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Field
Research Projects Conducted in the 2002 Asparagus Harvest Season |
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by
Trent Ball* |
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Field
data was collected to determine the total waste (crooked, butt ends,
etc.) that remains in the asparagus field. Advanced processing techniques
could use the material for creating dehydrated material, nutraceuticals,
or juices. In addition, measurements were taken to establish parameters
and requirements for potential mechanical harvesters.
Trials were run
during the season on a non-selective harvester that snaps the asparagus
spears (see harvester on the right). The machine harvester was evaluated
based on speed, cost, and useable harvested spears. Although not an
option for the entire |
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"The future of production agriculture, agribusiness and rural
people is being profoundly affected by how well they adopt and adapt
to technological developments."
Quote
from Farm Foundation 2002 Annual Report, p. 11. |
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industry,
initial results suggest practical application if a number two spear
market is established. For the purpose of the study a number two spear
was defined as larger than six inches, but has a slightly damaged
basal region, and/or a flower that is seedy; also included in this
category is a number 1 spear that is smaller than six inches. It is
expected that in the future additional machines will be evaluated.
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Another
company based out of New Zealand, Geostel Vision, has developed an
electronic grader/sorter. A firm in California purchased the first
commercial electronic machine developed by Geostel Vision for use
in the U.S. |
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Mechanical non-selective harvester called the Snapper, donated to
WSU by Chuck and Flo Sayre. |
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A
recent visit was conducted to assess the feasibility of the machines
for use in the Washington fresh asparagus sheds. The California shed
reported labor savings of over 30% using the electronic grader, and
the savings might be possible if utilized by the Washington asparagus
industry. |
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Both
labor reduction and increased efficiency were attained using the machines
compared to manual sorting and grading. The machines include a washing
system in addition to the grading and sorting capabilities (see wash
unit,above, and infeed belt photos below). For additional pictures
of the electronic grader see the web
photo album.
Sprayer
inside the Wash Unit |
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Geostel
Vision is continually making advancements on the electronic grading
machines. A future adaptation is to include a color camera that will
grade the tip based upon the flower (seediness). Also, a design will
be added to the chutes to improve the individual spear collection.
(Bottom right photo). These adjustments should enhance the quality
of the machines for use in the Washington asparagus industry. |
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"While
there may be doubts about the development of a harvester, new grader-sorters
under development 'are capable of putting out a more uniform high
quality product than we are getting today." ** Quote from Washington
Farmer-Stockman, interview with Ray Folwell, Washington State University
(WSU) Extension agricultural economist, May 2002, p.16. |
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*Trent
Ball is an Associate in Research, working with Dr.
Ray Folwell, on the asparagus project. He traveled to California
in June 2002 to observe and study new packing technologies. Trent
also performed field trials in the Columbia Basin to evaluate the
feasibility of using a mechanical harvester in Washington asparagus
fields.
**An interview
with Dr. Ray Folwell and Trent Ball and information on this topic
can be found in the "Spear Scythe" article by T.J. Burnham,
Western Farmer-Stockman, May 2002, p. 14-18. |
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Back
to the top. |
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