Noel Mason, has been named Grower of the Year at the national Apple and Pear Australia Limited Awards of Excellence
A six generation Adelaide Hills apple grower has won a national award just months after losing his father in a tragic accident.
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Adelaide Hills apple grower Noel Mason, of AG & HC Mason, has been named Grower of the Year at the national Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) Awards of Excellence.
The first time AG & HC Mason have won the award, Mr Mason represents the sixth generation of Masons to produce apples at their family’s 21.9 hectare Forest Range property.
The award, which is given to growers who demonstrate industry leadership across all aspects of production, was particularly special coming just three months after the death of Mr Mason’s father, 92-year-old Ashley Graham Mason – who died in a quad bike crash in April 2024.
For Mr Mason, who has been growing apples for 26 years, the award represents Ashley’s legacy of innovation and dedication to producing a quality product – something the Mason family keeps at the forefront of their business.
“Yeah, it’s been a bit special to win this one this year,” Mr Mason said.
“Dad and his brother have been supportive of innovation, orchard development and progression.
“The goal is to produce a piece of fruit that South Australians love to eat.”
Producing 1800 tonnes of apples in 2024, Mr Mason said the focus going forward was to continue to innovate, to use the land more efficiently, to integrate systems that are both labour efficient and friendly – as labour represents around 60 per cent of the companies production costs.
And while the seventh generation of Masons are still a little too young to follow in the family’s footsteps, the seed has been planted.
“It would be good,” Mr Mason said.
“It’s a hard working lifestyle, but it’s also enjoyable.”
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Originally published as Noel Mason, has been named Grower of the Year at the national Apple and Pear Australia Limited Awards of Excellence
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