A downloadable PDF of this blog post and assembly guide is available here. A video overview of a DIY Handwashing Station can be seen here. Handwashing has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of transmission of human pathogens between people. But, sometimes we are inconveniently far from …
Category Archives: Post Harvest
Spray Tables for Produce Farms
If we apply the principles of hygienic design to a spray table it becomes clear that we should think about the cleanability of the materials and the assembly while also thinking about how the materials will hold up over time with repeated use.
Drains for Produce Farms
This guide provides background on planning for drains and drainage from produce wash and pack areas. Direct drains, floor and spot drains, and trench and gutter drains are discussed. A construction drawing for a trench drain is also provided.
Risks Posed by Cats on Produce Farms
Authored by Phil Tocco, Michigan State University & Chris Callahan, University of Vermont View or download a PDF of this factsheet here. Many small farmers rely on cats to control rodents on farms. These “working animals” seem like a good way to limit crop loss and reduce other produce safety risks from rodents. Unfortunately, cats …
A Guide to Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting for Produce Farms
This is a guide to understanding the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. It is focused on produce farms and is motivated by current concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Planning an Efficient and Safe Wash/Pack Area
By Chris Callahan, Hans Estrin, and Andy Chamberlin Reading not your thing? We have a free, 8-Part webinar video series that goes into depth on all of the following topics discussed below. Project Planning for Postharvest Efficiency, Profitability & Food Safety Summary Efficiency and food safety are integral parts of running a profitable and viable …
Continue reading “Planning an Efficient and Safe Wash/Pack Area”
Across The Fence: Mean Green(s) Washing Machine (TV Segment on Greens Spinners)
UVM Extension’s own television program Across The Fence did a segment on a project we’ve been working on related to greens spinners. You can watch the video clip here explaining why small farms are making use of washing machines as greens spinners and what we are doing to help make them more feasible.
Washing Machine Greens Spinners: Shopping Advice
This blog post is for those using or considering a converted washing machine as greens spinner. Background For background information on several different types of greens spinners and general thoughts on using washing machine conversions see this blog post. If you’ve purchased a machine and are ready to convert it, see our Washing Machine/Greens Spinner …
Continue reading “Washing Machine Greens Spinners: Shopping Advice”
Ag Engineering Downloadable PDF Resources
All of our resources are available here on this blog. However, if you are looking for a printed handout, here is a list. These are all of the PDF documents that we share during workshops, meetings, and presentations. All links will open the PDF in a new tab. You may also want to check out …
Continue reading “Ag Engineering Downloadable PDF Resources”
Washing Machine Greens Spinner Workshop
Have a washing machine that you want to convert into a greens spinner? Have you already done the conversion, but want to improve it? Join us for one of two hands-on, intensive workshops this fall focused on getting the job done and doing it well.