Harakeke Berries has adopted a system of six tabletops per tunnel “The single tabletops have performed very well for us.”
Protective cropping is essential for maintaining optimal growing conditions and protecting crops from external factors such as climate and pesticides that could hinder their growth. One increasingly popular method is the use of polytunnels, which provide a controlled environment for crops to thrive. We recently had the opportunity to speak to the General Manager of Commercial Operations from Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa Developments Ltd, who oversees the strawberry farm, Harakeke Berries, in Whanganui utilizing polytunnels as part of their protective cropping strategy. The Polytunnel systems were manufactured by Elite Tunnels Ltd UK and supported by New Zealand based company Empak, both fully owned entities of the Tapex Group. Polytunnels have helped contribute to the success of their strawberry farm with a growth plan to relocate an additional 2 ha of polytunnels to the current 3.1 ha already installed.
Overhead Netting Structure Ensures Optimal Performance
Harekeke Berries’ strawberry farm covers 6 ha of land, with 3.1 ha currently protected. The polytunnels, equipped with an overhead netting structure, have performed well. This combination of technologies has been instrumental in protecting crops from adverse weather conditions, such as recent intense winds. The areas under the tunnels were effectively shielded, ensuring minimal damage to their strawberry crop.
Singe Table Tops for Optimal Crop Management
Harakeke Berries has adopted a system of six tabletops per tunnel “The single tabletops have performed very well for us. The ergonomics around them are friendly for our pickers. Single tabletops have proven to be a practical solution.”
Read more at grower2grower.co.nz
