Owen’s houses nine years in the making
Madison Eastmond. Barmera craftsman Owen Cash was able to finally lay down his hammer and paintbrush on a nine-year project of three doll houses last month. Hoping the identical houses now become family heirlooms, Mr Cash began the venture in 2015 for each of his granddaughters, Shelley, Jessie, and Lainie, who are now 19, 17, and 12.
Groundwater reserves being examined for irrigation
Sebastian Calderon. An innovative project based in the Riverland is aiming to improve the potential use and benefits of groundwater. Last month, a small reverse-osmosis (RO) plant was installed on Century Orchards, in Loxton, with the objective of identifying different pathways to diversify water sources and relieve resource pressure on the Murray River.
Gone: Riverland Wine pair resign amidst wine crisis
Two leading figures at Riverland Wine – which was criticised by several members earlier in 2024, amid a disastrous year for many growers – resigned last week. Executive officer Lyndall Rowe and grower engagement officer Charles Matheson ended their paid roles with the advocacy body last Thursday. Representing over 900 local growers and around 30 wineries, Riverland Wine had been accused of a lack of action during the current industry crisis...
Local MP welcomes Senate inquiry into winegrape industry
A decision last week to establish an inquiry into Australia’s winegrape and processing market has been welcomed by Liberal Barker MP Tony Pasin, who says the current supply and demand imbalance is "devastating" the Riverland. The Senate agreed to refer the issue – which impacts the 2000 wineries and 6000 grape growers across the nation’s 65 wine regions – to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 28 February 2025.
Calls for frost support
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland’s state MP is among political figures calling for the State Government to support local wine grape growers who have experienced severe crop damage from frost ... Barker MP Tony Pasin said increased support was needed to ensure primary producers could sustain through ongoing weather challenges.
Frost and lost
Hugh Schuitemaker. Riverland grape growers have been left devastated by last week’s frost damage, which has been described by some as the worst they can remember. Ongoing low temperatures, which saw -2.2C recorded in Renmark ... caused extensive damage to vines across the region ... 919 Wines director and winemaker Eric Semmler said approximately 98 per cent of his Glossop vineyard was lost.
Dinner theatre production entertains the Loxton community
Sebastian Calderon. A highly acclaimed dinner theatre production that is sparking conversation about mental health and wellbeing is returning to Loxton. After last year’s success, ‘Kick off ya Boots’ makes a comeback in 2024 for a new glimpse of the Connor family’s farming journey, with the show organised by Little Town Productions.
Success for 2024 Riverland Field Days
Increased attendance and exhibitor numbers, along with ideal weather, all combined for a successful 2024 Riverland Field Days last weekend. With more than 12,000 people attending across the two days and 256 exhibitors filling the event’s grounds, Riverland Field Days executive manager Emma Gwiazda said that weekend revealed "fantastic results overall".
