2011 American Vegetable Grower Product Guide

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Bed Shaper/Mulch Layer/Transplanter

The Family Farm Bed Shaper is a ready-to-assemble implement that is adjustable to work with 36-to-72-inch row centers and on beds from 18 inches to 48 inches wide. In properly prepared soil, the Family Farm Bed Shaper produces a perfectly shaped bed in one pass and includes an adjustable press pan and two hiller discs for optimal bed shaping. It is available with 4-inch and 6-inch high bed press pan.

The Family Farm Plastic Mulch Layer lays plastic tightly over beds or on flat ground. It fits row centers up to 72 inches and adjusts for plastic widths up to 60 inches. The plastic mulch layer includes one seat for a rider, two boats which produce the “cup” to bury plastic edges, two stretching wheels, and two hiller discs to bury the plastic.

The Family Farm Transplanter can be used on bare soil, mulch covered planting beds, or on flat ground. It fits row centers from 36 inches to 72 inches. It includes two 65-gallon tanks, one punch wheel, two seats for riders, and two tray racks for plants. The tanks are positioned to allow for good visibility in any conditions for the tractor driver.

Contact Kennco at 813-645-2591, or go to www.kenncomfg.com.
Visit us at The Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo at booth #750, and the Atlantic Coast Agricultural Convention and Trade Show.

Organic Fertilizer

Perdue AgriRecycle manufactures the organic fertilizer MicroSTART60, which is derived from processed poultry manure and is weed-seed free and pathogen-free. This environmentally friendly, natural product presents no risk to plants, animals, or people. It includes a slow-release nitrogen and many micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

MicroSTART60 encourages soil microorganisms and is low in salt and free of contaminants making it safe for seedlings. Allowed by the Organic Materials Review Institute, MicroSTART60 also meets the requirements of the National Organic Program for organic crop production. In addition, the product improves soil moisture and water holding capacity over long-term use. It also prevents nutrient leaching and volatilization.

Contact Perdue AgriRecycle at 888-268-2988, or go to www.perdueagrirecycle.com. Visit us at Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention at booth #179, and the New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference.

Models 912 And 912T Transplanters

Mechanical Transplanter Co., LLC offers Models 912 and 912T plastic mulch equipment. The Model 912 is a new single-row transplanter designed to set greenhouse cells into plastic mulch. The Model 912T is a twin-row transplanter for double-row transplanting in plastic mulch. Twin-row spacing on the Model 912T starts at 12 inches and other row spacings available include 14, 16, and 18 inches.  Models 912 and 912T are capable of setting plants as close as 10 inches in the row. Other plant spacings with Model 912 series transplanters include 12, 16, 21, 32, and 64 inches.

Both of these new models are capable of setting plants on either flat ground or raised beds. The use of a separate gauge wheel drive system allows for very accurate spacings and depth control. Operators sit in an upright, comfortable working position while their hands stay out of the soil and water. Water valve systems are also available for these transplanters.

Contact Mechanical Transplanter Co., LLC at 800-757-5268, or go to www.mechanicaltransplanter.com.

Disease Control Solutions

BIOSAFE Systems offers growers environmentally responsible disease control solutions. OxiDate, for example, is a broad-spectrum foliar bactericide/fungicide labeled for a variety of vegetables and other crops. The bactericide/fungicide works on contact, has no mutational resistance, and has zero days to harvest. OxiDate eradicates disease and plant pathogens such as Anthracnose, Botrytis, powdery and downy mildew, early and late blight, Pythium bacterial spot and speck, Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia.

For postharvest applications, StorOx 2.0 extends product shelf life and reduces the spoilage of stored crops. A chlorine alternative, StorOx 2.0 leaves no residues on treated fruits and vegetables. The product can be used in the packing shed to kill bacteria and fungi, which can cause premature decay. In addition, OxiDate and StorOx 2.0 are OMRI listed for organic production.

Contact Biosafe Systems at 888-273-3088, or go to www.biosafesystems.com.

Plant-It-Friendly Packaging

Plant-iT-Friendly, a new packaging sys-tem from Blackmore, in cooperation with Schur A/S, is available in both biodegradable and non-biodegradable solutions, reducing grower costs and waste. The amount of plastic used in the system is reduced by about 90% without compromising presentation.

In addition, no plastic pots are needed, tags are not necessary, and grow time is reduced — among other things. The Plant-It-Friendly system was introduced to the greenhouse industry during the OFA (the Association of Horticulture Professionals) Short Course that was held in Ohio in July.

Contact Blackmore at 800-874-8660, or go to www.blackmoreco.com.

Kerian Sizer

The Kerian Sizer quickly and accurately sorts products such as fruit, vegetables, and nuts by size. Known for being gentle, the 12 standard models are designed for different capacities. The versatile models vary by type of roller, with specialized rollers allowing for the accurate sizing of round, long, and irregular products.The speed of the Kerian Sizer also makes it an attractive tool for growers, ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 pounds per hour.

Contact Kerian Machines, Inc. at 701-352-0480, or go to www.kerian.com.

Carrot Harvester

Pik Rite Inc., designer and manufacturer of vegetable harvesting equipment, offers the 8020 carrot harvester, a two- or three-row trailed harvester for slicers or dicers. The equipment offers the following features: two hedge hog cleaning systems, spring loaded belt idlers on the header, powered points, and a product observation table.

Other features include, the single wheel system with 800-45R26.5 tires, the discharge bin, steerable axle, and star
cleaner table. In addition, the harvester comes with a debris removal fan and a variety of optional accessories, including an automatic row guidance system, automatic header height control, two belt vibrators on the cross belt for dirt removal, and powered drive wheels.

Contact Pik Rite Inc. at 800-326-9763, or go to www.pikrite.com.

Insect Netting

Dubois Agrinovation Inc. introduces ProtekNet Ultimate Plus insect netting. The net is light enough to facilitate air circulation and has very small mesh (0.0138 inches by 0.0138 inches). It has been designed to protect against thrips and swede midge and is also highly effective against birds and deer. Furthermore, ProtekNet Ultimate Plus shields crops from wind and heavy rain. The nets can also be customized to meet the unique needs of growers. ProtekNet Ultimate Plus can be used on vegetable crops such as garlic, onion, carrot, zucchini, cabbage, melon, eggplant, radish, turnip, parsley, tomato, leek, and more. ProtekNet Ultimate Plus is designed to be used in three different ways according to crop type: on hoops, directly on the plant, or with a high tunnel.

Contact Dubois Agrinovation Inc. at 800-667-6279, or go to www.duboisag.com.

Maximus Disk

MAXIMUS Disk from Unverferth Manufacturing Co. Inc. can be used for maximum disk tillage. The mainframe is designed with heavy-duty 3-inch by-3-inch and 2-inch-by-6-inch steel frame for durability and consistent, uniform penetration.Both gangs feature tool-free, gang-positioning adjustability from the traditional X shape to a diamond shape to match the desired level of tillage aggressiveness. Reversible hitch can be easily positioned to the front or rear of the implement for greater versatility.

The unit aggressively tills and penetrates soil between rows up to 6 inches deep for effective, efficient weed control and soil leveling.

Options include: aggressive rolling harrow basket with spike-tooth leveling bar for added leveling; blade scraper kit to eliminate buildup, even in wet, sticky soil; width-adjustable side shields to protect fragile trees and vines; and bolt-on blade extensions to expand working width.

Contact Unverferth Manufacturing Co. Inc. at 800-322-6301, or go to www.unverferth.com.

Potassium Source

NUTRI-K from CSI Chemical is a special formulation of potassium and a unique organic complexing agent, T.O.G. This combination provides a high-quality, readily available source of potassium for fruits and vegetables. Because of the high solubility and mobility of Nutri-K, the potassium is immediately absorbed and utilized by the plant’s metabolic system. The T.O.G. ensures the maximum translocation efficiency of the potassium ion to individual cells, tissues, or roots demanding potassium. Nutri-K is an organically complex liquid potassium supplement with superior absorption and translocation. Nutri-K contains no chlorides, nitrates, or sulfates and is a pure solution with a low-salt index.

Contact CSI Chemical at 800-247-2480, or go to www.nutri-cal.com.

Vertical Growing Containers

Growing in vertical insulated containers in high towers makes growing easier and safer while using less space, less water, and less energy, not to mention the lack of soil and weeds. Vertical growing containers are also moveable which is beneficial at certain times of the year when more sun or more shade is needed. When it is cold the containers can be moved inside or easily covered with freeze protection blankets or tunnels.

Vertical hydroponic or organic gardening can eliminate almost all waste and ground water contamination. Water containing the right balance of nutrients is fed through the top container and continues down the column of pots and drips into a collection container called a ground pot.

In addition, Verti-Gro towers rotate easily, making growing more successful and efficient by providing the same amount of sunlight to each plant. Verti-Gro has applied this technology to both home gardening and commercial farming.

Contact Verti-Gro at 800-955-6757, or go to www.vertigro.com.

Biological Fungicide

RootShield Biological Fungicide from BioWorks is based on the hybrid fungus Tricoderma harzianum, strain T-22. This product protects roots from Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Thielaviopsis, and Cylindrocladium for up to 12 weeks per application.

Within 24 hours, RootShield blocks and attacks pathogens, ensuring uninterrupted plant growth and promoting a healthier root system, increasing root mass potential. Available in granular and drench formulations, RootShield is OMRI listed.

Contact BioWorks at 800-877-9443,or go to www.bioworksinc.com.

Irrigation Pumps

DAVEY-JOANS, formerly Tico Manufacturing and Williamstown Irrigation, has sold pumps for more than 60 years. The company is engineering specifically for the head (pressure) and gallonage to provide the most optimal unit for the job. Using Cornell, Berkley, Gould, and other pump lines, Davey-Joans will attach the unit to electric or diesel, new or used John Deere, Cummins, Detroit, and other engines and motors. All pumps have safety controls and computer panels. Trailers are supplied to the grower’s specs.

Contact Davey-Joans at 800-360-4991, or eMail [email protected].

Powerfoil X Industrial Fan

PowerfoiL X from the Big Ass Fan Co. is an 8- to 24-foot diameter industrial fan that uses a patented aerodynamic airfoil and winglet combination to produce massive airflow. Powerfoil X sets the standard for maximum airflow in large spaces while providing energy savings year-round. Energy-efficient Big Ass Fans help increase shelf life and reduce disease. During winter, the fans recirculate heat to provide a consistent temperature and ensure that produce remains dry and fresh.

Powerfoil X features NitroSeal Drive, a heavy-duty, custom-built gearbox developed specifically for the load requirements of a Big Ass Fan. Precision gearing provides extremely low friction between gear teeth for reduced heat and nearly 50% less backlash than a standard gearbox. The unique NitroSeal Drive is filled with nitrogen and is hermetically sealed for life to eliminate moisture and contaminants.

Contact The Big Ass Fan Co. at 877-244-3267, or go to www.bigassfans.com.

Irrigation Solutions

Nelson Irrigation Corporation is pleased to announce that its Rotator technology is celebrating 25 years of field proven service. The Rotator sprinkler has a rich history in Nelson Corp. and the water
solutions industry.

Water is emitted from the nozzle and then directed into an offset channel on the rotor plate, creating a reactionary drive force.
A viscous fluid in the rotor motor controls the rotation speed. Carefully designed plates, and in some cases diffuser teeth, break up the water stream systematically to fill in the distribution pattern.

The Rotator sprinkler can be used a number of ways, including solid-set, wheel-line, permanent set, and portable systems. Rotator technology includes a line of sprinklers that has been developed to meet growers’ needs. The R5, R10, R10T, R2000, R2000LP, R2000WF, R33 and R33LP, for example, are variations that can be used on a number of different crops. In the realm of mechanized irrigation (center pivots and linears), Nelson Irrigation produces the R3000 Rotator and A3000 Accelerator, which feature rotating streams and wide throw distances.

Contact Nelson Irrigation at 509-525-7660, or go to www.nelsonirrigation.com.

Foliar Nutrient

MANNI-Plex is a unique delivery system designed to deliver nutrients into and throughout the plant to enhance and improve plant health. The Manni-Plex system has several distinct advantages that separate it from conventional foliar nutrients in today’s market.

Manni-Plex provides the results growers demand in today’s agriculture systems.

Contact Brandt Consolidated at 800-300-6559, or go to www.brandtconsolidated.com.

Plastic Mulch Retriever

THE PMR II (Plastic Mulch Retriever) from Rocca Industries is a heavy-duty machine that is designed to perform the lifting, cleaning, and collection of plastic mulch from the field in a single pass. The key benefit of the PMR machine to the commercial vegetable grower is the significant time and cost savings. The unit requires only two people and a 75- to 120-horsepower tractor, saving up to 85% in labor costs.

Contact Rocca Industries at 229-886-1048, or go to www.roccaindustries.com.

Tote Bag And Box Filler

The Haines tote bag and box filler is available in single- and dual-bag units. Options include manual, automatic, and load cells with complete package with scale system.

Units are available as portable or stationary. Tote bag dumpers and hoppers are designed to dump tote bags or pallet boxes.

Contact Haines, Inc. at 607-566-2234, or go to www.hainesequipment.com.

Tubeless Seeder

The Vandana Tubeless Seeder, manufactured by Growing Systems, Inc., was developed to handle a larger range of seeds, from fine seed like raw petunia to coarse seed like melon. The template field is the same size as the tray and handles any tray size. Seeds are dropped directly into the tray, and the seeder sows an entire tray at one drop. The seeder is mounted on a moveable table cart.

Visual inspection is a very important feature of this seeder. The operator checks the template for singulation and doubles prior to each drop. Corrections are easy to make.

Contact Growing Systems at 414-263-3131, or go to www.growingsystemsinc.com. Visit us at the Tropical Plant Industry Exposition at booth 1007.

Biological Fungicide

Actinovate AG from Natural Industries is a high concentration of patented beneficial bacteria on a 100% water-soluble powder. Applied as a drench, this new product effectively controls/suppresses soilborne diseases like Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia. When used as a foliar spray, Actinovate controls/suppresses a variety of foliar diseases including powdery mildew, Botrytis, and Monilinia. What makes Actinovate AG work is the high concentration of the microorganism Streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC 108. When introduced into the root zone or applied to foliage, this microbe colonizes and grows around the structure of the plant.

While settling in the foliage of the root’s rhizosphere, the Actinovate microbe forms a synergetic relationship, feeding off of the plant’s waste materials while secreting beneficial and protective by-products. Actinovate AG can be used as a drench, liquid feed, irrigation, spray, or similar application. Compatible with fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and biological stimulants, the product will not clog machinery. Actinovate AG is also OMRI-listed and approved for organic agriculture production.

Contact Natural Industries at 888-261-4731, or go to www.naturalindustries.com.

Weigh and Fill

A&B Packing Equipment offers four models of the Evolution soft pack weigh and fill machine. The Evolution was designed to be used at just about any size grower or packinghouse.

It is simple to operate with its 12-inch touch-screen monitor and artificial intelligence software. The machine can basically run itself. Not to mention the fact that the Evolution can keep track of average weight, total weight, cups per minute, and total cups run. Cleaning starts with the push of a button that begins the automated purge cycle for easy cleanup and product changeover. By pressing another button, the machine opens up for ease of cleaning and allows users to flip the vibrating troughs out of the way. With stainless-steel construction and water resistant design, the Evolution is a low-maintenance machine.

Contact A&B Packing Equipment at 800-269-8234, or go to www.abpacking.com.