Co-owner of Naturally Dried Prunes of Yenda, Ann Furner told us about the very interesting process of turning a sugar plum into a delicious prune, but not using the traditional method of using gas tunnels but via solar tunnels.
Who are the Furners and why prunes I hear you ask? Ann with her husband Anthony Nehme and their kids Michael, Robert and Emily are the Furners. Ann and Anthony are both locals and from farming backgrounds and have been farming together for 13 years. Ann’s background is horticulture and she informed us they never planned to be prune farmers.
Prune growing season is from September to April. The Furner’s have planted 100 trees per acre or 250 trees per hectare. In total 3,560 trees on 33 acres. The have 2 varieties being D’Agen and 707’s and use drip irrigation. They pride themselves on reducing their carbon footprint in the prune industry. Moving away from the reliance on unrenewable energy they are focused on using the energy of the sun to dry their prunes. Their goals for the future are zero carbon footprint and to improve the soil health.
They quality test the sugar plums prior to harvest for sugar content and flesh firmness. Harvest usually occurs approximately mid February to March. Only the amount of plums that can be placed in the drying tunnels is harvested at a time using an umbrella shaker. These plump sugar plums are naturally dried using the power of the sun, creating a cleaner and greener prune that is environmentally friendly.
Loading fresh plums into the solar tunnels and unloading prunes.
During the drying process two thirds of the moisture content is lost to the atmosphere (dry out ratio is 3:1), therefore for every 3 tonnes of sugar plums placed in the solar tunnels 1 tonne of prunes is taken out. Drying takes approximately 3 – 5 day. At the end of the season they remove the plastic from the drying tunnels to extend its life.
After presenting members with free samples Ann was presented with a few gifts in return.
For further information contact Ann Furner on 0467 681 007 or email ann@naturallydriedprunes.com.au
www.naturallydriedprunes.com.au @naturallydriedprunes
Farm 2747 Marchinton Road, Yenda
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Carmel’s Riddle of the Week 
When things go wrong, what can you always count on?
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Visit from Area Governor
This week Joan Graham paid our Club her last official visit as Area Governor as incoming Area Governor Jennifer looks on. Nice to see another Club Member do well within Rotary. Joan provided us with an update mentioning upcoming events, area of focus being the environment and annual reports due. Laurie on behalf of the Club thanked Joan.
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Director’s Roundup 
- Board Meeting – Wednesday 15th June – Leeton TAFE.
- Belle of the Ball – Friday 19th August – Soldiers Club Leeton
- Directors Reports – Please provide to President Laurie.
- Changeover Invitations
- Narrandera Rotary Club – Wednesday 29 June 2022 – Narrandera Golf Club – 6.30 for 7.00pm $30pp RSVP John Foster by 24/06/22. Email jkfoster2700@gmail.com or mobile 0428 444 906.
- Leeton Central – Saturday 2 July 2022 – Historic Hydro - 6.30 for 7.00pm. Theme Black and White. RSVP Craig Watson cjdsptyltd@gmail.com
- Griffith Avanti - Friday 8h July 2022 Griffith Exies – 6.00pm. Theme is Christmas in July. $35pp. RSVP Margaret, marg.bandiera@gmail.com by 1/7/2022
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Which Rotarian?- Invited their partner to coffee and cake, “their treat” but did not tell them that they had vouchers for free coffees and cake? I guess it is the thought that counts.
- Has been accused by Matt of stealing his jacket? Riddle Answer:.Your fingers
- Was so keen to attend a board meeting they showed up a week early? They were a bit confused when the venue was in darkness and there was no one around.
- When asked why they hadn’t attended the latest dinner get together, they gasped and said ‘I forgot’.
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Sergeant Graeme 
Sergeant for the night Graeme challenged our thoughts about what gender we automatically thought of when a particular occupation was mentioned. He was quite happy to take us to the cleaners regardless of our concepts. Just as well it is for a good cause.
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Stupid Silly Joke 
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Laurie’s Quote of the Week 
“You should treat all disasters as if they were trivialities but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster”
Quentin Crisp (English author, humourist and actor)
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Leeton Showground Gate ProjectWe need to embrace our achievements so after the hours upon hours of work I thought it was only fitting that we once again celebrate and acknowledge a great Leeton icon being rightfully restored to its former glory. It is amazing what a tidy up, fresh coat of paint and gate extension can do. It is pleasing to see and hear that members of the general public have noticed the vast improvement.
From this tired and not very enticing entrance.
To this attractive entrance, with a long overdue make over.
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