R&D update: Targeted training, cutting supervision time and lifting team performance
30 April 2026
30 April 2026
For nurseries, inefficiency often isn’t about equipment or production–it’s the hidden time leaders spend supervising, correcting and building staff confidence on technical tasks.
At Oasis Horticulture, spraying was essential to protecting plant health and managing pest and disease risk. But it relied on staff from across dispatch and growing teams, many of whom needed ongoing guidance. That meant supervisors were constantly pulled away from other priorities to train, brief and double-check work.
Through levy-funded GrowConnex, Oasis introduced targeted, role-specific training designed around their actual spraying program–shifting the team from high-supervision to confident, independent delivery.
What changed in practice:
Higher operator confidence in spraying tasks → fewer repeat explanations and less direct supervision required
Reduced time spent by leaders on daily oversight → supervisors freed up for planning and higher-value work
More consistent spraying application → improved accuracy and more reliable pest and disease control outcomes
Faster task completion during peak periods → improved operational flow without increasing staffing pressure
“Our sprayers are a vital part of the business,” said Manufacturing Manager Luca Magi.
“I was spending a lot of time creating schedules and briefing staff to make sure they felt confident. Now, they’re more engaged, asking questions, and supporting each other. That’s made a real difference.”
With support from GrowConnex, Extension Officer Stuart Burns worked with the team to deliver practical training focused specifically on Oasis’ pests, diseases and chemical use–making it directly applicable to day-to-day work rather than generic instruction.
“The training was spot on for us,” Luca said.
“The team are more aware, more invested, and take real pride in their work. It’s been a clear success.”
This highlights a broader takeaway for nurseries:
As operations scale, productivity gains don’t just come from systems or equipment–they come from reducing dependency on key individuals and building team capability that holds under pressure.
Looking to lift efficiency and confidence in your nursery?
GrowConnex helps nurseries build practical team capability through targeted, levy-funded training–so supervision time drops, consistency improves and teams can operate more independently.
The ‘National Biosecurity and Sustainable Plant Production Program’ (NY20001), funded by Hort Innovation using the nursery levy and matched by the Australian Government, is a horticulture initiative designed to support nurseries in strengthening biosecurity and sustainable production practices.
