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FAQ
CROP PROTECTION
Since 1967, the Valente family has refined production and design techniques to provide innovative solutions that will save you time and money. Starting out in Italy, the company is now reputable across the globe for robust crop protection systems that are tested and proven under harsh conditions. Unlike other companies, Valente produce pre-stressed concrete and galvanized steel posts, anti-hail, windproof and sun-proof solutions so you can obtain all components in one place. Their vision is to support growers build a successful business. They understand complex needs when it comes to designing an efficient, safe, durable and effective structure that will protect and enhance your crop.
When selecting the right crop protection, it is imperative that growers choose a robust and tested system that will stand-up to the harshest conditions. It must be easy to install, easy to maintain, durable and affordable. Experience, design expertise and top quality materials are also essential for a good result. Valente concrete posts, nets and covers tick all of these boxes and are arguably the leading crop protection product in Australia. Valente receive endorsement from fifth generation growers Chris and Alex Turnbull who have experienced devastating losses during storms and consequently explored many corners of the globe in search of a product to mitigate weather damage. Valente service customers across 61 countries around the globe.
Crop protection is the smartest way to cultivate premium produce. By choosing to invest in a crop protection system, you reduce the risks that are out of your control and command control over fruit quality. Most growers who have faced crop loss due to storms prior to harvest go on to cover their crops for future years. Research is also showing that sunburn will become a major factor during the next 10-20 years and that growing class 1 fruit will depend on anti-sun netting.
The cost of protection is invaluable when compared to losing your annual crop in a single storm. In that case, the return on investment is instant. But, the answer to this is not straight forward because there are so many factors to consider and the equation may need to be calculated over a few seasons. Factors such as the volume of class one fruit achieved from the right protection that will fetch the highest price. Add to this, the size of your block, the potential yield, the frequency of adverse weather conditions, and the cost of our services all play a role in determining the return on investment. We understand the complexity of this calculation and encourage you to get in touch with us to have a conversation about your specific needs and concerns. Our team at Inspired Ag new can work with you to tailor a solution that aligns with your goals and provides the best possible return on investment for your annual crop.
REFLECTIVE MAT
Improving light at the bottom of the tree, results in higher yield, better quality fruit with higher brix, superior taste and a higher price at market. To ensure light is available to the plant from top to bottom, reflective mat is required. It makes sense to harness nature’s gifts like sunlight!
Yes! Cornell University in the United States undertook a study which found that reflective mat: increases class 1 yield by as much as 20%, it may increase yield of class 1 fruit, reduces the number of picks for multi-pick varieties, cuts on labour costs.
With potential to increase class 1 yield and reduce harvest labour costs, the cost of reflective mat can be absorbed in just one season.
The mat needs to be rolled out prior to harvest and rolled back up. This requires two workers but is quick and easy for unskilled staff to undertake. A roll bar is helpful to make this nice and easy and storage is convenient.
STORAGE BINS
Fresh produce must be kept cold once harvested for best results. When cooled and stored in a Janny CA bin, that is placed in a cold storage room, fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and flowers can remain fresh for weeks, if not months, longer than under normal conditions. This is the best storage for your crops giving greater market flexibility and maintaining superior quality for longer.
If crops are kept fresh for longer, you lengthen the window to access a premium price. This reduces the need to sell crops at a low price. Instead, you can keep them fresh for longer and sell when cupply is scare and prices are higher. Janny CA bins also maintain the weight of a crop after harvest by reducing moisture loss. This means a higher price when selling by weight. Under normal conditions, crops can lose moisture when cooled. In a cold room, products are generally stored in crates or perforated pallets. For example, for apples or cherries, weight losses of around 10% is common at the end of storage in conventional packaging; for a product like chestnuts, this can go up to 20%. With the Janny MT process, the products are cooled without drying them out. More volume means more profit.
Remove from storage only the quantities needed and keep the rest of the harvested crops in optimal storage conditions.
AC modules are the only solution combining such flexibility for sales while maintaining optimum O 2 and CO 2 rates .
The Janny MT process provides producers and distributors with the possibility of delaying sales, depending on the product, by several days, several weeks or several months. This enables you to harvest to take place even if the market is not able to absorb them immediately. Cherries left on the trees when rain is forecast, or leeks left in the field too long are examples of growers needing to meet a harvest deadline. With flexibility provided by Janny CA stroage bins, harvest can take place while sales can be delayed. Losses in the field or during storage are heavily reduced, makingit possible to increase the volumes sold when the market is ready.
DEFOLIATOR
For fruit growers, adequate light in the orchard is essential for optimum colour. To achieve this, many growers undertake canopy management prior to harvest. But, this is costsly and sometimes labour is unavailable. A defoliator can replace manual labour to cut costs, protect fruit and effectively promote light interception. The result is more class 1 yield and a higher profit margin.
The Olmi defoliator will not harm the fruit because it uses alternating, low-pressure, pulses of air to strip off the leaves. The technology is known as Precision Air Stream and is based on 20 years of experience. Trials have been undertaken all over the world and the Olmi 509F is being embraced by fruit growers and university researchers alike.
The defoliator is extremely easy to operate and support services are on offer from Inspired Ag if needed.
A mechanical defoliator will cut labour costs and improve class 1 yield. Achieving good light penetration is a fundamental requirement for red apples to colour. Canopy management is therefore an essential part of growing fruit. When making any investment on your orchard, it is important to select a reputable company with a strong support service. The Olmi, available from Inspired Ag in Tatura is an excellent choice.