MJ Horticulture

First generation horticulturists, Lauren & Jarrod Tonkin acquired a green field property in 2009 known as Forrester Ridge, due to its elevation and locality.

Both Lauren and Jarrod's mothers stem from agriculture. Lauren’s mother was raised on a grain property at Meatian, located 35km South West of Swan Hill and Jarrod’s mother was raised on an irrigated vineyard and dairy property at Koraleigh, located 35km North of Swan Hill.

Jarrod always showed interest in the horticultural industry when he gained valuable experience from his mentor and friend, Ken Young. He worked on the Young’s property during the summer holidays, whilst completing his VCE and University studies.

Lauren studied Marketing at LaTrobe University, whilst Jarrod studied Agriculture at The University of Melbourne and they have leant on each other’s expertise in developing both the farm and the business.

Approximately 50% of the property is planted to stone fruit and the balance to citrus. This crop selection provides greater diversity to the business, which reduces risk at the property by having an eight month harvest window, once at maturity.

Like all businesses, identifying risks and limitations is crucial to successful production management and Lauren and Jarrod saw a potential limitation with calcareous soils types. They conducted their own research and grew their own root stocks to better suit the selection of Navel oranges, Blood oranges and Mandarins grown at the property. It is this type of problem solving and lateral thinking which is required to ensure that every variety and root stock has the ability to perform at its peak.

Nowadays; we are a more health conscious society and consumers are interested in knowing about the health benefits and origin of their produce. This influenced Lauren and Jarrod’s citrus selection of varieties producing higher levels of antioxidants, with some varieties expressing red anthocyanins with the right seasonal conditions. Varieties such as Tarocco Ippolito and Early Sicily.

Lauren and Jarrod were married in 2016 and have two beautiful children, Stella and Darcy. This young family is looking forward to the future of farming at Forrester Ridge.