Skip to main content

Posts

Coolbot walk-in coolers

With the upcoming deadline for the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program, we are publishing a series of articles about low cost equipment that can make farming more efficient on a small-scale. All of the equipment highlighted works well for farmers on rented land, as it can be easily moved to a new site. In this article, we highlight the use of coolbot walk-in coolers A lower cost cooler option Safe storage of produce generally requires temperatures below 40 degrees. Normal walk-in coolers require a condenser and evaporator to bring a walk-in cooler down to this temperature range. A CoolBot controller works with a normal air conditioner to achieve the same result. When is a CoolBot the right type of cooler? CoolBots are generally much simpler and less expensive than traditional walk-in coolers. However, they are not always the right infrastructure for a produce farm. Coolbots work well with smaller walk-in coolers (less than 10’ x 20’), coolers that are very
Recent posts

Low-cost packshed structure design ideas

With the upcoming deadline for the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program, we are publishing a series of articles about low cost equipment that can make farming more efficient on a small-scale. All of the equipment highlighted works well for farmers on rented land, as it can be easily moved to a new site. In this article, we highlight ideas for low-cost packsheds. Packsheds are an essential part of food safe produce handling on the farm. Let’s begin by looking at common reasons for building a packshed and key features that must be included in any packshed design.  Why build a packshed? Packsheds provide an accessible space for washing, packing and grading produce on vegetable farms. Packsheds serve as a central space for storing harvest supplies like knives, rubber bands, produce bins and wax boxes.  Packsheds allow farmers to clean and pack vegetables in a food safe manner. This leads to better quality and longer lasting produce, which increases farm profitability

Lower cost equipment for seeding and transplanting on vegetable farms

With the upcoming deadline for the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program, we are publishing a series of articles about low cost equipment that can make farming more efficient on a small-scale. All of the equipment highlighted works well for farmers on rented land, as it can be easily moved to a new site. In this article, we highlight tools for seeding and transplanting. Why Purchase Seeding and Transplanting Tools? Although it is possible to seed and transplant vegetable crops by hand, there are many advantages to using tools for these tasks. Seeding and transplanting tools greatly improve efficiency, are easier on the body, lower costs, increase yields and make for easier harvesting and cultivation. Push seeders Push seeders generally do not require a tractor, electricity, fuel or any specialized tools to set up or fix. A push seeder works by the user walking it down a bed, which lays seed in a straight row. Features of push seeders All push seeders are built to

Walk behind tractors: A low cost way to mechanize your farm operation

With the upcoming deadline for the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program, we are publishing a series of articles about low cost equipment that can make farming more efficient on a small-scale. All of the equipment highlighted works well for farmers on rented land, as it can be easily moved to a new site. In this article, we highlight walk behind tractors Why Purchase a Walk Behind Tractor? Walk Behind tractors can provide an affordable way to start mechanizing basic operations on your farm like tillage and cultivation. These machines work well for farmers that run small acreage farms. They can accomplish many of the same tasks as a tractor but at a much lower price point. Walk Behind tractors are relatively simple to repair compared to traditional tractors - making them ideal for farmers uncomfortable fixing heavy equipment. Note: although Walk Behind tractors can perform some functions on larger operations - they are generally not appropriate for larger vegetable

Fall drought conditions update + are you seeing abnormal blueberry bud development this year?

Madeline Wimmer- Extension educator (wimm0035@umn.edu) Fall drought conditions update:  Images: Minnesota maps showing drought intensity for the state on October 24th and November 7th, 2024. Viewers may note that while recent rainfalls in some Minnesota regions have relieved parts of the metro and the southeast corner, many regions are still experiencing drought levels ranging from abnormally dry to severe drought levels. This year’s unique weather patterns have had a notable impact on Minnesota’s fruit-growing season. The growing season started off with frequent rain events that created a number of challenges for fruit growers related to pest management and overall plant stress, and was followed by a warm, dry late-summer, which has now led to a dry fall, with many regions of Minnesota experiencing moderate (D1, refer to drought map images above) to severe drought conditions (D2). A recent UMN WeatherTalk article explained how the average fall (September 1 - November 30) precipitati

Transitioning Organic? UMN named TOPP coordinator for Minnesota

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a USDA educational and outreach program that focuses on supporting growers who want to gain USDA Organic certification. The program is set up to provide support in a few ways: Connecting transitioning growers with mentors who are already USDA Organic certified  Build mentoring networks for insight and advice Continued help for growers following certification TOPP efforts are nation wide and the University of Minnesota (UMN) has more recently been designated as the leader and coordinator for Minnesota TOPP. As a part of the effort, UMN's Organic Agriculture website is now up and will highlight organic research, resources, and information related to TOPP, including a list of our current USDA Organic certified mentors , and UMN technical assistance staff .   If you are interested in participating in MN TOPP's mentee/mentor program, information and applications for both mentors and mentees can be found on our TOPP landing page

Top 10 tips to reduce liability and food safety risks for U-picks and orchards this fall

Annalisa Hultberg, Extension Educator, food safety Orchards and U-picks are welcoming large number of visitors to the farm. When you invite the public to your farm there are additional food safety and liability concerns to consider to keep your customers safe and your risk as low as possible to avoid a foodborne illness outbreak.  Here are some key recommendations to keep your customers safe and healthy this fall.  Photo: Annie Klodd What are the risks? Many bacteria like Salmonella , Campylobacter and E. coli can be spread to fresh produce from animals and sick humans. Viruses like Norovirus and Hepatitis   can easily transmitted between humans via fresh produce and other food, surfaces and the air.  These bacteria and viruses can seriously sicken people, especially the young, old, and immunocompromised.  There have been outbreaks at agritourism farms, especially those that have animals. Take some basic precautions to reduce the potential for these illness to be spread on your farm. S

Apple storage disorders and recommendations for four UMN varieties

Madeline Wimmer, UMN Extension educator and Cindy Tong, UMN Professor & Extension postharvest horticulturist Images: A collection of apple disorders caused by or worsened by storage conditions. This includes 1) soft scald and 2) internal flesh browning, which result from storage temperatures that are colder than an apple can tolerate, as well as 2) bitter pit—a physiologically disorder related to calcium use in the apple fruit—which can start in the field, and worsen in storage. The Minnesota apple industry primarily sells apples through direct sales at farm stands, farmers markets, community supported agriculture (CSA), and agritourism. For example, it’s not uncommon for an apple orchard visit in the fall to be routine for elementary school classes, or for families to make a trip to an orchard on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy apples, pumpkins, and festivities. Thus, most apples grown in Minnesota aren’t stored for very long; but even short term storage requires some consideration