Lucentlands Podcast | Ep. 144: Why Orchard Management Beats Genetics

In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak to Nic Finger, Industry Services Manager for Grower Development and Trials at APAL, about the future of apple and pear production, orchard intensification, labour efficiency, fruit quality and risk management.Nic works closely with the Australian apple and pear industry through APAL’s Future Orchards® programme, which connects growers, advisors and technical specialists across Australia’s diverse production regions. From Western Australia and the Adelaide Hills to Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, the Australian apple and pear industry operates across very different climates, water realities and market conditions.The conversation explores what South African growers can learn from Australia’s experience, especially as orchard systems become more intensive and capital requirements increase. Nic explains that higher-density planting systems, more trees per hectare, trellis systems, netting, technology and infrastructure can all create opportunities — but they also increase exposure to risk. A central theme in the discussion is that risk is not necessarily negative. As Nic explains, where there is risk, there is also potential return. The real challenge is whether the business understands that risk, measures it properly and manages it through better decision-making. The episode also covers the role of labour in modern fruit production. In Australia, labour costs can make up a significant portion of apple orchard growing costs, which makes labour efficiency a major focus. Nic discusses how technologies such as pneumatic defoliation, improved planting systems and better orchard design are being used to improve class-one packouts and increase returns per unit. The episode closes with a strong message for growers: good management remains one of the most important tools in any orchard business. Genetics, environment, technology and orchard design all matter, but strong management is what turns those tools into performance. Key insights from this episode:• Why intensive orchard systems increase both opportunity and risk• How growers should think about risk before investing in new planting systems• Why there is no single correct orchard system for every business• The importance of understanding the investor or owner’s risk profile• How the Australian apple and pear industry differs from South Africa’s export-focused model• Why labour efficiency is becoming more important in fruit production• How technology can help improve class-one packout and fruit quality• Why picking is a skilled job, not simply “unskilled labour”• The importance of robust fruit and a consistent consumer eating experience• Why good management can often outperform genetics aloneThis conversation was recorded at the Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future, challenges and opportunities of South African agriculture.Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/