New Horizon - Issue 3 - Agriculture

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Business efficiencypays dividendsAPS Composting and Waste Manager,Greg Wachenek “our machinery policyis aimed at being the most efficient wepossibly can“Efficiency and quality of production is the name of thegame for the UK’s top producer of tomatoes for the majorsupermarkets. The grower - APS Produce Ltd, run yearroundproduction of tomatoes on the Isle of Wight with26ha under glass, of which 6ha are grown for the organicmarket. But what’s really impressive is how the entire siteis focused on environmental management, where theyrecycle everything from pallets, biodegradable cardboardpackaging, and tomato plant trimmings, turning it intofresh compost for the following crop, without adding to theindustrial waste mountain.The company’s Composting and Waste Manager, GregWachenek commented, “Environmental planning is veryimportant to us because there is so much value in the wasteproduced through our facilities that it is important to turn it intoa usable form instead of discarding it and sending it to landfill.We naturally handle a lot of biodegradable materials such ascardboard packaging, wooden pallets as well as the leaves anddiscarded trusses from the large number of tomato plants thatwe grow in our greenhouses. It literally saves us thousands ofpounds a year through self-generating compost productionand minimises our overall carbon footprint. We normally keepenough self-made compost to last us at least two years and bythe time we get to use it, it’s in perfect condition for maximumcrop production. At the same time, we are growing very highquality tomatoes that go to the top supermarkets in the UK.”Green waste which comes from the removal of leaves from thetomato plants - allowing the fruit to ripen quicker, is mixed withcardboard and wooden pallets and goes through a chippingshredding system, then into a three-stage bioprocess. Thisprocess uses positive aeration and controlled temperature,which stimulates natural microbes to break down the materialsinto a usable form. The entire process takes up to four weeksand everything is then screened to remove oversized material,which then goes back through the entire process again until ithas been broken down sufficiently.“Likewise, our machinery policy is also aimed at being the mostefficient we possibly can, “ added Greg, “and it is surprising howmany savings we can make through diligent management. Werun two John Deere tractors - a 6120M and a 5100R to handle allthe movement of waste materials and of course the harvestedfruits. We rent these tractors over a four year period, - directlythrough our local John Deere dealer, Hunt Forest Group. Therental includes all warranties, all servicing and all updates -regardless, and if there is a breakdown - we get a replacementtractor to use straight away. We know exactly what it will cost uson a weekly basis, which becomes part of our known operatingbudget and, when Hunt Forest come along to service theproduct - because these tractors are used day-in, day-out andare vital to our operation, then they bring a replacement for usto use while any major service is being carried out. It’s all part ofthe package.”The John Deere 5100R was acquired to replace a lorry, whichwas previously used to handle materials, fresh compost andgeneral transport around the production facility. Added Greg,“We have strict EA (Environment Agency) regulations to followin our production facilities. One of the biggest savings we madewas in choosing the John Deere 5100R to replace a three and ahalf ton lorry. It’s much easier to find a tractor driver than a lorrydriver, there are all kinds of safety inspections which takes timeand money when operating a lorry. The lorry had a three and a4 HUNTFOREST.COM
“On-site compostingliterally saves us thousandsof pounds a year throughself-generating compostproduction and minimises ouroverall carbon footprint.“Cleanliness of operation maintains machinecondition and reduces disease potential inthe controlled production environment.half-ton load capacity - whereas the John Deere can handle tentons without any issues. and comes fitted with air brakes. A lorryalways has much higher running costs and so by having the JohnDeere, we have built-in efficiencies which help us to becomeeven smarter and more cost-effective at what we do.the island and I don’t have a bad thing to say about them. Ourdrivers love their John Deeres, the tractors are reliable and neverlet us down, so all in all, we have a really efficient operation herewhich is always looking at ways to reduce our operating costsand, help with the future environment.”“The service and back-up we get from Hunt Forest is second tonone. They have a first-class reputation for after-sales service onTRACTOR AIR CON SYSTEMCHECK £175 + VATEnsure your tractors air con is in full working order with our aircon system check over and recharge offer.Air con needs regular maintenance to ensure that it is functioningas efficiently as possible. Over time bacteria, mould and fungican build up on the evaporator in your air con system whichproduces this unpleasant smell when switched on. In some casesthis can cause sickness and respiratory problems as bacterialspores are blown into the cab of the machine.Our full system check includes:• Cab air intake and recirculation filter check and clean(replacement if needed)• Condenser clean• Compressor drive belt check• Drain, clean and recharge of refrigerant (top up if needed)• Leak test and UV leak detector added to the system• System pressure check and operation check• System de odour and debugJD SPRAYER AR SERIESPUMP OVERHAUL£700 + VATJohn Deere AR series piston diaphragm pump overhaul.Ensure your sprayer pump is in tip top condition for theupcoming season with an overhaul service.Service includes:• Pump removal• Drain oil, strip down the pump and assess the wear• Replace diaphragms, check valves and o-rings• Reassemble pump• Replace pump oil• Check accumulator pressure• Refit pumpWithin 12 miles of the depot, price is per pump offer valid until30/06/2020John Deere sprayers onlyWithin 12-mile radius of the depot. John Deere tractors only.Additional refrigerant, filters and parts charged additionallyOffer valid until 31/08/2020HUNTFOREST.COM 5
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New Horizon - Issue 3 - Agriculture

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