ONION WORLD OnionWorld.net • January 2018
Irrigation Essentials Page 18
Downy Mildew Around the Ring Mechanized Planting
THE STANDARD Experience Amazing Onion Sto
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Table of Contents Magazines For Maximum Yield
ONION WORLD Volume 34, Number 1
January 2018 6 10 12
18
Getting the Upper Hand on Downy Mildew Vidalia Region Trials Mechanized Planting Around the Ring
Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Conference
Irrigation Essentials Buyers' Guide
PO Box 333 Roberts, Idaho 83444 Telephone: (208) 520-6461
www.O n i o n W o r l d .n e t Onion World Contacts Publisher / Advertising Manager Dave Alexander dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Editor Denise Keller editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Director of Operations Brian Feist brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com
EDITORIAL INFORMATION
22
UK Onion Pros Share Expertise
26
It’s All About Airflow
Onion World is interested in newsworthy material related to onion production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com, or call (509) 697-9436.
UK Onion and Carrot Conference
ADVERTISING SALES For information on rates, mechanics, deadlines, list rental, direct mail, inserts or other information, call (208) 520-6461 or email: dave@onionworld.net
SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S. $24 per year Canada $40 per year Foreign $80 per year Payments may be made by check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Subscribe online at: www.OnionWorld.net or call (503) 724-3581. Email address changes/corrections to brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or mail to: Onion World PO Box 333 Roberts, ID 83444
Bland Farms hosts a trial to evaluate mechanized planting options, with neighboring growers attending the demonstration. See story on page 10.
On the Cover From water treatment to water delivery, distributors detail their irrigation innovations in our Irrigation Essentials Buyers’ Guide starting on page 18.
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Onion World • January 2018
Departments
24 24 25
Calendar New Products In the News
Onion World magazine (ISSN 1071-6653), is published eight times a year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices. Produced by Columbia Media Group PO Box 333, Roberts, ID, 83444. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group. For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.
Young Onions Need A Hero! Danger is lurking in your fields... Protect your start-ups from onion maggots and onion seed corn maggots. Get a hero.
Sepresto, Regard® SC or FarMore FI-500 (containing Spinosad), offer direct-seeded onion growers early season disease and insect protection for a healthy crop start. We apply these in a protective coating to the seeds themselves, through a safe, controlled and accurate delivery. The protectant works at the most critical time of plant development, in the place where it’s needed most—right on the germinating seed and emerging seedling - so your seeds can thrive and grow with a reduced threat of early damage. Young onions need a hero - count on Seed Dynamics, the seed protection pros. Call today for more information toll free 866-321-9747, visit our website seeddynamics.com or contact one of the seed heroes listed below.
Gowan Seed Company
Chualar, California Mike Rainie, 831-679-1900 mrainie@gowanseed.com
Seedway
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania Dean Cotton, 717-367-1075 dcotton@seedway.com
Clifton Seeds
Moravia, New York Mark Upton, 315-604-1098 marku@cliftonseed.com
Seminova
Quebec, Canada Cesar Chlela, 877-337-8423 cesar.c@agrocentre.qc.ca
Getting the Upper Hand on Downy Mildew By Mary Ruth McDonald, Kevin Vander Kooi and Zachariah Telfer, University of Guelph; and Dennis Van Dyk, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
D
owny mildew can be a devastating disease of onion. It is also frustratingly difficult to control and predict. The disease is caused by the “water mold” Peronospora destructor. The term “destructor” in the scientific name gives a hint that other researchers also found it very damaging to the onion crop. At one time the pathogen was classified as a type of fungus, but now it is understood that it belongs to a group that is quite different from fungi. The difference in taxonomy helps to explain why only specific types of fungicides are effective for control of this disease. One of the problems with monitoring and controlling downy mildew is that no symptoms develop until one to two weeks after leaves have been infected. Infected leaves may be a paler green color, but usually the disease is not noticed until purplish, fuzzy sporulation occurs on otherwise green leaves (Fig. 1). Once sporulation can be seen, it can be almost too late to spray fungicides if the weather remains cool and damp. After sporulation occurs on a leaf, other diseases such as purple blotch (Alternaria porri) (Fig. 2) or Stemphylium leaf blight (Stemphylium vesicarium) may follow. The disease develops under cool and humid conditions. Spores are produced overnight when temperatures range from 39 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with very high relative humidity over 95 percent. High temperatures (over 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) the day before, and rain overnight, will inhibit sporulation. Spores survive for at least three days and will germinate on an onion leaf when there are three to six hours of leaf wetness and temperatures below 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, fog at night lasting in to the morning often provides perfect conditions for spores to be present and infection to take place. An infected leaf area of less than two-tenths of a square inch can produce 100,000 or more spores!
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Onion World • January 2018
Figure 1. Downy mildew sporulation is present on this onion leaf. Note the green tissue under the purple sporulation.
Fungicide Efficacy Trial
Field trials to evaluate fungicides for the control of onion downy mildew have been conducted at the University of Guelph Muck Crops Research Station in the Holland Marsh, Ontario, Canada, over several years. Some years no disease develops, but the cool, wet weather in 2017 resulted in high disease pressure and a good test of the products. The fungicides in the trial were new products Orondis (oxathiapiprolin) + LI700 and Cueva (copper octanoate) compared to newer products Zampro (ametoctradin
and dimethomorph) + Sylgard, Reason (fenamidone), Revus (mandipropamid) and industry standards Ridomil (mefanoxam), alternated with Aliette (foestyl-Al) and Dithane (mancozeb). Downy mildew was detected in the Holland Marsh area on July 15, and the first fungicides were applied to the trial on July 18. Lesions were first detected in late July, and the number of lesions per plot was counted on Aug. 4, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. The number of lesions per plot reached over 200 in the untreated check by Aug. 21. On Aug. 28, the number of lesions per
Figure 2. A downy mildew lesion with the dark purple spores of the purple blotch fungus, Alternaria porri, can be seen on this onion leaf. Figure 3. Efficacy of fungicides for the control of onion downy mildew in 2017
Lesions per plant
9 8 7
c
c c
6 5 4
b ab
3
a
2 1
a
a
0
Products OnionWorld.net
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Downy Mildew plant was assessed on 15 plants per plot (Fig. 3). Differences among the treatments were found at the first assessment and were consistent throughout the season (Fig. 4). Fungicides Orondis, Dithane, Zampro and Ridomil alternated with Aliette all performed well and had consistently low levels of disease.
Disease Forecasting Model
It was a bit surprising that Dithane was so effective, but this demonstrates the value of applying fungicides early, before infection takes place. Since protective sprays are so important, disease forecasting is essential for good control of onion downy mildew, at least in regions with variable weather such as the Holland Marsh. Since downy mildew-specific fungicides are typically more expensive, it is to the grower’s advantage to spray only when necessary. Disease forecasting allows growers to know when disease risk is high
or when it is unnecessary to spray downy mildew-specific products. In regions of intense onion production, downy mildew acts as a community disease with infected neighboring fields providing significant disease pressure. The Muck Crops Research Station runs the downy mildew forecasting model DOWNCAST for onion growers in the area. Over the past few years, the experience with the model has been mixed. In 2014, downy mildew was first found 10 days after DOWNCAST predicted nearly two weeks of optimal disease conditions. This was consistent with disease development (lesions showing up one to two weeks after infection), and it gave growers an early warning to protect their crop. In 2015, downy mildew showed up two weeks after DOWNCAST predicted three days of optimal conditions, again proving that the forecasting program was working well.
The 2016 season was very hot and dry, which makes for unfavorable conditions for downy mildew development. Under these conditions, the model again worked well, predicting that downy mildew was not active and sprays were not needed. In 2017, the weather was extremely wet and quite cool, and downy mildew development was expected. However, the model did not to predict downy mildew activity until days after downy mildew was already observed in fields. From examining the model, it appears it may have overestimated the necessary relative humidity needed. Over the next few years, we will be re-examining the model to ensure we can provide timely, predictive forecasting so fungicides can be applied at the right time to control downy mildew. The combination of effective fungicides and accurate disease forecasting can protect the onion crop from this devastating disease.
Figure 4. Differences among treatments in a downy mildew insecticide efficacy trial could be seen in early August. Here, onions treated with Orondis are on the left, and untreated onions are on the right.
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Onion World • January 2018
Vidalia Region Trials Mechanized Planting Story and photos by Cliff Riner, University of Georgia, Vidalia Onion Area Extension Agent and Coordinator of the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center
The J.J. Broch planter is designed to plant onion sets for the Vidalia region.
I
The 35-day-old plants in this bin are utilized for the PlantTape machine. One full bin represents about one acre for Vidalia's plant population.
n the fall of 2017, some onion fields in southeast Georgia looked a little different than usual. Typically, all 12,000 acres are planted by hand with bare root transplants. This process has evolved to the
The NUTRI-CAL Difference Figure 1. Downy mildew sporulation is present on this onion leaf. Note the green tissue under the purple sporulation.
Unlocking The Key To Calcium Visit our Web site: www.nutri-cal.com INCREASES OVERALL ONION YIELD
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Onion World • January 2018
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point that growers must rely on the H-2A guest worker program. Researchers with the University of Georgia are involved in trialing two newer styles of mechanized planters. The growers challenged the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension service to evaluate some alternatives to hand labor in order to provide scientific data and cost/benefit analysis for the producers. Two options were chosen to evaluate: 1) PlantTape transplanters and 2) vacuum set planters. The goal was to bring in both types of planters and plant trials at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center as well as in grower fields. The university extension specialists will evaluate fertilizer rates, herbicide use and yield comparisons with the technology. Growers will have larger acreage blocks to evaluate the potential. The effort has been a collaborative partnership between the Vidalia Onion Committee, University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, PlantTape, R and K Greenhouses, Nunhems, J.J. Broch and Bejo Seeds. More work will need to be done, but it is a significant accomplishment to see how far the technology has advanced and to have the Vidalia industry at the forefront of the new developments. Look for results of these plantings in future issues of Onion World.
Read this issue online with added hotlinks and videos:
www.OnionWorld.net
Onion producers eagerly follow behind a PlantTape machine during a demonstration in a grower’s field.
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11
U N O D R A
THE RING
I
n mid-November, the Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association hosted its 31st annual conference in Kennewick, Washington. The event drew its largest crowd yet with more than 800 people in attendance. In addition to a crowd, the conference always attracts top-notch speakers and sells out the trade show at the Three Rivers Convention Center. We made a ring around the trade show floor to show you why this event is a “must” for us every year.
Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association conference attendees network during the trade show social.
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Onion World • January 2018
Francesca from Enza Zaden The combination of Francesca’s firmness, its relatively uniform size and its excellent top vigor, provide an opportunity to significantly reduce labor costs while improving overall harvest efficiency. Mechanical harvest can make a major difference, and growers are excited about varieties with that game changing potential.
enzazaden.us
Around the Ring
Keithly Williams exhibits a nice selection of onion varieties in its trade show booth. From left, Kendra Miller, Cory Marshburn and Ron Hull staff the Champion Seed Company booth.
Well-traveled Richard Kelly with Certis USA makes a stop in Kennewick to promote the company’s ManKocide fungicide/bactericide.
Brock McGarrah with RH Machine displays the company’s replacement parts at the trade show.
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Onion World • January 2018
Kristina Short with Westbridge touts the benefits of the company’s line of crop inputs.
Casey Crookham mans the Gowan Seed Company booth in his usual good mood.
Jessica Chamberlain, the Pacific Northwest rep with Agrian, provides information about the company’s precision farming software options.
Kacey Kiehn with Yara North America shows a product sample to Blake Farris and Chad Platt with AgriNorthwest.
Nematodes: Old problem. New solution.
MeloCon nematicide effectively controls plant-infecting nematodes, including root knot, burrowing, cyst, root lesion, false root knot and sting nematodes. Can be applied through any irrigation system. ➤ In-season applications ➤ No fumigant management plan required ➤ Application flexibility ➤ Broad spectrum nematicide
MeloCon is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience
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OnionWorld.net
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Around the Ring
Jason Turner (left) and Gus Ambrosano show off samples of onion varieties from Logan-Zenner Seeds.
Matt Andros with Andros Engineering offers equipment for installing and removing drip tape.
Julie Locke (left) and Natalie Madson with Central Valley Supply in Paso Robles, Calif., promote CVS’s soil stimulant and the Yosemite 100 percent electric mini-truck.
Doug Coleman gives trade show visitors a look at the latest innovation from Ag Engineering.
NEW/USED WALK-IN COOLER-FREEZER REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS HUGE InvEntory-All SIzES BUy SEll nAtIonwIdE
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Onion World • January 2018
Walt Grigg (left) and Jerry Carpenter with Innovak Global advertise Nutri-Cal. Lori White (left) and Cathy Bingham with Western Laboratories in Parma, Idaho, stand by ready to answer questions about the company’s ag testing services.
Stacy Hasegawa with Germains Seed Technology greets trade show visitors with an informative and attractive display. Florida-based Bill Grant (left) with Jet Harvest Solutions visits the Kennewick conference to promote Jet-Ag with Pacific Northwest sales rep Matt Ohl.
Lori White (left) and Cathy Bingham with Western Laboratories in Parma, Idaho, stand by ready to answer questions about the company’s ag testing services.
RiteYield No One Tracks Root Crop Yields Like We Do
The RiteYield system adds convenience And accuracy by automatically collecting data for all the various fields, varieties and test plots.
RiteTrace Advanced Track & Trace System Tracks from know locations in the field to precise layers and areas in storage. Bin Map - by load
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17
Irrigation Essentials Buyers’ Guide
Valley Irrigation • www.valleyirrigation.com X-Tec Center Drive Motor
The new Valley X-Tec advanced DC drive motor with FastPass technology delivers the ultimate combination: top-performing speed for quick irrigation cycles and dynamic power to take on even the toughest terrains. It operates at up to twice the speed of a standard, high-speed AC center drive motor. The advanced DC drive can move at speeds as low as 1 RPM – just 1 percent of maximum motor speed – or ramp up to a fast 136 RPM. Valley X-Tec can also move at full torque at any speed to handle rough terrain, like rocks, hills and slopes, moving pivots with ease. The patented alignment technology and robust DC motor keep the pivot moving at a smooth and consistent pace, even over varied terrain.
Andros Engineering • www.andros-engineering.com Boss Tape Layer, MegaBinder Retrieval System
The shallow/surface Boss platforms from Andros are designed to accurately place irrigation tape at desired shallow depths for a variety of onion crops in single- and multi-use operations. The platform incorporates Andros’ ergonomic rapid loading and dispensing accessories and provides flexibility to easily adjust tape placement. The quality of frame construction and wear-resistant materials guarantee the integrity of the injected tape while maintaining a long working life for the injection system. Also from Andros, the MegaBinder 2018 platform minimizes the handling labor for retrieval and transportation of drip tape and mulch plastics. The machine can retrieve 2.5 acres in less than five minutes. The MegaBinder base platform is outfitted with a Cat II tractor adapter. The MegaBinder DTR includes a self-contained power supply and trailer that allows the user to stage rolls at the end of the row for pickup. The deluxe MegaBinder LRV includes a self-contained power supply and a hydraulic tilt dump-bed that allows the user to carry up to 60 acres of drip tape and transport the material to a recycling collection location.
Water Made Right • www.watermaderight.com Sulfur Burners
Sulfur burners are an economical way to treat water. They create a sulfurous acid, which helps break down bicarbonates in the water, which also lowers pH instantly. This allows for nutrients in the water to be utilized, improves penetration in the soil and uses less water. It helps eliminate scale and algae in ponds or reservoirs and keeps waterlines clean. It is organic/OMRI approved and is typically 70 percent less expensive than sulfuric acid.
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Onion World • January 2018
PRECISION VACUUM PLANTERS Tਈਅ ਐਁਔਅ ਕਓਅ ਂਙ ਓਕਃਃਅਓਓਆਕ ਏਉਏ ਇਏਗਅਓ ਉ ਔਈਅ Wਅਓਔਅ Uਉਔਅ Sਔਁਔਅਓ ਁ Cਁਁਁ ਆਏ ਏਖਅ 20 ਙਅਁਓ 3 Modules - 24 Lines Model # AI-640-SNT Shown
TUCANNON
Our proven accurate seed placement is why growers have continued to purchase our planters over these many years. Special inner and outer singulators removes doubles to insure placement of individual seeds. All planters are assembled and tested at our plant in Chino, California, to insure accuracy.
Tucannon is a Spanish onion from Seminis that features dark scale color, deep globe shape and long term storage potential. • Low incidence of internal dry leaf and bacterial issues • Long storability and high percentage of single centers • 114 to 116 day maturity
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Contact Your Local Representative Brian Haddon
Casey Crookham
Steve Graton
Larry Chambers
Todd Clark
Larry Duell
Jimmy Graton
Norm Haak
971-282-2884 Western OR & WA
509-531-7254 Columbia Basin
509-832-2620 Columbia Basin
208-841-9702 Treasure Valley
435-230-4667 Utah
970-397-8566 Colorado
805-305-5447 Product Development
701-710-0099 North Dakota
P.O. Box 190 Chualar, CA 93925
831-679-1900 OnionWorld.net
19
Irrigation Essentials
Lindsay Corporation • www.myfieldnet.com Pivot Control Lite
FieldNet by Lindsay has added a new product to its line of remote monitoring and control solutions: Pivot Control Lite. The product delivers a simple and economical way to add remote telemetry to center pivot systems. Pivot Control is designed to retrofit virtually any brand or model of electric center pivot, making FieldNET technology available to a broader range of irrigation systems. A recipient of the 2018 AE50 Award recognizing innovative design, the end-of-pivot mounted controller delivers many advanced irrigation management capabilities that previously were only available with more expensive and complex solutions. Pivot Control Lite also comes with an optional cable theft detection package, so even when the pivot is powered off, it’s actively monitoring the span cable.
Irrometer Company Inc. • www.irrometer.com Watermark Soil Moisture Sensor
The Irrometer Company Inc. has been manufacturing soil moisture products and accessories worldwide for nearly 70 years. Irrometer’s continuous innovation helps scientists, farmers and consultants, alike, accurately measure available water. The Watermark is a simple, affordable and effective tool that acts as an artificial root for measuring the water a crop is extracting. This takes measurements from the place most important to the crop: the root zone. Like a fuel gauge tells you how much gas is in your vehicle, the Watermark tells you how much water is available for your crop. The Watermark is a maintenance-free, permanent-type sensor that does not need to be site calibrated and is buffered for salinity.
Water Treatment Resources • www.watertreatmentresources.com Accu-Tab Tablet Chlorination System
The Accu-Tab tablet chlorination system by Water Treatment Resources provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution to many irrigation, food packing, and fresh-cut industry’s safety and operational concerns. Recent outbreaks have brought more government and public scrutiny to food safety. Accu-Tab effectively chlorinates well water, surface water and reuse water supplies to help reduce maintenance by controlling algae and iron buildup that can cause line clogs in irrigation systems. It also kills harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. An alternative to gas and bleach, Accu-Tab combines chlorinators with 68 percent calcium hypochlorite tablets that deliver consistent and controllable chlorine residuals.
Clearwater Supply • (509) 488-5793 or (541) 889-0007 TWIG Wireless Valve Control System
From Nelson Irrigation comes the TWIG wireless valve control system. The TWIG system integrates nicely into drip irrigation valve control and automation. The hassle and time of dealing with control wire is eliminated, providing for easy, efficient control. Automating the drip irrigation system saves labor, energy and water, and increases crop yield and quality. The system is easily expandable to accommodate future system growth and makes automation of portable systems possible. In addition, the solar power option brings automation to remote areas where no power source is available.
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Onion World • January 2018
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21
UK Onion Pros Share Expertise S
peakers at the UK Onion and Carrot Conference, held Nov. 14, 2017, in Nottingham, reminded attendees that the future will be determined by survival of the fittest for growers. The only way to survive in the mainstream carrots and onions business is to increase yields and produce more efficiently through innovation. Daniel Johns, deputy director of the Future Farming program at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), opened the conference with reference to the future domestic agricultural policy post-Brexit. Mike Petersen, the New Zealand special agricultural trade envoy, followed with a presentation on the impact of losing farm support in the 1980s. He summarized that change is stressful, and planning and support are required. Trade will drive innovation and prosperity. Strong farmer leadership is vital, but finally, there is no appetite in New Zealand to go back
to a farm support system. Reforms in agriculture have delivered efficiency and innovation. Strong growth in the horticulture sector continues; thus, there should be plenty of opportunity in the UK. Jonathan Gill from Harper Adams University then presented on managing the world’s first hands-free hectare. The technology used will be adapted for use in horticultural crops. Later, the conference delegates split into two groups for separate carrot and onion technical sessions. The onion session addressed diagnostic tests from Philip Langley, an agronomist at Sandfields Farms. Dr. John Clarkson at Warwick Crop Centre presented current research on Fusarium. This was followed by a talk on selective weeding technology by Dr. Petra Bosilj with the University of Lincoln. To conclude the session, British Onions Chairman Andrew Holding presented the prospects for the marketing season ahead.
The afternoon session commenced with agronomy opportunities for both onion and carrot crops with Andrew Francis, farm manager at Elveden Farms Ltd., sharing insight into some aspects of the farm’s production systems. Farm managers are actively involved in many research projects and encourage staff to “have a go” at new methods. Kevin Hancock, the senior buying manager of Ocado, explained the company’s unique format for online retailing. Over the next five years, online sales will be the fastest growing channel in the UK grocery market, he said. Ocado is the second largest online grocer and continues to gain market share. The company continues to innovate to improve its customer proposition. Tim O’Malley from Nationwide Produce gave insight into the foodservice and wholesale markets, both important customers for onions and carrots.
Elsoms displays samples of its onion and carrot varieties at the UK Onion and Carrot Conference trade exhibition. Photo courtesy Elsoms
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Onion World • January 2018
Snow Takes Toll NOA/NARC Consumers were expected to spend With many onion packing houses54.7 billion pounds in 2017 on eating out,toan temporarily out of commission due increase from 2015 when the figure either a loss of onions or a loss of thewas 52.2 billion pounds. O’Malley means to pack, the supply chainsaid wasthis is due to an increase in the population disrupted and onion prices increasedsize, in a record number of women working, dualresponse. Prices nearly doubled following earner households rising and the disaster, but came back toincreased near normal tourism. by the end of January as a result of The conference’s introduction of using increased imports from Mexico, according Slido, a mobile app, allowed conference to Dwayne Fisher, vice president of delegates to questions after each marketing atask Champion Produce. session, which increased the and Packing linesdefinitely were down for a week number of questions from the audience and a half at Champion Produce following the allowed for a live poll to be taken during collapse of three of the company’s storage one presentation. facilities – two in Parma, Idaho, and one The conference dinner provided an in Wilder, Idaho. An estimated 8 million opportunity to present two industry pounds of onions were lost. awards. Judd was recognized for his AmidClint the devastation, Treasure Valley contribution to the UK onion industry. An onion companies impacted by this winter’s award was given to Sally Cripsey weather arealso making plans to rebuild andinbe memory of Paul Cripsey for his work even stronger in the future, they said. with the“At sector. the end of the day, buildings and equipment are replaceable,” Myers said. “Our concerns lie with our people: our employees and our customers. The safety of our crew and the relationships with our customers are far more valuable than any shed.”
A full house listens to Andrew Francis, farm manager at Elveden Farms Ltd., speak about the farm’s production during thewas UK Onion Conference. Photo courtesy British 3.6 million pounds ofOnions onions and were This storagesystems in Parma, Idaho, the firstand of Carrot Approximately BritishChampion Carrot Growers Association in this Champion Produce storage facility when three Produce onion storage facilities the roof caved in. Photo courtesy Champion to collapse under the weight of heavy snow in Produce January. Photo courtesy Champion Produce
WESTERN LABORATORIES 800-658-3858 Variable rate fumigation for nematodes and Pink Root • Nematodes • GAP Variable rate fertilization • Soils • Tissue • Irrigation Scheduling Ecoli and Salmonella bulb testing • DNA • All viruses • Consulting
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NAPT-PAP Accredited Lab
Edp Electro-bagger model AB-2110-DF
This model now has the ability to do bags as well as cartons with the new touch screen controls. It also comes with pneumatic bag clamps as standard equipment
For information contact: Gary Loewe: 800-219-2245 or (208) 331-1126 Fax: (208) 331-1264 chinookequipment@gmail.com www.chinookequipment.com
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Onion World • March/April 2017
OnionWorld.net
23
New Products
Sprayer Earns Award for Innovation
John Deere’s ExactApply Nozzle Control System has received the AE50 Award for 2018 from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. The award highlights innovative designs in product engineering in the food and agriculture industries. Introduced in 2016, the ExactApply Nozzle Control system provides improved coverage and control of spray applications with its Pulse Width Modulation (30 hertz pulsing) and automatic A/B nozzle switching from the sprayer cab. The system also offers turn compensation, individual nozzle on/off control, LED lights in each nozzle body for improved visibility, and smart diagnostics to improve, monitor and document sprayer applications at the nozzle. According to John Deere, ExactApply enhances existing technology currently in the market and combines it into one product completely integrated into John Deere R-Series Sprayers and rate control systems. Visit www.johndeere.com.
CVS Rolls out Electric Utility Truck
Central Valley Supply (CVS) has introduced a 100 percent electric utility truck. The Yosemite by airEoso Motor Corporation is billed as durable and rugged and built to offer strength, reliability and cost savings. It runs on standard car batteries, plugs into a 110-volt outlet, and requires no fuel and minimal maintenance. Operating costs are 75 percent less than that of a typical gas-powered utility truck, according to CVS. One-ton and half-ton models with purpose-based customizable beds, 1,500-pound towing capacity and optional four-wheel drive are available. The roll-resistant suspension and disc brakes are said to provide nimble and sure-footed handling on the road and in the field. Yosemite’s high-torque electric motor provides a minimum 80-mile or eight-hour battery life. Call (833) AIR-EOSO.
Calendar Jan. 16–18
Empire State Producers Expo SRC Arena, Syracuse, N.Y. www.nysvga.org
Feb. 6
Idaho-Malheur County Onion Growers Association Annual Meeting Four Rivers Cultural Center, Ontario, Ore. Rick Waitley, (208) 888-0988 rick@amgidaho.com
Feb. 7
Onion School
Western Laboratories, Parma, Idaho western@westernlaboratories.com
Feb. 13
Utah Onion Association Winter Meeting
Bridgerland Applied Technology College, Brigham City, Utah Mike Pace, (435) 695-2541 mike.pace@usu.edu Editor’s note: To have your event listed, please email Denise Keller editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com
24
Onion World • January 2018
In the News
Stokes Seeds Names New Sales Rep
Stokes Seeds has hired Tom Jacobs as sales representative for Michigan, northern Ohio and northern Indiana. He will supply vegetable seed recommendations to commercial producers throughout the region. Jacobs has been working in Great Lakes and Midwest agriculture for over 20 years including experience in seed sales, irrigation, crop production and equipment. Jacobs replaces Keith Peterson, who is retiring after 41 years in the vegetable seed industry including 21 years at Stokes Seeds.
Ask about our new POCKET PITTER for onions and other narrow row crops. Ag Engineering 800-627-9099 www.dammerdiker.com
Jet Harvest Solutions Expands Sales Team
Jet Harvest Solutions has hired Matthew Ohl as the company’s Pacific Northwest sales representative. Ohl will be based in West Richland, Washington, and will primarily handle sales in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Ohl started his agriculture career with the J.R. Simplot Company in 2014 and worked with crops including onions, potatoes, corn, peas, alfalfa and wheat. He has a degree in ag technology and management from Washington State University. “We’re pleased to have a fulltime person dedicated to the Pacific Northwest,” said Bill Grant, owner and director of business development. “Matt has a lot of energy and passion to help each warehouse and grower produce the best piece of produce possible.” Jet Harvest Solutions is a Florida-based provider of agricultural chemistries and biological products.
Thank You! All of us at Top Air, Inc. thank you, our customers and friends, for your support throughout 2017. We truly appreciate your business and wish you a prosperous New Year!
www.topair-usa.com • 208-722-6936 • duane@topairinc.com Top Air, Inc. • P.O. Box 130 • 101 N. Roswell Blvd. • Parma, Idaho 83660 USA OnionWorld.net
25
’s All About Airflow System Integrated Approach for Onion Storage It’s All About Airflow
b Hesse,An
Integrated Approach for Onion Storage
By Bob Hesse, Director of Research and Development, Suberizer or of Suberizer Research and Development
A
egrated Approach is essential achieve optimum airflow to the storage bay. In the 1980s benefits from uniform n Integrated Approach isto essential to achieve optimum airflow to the tribution provided by the AirEverywhere Floor for onions, along with significantly higher airflow became expected. storage bay. In the 1980s benefits from gh airflow promoted today requires extreme attention to design and construction detail. Restrictions to the uniform air distribution provided by the d higherAirEverywhere airflow must befor addressed, Floor onions, alongminimized and eliminated. Fanhouse arrangement, system details, storage with significantly higher airflow became to assure desired airflow is delivered to the storage bay. ure and engineering must be integrated
expected. Thetechniques high airflow promoted today ngineering to accurately requires extreme attention to design re airflow pressure losses from the and construction detail. Restrictions g Chamber, theairflow ventilation to the through desired higher must be addressed,to minimized and eliminated. m, and plenum, the Storage Bay, the Fanhouse arrangement, system details, pt of An Integrated Approach for storage structure and engineering must Storagebewas initiated. integrated to assure desired airflow is delivered to the storage bay. pproach, in a well-designed Suberizer With engineering techniques to Mixing accurately measure airflow pressure Onion Storage, for example, coupled Storage Bay losses from the Mixing Chamber, Chamber urrent air system technology, hasand proven through the ventilation system, to thelosses, Storageand Bay,maintain the concept ificantlyplenum, minimize of An Integrated Approach for Onion quality for a surprisingly extended Storage was initiated. e calendar. This in-turn, This approach, in amaximizes well-designed Suberizer Curve Onion for It’s all about the harvestedStorage, onions, example, coupled with current air system SUBERIZER EXTERNAL FANHOUSE w, and storage management. technology, has proven to significantly minimize losses, and maintain onion quality for a surprisingly extended storage calendar. This in-turn, maximizes nefits with Storage assure the storage manager’s desired airflow arrives at the storage bay. profit.an It’sIntegrated all about theApproach harvested onions, airflow, and storage management. for onion storage simply minimizes and storage designindetails prevent the is often Unfortunately, ensuring proper airflow onion storage overlooked. Typical onion storage restrictions to airflow and, consequently proposed supply air from reaching the Airflow from Mixing Chamber sal specifications a desired supply product airflowinat stated static pressure. assures In many the cases, proposedairflow airflow ispressure delivered losses theastorage bay. to Storagepresent Bay to the storage and uniformly ated withThe thebenefits delivered storage restrict airflow. system, plenum and bay storage design details CleanFanhouse, product placedcontrol in storage can with an Integrated distributed to the onions by a properlyusually be assumed to have a minimum Approach Storage assure the storage nt the proposed supply air from reaching the product in the storage bay. designed AirEverywhere Floor. resistance to airflow through the pile. manager’s desired airflow arrives at the That simply meansayou are dealingresistance to airflow through the pile. bay.in storage can usually be assumed productstorage placed to have minimum with the best possible airflow available in Lifeblood mply means you are dealing with the bestapossible airflowaavailable in a storage. Therefore, a to thorough, Appropriate airflow the productaccurate, in storage. Therefore, thorough, accurate, A Classic Picture mplete airflow assessment of your empty and storage, before the maximum you willofhave storage is regardedairflow as “the lifeblood” complete airflow harvest, assessmentpresents of your Unfortunately, ensuring proper airflow successful onion storage performance. empty storage, before harvest, presents in onion storage is often overlooked. ble. The engineered benefits of an integrated the maximum airflow you will have Typical onion storage proposal approach assure the desired airflow is available. specifications present a desired supply Engineering design, and construction details baseduniformly on An Integrated Approach for onion distributed to the airflow vents, airflow at a stated static pressure. In many e simplycases, minimizes restrictions to airflow and, consequently assures the proposed airflow is delivered to the especially when problems at harvest An Integrated Approach airflow pressure losses associated challenge storage Engineering design and construction withuniformly the delivereddistributed storage restricttoairflow. e bay and the onions by a properly-designed AirEverywhere Floor.management. It’s All About Airflow. details based on An Integrated Approach Fanhouse, control system, plenum
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blood 26
Onion World • January 2018
priate airflow to the product in storage is regarded as “the lifeblood” of successful onion storage performance. The
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