Meet Steve Mills, Operations Specialist at TriCal Australia.

With more than 35 years of experience across post-harvest fumigation, pre-plant soil fumigation, and fumigant operations, Steve brings extensive industry knowledge to the TriCal Australia team. After previously working with S.A Rural Agencies and later Viterra Australia as Pest Control Training Manager, he returned to the business in 2019 following TriCal Group’s acquisition of the Wingfield site.

Throughout his time with TriCal Australia, Steve has held several positions including QPS Fumigation Supervisor, QPS Fumigation Manager, and Training & Compliance Manager, before stepping into his current role as Operations Specialist in 2025. Today, he supports all facets of operations while mentoring team members and sharing his knowledge across fumigation, safety, compliance, and operational systems.

According to Steve, the most rewarding part of his role is mentoring and training the next generation of fumigation professionals.

Meet Jerome Bateup, one of the employees of TriCal Australia.

Jerome has been with the company for two years as a Soil Fumigator based out of Bayswater, Victoria, where he is responsible for delivering and applying soil fumigants. Throughout his time with TriCal Australia, Jerome has developed professionally in many ways, including learning from experienced fumigators how to safely handle and manage products, monitor and maintain gas systems during application, and better understand correct soil preparation and local weather conditions in relation to soil suitability and application timing.

His day-to-day work varies from delivering products to customers, receiving, storing and dispatching goods from the yard, and travelling locally or interstate to conduct applications.

According to Jerome, the best part of his job is working alongside experienced people, giving him confidence in achieving great results for customers. One thing he wishes others understood about his role is the importance of soil health management.

When Jerome is not working, he enjoys spending time with his partner and one-year-old son, reading, running, and watching sports. This year, the thing he is looking forward to most is marrying his partner.

Jerome is just one of the many people who help keep TriCal Australia running every day. Thanks to Jerome, and many others like him, TriCal Australia continues supporting growers with science-based soil solutions that help promote healthy soil and long-term productivity.

Canker disease in almond orchards can present a significant challenge, impacting tree health and long-term productivity if not effectively managed. Drawing on experience from California, where this issue has been prevalent for many years, TriCal Australia is working closely with TriCal teams in the United States to apply proven management approaches.

One key strategy involves managing surviving structures following orchard removal. Soil fumigation plays an important role in reducing these sources of disease, helping to support a healthier soil environment ahead of replanting.

By combining global expertise with local application, TriCal Australia supports growers in strengthening orchard establishment and long-term performance.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic soil-borne pests that can significantly impact root development, nutrient uptake, and overall crop performance. Often difficult to detect, these pests can reduce yield potential if not effectively managed.

Soil fumigation plays an important role in managing nematode populations and supporting a healthier soil environment. TriCal Australia works alongside growers to deliver science-based soil solutions that help protect root systems and promote consistent crop performance.

TriCal Australia General Manager Ross Mayfield recently presented at the Vegetables WA Roadshow in Carnarvon and Geraldton, WA. During the sessions, Ross provided an overview of the Strike product range, highlighted local distribution partners, and discussed the role of soil fumigation in managing soil-borne pests and supporting healthy crop establishment.

Attendees also viewed a short presentation covering Strike products and soil application techniques, reinforcing practical approaches to improving soil conditions and crop performance.

Did you know Australia produces over 2.6 billion apples annually, showcasing the significance of apples in Australian agriculture?

Strong orchard performance begins below the surface. TriCal Australia works alongside growers to support soil health and root development for consistent, high-quality production.

Did you know blueberries were first introduced into Australia in the early 1970s? Varieties such as Southern Highbush and Rabbiteye have since proven well-suited to Australia’s climate.

Successful blueberry production depends on strong soil conditions and effective root development. TriCal Australia supports growers with science-based soil solutions that help promote healthy crops and consistent production outcomes.

Did you know bush tomatoes are native to Australia and have been a staple in Indigenous Australian diets for thousands of years? These small fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and have long been valued in traditional practices.

Strong crop performance begins below the surface. TriCal Australia supports growers with science-based soil solutions that help create healthy root systems and resilient production from planting through harvest.

Did you know the quality and uniformity of capsicum fruit starts below the surface? Healthy soils and strong root systems are essential for consistent fruit development and plant performance. TriCal Australia supports growers with science-based soil solutions that help set the foundation for success.

TriCal Group Companies are committed to the safe and responsible use of soil fumigation. We strive to protect you, your community and the environment. Our Companies rely on decades of experience, thousands of in-field application trials, and hundreds of university research studies to find the perfect formulation that is healthy for your crops, profitable for your farm, and safe for your community.

TriCal Australia’s specialized service vehicles play a critical role in our operations, supporting safe and compliant QPS fumigation services in South Australia. Equipped for the secure transport and handling of fumigants, our fleet enables our team to deliver professional container, structural and stored commodity fumigation services with precision and care. Behind every treatment is a commitment to safety, stewardship, and reliable service delivery.

Effective soil fumigation is about precision — placing the right solution at the right depth to manage soil-borne pressures before planting. TriCal Australia works with growers to deliver tailored application methods suited to diverse production systems, ensuring accurate placement within the root zone where it matters most. By combining technical expertise with proven soil solutions, we help support uniform crop establishment and consistent performance across the season.