East Coast Beverages: https://eastcoas...
2024-07-2930 minThe Full BottleEpisode 24: Supply and DemandWelcome to another episode of The Full Bottle!
This month, our host Matt Jones takes his first solo flight and it's all smooth sailing understanding the supply and demand dynamics of the season ahead. He talks about the domestic and export markets with Citrus Australia CEO, Nathan Hancock, and the positive outlook for Australia’s juicing industry with Olivia Tait, our Project Manager for the juice sector.
This very informative episode is essential listening for anyone in the citrus industry entering the harvest season.
Contact Matt about this episode: comms@citrusaustralia.com...
2024-05-2627 minThe Full BottleEpisode 23: The truth about orange juiceThis month’s guest is Tim Cassettari of FoodIQ Global. Tim explains the importance of Citrus Levy-funded research into the health benefits and nutritional value of fresh citrus and 100 per cent citrus juice. Listen in to learn more about the amazing benefits of our Aussie-grown fruit!
Feedback portal: https://linktr.ee/thefullbottle
ChillSafe: https://coolsan.com.au/
2024-04-2822 minThe Full BottleEpisode 22: Conclusions from the CongressWow, we’ve been so busy, and we can’t wait to tell you all about the adventures we’ve had at the Australian Citrus Congress. Join hosts Matt and Gabby as they take you through the highlights and the favourites, but don’t worry. They won’t spend the entire episode gasbagging. A number of guests will be joining us on this episode.
Feedback portal: https://linktr.ee/thefullbottle
2024-03-2429 minThe Full BottleEpisode 21: Climate tools with the Bureau of MeteorologyOn our radar this month is a conversation around our climate, touching on weather forecast tools and services offered by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. This can’t be 'mist' episode of The Full Bottle features Jamieson Lowe from the Bureau of Meteorology. Join us on episode 21 of The Full Bottle podcast!
Mentioned in the podcast:
2023 Climate Statement: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/aus/
Longrange forecasts: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/overview/summary
My Climate View: myclimateview.com.au
BoM’s Agricultural Playli...
2024-02-2523 minThe Full BottleEpisode 20: What's in store for 2024Hello to 2024 and a refreshing start to The Full Bottle Podcast. Join your hosts Matt Jones and Gabby Torpey as they reintroduce the podcast with some changes, but with the same light-hearted banter you’re used to. If you’re a new listener to the podcast for 2024, this is the episode to listen to first as we delve into what to expect, introduce ourselves and say hello to ChillSafe, our new corporate sponsor.
Mentioned in the podcast
ChillSafe with E.E. Muir: www.eem.com.au/stopthewaste
Memberships and Levies: https://citru...
2024-01-2809 minThe Full BottleEpisode 19: The 2023 season with Nathan HancockJoin us for the last episode of the year, saving the best for last, with Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock. In this episode, Nathan talks about the year that was, and the that will be. Get insights on this year’s production, challenges the industry has faced and what the Citrus Australia team have been getting up to. Get an understanding on citrus exports and international markets, as well as what predictions are in mind for 2024. We hope this episode leaves you satisfied, and we can’t wait to greet our listeners in the new year. Until then, Merry Chri...
2023-11-2633 minThe Full BottleEpisode 18: What’s bugging citrus biosecurity?Welcome to another episode of The Full Bottle podcasts with your humble hosts Matt Jones and Gabby Torpey. This week we’ve got a serious case of the psyllids but luckily, we’ve brought on-board Research and Development Scientist Francesco Martoni who’s going to help set some facts straight about Australia’s native psyllids, what he’s learning, and how important this research is for biosecurity preparedness. Speaking of biosecurity, Citrus Australia’s Biosecurity Manager, Jessica Lye joins us in our outro this month to give a few updates on everything going on in the next few months with the bio...
2023-10-2925 minThe Full BottleEpisode 17: Traceability in citrusWe caught up with Agriculture Victoria's Program Manager in Traceability, Caroline Barrett to talk about the pilot project of traceability in the citrus industry. Join hosts Matt and Gabby as they wrap their heads around everything that is traceability within the citrus industry.
Enjoy this episode and make sure to subscribe to never miss out.
Leave feedback on any episode here: https://linktr.ee/thefullbottle
And follow us on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube and Instagram and #citrusaustralia to get our attention.
Further resources:
Caroline’s art: ht...
2023-09-2428 min
AgVic TalkCollecting data at all points of the supply chain with Nathan HancockTracing fruit from the farm to a consumer anywhere in the world with Nathan Hancock, CEO of Citrus Australia. Learn how the citrus industry has been exploring ways to connect consumers with information through innovative packaging, QR codes and fun games. Plus, find out about the research on isotope tracing and how it can be used to protect Australian brands and help prevent food fraud. Learn more about traceability and access the Quick Start Guide at the Agriculture Victoria information hub by visiting agriculture.vic.gov.au/traceabilityLearn more about traceability in the citrus i...
2023-09-1017 minThe Full BottleEpisode 16: You can’t take the plant out of the girlQueensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Senior Horticulturalist Helen Hoffman joins ‘co-host’ Matt Jones for an episode of the Full Bottle all about Helen and her life in plants. This new style of episode highlights the interesting and incredible people of the Australian citrus industry - getting to know them and their work. Helen is just one of these amazing people, having conducted vital citrus research in granulation of imperial mandarins and contributed to the Australian Citrus News as well as the Australian mandarin production manual. You might not know Helen, but you’ve probably benefited from her work.
Enj...
2023-08-2616 minThe Full BottleEpisode 15: Ghost orchards in FloridaWelcome to another episode of the full bottle podcast with your helpful hosts, Matt and Gabby. In this episode, guest speakers from Fresh Produce Group Horticultural Technologist, Tristan Smith and Nutrano Produce Group Farm Manager, Craig Estens lead an eye-opening discussion around the haunting battle of Huanglongbing (HLB) and Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) incursions in Florida and California.
Prepare to take a deep dive into the world of citrus farming with factors and practices influencing the spread and management of HLB and ACP. What can Australian growers learn from their American counterparts in terms of prevention, early detec...
2023-07-3047 minThe Full BottleEpisode 14: Going places and meeting new facesWelcome to this very weird episode of The Full Bottle podcast where we’re going to meet a bunch of new people from various events in the horticultural industry this past month. A particularly special episode, introducing Citrus Australia’s Communication Manager (and our new co-host), Matt Jones. Thank you to Warren Davies aka The Unbreakable Farmer, and Jenny McLeod for sharing their knowledge and time as our special guests. You can find out more about Warren through his website or on his social media below. We also mention our own Australian Citrus Congress. Save the date 6-7 March 2024, Suns...
2023-06-2526 minThe Full BottleEpisode 13: An Imperial impactGet up north (or down south or round east) of Australia to hear all about how the Imperial mandarin harvest is going from growers in Southern Queensland. This week your hosts are Gabby Torpey, and podcast rookie Ebony Faichney - Citrus Australia’s Market Development Officer based in Mareeba, Queensland- recording at the Rotary FNQ Field Days. Joining us on the podcast is Gayndah Grower Matt Benham, Rich Fruits Farming Operations Manager Tim Teague and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Senior Horticulturalist, Helen Hoffman.
As always, leave us feedback and connect to us on our socials....
2023-05-2928 minThe Full BottleEpisode 12: Meeting Mike ArnoldWelcome to yet another episode of The Full Bottle podcast with your hosts Gabby and Stephen. In this episode we venture far away to the lovely riverside properties in South Australia, stopping to visit Hall of Fame award winner Mike Arnold at his hobby farm home. A man who is most famously known for his work to help develop AusCitrus - the “not for profit” industry organisation comprising citrus growers and nurserymen from each State – and locally known for his work in the Country Fire Services. Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock also drops in with a short and sweet messag...
2023-04-2327 minThe Full BottleEpisode 11: The MOF Reviewed, Relaunched and RespondedJoin hosts Gabby and Stephen at the Citrus Australia Market Outlook Forum 2023 where they sat down with speakers to cover a range of topics presented at the forum.
2023-03-2630 minThe Full BottleEpisode 10: Back from the USAWelcome to a very exciting episode with some well-known and celebrated guests from the citrus industry (not including Stephen). Join hosts Gabby and Stephen, just returned from America with a new outlook on pizza and tacos, as well as Timmel Ridge Estate Owner and operator, Tim Vandenberg and Southern Cross Farms Director, Peter O’Donnell (well known as ‘Pod’). Both took up the opportunity to travel to California to learn about their citrus industry and bring ideas and other concepts home to Australia. You’ll soon find out they’ve made some great friends on the tour and had some eye-o...
2023-02-2633 minThe Full BottleEpisode 9: Varieties and RootstocksWelcome back to The Full Bottle podcast in 2023!
This episode is brought to you by a collection of passionate researchers working in the fascinating field of rootstocks and varieties. Joining our host Gabby on the podcast is New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Research Horticulturalist, Dave Monks who talks about all the interesting varieties he is working on. Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Citrus Breeder, Malcolm Smith also calls in from Bundaberg to talk about projects he’s exploring in rootstocks. Lastly NSW DPI Researcher, Dr Tahir Kurshid talks about the Huanglongbing (HLB) toler...
2023-01-2944 minThe Full BottleEpisode 8: The wrap upStephen and Gabby go full banter in a test of knowledge of The Full Bottle podcast. Our loyal fans might know the answers to our citrus questionnaire but will our hosts?
Our last episode of the year on the last Monday of the year. Wishing all our listeners a safe and happy holidays. You’ll hear back from us in January 2023!
Provide Feedback to The Full Bottle team through this link: https://linktr.ee/thefullbottle
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Vimeo and Instagram and #citrusaustralia to get our attention.
2022-12-2532 minThe Full BottleEpisode 7: Planning the next GenerationWelcome to the second last episode of the year. In the spirit of the upcoming year, we thought we would bring you a podcast all about the future - succession planning. AgriPlus Director and Principal Advisor, Janine McLean, gives a professional perspective and breakdown of what is myth and what is fact when it comes to succession planning. South Australian fourth-generation citrus growing family, the Voigts, bring their successful experiences in succession planning for their business and family. Unfortunately, Rural Financial Counselling Services Victoria West could not join us for this episode, but we provide a breakdown of what...
2022-11-2728 minThe Full BottleEpisode 6: Our regional forumsThe Citrus Australia team have been very busy in this episode of The Full Bottle. Bringing you interviews from our regional forums in the Murray Valley, Riverland, Riverina and Southern Queensland full of updates on industry-funded research and other projects. We caught up with Head of Business Development Leatrice Treharne from Port of Melbourne, postharvest specialist John Golding from NSW DPI and Neil Salvador from VEG Education, as well as some local growers to hear their views.
Provide Feedback to The Full Bottle team through this link: https://linktr.ee/thefullbottle
Follow us on Twitter, Faceboo...
2022-10-3032 minThe Full BottleEpisode 5: Who’s watching your citrus?Welcome to episode 5 of The Full Bottle, a Citrus Australia podcast. This episode is all about CitrusWatch: a national citrus industry preparedness and exotic pest surveillance program. Our two special guests are Citrus Australia’s Dr Jessica Lye and Andie Wong who are ready to talk all things CitrusWatch and biosecurity in the Australian citrus industry.
CitrusWatch is funded by Hort Innovation, using the citrus research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Funding is also supplied by Plant Health Australia using the citrus plant health levy. Project partners are Plant Health Australia, Citrus Australia, the...
2022-09-2540 minThe Full BottleEpisode 4: The Labour of LabourThis episode brings you special guests Ben Rogers from the National Farmers Federation, Matthew Palise from Red Rich Fruits, and Kerry Thompson from our very own Citrus Australia, to talk about changes to the piece rate system, PALM Scheme and what’s next after the axing of the Agriculture Visa. Matt is the Managing Director of Rich Rich Fruits and dials in from Eastern Creek, NSW, to discuss using the PALM Scheme across multiple farms, states and commodities. Ben is the General Manager of Workplace Relations and Legal Affairs at the NFF and joins us all the way from Ca...
2022-08-2843 min
The Full BottleEpisode 3: Breaking Down AlbedoStephen and Gabby bring you three spectacular guests from the Murray Valley to talk about albedo breakdown, the cellulite of citrus. Grower David Stevens provides advice to growers on how to manage albedo breakdown, then Tania Chapman of Nutrano Produce Group joins us to provide her perspective as a packer, what consumers need to understand about albedo breakdown and what technology is implemented so customers can have faith in what they are buying. Lastly, Stephen and Nathan discuss how Citrus Australia is supporting industry, the light at the end of the tunnel of a tough season, and whether the...
2022-07-2533 minThe Full BottleEpisode 2: The Juice Industry in the RiverinaStephen and Gabby travel to the Riverina, one of Australia’s largest growing regions, producing more than 7000 hectares of oranges alone. On this road trip they visit Justin Davidson in Stranbridge, who grows 100 % juice varieties, all year round, to talk about what being a fifth-generation grower means to him. On the way they stop at Tony Nardi’s of Nanji Pty Ltd to talk about the Citrus Australia Juice Committee: who they are, what they do and issues they are facing this season. A new face to the Citrus Australia team, Olivia Tait, who is focussing on the juice sect...
2022-06-2632 minThe Full BottleEpisode 1: Protective Cropping with Ryan ArnoldWhat’s The Full Bottle? Tune into Episode 1 and let us explain. Gabby Torpey speaks with special guest Ryan Arnold about his experiences with protective cropping, and we revisit the Citrus Technical Forum held in March, where speakers including Rabobank’s Michael Harvey share their thoughts on supply issues and labour challenges.
Link to Ryan’s weather station: https://www.awsnetwork.com.au/station/2850
If you would like to get in contact with Ryan, email us through gabby.torpey@citrusaustralia.com.au or contact the Citrus Australia office.
Contact us with your podcast ideas by commenti...
2022-05-3030 min
The Full BottleIntroducing The Full Bottle: A Citrus Australia podcastStephen Cooke and Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock introduce the first citrus-industry podcast for Aussie citrus growers, The Full Bottle. Tune in at the end of each month for a new episode with special guests from growers outstanding in their field, researchers undergoing projects to benefit the industry and much more!
If you have a topic or area you want to learn about, or a guest speaker in mind that you want to hear from, let us know by emailing gabby.torpey@citrusaustralia.com.au
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Vimeo a...
2022-05-1101 min