Seven Fields
David Stephens ‐ Citrus and Mango Grower
As a youngster, all David Stephens wanted to be was a racing driver. After his parents advised him to either get a trade or work on the farm, he completed training as a diesel mechanic. He then developed his love of citrus by running small retail markets selling juice and produce. When he decided to become a grower, it was an easy move into the family business.
"I learnt to drive a tractor at six years old, so I was getting yelled at a lot to drive faster or slower or to stop. There were no accidents though!" ‐ David Stephens
Delite Mandarins have been taking the citrus world by storm. In addition to their delicious, sweet taste, they're grown under netting to avoid hail damage and other pollen sources. This results in an almost seedless fruit that's loved by Australians of all ages, particularly children.
"Delite Mandarins are an easy and nutritious snack for kids. They're perfect for lunch boxes as they're seedless and easy to peel." ‐ David Stephens
Mandarins are in season from July to September. Traditionally, the trees flower in late August and are harvested in September. From the moment they're picked they're handled with extreme care and should appear on Woolworths shelves no more than four days later.
When choosing Delite Mandarins, David says you should look for a firm piece of fruit with a glossy skin. And to keep them fresher for longer, store them in the fridge.
When it comes to being inspired, David credits his father. "He never takes people's rubbish and always says it how it is." As well as his dad, Peter worked closely with a Spanish citrus consultant called John Chevarria for around 15 years.
David now has three children of his own, all under eight. They love getting involved and being able to ride in the back of the ute. And to make sure his kids eat enough fruit and vegetables, Peter has a simple solution. If you make it a game, such as get your kids to choose the fruit and cut it up themselves, they're more likely to learn about different varieties than if their parents make decisions for them.
"My advice to younger growers? Trust yourself and your numbers and don't pretend it will be better than it is." ‐ David Stephens
When he's not farming, David likes being active with family and friends. As the farm is near the Murray River, one of his main hobbies is water skiing. He also enjoys camping, travelling around Australia and socialising with other farmers.