As a new season approaches, BIFGA organise a farm walk and in the orchard thinning is honing the quality of the 2026 crop. The heat has caused some sunburn issues on exposed apples, nevertheless some very heavy crops are expected.
On Tuesday 14th June The BIFGA summer farm walk visited Hadlow College and Boormans Fruit Farm a short drive from one to another!
At Hadlow College BIFGA members were able to view the new 'Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence' - this is a partnership between Hadlow College, Thanet Earth and Growing Kent and Medway.
Following the visit to Hadlow College the BIFGA group drove to the nearby Boormans Farm where members visited a number of orchards and in particular a new Magic Star orchard which is supported by a metal post and wirework system.
During the walk short stops for presentations by companies involved in the new plantation and further presentations by companies involved in recent building works and general running of the farm. All of these companies 'generously' contributed to the sponsorship of the event.
Below: L-R. John Breach-BIFGA Chairman, Katherine Speakman-BIFGA Secretary. Judi Perri-retiring BIFGA Secretary & Richard Bell-Biddenden Vineyard
Following the farm walk the opportunity to thank long serving BIFGA Judi Perry for all her hard work over the last 34 years and thanks to a generous offer from Tom Barnes at Biddenden Vineyard of Gribble Ridge Sparkling Rose and Biddenden Sparkling Grape and Apple Juice, members were able to 'raise a glass' to Judi for a long and happy retirement.
The visit was rounded of with a Hog Roast followed by Strawberries and Cream.
My personal memories of Judi Perry go back decades. I have been astounded by her ability to create the content for many BIFGA meetings over the years, and the calm manner in which she delivered 'meeting after meeting' - by her side, lending support at many event days, her husband Mike.
I have known Mike for decades as well. as he was a scientist and central character at East Malling Research Station before the days of NIAB. Mike has been retired for somewhile, patiently waiting for Judi to join him in retirement!
I wish them well and much enjoyment in their (full) retirement together!
Below: Pictures of the BIFGA event kindly provided by Peter Breach - JR Breach & Son.
Below: L-R. New Magic Star orchard and right - Peter Breach with Jan and Markus from Trellex/Stilmer
Trellex posts made of strip steel form the basis of every support system. Stilmer stakes, also made of strip steel, serve as support for the trees.
Steel posts and structure are becoming more popular, replacing the wooden posts 'of old'
Below: Magic Star apples
Below: Wild flowers are now commonplace in our orchards
Wild flowers sown in the alleyways attract pollinating insects and predators as well. Whilst a diverse range of seed is planted each year, one particular species is dominant (this year wild carrot). Next year it will be something else.
In the orchards seasonal activities like thinning are progressing.
The dry weather has caused birds seeking water to attack apples on the trees for moisture. The hot sun has also caused sunburn on exposed apples.
Thank you to my friend Niger Jenner for a collection of pictures. Some apple and pear orchards are carrying stunning crops.
Below: left. Hand thinning using a mobile platform and right. fruit removed from the trees in the alleyway
Below: left. a Magic Star orchard in 5th leaf
Below: Jazz in 3rd leaf
Below: Braeburn on mature trees carrying an estimated 100 tons per hectare
Below: Conference Pears growing on a V system producing in excess of 60 tonnes per hectare
Serious bird damage seen in many orchards this year; rooks are one of the main culprits
Sunburn is prevalent after the sustained period of bright sunshine
The English Apple Man Comments
There is still some way to go before the main harvest period for mainstream varieties begins; Bramley & Conference Pears, predicted for late August, Cox and Gala for early September, Jazz in early October and Braeburn in mid October.
However there will be some early Discovery, and the very tasty Scrumptious from the end of July into August.
Mind you, cereal harvest has started 'one month' early, so I would not be surprised to see apples and pears once they start maturing to 'speed up' the ripening period leading to a shortened harvest period!
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man