On 17 May 2018, the was hosted by Walnuts Australia.  We enjoyed a comprehensive tour of their processing facility followed by a convivial supper by the lake (at least the author was told it was a lake, as the land was draped in inky shroud, the author cannot vouch for its existence).

 

Websters Horticulture Division is Australia's largest walnut grower and processor, handling more than 93% of Australia's walnut crop.  It has current walnut plantings of over 3,000 hectares and is continuing to increase these plantings.  Its orchards are located in both New South Wales and Tasmania.

 

The 2018 harvest yields approximately 9,600MT of walnuts (in shell).  Harvest quality this year has been terrific with more than 90% extra light and light walnut kernel colour.  Walnuts to continuing to invest in the industry.  It has gone through a Shell Processing Line Upgrade which has doubled output and reduced manual handling.  It continues its orchard development with expansion at Avondale West.  It has also invested into nursery production to ensure quality planting stock and allow for expansion of new varieties (including Livermore, a red coloured walnut).

 

Rotarians paying close attention at the colour grading line

 

Walnut size sorting

Very deep discussions!

Inbuilt lightsaber!

View from below

More deep discussions, this time Barry and Brian

Walnuts off for colour sorting

More deep discussions ...

... and good Rotarians all in a row!