In this edition
Promises promises...well I did promise to tell you about some exciting new developments at Pershouse this month, but with the hectic start to the Qld winter produce season it is a case of 'first things first'. So instead, we will have a look at how things are shaping up in the marketplace as we head into some of the busiest months of the year for the Brisbane Markets.

As the hub of the Queensland produce industry, the Brisbane Markets really come to life when the State's produce seasons move into gear. The winter vegetable season is no exception, with some of the very best vegetables coming out of Stanthorpe, Gatton and the Lockyer Valley, then further north to the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg, then even further north to Bowen and the Burdekin. It is just a great time of year to be involved in this industry.

And of course, we can't forget Gayndah, an area currently well into its mandarin and citrus season.

So at Pershouse, it is 'all hands on deck' with plenty of quality produce to move.

Hopefully there'll be time for someone to read my joke this month!!

Enjoy!

This Month in Perspective - Vegetables
"It's all happening!" said Alwyn Weier from Pershouse when I asked him how vegetables were performing this month.

"The local season has been fantastic and the North Queensland season is just starting to build up."

So what does this all mean, Al?

"it means if you like your veges it has never been a better time to buy!"

"Out of Gatton there is still plenty of lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower. The rain hasn't affected the crops that Pershouse is handling so I still have great quality and consistent lines out of this region."

"The North Queensland season is shaping up to be a cracker this year. At the moment I have plenty of beans, capsicums and corn the season has really only just started!" said Al.

"Pershouse has been fortunate. Most of our growers weren't affected by the weather so we have had plenty of produce in the lines we carry."

"I'm expecting the run to continue for a few more weeks yet...well into July."

We all hope so Al!

This Month in Perspective - Fruit
This month has seen a little more movement in fruit than in vegetables, with a number of the fruit crops being affected by weather... even from earlier in the season!

Rockmelons have shortened as the crop is between seasons and bad weather affecting crops out of North Queensland and Ayr.

Bananas are still short and are recovering from the early season storms meaning that there is less product and the quality is mixed. And, with winter being a slow growing season - and with bananas spporting their dull, winter appearance, the difficult run for the current banana crop isn't expected to end in the near future.

Seedless melons are also in short supply and there have been a few issues concerning the imperial mandarin crop out of Gayndah, which has been rain affected - resulting in some mixed quality.

There are plenty of good quality tomatoes to be found on the market as the Victorian season ends and product from Stanthorpe, Bundaberg, Bowen and North Queensland hits the Brisbane Markets. It is hoped that demand picks up to meet the supply, but one thing is certain - the quality is fantastic with some of the best fruit coming out of Bowen. Look out for it!

This Month in Perspective - Heavy Produce
Plenty of onions around as product from New Zealand is still readily available. This influx from across the sea has also been keeping the Market prices down, so it is hoped that prices will firm a little as the last of the NZ product leaves the Markets.

Pumpkins are still being sourced locally, but the Northern season starts in a few weeks which means product will be arriving from Bundaberg, Bowen and then the Burdekin.

Kent Special is starting to tighten up as there has been a little bit of a gap between the local and northern seasons.

The Retirement Dinner
This one is from my Mum...enjoy...

A Priest was being honoured at his retirement dinner after 25
years in the parish. A leading local politician and member of
the congregation was chosen to make the presentation and to
give a little speech at the dinner.

However, the politician was delayed, so the Priest decided to
say his own few words while they waited:

'I got my first impression of the parish from the first con-
fession I heard here.I thought I had been assigned to a terrible
place.

The very first person who entered my confessional told
me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the
police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had stolen money
from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair
with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his
sister. I was appalled.

But as the days went on I learned that
my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a
fine parish full of good and loving people.'....

Just as the Priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of
apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the
presentation and gave his talk:

'I'll never forget the first day our parish Priest arrived,' said
the politician. 'In fact, I had the honour of being the very first
person to go to him for confession...'


The Moral To This Story:

Never, Never, Ever Be Late!

If you have a story or article that you think would make a great addition to Fresh Perspective contact;

Laura Koman
Ph: 07 3379 3034
Email: laura@pershouse.com.au