Macadamia benchmarking 2019-2021

Abstract

Increasing productivity and grower returns has been a key strategic goal for the macadamia industry (Outcome 1, SIP 2017-21, Outcome 2, SIP 2022-26). Data from this and previous benchmarking work has shown that productivity varies significantly between farms. The long-term average nut-in-shell (NIS) yield for the benchmark sample was 2.8 t/ha with a standard deviation of 1.29 t/ha (46%). The long-term average saleable kernel (SK) yield was 0.89 t/ha with a standard deviation of 0.45 t/ha (40%). Seasonal productivity can vary due to factors such as weather, pest & disease pressure, and significant farm management activities such as canopy management and orchard rejuvenation.

Over the last decade the top quartile of mature participating farms achieved 70% higher productivity than others in the sample and the standard deviation in saleable kernel production per hectare averaged 50% of the mean. Average productivity also varied by up to 21% between consecutive seasons over the last decade (average 12%), partially due to environmental factors such as extreme weather events. The most productive farms in the sample generally maintained their higher-than-average productivity and positive gross margins regardless of seasonal conditions. There is significant scope for lifting productivity across industry through widespread adoption of best practice.

This project has focused on comparing seasonal productivity of a sample of farms as well as tracking long-term individual farm performance to support decision-making. Growers participating in benchmarking have indicated they see benefit in understanding how their farm performance compares with other similar farms, and that such understanding is an important driver of positive practice change. To this end, the project provided participants with confidential, objective rankings of their individual farm performance against similar farms in the sample according to size, tree age, location and use of irrigation. Rankings for yield, kernel recovery and costs provided an understanding of relative farm performance within comparable sub-samples as well as across the whole benchmark pool.