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Vineyard IPM | Granite Belt

By Wim Linström, Partnership Broker (Stanthorpe)
20 August 2026

Beneficial predatory insects were the stars of a vineyard walk on 5 August at Balancing Heart Vineyard, organised by Granite Belt Wine Country and attended by Wim Linström, Stanthorpe-based partnership broker.

The integrated pest management (IPM) field day attendees heard how insects can be used to help manage scale, mealybug and other vineyard pests.

Mike Hayes, Balancing Heart's winemaker and the 2017 Queensland Winemaker of the Year (also Viticulturalist of the year 2018), shared his experience using beneficial insects and his journey towards reducing reliance on some of the chemicals traditionally used in vineyards. Topics covered included:

  • demonstration of the release of Cryptolaemus bugs to control mealybug
  • pest mites and their management
  • adjustments to spray programs to protect beneficial insects
  • different pest management approaches and their pros and cons.

There was also discussion about the current dry conditions and the outlook for the season. Growers discussed options should water supplies become limited, with one potential response being to reduce crop loads by dropping grape bunches if alternative water sources cannot be secured.

Mike also spoke about his winemaking processes and introduced several new wines from Balancing Heart, including Chardonnay (egg fermentation), Vermentino and Aglianico. This part of the presentation was also well received by attendees.

The event attracted roughly 15 growers and industry representatives and generated strong discussion around both sustainable pest management and the seasonal challenges currently and expected to face vineyards in the region.

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