Category: Industry News

Recycling Water in Carrot Pack Houses

By Udi Leshem, Co-founder, Aqua HD

Aqua HD has designed a water treatment technology involving particle separation that allows pack houses to recycle their water. 

In pack houses, water is used extensively during the packaging process for uses such as cleaning and transporting produce throughout the packing operation. Pack houses can incur high costs for both water usage and wastewater discharge tariffs. This can limit pack house operations due to shortages of fresh water as well as land for wastewater discharge. This is especially true for root vegetables pack houses where high solids are removed from the vegetables and transferred to the water stream. As a result, wastewater generated in pack houses is characterized by a high presence of solids, creating high turbidity and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels, which result in high costs associated with removing the particles from the wastewater stream.

Many pack houses are looking to decrease their water usage and reduce their wastewater tariff costs through the reuse of their process water. When handling these water streams, solids separation becomes the main challenge in the treatment process. Particles in root vegetables pack houses are very small; over 90 percent of the particles are in the range of 2-50 microns, which creates a challenge when considering any type of separation or filtration.

Traditionally, solids separation processes in pack houses use gravitational separation (clarifiers). While effective, clarifiers require a big footprint and are relatively expensive. While processes that remove particles using centrifugal force do exist in the market as an alternative to the clarification process (e.g. Hydrocyclone), they are extremely limited in the size of particles they can separate (larger than 70 um) and the density (larger than 1.9 g/cc( and are mainly used for the initial large sand separation (less than 2 percent of the solids). The high sheer forces created in the Hydrocyclone will prevent the use of coagulation and flocculation processes since the flocs will be broken and, thus, the operation will be ineffective.

New Technology

The recently developed hydrodynamic separator called Natica, developed by Aqua HD, is free from the limitations of the conventional solid separation processes. The Natica works by creating centripetal forces to separate particles under low pressure (1bar).

In the Natica, the water flows through a dedicated circular structure (Fig. 1). The pass of the water in the circular structure allows the creation of high centrifugal forces (6-8 G) under low pressure. Due to the high centrifugal forces, particles become concentrated in the outer perimeter of the separator. Owing to the laminar flow, particles stay in the outer perimeter layer and do not mix with the clean water in the inside of the separator. A specially designed outlet structure separates the stream rich in particles (near the outer perimeter) and that of the clean water. Particles that have been removed from the water will go through a further sludge thickening and dewatering treatment where the water will be sent to the head of the process.

Case Study

Due to high wastewater tariffs costs, Aqua HD recently installed a water treatment and recycling system in a carrot pack house in Israel. In the carrot pack house, water was continuously discharged from the washer (few seconds every few minutes) to a designated pit and was recycled to the head of the washer to use in produce conveying. When solids loading in the pit became too high (every few days), water was discharged from the pit and fresh water was filled in.

The Aqua HD system was installed next to the pit and was continuously pumping water from the pit, cleaning it and sending the clean water from the pit to the head of the washer. This configuration allowed for continued operation of the pit without the need for the frequent water replacements in the pit that resulted in high flows of highly loaded wastewater to the sewer lines. 

In the carrot pack house, the installation was done in a limited footprint (inside the existing pack house) and without interfering with the daily pack house operation.

As seen in Fig. 2, the Aqua HD separation system was able to achieve very high removal efficiency (over 90 percent) and produce high quality water regardless of changing inlet water conditions.

The system compactness and modularity make the hydrodynamic separator a very suitable solution for pack houses that want to handle their water stream either for discharge to the sewer lines or to the environment or want to recycle their water.

To meet the application needs of today’s farmers who demand operator comfort, high-quality application and the most machine uptime possible, John Deere has introduced new 400 and 600 Series Sprayers. The lineup of 400 Series Sprayers includes the 408R, 410R, and 412R, while the 600 Series includes the 612R and 616R.

“Each sprayer features a new, larger cab with your choice of three comfort and convenience packages available to fit a variety of needs,” Joel Basinger, marketing manager for John Deere said. “The 400 and 600 Series Sprayers turn technology into application quality and enhance machine uptime for customers.”

The new cab surrounds operators in all-day comfort while delivering outstanding visibility. Three comfort and convenience packages with new lighting options are available. The Ultimate package includes a heated, ventilated leather seat that can swivel up to 24 degrees to the left or right, plus the ActiveSeat™ II suspension for super-smooth ride. The Ultimate package also includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen satellite- and smartphone-ready radio, five USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, footrests, refrigerator, and dual-tilt steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel. The cab’s optional Category IV filtration system flows continuously filtered air into the cab to help keep the operator’s station clean.

“John Deere 400 and 600 Series Sprayers maintain application quality by delivering more power to the ground when and where it’s needed, such as on hills, while using less fuel and providing a quieter work environment for the operator compared to previous models,” Basinger said.

All 400 and 600 Series Sprayers are built with a John Deere PowerTech™ Engine and the fuel-saving CommandDrive™ powertrain that transfers power evenly to all four wheels when needed. Operators can spray over large hills with confidence, knowing that CommandDrive automatically increases engine RPM when more power is required to maintain a consistent speed and spray pattern. On flat terrain, Auto Mode maintains the selected ground speed and application rate at lower RPM, reducing fuel and DEF consumption.

“When it’s time to spray, John Deere understands customers expect their sprayer to be ready to go,” Basinger said. “John Deere turns technology into uptime when it comes to these sprayers.”

Each 400 and 600 Series Sprayer comes with a JDLink™ connection, plus an integrated StarFire™ 6000 GPS receiver, Generation 4 CommandCenter™ display and AutoTrac guidance. “These sprayers come standard with the integrated technology farmers need to reduce overlap and maximize inputs,” Basinger said.

Three models of 400 Series Sprayers are available. The 408R features an 800-gallon tank and a 280-hp PowerTech 6.8 L engine with a maximum field speed of up to 20 mph, and transport speed of up to 30 mph. The 410R is equipped with a 1,000-gallon tank and a 310-hp PowerTech 9.0 L engine. The 412R comes with a 1,200-gallon tank and is powered by a 326-hp PowerTech 9.0 L engine. The two largest 400 Series Sprayers can reach field speeds up to 25 mph and transport up to 35 mph. 

Two models of 600 Series Sprayers are available. The 612R features a 1,200-gallon tank and a 355-hp PowerTech 9.0 L engine. The largest model is the 616R equipped with a 1,600-gallon tank and a 375-hp PowerTech engine. Both 600 Series Sprayers can reach field speeds up to 25 mph and transport up to 35 mph. All 400 and 600 Series Sprayers can be equipped with 90-, 100-, or 120-foot steel booms, or 120- or 132-foot carbon-fiber spray booms.

In addition to the sprayers, there are two dry spinner applicators, the 400R and 600R. The 400R is equipped with a 200-cu. ft. dry box and a 326-hp PowerTech 9.0 L engine. The 600R comes with a 200- or 300-cu. ft. dry box and 375-hp PowerTech 9.0 L engine. Both offer the integrated StarFire™ receiver, Generation 4 display, and JDLink connection, plus same cab and cab and lighting packages as the sprayers.

“John Deere 400 and 600 Series Sprayers provide new levels of operator comfort, improve application quality and feature technology that can help maximize your sprayer’s uptime,” Basinger said.

For more information, visit your local John Deere dealer or JohnDeere.com. John Deere 400 and 600 Series Sprayers will be available for ordering in June.

40,000 Soil Readings, Five Takeaway Insights

By Bill Woodward, NovaSource North America

Today, many carrot growers are using the soil fumigants metam sodium and metam potassium more efficiently than ever for the suppression of weeds, disease and nematodes because of insights gained from a four-year study by NovaSource into how the products perform following application.

Now that more than 40,000 post-application soil sample readings have been collected and categorized, several assumption-busting revelations have been revealed. And a better understanding of the underground behaviors of these products is now guiding applicators to optimize metam applications.

This knowledge is enabling operators to maximize underground metam product exposure to pests and generate some highly favorable results.

Introducing an Underground Technology

In 2017, a presentation on the subject of soil fumigation by Dr. Steve Fennimore, a weed scientist from UC Davis, captivated attendee Kyle Coleman, director of marketing and commercial development at NovaSource. As Fennimore explained about his use of a photo-ionization detector to better understand fumigant location in soil, Coleman was inspired to try it out for himself.

“I had been working with metam products since 1999, but had no clue this equipment was available,” Coleman recalls. “I purchased a unit and made a call to a custom applicator to try it out. I just wanted to see how the technology worked. I had no idea what I was about to get myself into.”

Coleman’s first test was on a carrot field in Washington, and he and the grower were surprised by the results.

“The application was made by shanking at 12 inches, and after 48 hours, almost none of the fumigant was found in the top 6 inches. We were all startled by the findings,” Coleman says.

“We started to realize that if the product wasn’t moving as much as any of us had assumed, we’d need to prioritize the pests, be more specific about pest location and determine how to get the product where it needed to be,” he added.

Numerous adjustments were made to application rate, depth of application and soil moisture content over a two-year period before agronomists were completely satisfied with the placement of the product for maximizing results.

In the meantime, word of these findings began to spread, and Coleman found himself immersed in requests for insights.

“We’ve collected readings in nine states where metam products are used for different crops,” Coleman says. “I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen single-level and dual-level placement, rototillers, drip application and chemigation. I’ve seen sweeps, shanks, nozzles and drop tubes in many configurations. I’ve been on soil that is so dry the dust shot up into my pant legs all over my socks with every step, and fields so muddy I could barely keep my balance. Every single application method creates a unique pattern, and the conditions in which the product is applied creates another layer of complexity.”

“If there were little variation, I would have stopped at a few thousand readings. Instead, we’ve collected and received more than 40,000 post-application soil sample readings from coworkers and fantastic cooperators from all over the country, and every one of them tells a story,” he says.

Common Themes Emerge

Since Coleman’s initial visit to that first field in 2017, this collection of data has revealed five main variables that can create significant differences in product effectiveness – often, when only minor adjustments to an application method are employed.

“When you look at all the information, the keys for optimizing the effectiveness of your metam soil fumigant application boil down to these primary new insights,” Coleman says.

He calls them “the five pillars of metam movement in soil.”

Moisture Preservation 

If possible, maintain 80 percent moisture throughout the soil profile weeks before application up to the day of application. Moist soil delivers several benefits: submoisture helps facilitate metam movement; moist soil promotes respiration in an important pest like weeds; moisture in the soil helps maintain longer exposure times; and from a stewardship perspective, moisture helps reduce odor and the chance of off-gassing.

Placement Strategy 

Compared to other fumigants, the vapor pressure of metam products is relatively low, so they simply don’t travel as far or as uniformly as applicators have assumed for many years. Sampling the soil to better understand your exact pest location is recommended. Then, precision place your metam product near your targeted pests through chemigation, shanking or deep shanking.

Equipment

Making even minor adjustments to the equipment you’re using to prepare soil, apply product and seal the application can make a big difference. Know the precise and unique pattern created by your machinery. Roughing up the soil a little won’t compromise performance as long as you don’t dry it out or leave product on or near the soil surface.

Pest Respiration

Pests are living organisms. And metam products are most effective when the pest is most susceptible and the application is optimal. If you can’t imagine a weed seed really thriving in a certain soil condition, then it probably isn’t – and suppression is much more difficult.

Soil Tilth

Dry, compacted or cloddy soil can limit product movement. Avoid applying the product to deeply frozen soil. Anything you can do to avoid drying the soil is critical because the metam may dissipate in dry soil before it has time to do its job.

What Really Matters

Many operators are reporting improved results from making adjustments based on these five insights, according to Coleman. And while they’re all relevant to product performance, he believes moisture preservation is the area that’s most important.

“For example, in the Pacific Northwest, we have seen harvested grain fields go for months without additional water being added until just before metam application is made. That’s too little, too late. We want to see more consistent moisture in that soil profile,” Coleman says.

“Every one of the five pillars matters more than people think,” he added. “And when adjustments are made and tracked over time in each category, the full potential of metam product use can be realized.” For more information, contact Kyle Coleman at kyle.coleman@tkinet.com.

John Deere offers an all-new lineup of Hagie Self-Propelled Sprayers for model year 2022 to help farmers manage tight operating windows and challenging field conditions at various crop stages. Three models are being offered and include the STS12, STS16, and STS20.

“Everything about these sprayers is new, except for the field-proven signature front spray boom,” Joel Basinger, marketing manager for John Deere, said. “Hagie forward-facing innovation and John Deere precision-ag technology have joined forces to advance full-season spraying. If you need to split-apply nitrogen or demand superior late-season fungicide coverage, John Deere and Hagie can help you ‘Enter the Field Any Day’ with an STS Sprayer.”    

The front boom placement on the STS Sprayer reduces the need for operators to constantly turn and look behind the machine during application. John Deere’s AutoTrac RowSense and AutoTrac Vision keep the sprayer in the row for precise product placement. STS Sprayers also feature All Wheel Steer technology that keeps the sprayer’s tires in the same set of tracks, reducing the potential for crop damage, even when making 90-degree headland turns. STS Sprayers have up to 76 inches of underframe clearance so crop disturbance is minimized, and the in-wheel suspension of the sprayer provides operators with a smooth ride.

“Hagie design and John Deere technology put farmers in control of season-long applications like never before,” Basinger said. “With the boom placed at the front of the machine, expanded precision-ag technologies, enhanced operator comfort, and power to spare, these are the most innovative high-clearance sprayers in the industry.”   

For more information, visit your local John Deere dealer, or JohnDeere.com or Hagie.com. Hagie STS Sprayers will be available for ordering in June.

The following is attributed to Acting USDA Secretary Kevin Shea and Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.

After more than a year since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a global health emergency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to underscore that there is no credible evidence of food or food packaging associated with or as a likely source of viral transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing COVID-19.

Our confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply remains steadfast. Consumers should be reassured that we continue to believe, based on our understanding of currently available reliable scientific information, and supported by overwhelming international scientific consensus, that the foods they eat and food packaging they touch are highly unlikely to spread SARS-CoV-2.

It’s particularly important to note that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is spread from person to person, unlike foodborne or gastrointestinal viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food. While there are relatively few reports of the virus being detected on food and packaging, most studies focus primarily on the detection of the virus’ genetic fingerprint rather than evidence of transmission of virus resulting in human infection. Given that the number of virus particles that could be theoretically picked up by touching a surface would be very small and the amount needed for infection via oral inhalation would be very high, the chances of infection by touching the surface of food packaging or eating food is considered to be extremely low.

The USDA and the FDA are sharing this update based upon the best available information from scientific bodies across the globe, including a continued international consensus that the risk is exceedingly low for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans via food and food packaging. For example, a recent opinion from the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) (PDF, 352 KB), stated: “Despite the billions of meals and food packages handled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, to date there has not been any evidence that food, food packaging or food handling is a source or important transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 resulting in COVID-19.” Additional literature reviews and analyses from other countries agree.

In addition, considering the more than 100 million cases of COVID-19, we have not seen epidemiological evidence of food or food packaging as the source of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to humans. Furthermore, transmission has not been attributed to food products or packaging through national and international surveillance systems. Food business operations continue to produce a steady supply of safe food following current Good Manufacturing Practices and preventive controls, focusing on good hygiene practices and keeping workers safe.

Based on the scientific information that continues to be made available over the course of the pandemic, the USDA and FDA continue to be confident in the safety of the food available to American consumers and exported to international customers.

Additional Information:

• FDA: Food Safety and COVID-19
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Joint Statement from USDA and FDA on Food Export Restrictions Pertaining to COVID-19
• USDA: www.usda.gov/coronavirus

Radishes can be used as biofumigants and break up soil

Integrating cover crops into a farming system can be beneficial in more ways than one. The Sustainable, Secure Food Blog explores the use of radishes as a cover crop and the advantages that come with it.

Blogger Ivan A. Dozier explains, “Thick radish roots are an ideal choice for natural drilling into the soil to reduce compaction. When the radish crops are terminated, the radish and roots leave large, open pores in the soil. This increases soil aeration and water infiltration.”

Besides breaking up soil naturally, radishes can “scavenge” and clean up soil as well. They absorb extra nutrients. Radishes also contain natural chemical combatants, called biofumigants, that can deter pests.

Farmers choose the radish variety to plant as a cover crop depending on the job they want to do – just like choosing the right tool for any job.

To learn more about radishes as a cover crop, read the entire blog: https://sustainable-secure-food-blog.com/2021/02/22/how-do-radishes-work-as-a-cover-crop/

Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher

Whenever possible, Eric Jemmett and his partners with J&S Farms Inc. in Parma, Idaho, take things “to the max.” He looks to maximize production methods, yields and profits and has found a unique way to add to the farm’s bottom line. In addition to growing several different crops including 120 acres of carrot seed last year, Jemmett is also a trained and operating contract researcher.

Maximizing Carrot Seed

Grown on a Nunhems contract, J&S Farms’ carrot seed crop is produced with two miles of isolation between plots. The need for isolation means the Jemmetts have to spread out their operation. Last year, they had seed plots in several spots, making their operation a 30-minute drive end to end.

The farm produces seed by two methods: seed-to-seed and root-to-seed.

The seed-to-seed crop is planted in August and harvested 13 months later. Planning is done in July so that Jemmett knows how many acres to set aside for August planting. The carrots only grow to about 0.5 inch in diameter before winter. The next spring, the crop will bolt and senescence and start producing flowers.

The root-to-seed crop is planted in March or April. Each root is planted by hand in a machine-dug trench. Harvest is around mid-September of the same year. Jemmett says it is always a problem finding enough labor to do the hand planting.

Maximum Challenges

Finding enough labor is an issue Jemmett shares with most growers. Luckily, the farm has a small but stable crew every year, many of the workers now in their 60s and 70s. Hiring local younger seasonal workers is not working out well, though.

“We’re not difficult to work for, but these people did not want to work. They didn’t fulfill their work contract. They had to be let go,” Jemmett says.

During harvest, J&S Farms uses a “one-for-all, all-for-one” approach. Eric’s brothers Michael and Brian and his cousin Jarom are co-owners of the farm and all pitch in.

COVID-19 wrecked work schedules in 2020. Many people tested positive for the virus during the summer, but the farm was able to maintain a safe working environment, Jemmett says.

The farm has turned to the H-2A program, which has brought much needed stability to the workforce. These workers are more dependable and consistently do a good job, the grower says.

Maximizing Resources

“Raising carrot seed takes experience and attention to detail,” Jemmett says.

One of the things he has learned is that drip irrigation on carrot seed provides higher quality and less disease. Two rows of carrots are allotted for each drip tape.

But using drip tape presents its own challenges. To keep the tape from getting clogged, the Jemmetts designed their own portable irrigation systems. Built by Clearwater Supply, the portable systems use a pump that brings dirty canal water into tanks that then runs through a mixture of sand and gravel, filtering large particles. The water is filtered again, down to 200 microns, yielding clean water for the drip tape. The pump systems feature computerized backflow prevention to clean out filters and are capable of chemical injection. Though vital to a healthy crop, Jemmett says the drip system costs about $500 per acre to install and maintain.

“The only money it’s going to bring you is if you reduce the amount of disease,” he says.

It’s diseases like powdery mildew and Rhizoctonia that are hard for Jemmett to control. Every year, bees are brought in to pollinate the seed crop. Beekeepers do not want insecticides or fungicides applied until after pollination when the bees are removed.

“By the time we pull the bees out, we’re already at a negative point and trying to play catch up on the diseases and the insects,” Jemmett says.

Maximizing Profit

Jemmett has always been interested in research. While working toward his ag science and technology degree at Brigham Young University-Idaho, he got to know researchers and studied research techniques. Even before he finished his master’s degree at the University of Idaho, he realized that contract research could be incorporated in the farm.

“We had the ground and many crops, and I thought this will work well in conjunction with our farm,” he recalls.

He saw that universities were being overrun with research requests and recognized that they only have limited space for trials. In addition, chemical companies often have new products with unknown efficacy that they may not yet want to include in published trials.

With this knowledge in hand, he created Jemmett Consulting and Research, which he also manages. The contract research has allowed J&S to use the farm’s existing acreage to make more money per acre.

Jemmett says it takes a while to get established, though, because trust must be earned from potential clients. He does crop research on a majority of the crops grown in the Treasure Valley, including carrots, onions, potatoes, wheat, dry beans, corn, sugar beets, hay, mint and hops, for many agriculture companies including Gowan, Bayer, Syngenta and Corteva.

Trial plots are set into production fields, giving Jemmett a research niche and real-world results, which his clients appreciate. This unique approach allows J&S Farms to maximize profits.

Bayer Vegetable Seeds has announced the opening of a new distribution center in Valdosta, Ga. The center will help Bayer support fruit and vegetable growers in the Southeast United States by providing access to its Seminis branded large seed portfolio and quality customer service.

“Bayer is fortunate to work directly with our growers in the Southeast region,” said US & Canada Customer Operations and Distribution Manager, Logan Burkhart. “By opening a physical location in the area, we can better service and connect with those growers.”

Growers will continue to order seed through their sales representative, so the transition to the new distribution center should be seamless. Now they will also have the added assurance of knowing there is a local supply of seed available for select varieties.

“Growers continue to face rising pressures to produce more safe, quality produce, while also increasing their profitability,” said Burkhart. “They need a seed company they can trust to provide them with quality, strong performing varieties, when they need them. This distribution center showcases our commitment to doing just that. We are here, we are listening, and we are ready to respond to growers’ needs.”

The distribution center is currently offering large seed (sweet corn and beans) varieties.

Preventing Pests and Diseases at Ports of Entry and Across the U.S.

The United Nations declared 2020 and 2021 the International Years of Plant Health. This initiative promotes the value of our precious plant resources and the need to safeguard them against destructive invasive pests. The February 7th Sustainable, Secure Food Blog highlights how the United States Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Program plays a key role in the fight against pests.

According to blogger Osama El-Lissy, “protecting plants helps the U.N. to meet many of its sustainable development goals. These include reducing hunger, poverty, and threats to the environment. Today, our life-sustaining plants face an ever-growing threat: invasive pests.”

USDA’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Program partners with state departments of agriculture and many other organizations in the U.S. and around the world. The program actively seeks to prevent pests and diseases. Some of these activities include inspecting produce and plants, certifying foreign facilities that produce a large-volume of U.S.-bound commodities, and collaborating with countries to establish science-based plant health standards.

Learn how the program protects the U.S. at the ports of entry and across the nation by reading the entire blog: https://sustainable-secure-food-blog.com/2021/02/07/reviewing-the-importance-of-international-year-of-plant-health/