Horticultural business manager Andrew Plunkett explains the technology his company used at the Farm Smart 2026 event.
Tonnes of apple pass through Andrew Plunkett’s packing shed on a busy day, and each of the thousands of pieces gets photographed up to 12 times.
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It’s not a rather niche creative photography project, but rather deploys technology that allows high-speed identification and sorting of fruit straight from the orchard.
The company has introduced high-tech, automated sorting and packing equipment which uses sensors and cameras to grade each individual apple for its appropriate channel.
The technology identifies any blemishes or faults and steers the fruit into differing grades, whether premium for fresh supermarket supplies, export, juicing or animal feed.
This apple sorting line, using AI technology, handles up to about 18 tonnes an hour.
Plunkett Orchards general manager Andrew Plunkett was one of the guest speakers at a Farm Smart presentation held at MOVE in Kialla and organised by Country News designed to provide practical insights, fresh ideas and valuable connections to help businesses grow in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Farm Smart brought together experts from across agriculture, technology and media to discuss the trends shaping the future of regional Victoria.
A fourth-generation farmer, Mr Plunkett points out that 80 per cent of the production going through his Ardmona packing shed originates from outside the region, including from southern Victoria, Batlow and the Adelaide Hills.
The company minimises chemical use, preferring to use natural solutions to pest and insect threats. Irrigation is computer controlled to optimise water use.
Plunkett Packing handles the orchard’s own fruit as well as 40 other growers.
Farm Smart 2026 at MOVE.
The technology extends into the orchards, where picking platforms remove the need for pickers to carry heavy bags and balance on ladders.
“Now anyone can pick fruit,” Mr Plunkett remarks.
While the fruit is still selected by hand, the platform transports the individual fruit to the bin and offers a safer elevated work space for the employees.
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