Category: Industry News

  • Is a Backyard “Still” in Your Future? Recycling Drip Tape

    Is a Backyard “Still” in Your Future? Recycling Drip Tape

    By Dave Alexander, Publisher

    If the thought of making moonshine in your backyard makes you read this article, then chalk one up for salacious headlines. We’re not going to give you any hooch recipes here, but if you use drip to irrigate, or plan to in the future, then read on.

    Every year, millions of pounds of drip tape are pulled from the ground. Rather than using the non-sustainable method of dumping it on the “north forty,” growers have limited options to dispose of the old tape. Most landfills won’t accept the tape, or will only take restricted amounts. Burning plastic releases dangerous gasses and is illegal in most states. There are companies in the Treasure Valley and Washington, such as Clearwater Supply, that will collect old drip tape and ship it out for recycling the plastic. Currently, this is the best option, but what if old tape could be converted to fuel for tractors on the farm?

    Pyrolysis

    Oregon State University (OSU) has already built a small-scale, 1kg reactor (or still, as we like to say) to turn ag plastics into tractor-ready red diesel using pyrolysis. Pyrolysis, in this case, is the heating of plastic to extremely high temperatures to break it down and vaporize it. The vapor is then re-condensed into diesel. One kilogram of drip tape yields one liter of fuel. 

    Does it make sense to build one of these open-source reactors on your farm? The construction only takes three components, and they are simple to operate and only need minimal maintenance. The idea is intriguing, but in reality, it will all come down to return on investment for growers. OSU will be working on ROI numbers soon.

    Perhaps a better solution is placing a large-scale commercial unit nearby. PDO Tech has a 500kg unit available that may be a solution for a grower collective or a single grower that uses a lot of tape. The company operates a reactor currently in western Oregon, where a lot of tape gets sent for recycling.

    Sustainability

    Vegetable processors and large retailers are already pushing for sustainability and zero-carbon footprint farms. If you are not currently recycling drip tape, it’s time to do it on your own before you are forced to. Plus, it’s the right thing to do and it opens up a lot of moonshine jokes.

    Denise Anderson, CEO of Clearwater Supply, is looking forward to plastic-to-fuel technology, but she also knows there is much work ahead to get there.

    “As we look forward to the future, envisioning recycled products being transformed into fuel represents a beacon of innovation and sustainability,” Anderson said. “Until such technology becomes both feasible and readily available, we must persist with other sustainable methods, ensuring our commitment to the environment remains steadfast and adaptable.”

    OSU estimates that there are 1.6 million pounds of drip tape used per year in the Treasure Valley alone. While that might sound like an immense amount of tape to get rid of, the plus side of this is that’s over 191,000 gallons of potential diesel fuel.

    Resources:

    Clearwater Supply: cwsupply.com

    PDO Tech: pdotech.com

    Oregon State University: Search “OSU plastic to fuel” on YouTube

    Marina Denny with Oregon State University is looking into building a small demonstration reactor that will recycle drip tape into red diesel at the OSU Extension Center in Ontario, Ore.

  • Harvest Essentials 2024

    Harvest Essentials 2024

    Dewulf

    Premium Reversible Cutter Set
    dewulfgroup.com
    Along with the second generation of its ZKIV four-row self-propelled top-lifting harvester,
    Dewulf introduced an updated cutter set in 2023. The six-cutter set combines capacity and unparalleled speed with the highest possible respect for the end product throughout the harvesting process. In addition, the set is less prone to wear and tear, as Dewulf fabricates the cutters with a new type of highly wear-resistant material. Moreover, the blades of the cutter sets are reversible, extending their life. If the front part is worn out, users can effortlessly invert the cutting bars to start using another zone of the cutting bars. This cutter set is now also available on the ZKII and ZKIII top lifters.


    Kerian Machines

    Speed Sizer
    kerian.com
    The Kerian Speed Sizer sorts carrots by size accurately and consistently. The constantly rotating rollers help the turning flaps align the carrots with the rollers so that the carrots (with or without tops) are consistently sorted by diameter. The sizer is proven in use for fresh carrots, baby carrots and processing lines.


    Univerco

    G-Force
    univerco.net
    With the addition of the G-Force model, a two-row three-point mounted on tracks, Univerco now offers a complete range of carrot harvesters. From the Mini-Veg that can be operated by a 60-hp tractor all the way up to the MAC Series of multiple-row, self-propelled and everything in between, Univerco can propose a solution for all needs and farm sizes.
    The G-Force is unique in its category because it offers a compact, multiple-row, high performance machine, with a motorized track that will power it through the most difficult field conditions, at a much lower price than a self-propelled machine. State-of-the-art technology supports a user-friendly machine made to work every day for carrot growers.


    Vogel Engineering Inc.

    Custom-Built Harvesting Equipment
    vogel-engineering.com
    Made in the U.S., Vogel Engineering harvesters offer features such as a precision computer-controlled planting population system and individual row head height adjustability. Plus, the company offers a new Extreme Super Cleaning System.
    Harvesters are available in two-, three-, four-, six- and eight-row configurations. Other available options include conventional roller bars or high-speed crowning.


    Volm Companies

    Packing Equipment and Packaging
    volmcompanies.com
    Volm specializes in providing expert solutions for the carrot industry, offering a range of equipment specifically designed for efficient carrot packing. Automating a carrot packing facility can decrease labor expenses while increasing production. Volm’s weighers and baggers are engineered to seamlessly integrate into any packing line, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
    Volm also offers end-of-line solutions with a complete line of palletizers and case packers. In addition to equipment, Volm offers packaging supplies including poly bags that help lock in moisture and prevent unnecessary food waste.

  • Progress on Next Farm Bill

    Progress on Next Farm Bill

    National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CEO Ted McKinney praised
    U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson for releasing the Farm, Food, and
    National Security Act of 2024 today in the following statement:

    “NASDA applauds Chairman Thompson for beginning the process of creating the next farm bill,”
    McKinney said. “With the release of the legislative text, NASDA remains committed to advocating for a
    bipartisan farm bill that will secure a commitment to American agriculture and the critical food and
    nutritional assistance programs for those who need it most. Signing a farm bill into law is vital to the food and agriculture sector which benefits our economy, accounting for roughly one-fifth of U.S. economic activity and supporting nearly 23 million jobs. We welcome the opportunity to work with the House Agriculture Committee as they begin debating the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024.”

    SOURCE: NASDA

  • WSU Researcher Inducted Into Ag Hall of Fame

    WSU Researcher Inducted Into Ag Hall of Fame

    Tim Waters, a Washington State University (WSU) regional vegetable specialist, has been inducted into the Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame members are recognized for their noteworthy achievements, expertise, and legacy of impactful results. Waters received the Rising Star Award, which recognizes demonstrated commitment to the future of agriculture.

    Waters specializes in integrated pest management of carrot, potato, onion, dry bean and other production vegetables in the region, working closely with growers and crop consultants to address pest and disease issues they are experiencing. He has been a WSU faculty member since 2006.

  • Farmer Sentiment Declines to Lowest Level Since June 2022 Amid Weakened Financial Outlook

    Farmer Sentiment Declines to Lowest Level Since June 2022 Amid Weakened Financial Outlook

    Farmer sentiment plunged in April as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 15 points below a month earlier to a reading of 99. The barometer’s sub-indices both declined from a month earlier, with the Current Condition Index at 83, down 18 points, and the Future Expectations Index at 106, down 14 points.

    This was the weakest farmer sentiment reading since June 2022 and the lowest current condition rating since May 2020. Concerns about their farms’ current financial situation and expectations for weak financial performance in the year ahead were the driving forces behind the fall-off in farmer sentiment. The April Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from April 8-12, 2024.

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  • Research Company Projects 3.6% Growth For Agrochemicals

    Research Company Projects 3.6% Growth For Agrochemicals

    Verified Market Research has projected that the agrochemicals market size will grow by 3.62% CAGR during the forecast period 2024-2031. According to the company, the market was valued at $275.89 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $357.21 Billion by 2031.

    The full report is available for purchase, but a sample report can de downloaded HERE.

    The reports are customizable and broken into segments:

  • UPL Acquires Corteva’s Solo Mancozeb Business

    UPL Acquires Corteva’s Solo Mancozeb Business

    UPL Corporation Ltd. (UPL Corp), a global provider of holistic and sustainable agricultural solutions, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Corteva Agriscience’s solo mancozeb global fungicide business outside of China, Japan, South Korea, UK, Switzerland and EU member countries.

    The acquisition is set to strengthen UPL Corp’s portfolio of solutions and leadership in the multisite fungicide market, giving the company ownership of Dithane®, the original global mancozeb brand which has provided farmers with a reliable disease management solution, as well as access to Rainshield™ technology which enables crop protection in wet weather conditions.

    The acquisition is limited to Corteva’s solo formulations of mancozeb, with Corteva retaining ownership of premix formulations. With the deal, UPL Corp has acquired access to the full regulatory scientific dossier of mancozeb including all data, registrations, trademarks for Corteva’s solo mancozeb products, and a license to the Rainshield™ technology.

  • Redox Turns 30

    Redox Turns 30

    Redox Bio-Nutrients is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The company provides carbon-based nutrition products with bio-stimulant properties to agricultural producers across the U.S. and internationally. The company aims to help growers succeed in four primary areas: soil health, root development, abiotic stress defense and nutrient efficiency.

    According to Redox, the field of bio-nutrition is gaining broad acceptance, and new breakthroughs in scientific research indicate a bright future for progressive growers. The company points to quantifiable benefits from bio-stimulants, including improved size and firmness for multiple crops, as well as dramatic nitrogen efficiency gains while maintaining strong crop yield.

  • USDA Buying Canned and Frozen Carrots

    USDA Buying Canned and Frozen Carrots

    Canned and frozen carrots are included on the latest bid invitation from the Agricultural Marketing Service. Solicitation 2000010049, 12-3J14-24-B-0369 also includes other frozen and canned seasonal vegetables for use in the National School Lunch Program and other Federal food and nutrition assistance programs.

    Acceptances will be announced by midnight, May 16 and deliveries are to be made between October- December 2024.

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  • Road Trip – Rietveld Equipment

    Road Trip – Rietveld Equipment

    Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher

    When a flight took us to the Midwest, in the vicinity of Rietveld Equipment, we took the opportunity for another road trip. A new showroom, built to display and demo the company’s post-harvest equipment, was available for touring.

    A boxing machine is on display at Rietveld Equipment.

    We were able to see brand new machines set in place, not yet wired. But visitors will soon be able to test drive this same equipment as potatoes are washed, sorted and boxed on site.

    John, Rhonda and Nick Rietveld sell as many as 6,000 ears of corn a day from their farm stand in northern Illinois.

    Run by father and son John and Nick Rietveld, the company sells individual pieces of equipment, but can also design and build complete packing facilities.

    New post-harvest machinery on display at Rietveld Equipment will be wired and processing spuds this year, giving customers an up-close look at how the equipment works.

    The Rietveld family has grown onion sets and sweet corn for five generations on their own or rented property about 60 miles south of Chicago. Due to an ever-decreasing retail market, Canadian competition, increasing input costs and lack of labor, the Rietvelds made the tough decision in 2023 to quit growing onion sets. They continue to grow sweet corn and sell it at their own farm stand, along with salsa and other locally grown produce. Nick said people drive from up to two hours away to buy their corn and salsa, and they sell as many as 6,000 ears of corn a day.

    Spare parts are in stock at Rietveld Equipment to keep customers up and running.

    Cutting some acreage from their farm’s day-to-day routine has opened up more time for John and Nick to spend on Rietveld Equipment. They sell, service and install top-notch machines from European manufacturers including Meconaf, Allround, Upmann, VHM, IPLA, Teneco and Intec.

    John (left) and Nick Rietveld operate Rietveld Equipment, U.S. dealers of European-built post-harvest equipment.