Our Family Owned and Operated Citrus Farm in Waikerie
G.M. Arnold & Son was established in 1915 by Captain J.G. Arnold of Mannum, when he purchased a 40-acre property in the relatively new Waikerie irrigation area. Since then, we’ve kept our business within the family and have sought to continually surpass the expectations of you, our customer. We take great pride in our growing abilities and hope to continue providing you with superior quality fruit and citrus products for many years to come.
Read on to find out more about our remarkable history and the many characters that have made G.M. Arnold & Son the citrus grower we are today.
Our Journey
Our property was first planted with navel oranges, pears, and Doradillo and Gordo grapes. Since then, the farm has been passed down through the generations, firstly to George Murray who managed the property from 1919. When George retired in 1970, the property had mostly navel and Valencia oranges plus approximately 90 tonnes of wine grapes harvested annually. George’s son Michael began working on the orchard in 1954 and invested money in a private irrigation scheme in Ramco Heights, concentrating on navel oranges. Following travel to the Mediterranean, wine grapes on stony ground were removed and blood oranges planted. These have proved to be wildly successful within culinary circles throughout Australia.
Today’s Citrus Orchard
New varieties of mandarin, navel and Valencia have also been brought into Australia, and after a visit to Asia, Pomelo and Buddha’s Hands were planted. New plantings on the trail include mango, feijoas, limes, lemons, lemonade and, at the request of Adelaide provider AMJ Produce, a yuzu from Japan. Yuzu fruit is in high demand by chefs across the country, due to it’s unique flavour and use as a delicious flavouring in sauces. A family citrus supplier from the very beginning, we provide rare and exciting citrus to Australian chefs and foodies alike.