BumperCrop is an accurate and reliable indicator of staff performance

NZ Gourmet Waiuku is a 4.7 hectare operation with 25 full time staff. They produce premium capsicums that are exported to Japan.

The operation has been using BumperCrop’s staff management system for the past 8 months. The rollout was led by the site's grower, Peter Schrueder. While travelling in the Netherlands last year, Peter visited many growers and reviewed the latest technologies being used. He saw that labour cost was a big focus and that technology was being used to systematically record and report on workers' performance, so as to break-down and attribute exact costs. After evaluating all of the available options, he decided to go with BumperCrop’s solution because of its ease of use, their local support and the ability to continually  adapt the solution to their needs.

Peter needed something which was user friendly so that staff could be responsible for recording the work themselves, and so they didn't have to have supervisors spending their time on this. After an initial trial, staff feedback was that this was a very easy and simple-to-use option.

Staff scanning WorkWave™ tags.

“We were able to see the results straight away after we rolled out the system. Each staff member now has their own individual scanner, so that they scan into each row and select which task they are completing.” Data is sent directly to the computer via wifi and result graphs are generated. This means that at any time of the day, Peter can see who is performing well and who needs to work on their speed. “The biggest value it's given to us is extra time. Our previous system involved manually inputting data, which then got converted into graphs. This would take up to 4 hours to complete but now you can see results straight away.” Peter has found this solution particularly valuable right now with rising wage costs coupled with the difficulty in finding workers.

Highly motivated team members.

Dashboards make it easy to see who is performing the best.

Peter is planning to display the BumperCrop dashboards on TV monitors in the lunchroom, so that staff will be able to check their own performance at any time. He is also evaluating  additional features, such as integration of  BumperCrop generated timesheets into NZ Gourmet’s payroll system.

(Cover Photo) Peter Schreuder, Grower at NZG Waiuku has been using the BumperCrop system for the past 8 months.

Click here for more information or contact:

Adam Forbes

adam@mybumpercrop.com

+64 27 351 2512

“The solution is to grow the crops under plastic shelters”

By Dr Mike Nichols

Some 20 years ago I attend a conference in Pisa, —the Italian city with the leaning tower.  The title of the conference was  “Managing salinity in a  greenhouse environment”.  Much to my amazement the first paper was by an Italian meteorologist (Guiseppe Maracchi), who spoke on climate change.  This was  my road to Damascus in relation to global warming.   I had accepted that global warming was occurring, but had not realised that the effect of increasing global temperatures would result in an increase in extreme weather conditions.  Like most lay-persons it is extremely difficult to know whether global warming is simply due to changes in long term weather patterns, which we know have occurred in the past, or whether they are (as most climate now scientist believe) due to anthropogenic climate change caused by an increases in greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and oxides of nitrogen)  in the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels etc.  These gases allow short wave radiation from the  sun to reach the earth, but prevent the long wave radiation from the earth returning to space.

What is clear is that these rising temperatures increase the rate at which the ice and snow in the Arctic and Antarctic melts, and (as shown recently) also cause glaciers to melt in the Himalayas.

According to some calculations the loss of the ice from Greenland will result in the oceans rising by several metres, and if all the ice on Antarctica were to thaw, then the figure would be over 60 metres!!!

Of course (hopefully) this is a worst case scenario, but one which the insurance industry has already taken to heart.  Try getting insurance for beach front property these days.      

So what has this got to do with New Zealand’s horticulture?  Well if the 60m prediction is true, then nothing, because large parts of the world will have disappeared under the ocean.  There will be no Netherlands, Bangladesh, Eastern England, and many of the major cities in USA, e.g. New York, Washington, Miami, Lose Angeles etc.  Let us hope that this prediction does not occur, and that the policies of moving from a carbon economy to a renewable energy economy as in Europe, P.R. China etc will also take-over in USA, and civilisation as we know it may well then be saved.

So what then would a few degrees of global warming  mean for New Zealand horticulture.  Clearly it would change to range of crops we could grow successfully for local consumption and also for export.  There is already a developing tropical fruit industry in Northland and Gisborne (see Orchardist 91(8), p74-8 ), as an increase in mean temperature of even 1-2 C degrees has a huge influence on what can be grown.  The downside, however, is that this might also open the door to a range of pests and diseases which might not normally become established in New Zealand.  Queensland Fruit fly might well be a good example.  Another down side is that many horticultural crops (particularly the deciduous fruits) require winter chilling if they are to be productive. Swings and roundabouts one might say.

The major threat for New Zealand horticulture (at least in my view), is the increased risk of extreme weather conditions.   The major threat is likely to be unseasonable rain, which could have a major effect on summer fruit crops, such as cherries, apricots, peaches, and possibly also wine grapes.  

These all tend to be grown in parts of the country which normally have dry summers, such as Hawkes, Bay, Central Otago and Marlborough, and we well know what happens when the weather turns wet on many of these rain sensitive crops.

The solution (if the worst comes to pass) is to grow the crops under plastic shelters, – probable the substantial shelters I saw recently in the Canary Islands (Tenerife) might be the answer.  It would be insurance at a significant cost, but it would also allow many of these crops to be grown successfully in other parts of New Zealand, currently unsuited because of rain.

Is global warming going to be as severe as some scientist suggest?  Who knows, but for the sake of our grandchildren we cannot afford to take the chance.  Once the global temperatures reach a tipping point it may not be possible, even with all our technology to change the momentum.  NOT a good legacy to leave behind.

The most telling description I have seen of those who do not believe in man-made global warming (the deniers) is that they must hate their grandchildren to even risk leaving the earth in such a mess.

(Cover Image) Pineapples under high plastic rain covers—Canary Islands

Mangoes under high plastic rain covers—Canary Islands

Images supplied by Dr Mike Nichols

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Technical

There are different explanations as to why many growers are using wire or plastic clips instead of twisting.  It is totally dependent on the natural vigour of the plant or in fact the growth pattern of the plant.  Some varieties will grow directly up, with leaves pointing upwards, making the procedure of twisting easy or it could be quite the opposite for alternate varieties.   

There are differing opinions as to where to attach a clip.  Although, I think we all agree never directly above the truss for tomato plants.  Let’s take tomatoes as an example, you can place the clip either under the middle leaf or directly under the truss.  A minor problem with placing the clip under a leaf, is that this may slow down the de-leafing process, if you cut leaves.  Clips sometimes get in the way when cutting a leaf. You can cut the string higher up the stem, to release tension so the clip slides down the stem making it is easier to cut the leaf cleanly.

For large loose tomato varieties, that require removing the empty truss, it can be a pain to have clips under the truss but for some cherry tomato varieties, where it is not necessary to remove trusses, it makes sense to always clip under the truss.  I picked a cocktail truss for three seasons and it was easier in that circumstance to have the clips placed in between the leaf and not under the truss.  So a horses for courses approach.

Clip placed directly above the truss.  This is totally avoidable.

Excellent placement of a steel clip on a cucumber plant tight under neath the leaf node.

Advantages of Clipping:

Clipping is extremely useful if you get behind with twisting or if the variety grows at right angles.  I am extremely impressed with the Tomsystem, which uses a steel ring instead of a plastic clip. However, if the work falls behind it can become a tangle, and then the plastic clip, regardless of being slower, is the preferred option. 

Clipping is also much easier on the plant than twisting. It allows a much faster recovery from the stress of cells being strangled around a string, especially in the warmer months.  

It may seem a minor detail but if you don’t put the clip in the place that suits your particular variety it could cost you labour hours somewhere in the chain.  Every variety will require something different that suits your operation.  This small amount of attention to detail, in a competitive market, is important as businesses strive to improve.   

Image of a large loose variety. I would prefer the clip in between the leaf as this truss will need removing.

Not the end of the world for the position of this clip, however, as this is a cherry tomato, I would prefer it under the truss as per below. 

Cover Photo – Clip placed perfectly under the flowering truss of a cherry tomato

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Article Written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

8.9ha of lit tomatoes

By now you may be aware of the new greenhouse project planned for Marsden Point.  The project is valued at $70 million and has received a $14 million loan from the PGF (Provincial Growth Fund).   The new high-tech glasshouse will be installed with 100% LED supplementary lighting to produce 8.9ha of tomatoes.  Increasing New Zealand’s domestic market winter supply will primarily be the focus.

From my knowledge of supplementary lighting, this glasshouse, depending on many variables, could produce summer time production in winter.  I predict the production achieved (using LED’s) may be equivalent to 30 ha of what is produced currently during our winter period.

Information below from the media releases indicates this project will be growing organic tomatoes, which will be incredibly challenging especially with New Zealand’s huge insect pressure and lack of natural predators unlike other locations.  This leads me to think it may be a closed greenhouse or have insect protection/netting.

When I worked for Wight Salads, Isle of Wight in England, they specialised in growing organic tomatoes.  The advantage that Wight Salads, as do other organic producers in England, is that they have access to an array of natural beneficial insect predators that New Zealand growers do not have access to.  As an example, the insect Macrolophus to control Whitefly. 

Growing organically also makes it very difficult to achieve similar production to conventional growing methods.  Apart from the huge challenge of insect control you really need everything to go right, no root disease, no fungus and bacterial diseases like blight, etc.  A perfect environment is very hard to achieve despite the most modern technology it is still going to be a constant challenge. 

The last time a structure of this size was built in New Zealand was 2003.  There have been additions to smaller and larger sized business over the past 17 years but not all in one go.   The extra production in winter may well reduce the need to import Australian fruit. Long crops grow for 49 weeks so not all the production will be harvested in winter.  It is important to note that organic crops may not quite have the legs, even if grafted.

From a technology perspective I am very excited this project is going ahead.  Suppliers to the greenhouse industry will be happy as there will be a brand-new customer to supply.  However, I am mindful it will cause a few jitters amongst growers that feel our market is currently sufficiently supplied.  A few years ago, 3ha of new cucumber production caused the same concerns but the market adjusted and settled down, and over recent times the area of cucumbers would easily have increased by a further 3 ha. 

In my opinion it was only a matter of time before an organisation moved in this direction.  It will possibly cause other companies to re-invest into new technology to become equally competitive or investigate alternate uses for their greenhouses.  This is a very exciting, major new development for the industry.  I am looking forward to the open day.

Below are the news links from which information for this post was obtained. 

https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/rural-news/rural-general-news/30m-pgf-funding-for-northland

https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9253233/increasing-tomato-yields-in-winter-new-project-in-new-zealand/

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/crucial-pgf-investments-northland

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/article.cfm?c_id=16&objectid=12367912

https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9253656/new-zealand-project-to-increase-tomato-yield-in-winter/

local builders will be excited with the potential opportunity

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Article Written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

RSE workers required ASAP

In the last edition I posted an article in regards to the huge shortage of willing pickers in Queensland. I ‘tongue and cheek’ suggested “Hopefully, the powers that be, are well aware and have a watchful eye on what has happened in Australia, to quickly come up with short term solutions”.  The day after another headline hit regarding the potential massive shortage of orchard workers this season. (see link at bottom of the page)

Recently I met with a greenhouse grower desperately trying to hire three new full-time workers.   There has been quite a few enquires but yet no one is willing or been suitable to fill the positions.  One potential worker, who had been offered the job, rang the grower to say they could not make it to work until they had received their benefit payment, so they had money to fill their vehicle with fuel.  Unfortunately, this was an excuse as the person did not turn up at all to work. 

Remuneration:

Most new employees, to the industry, will be offered an hourly rate on or just above the minimum wage.  New staff are trained and become skilled. Employees, that apply themselves should be able to achieve higher remuneration in a relatively short amount of time.  Workers are also offered secure fulltime positions, with the ability to work extended hours, if desired during crop cycles, when required.   

So why don’t Kiwis want to work in a greenhouse?

Simply, they don’t have to, the incentive is just not worth it compared to the alternative.   I am not sure what the alternative is but it appears being unemployed is the better option.  Despite the economy being hit hard and unemployment rising it will not be enough to solve the labour shortage issue for the Horticulture sector. 

Attention to Growing

Growing a crop successfully takes lots of attention and detailed analysis from growers.  If that attention is diverted from growing a crop, due to labour shortage issues, then ultimately the crop may suffer from the distraction.  It’s fantastic we have such amazing product groups that are trying to work with Government but even with that resource, growers are still being diverted from what they should be doing and that is growing.

The Tech Wave

This year, has highlighted the increasing need for new robotic technology.  Currently and short term, there is real uncertainty in regards to the availability of workers that are willing to prune and harvest produce. Future automation and the replacement of manual jobs is becoming increasingly important. Robotic pickers are a prime example.  If, in the future, growers are still unable to source locals and RSE’s are capped, or simply cannot enter NZ, then growers have two choices, adapt or let their fruit rot on the ground.

Related article:

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/rural/2020/09/apple-growing-industry-warns-of-9-5b-economic-loss-if-borders-stay-closed-to-seasonal-workers.html

Read Mikes blog https://www.hortnz.co.nz/news-events-and-media/mikes-blog/minus-12-percent/

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Article Written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Predictable

Growers are always on the lookout for new opportunities.  In the case of courgettes, they tick a couple of boxes for double croppers (growers that plant two crops annually).  I noticed in 2019 there was a considerable increase in the area planted with courgettes.  This year, due to the restriction of imports from Queensland, I predict the greenhouse area planted has increased again.

The Lure of High Returns

This year prices have reached astronomically high levels for courgettes.  There will be a few growers that have hit the jackpot, if their planting and harvesting dates have coincided with the huge increase in price, but some may not have been as fortunate.   The associated unknown risk with growing courgettes in greenhouses, in the Auckland region, is they are competing with the outdoor crops, and when outdoor crops begin to harvest in warmer parts of the country the price can go from hero to zero in the blink of an eye.  I never really considered growing courgettes, due to the huge fluctuations and uncertainty around volume and when they would be available to the market.    A warmer than normal ‘winterless north’ could bring produce onto the market one to two weeks earlier.  Those two weeks could be the high production high return opportunity greenhouse growers were hoping for. 

The Covid-19 Effect

The other major and obvious disruptor was COVID-19.  Due to loss of earnings, during the first lockdown, some greenhouse vegetable growers did terminate crops earlier than originally planned to replant courgettes.

The Australian Restrictions

The restriction of cucurbit imports from Australia has certainly opened up opportunities not to be ignored.  However, if there are not supply agreements between growers and the wholesales/retailers then growers will make planting decisions on gut feel.  This would be my least preferred option.  Growers running this gauntlet, chopping and changing crops that do not have supply contracts are taking a calculated risk, and at the mercy of a supply and demand market.  I don’t foresee growers losing money, in fact some have done extremely well, what this chopping and changing does, is affect the usual supply of other products such as tomatoes, that are traditional greenhouse crops.  It is also very difficult for markets to predict future production flows.  The wholesalers must find it challenging when this occurs. 

The Market:

The market is ever evolving.  The difficult part is prediction, no one can predict what may or may not be ‘exactly’ purchased by consumers.   Trends are observed and growers may be approached to grow products deemed in high demand and under supplied.  We only have around 300 ha of greenhouse grown vegetable crops in NZ so if a lot of one particular cultivar is suddenly replaced with a new cultivar it could inevitably leave a hole to fill, for example, tomato shortages this winter. 

I could continue to speculate what caused a large shift in the market; the fact is it happened.  The most recent food price index illustrated the price of tomatoes and courgettes were both high.  Both will come back in value as production increases but possibly only one will continue to be stable while the other (courgettes) will soon be swallowed by outdoor production.

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Article Written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Pay me $ 3,800 (Australian) per week please!

I was absolutely astounded when I read the article below (see link).  The pandemic has closed borders and as a result means a shortage of back packers in Queensland, which has led to a massive shortage of labour to harvest produce.  It is quite staggering that despite Australia being on the verge of a ginormous recession they are not able to entice young Australian workers offering up to $ 3,800 AUS per week.   The work may be for a short term and it may be inconvenient to relocate, however even with those possible excuses it just beggar’s belief growers cannot attract pickers.

If this is currently the state of affairs in Australia then it may well be a much larger problem, than I anticipated, for New Zealand this season.  Hopefully, the powers that be, are well aware and have a watchful eye on what has happened in Australia, to quickly come up with short term solutions.  It has recently been in the news that NZ farm contractors require skilled overseas operators to drive very large harvesters.  Due to Covid-19 border restrictions there is uncertainty of how or if special exceptions and Visa’s will be issued. Actually, this should not be in the news; the primary sector is so important to our economy and our rebuild, it astounds me that industry affected (probably through desperation) reached out to the media to highlight their concerns.

Wage Subsidy Ending:

With the NZ Covid-19 wage subsidy ending those who will now find themselves without a job and have the motivation, should be looking at NZ horticulture websites to see what types of work is available.  Greenhouse horticulture businesses are generally on the search for regular or seasonal employees.

Greenhouse work is not that hard:

Just this week I was training a grower to clip, prune and drop his tomato plants.  I spent an hour working side by side and it reminded me again how enjoyable the work is.  There seems to be a perception that the work is dirty, hot and hard, actually it’s not that hard. 

Technology:

What was also worth noting, and yes, I harp on about this, is that automation of harvesting is becoming increasingly essential.  In the article regarding the Queensland strawberry grower I noticed (see pic below) the strawberry crop was grown traditionally, on the ground.  Harvesting strawberries manually and bending over is back breaking work so unless this grower has robotic picking harvesters, it is no wonder staff don’t survive more than one day.   Growing on tables/gutters is the best option moving forward.

Even if we are back to ‘Covid free normality’ within the next two to three years, the fact is the perception of the physical requirements involved in most vegetable or flower horticulture business may not change.  Possibly only a great depression will force workers to the industry.  Technology for reducing labour will continue to be required if Queensland is anything to go by.

Strawberry grower Gavin Scurr has spoken out about the lack of available pickers. Picture: Lachie Millard Source: News Corp Australia

https://amp-news-com-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.news.com.au/finance/work/queensland-fruit-farmers-face-a-chronic-shortage-of-fruit-pickers/news-story/489e828694ae10d3c3768350d898c1b3

Related content:  Read Mikes report below.  Always a great read.

https://twitter.com/HortNZ/status/1302761437249466369

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Article Written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower