For much of the Ixopo and Highflats agricultural history, dairy farming and timber have dominated this area. A few years ago, citrus was introduced and now Avo farming is about to take off too. I had the pleasure of photographing the first major commercial avo development happening, implemented by Craig Macfarlane of Ixopo. On this day Craig planted his first 12 of 38 hectres of irrigated Avo’s.
A total of 600 hectres of Hass Avo’s are being planted over the next couple years in Ixopo and Highflats. I will be following and photographing this agricultural development over the next few years.
Offloading Avo’s
Poles for Avo tree support
Planting
Painting the stems of the young trees for sun protection
And here they are, one month later after some good rain!