Herbs for wholesale Supplying wholesale markets with premium quality ethnic and traditional herbs, Shifnall-based, Shropshire grower JK Fresh is focussed on planting accuracy and seed placement to ensure consistent supply. It is why the firm has opted for a three- bed Miniair Nova to get its coriander, fenugreek, spinach, kale, dill, parsley and mint, off to a good start. “We need accurate seed metering and placement, so each crop grows evenly,” explains farm manager Bill Preece. “We choose to plant little and often, splitting each crop into small blocks, and on different soil types. This lets us spread our harvesting dates, so we can supply the markets for the maximum amount of time, once the crop matures.” “This time, we’ve opted for a three-bed rigid machine with an end-tow kit,” he says. “Given that we have a lot of road travel to access many parcels of land that we farm, our folding model was having a tough time on the back of a 50kph tractor. We needed a stronger, and more accurate drill.” And according to Bill Preece, the new drill’s planting accuracy does not disappoint. “There’s no misses, and down-the-row seed spacing is much better, allowing us to make the most of beds to maximise our yields,” he says. “Fenugreek seeds are precisely spaced, at 2cm between each seed.”
KVERNELAND MINIAIR NOVA
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