Thomas Brothers Apple Orchard – Riwaka
Maximizing protection and productivity
At a Glance
Location:
Riwaka, Tasman
Crop:
Apples
Challenge:
Balance high-density planting with high crop protection
Solution:
Super Spindel with V System hail protection
Key components:
Plant support structure, integrated hail protection
The challenge
As a leading apple grower in the Motueka region, Thomas Brothers is known for producing premium-quality fruit with innovative growing practices. With an ambitious expansion plan, they faced the challenge of rapidly establishing a new orchard while ensuring optimal tree density and long-term productivity.
With a focus on innovation and maximising returns, Thomas Brothers needed to balance high-density planting with comprehensive crop protection in their expansion plans. Their key goals included achieving optimal tree density, incorporating hail protection and establishing an orchard system designed for long-term productivity and sustainability.
The solution
Working closely with Thomas Brothers, we engineered an integrated solution combining our Super Spindel plant support structure with V System hail protection.
This system was designed to:
- Maximise growing space with high-density planting
- Provide complete environmental protection
- Enable easy and efficient structure maintenance
The structure incorporates:
- Premium concrete post system
- Heavy-duty tensioning components
- Integrated hail netting design
The results
- High-density planting achieved
- Complete hail protection integration
- Simplified installation process
- Reduced ongoing maintenance
- Enhanced operational efficiency
“The structure itself is excellent, with high-quality products used throughout. The installation was arranged easily, finished fast and the site was left completely tidy on completion. The componentry of the structure is very user-friendly, allowing you to use a larger range of experienced staff to install. Hortivate offered great support.”
