The Great Lakes Expo is a very large agriculture conference in Grand Rapids, MI. Here are some snippets from the trip and some vendors that were showcasing their products.
Great Lakes EXPO Highlight Video
Produce Safety Record-keeping Requirements & Tools: Presentation
This presentation discusses several different options for record keeping and tracking of produce safety documents and farm logs on an online interface. This was recorded at the Great Lakes Expo in Grand Rapids Michigan December 2017 and given by Chris Callahan UVM Extension, Ag Engineering.
Post Harvest Handling & Storage for Small Farms
This presentation was given by Chris Callahan from at the Great Lakes Expo in Grand Rapids Michigan in December 2017. He discusses the differences between fruit and vegetable storage needs, finish surfaces for wash/pack areas or coolers as well as temperature and humidity controls.
A frequently asked question we get is about vapor barrier usage in coolers. See Chris’ answer below addressing that question. This video shot is pulled from the above presentation and was shared on our Instagram page.
New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference Highlight Video
Check out this highlight video from the New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference!
About
The Agricultural Engineering Program of UVM Extension is dedicated to enhancing Vermont’s food systems through analysis, design, evaluation and adoption of infrastructure, technology and equipment that meet the needs of food producers and processors.
Vermont’s food systems are experiencing increased localization, value addition, diversification, extension of growing season and increased market demand. New crops and new ways of growing and harvesting crops are being explored and adopted. Regional processing of crops to value-added food products is on the rise. Consumers are demanding nutritious, safe, and locally-sourced foods through-out the year requiring a focus on extended growing season and improved storage mechanisms. This is happening at a time when energy is expensive and environmental impact is increasingly important. As a result, the agricultural landscape and the people who work in it are changing and adapting. The dynamic nature of the food system demands technical assistance in several areas including engineering.
Farmers and processors with specific technical needs and research & development ideas related to Vermont food systems are encouraged to contact us.
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Taking the PSR with You
The FSMA Produce Safety Rule is an important reference for those helping growers understand requirements under the regulation. But weighing in at 216 pages it can be a burdensome document to read, let alone carry around with you. But there is hope.
Continue reading Taking the PSR with You
New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference 2017
In addition to attending the Great Lakes Expo, UVM Ag Engineering attended the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference in Manchester, NH. This conference is very well suited for the small-scale and highly diversified farmers that populate the North East.
This conference is filled with a variety of vendors at the trade show, presentations covering specific details of individual crops and varieties, and even talks on designing your farm with an eye on food safety. Another interesting activity that went on was the farmer to farmer sessions that are not presentations but a lead conversation to discuss what works and what doesn’t on your farm. A lot of tips, tricks, and common complaints are all brought up and shared during this literally circled up conversation.
If you’ve never been here are a few photos from the event, which was very snowy in mid-December.
Here is a short highlight video from the conference!
The presentations that Chris gave at this conference can be seen below. This first one is all about designing your facilities with a food safety mindset. If you’ve never thought about your infrastructure Continue reading New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference 2017
The AZS Rinse Conveyor at Picadilly Farm
Picadilly Farm is owned and operated by Jenny and Bruce Wooster since 2006. Their farm is located in the South East Corner of New Hampshire in Winchester and has about 30 acres in production. They provide fresh produce to over 1,000 families through CSA shares spread across New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Bruce reached out to share that he has an AZS Rinse conveyor and offered up his thoughts on the equipment as well.
DewRight Debut: From Product to Patent
This video is an episode from Across the Fence! It holds an interview with Judy Simpson as well as a description of the product.
The video below highlights the 9min segment specifically talking about the DewRight.
Read the write up from Vermont Business Magazine here.
Read the press release from UVM’s University Communications here.
Checking out Vendors at the Great Lakes Expo
In December, UVM Ag Engineering ventured out to Grand Rapids, MI to attend the Great Lakes Expo.
This exposition was HUGE and full of a variety of seed companies, equipment suppliers, and machinery on display. There was a lot of technology targeted towards fruit growing which is big in that region which was neat to see.
Photos from the trip can be seen here.
The following are videos clips taken with vendors explaining some of what they have to offer.
Continue reading Checking out Vendors at the Great Lakes Expo