grower profile
Dennis & Lorraine Dugdell
Also in Kumbia is the Dugdell Family. They are more or less ‘neighbours’ with the Francis family but more importantly, good friends. Dennis and Lorraine Dugdell originally bought their farm in 1991 from Graham Francis. Before that, they had a trucking and farm supply business in Kumbia. Son’s Ben, Matthew and Tony all live in the area and work on the farm’s. Ben’s wife Jo and daughter Caitlyn, Tony’s wife Mia and son Lachlan, and Matthew’s wife Libby, all play an integral role in assisting this ‘Brady Bunch’ on their farm’s. The original plantings were done by the Dugdell’s with a lot of help from the Francis crew. All the original trees were from the University of Florida breeding program.
the varieties
better for the consumer
The varieties that Dugdell’s grow now have more taste and better colour than when they first started. The varieties of stone fruit now come mostly from the Sunworld and Zeiger breeding programs in the U.S.A. These varieties have changed a lot over the years and are better for growing and much better for the consumer. Exciting things lie ahead for the Dugdell farm as the varieties are constantly improving.
automation
de-fuzzing the peaches
At first they had to pack and hand wash fruit. Now, machines de-fuzz the peaches and weigh each piece of fruit. In 2015, the family decided to buy another orchard in the area which was one of the first farm’s in the region. The Dugdell’s saw this as a great challenge as the farm was quite run down, but they wanted to make sure it would stay in local hands.
happy employees
it’s like one big family
The Dugdell family employs up to 70 people when in full swing of the season, depending on the quantity of fruit. This team is made up of locals, travelling grey nomads and a few back packers. The employees are one of the reasons they love growing stone fruit. It’s like one big family on the farm!
The Dugdell’s love growing stone fruit and treat their crop, somewhat like a baby. They nurture them to a ripe age and then release them into the world! To the Dugdell’s, farming is incredibly satisfying and they hope to bring consistent delicious stone fruit to the public.
people love our fruit
see what they say
get in touch
get in touch
PO BOX 399
Nerang, Queensland,
Australia
contact mira
contact Mira
email us: info@divinefruits.com.au
give me a call: 0417 647 963
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