Manual versus machine

While everyone needs a tractor, a sprayer and a mower, historically, the uptake of fancier, ‘optional’ pieces of machinery has primarily been dominated by large-scale operations, POs or growers with significant investment capabilities.

Nowadays, however, specialist equipment is becoming increasingly relevant, if not vital, and easily justifiable for all growers of all sizes.

We all know that good, reliable labour is hard to find and more expensive. And while this is an industry-wide problem, workers are often drawn in by additional perks and benefits that are more readily available from bigger players.

Mechanising even the simplest of tasks not only removes these pressures but modern machinery can improve the precision, consistency and effectiveness, making these innovations not just ‘luxuries’ but essential tools that can elevate the quality of your crop and help you stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry.

Frost protection

One of the oldest methods of frost protection is to heat the air. Many UK vine growers have adopted the traditional French practice of placing and lighting bougies. This ‘tried and tested’ method has been used for years, but as effective as they are, they do require a significant amount of labour to set them out, light them (often in the middle of the night) and bring them back in.

The AgroFrost FrostGuard offers an automated alternative. This machine activates itself when temperatures drop below a set point, eliminating the need for sleepless nights on frost watch. Beyond saving labour costs, it ensures a consistent and reliable defence against frost damage, making it an invaluable asset for growers prioritising peace of mind and efficiency.

Unlike other frost protection systems, the machines from AgroFrost have also been deemed a more effective way to protect crops as the working principle is not based on raising the temperature above the critical values but on phase transition and controlling the formation of hoarfrost. The FrostGuards can be used not only during radiation frost but also during wind frost and will protect up to 1ha.

Integrated pest management

An increased number of strawberry growers are now using natural enemies (beneficial predatory insects and mites) in integrated crop management (ICM) programmes, with 12 applications per season being the current average.

While it is possible to apply these products manually, it is incredibly labour-intensive and time-consuming, not to mention a challenge for workers to apply in the right places at consistent rates.

Bio Applicators, such as the one developed by NP Seymour and Bioline AgroSciences, are variable-rate to ensure each plant gets exactly what it needs and can be designed and built to meet each grower’s specific systems, with the option for up to eight application outlets.

The Bio Applicator also incorporates a cooled hopper to prevent certain insects, mainly Phytoseiulus, from rising to the top when warm, keeping everything well mixed and making consistent application easier.

Bud rubbing

Bud rubbing is a necessary but back-breaking vineyard task. If you’re an owner-operator, chances are it’s not a job you particularly look forward to. And if you have workers, it’s unlikely to add to their job satisfaction.

Robust strimmer heads like the Braun Vine Trunk Cleaner, which can be fitted with rubber paddles or white cord, can mechanise the bud rubbing process while offering added benefits such as weed control without chemicals or soil disturbance.

For maximum efficiency, the trunk cleaner can be mounted on the Braun Alpha Mower, allowing growers to mow, bud rub, and perform mechanical weed control in one pass.

Defoliation

Hand-stripping vine leaves is a labour-intensive task and vineyards will often source large groups of seasonal workers to get it done in a timely manner. This approach not only has an associated cost but also depends on the availability of workers, which can be uncertain.

For small- and medium-sized vineyards, the BMV DFR470 defoliator offers a dependable solution, removing the need for manual labour while delivering consistent results. As an added bonus, this machine can be mounted on the same frame as the BMV vine trimmer, offering dual functionality for growers embracing mechanical solutions.

For orchards, defoliation is a relatively new technique and while the research and trials have good data to support that the practice yields worthwhile results, if limited to manual hand-stripping it is unlikely many would adopt it. Thankfully, Fruit-tec has developed its REDpulse Duo defoliator specifically for top fruit growers.

The pneumatic machine emits a high-frequency pulsating air stream to remove leaves from the middle to lower half of the tree. This, in turn, helps to aerate fruit and allows more sunlight to penetrate through the canopy to the fruit, increasing colouration. On the cost and efficiency side of things, it has also been reported to make picking easier.

As the fruit and vine industries continue to evolve and tackle new challenges, it’s becoming clearer that mechanisation is not just a luxury for large-scale growers but a practical, essential investment for operations of all sizes.

To discuss the wide range of specialist fruit and vine machinery available from NP Seymour please contact the sales team on 01580 712200 or email sales@npseymour.co.uk 

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