Logical Layout for Berry Mechanization

Dave Brazelton, president of Oregon-based Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc., the world’s largest blueberry nursery stock producer, says that Fall Creek’s grower representatives have plenty of conversations with growers who are considering machine harvesting, and one key topic is field design. Fields must be designed specifically for mechanical harvest from the beginning, including rows wide enough for equipment.

Brazelton urges growers to consider that machine harvesters are a valuable tool — not an end-all solution. With the appropriate variety mixes and market conditions, clear communication with buyers and marketers, strategic field design, and the right growing and harvest practices, growers can absolutely use mechanical harvesting as a tool to maintain high quality and reduce overall picking costs for fresh markets.