Arrigoni system shows improved frost protection 

Arrigoni, a European company specializing in the production of technical textiles for agriculture, recently announced in a news release the results of a field study for its Protecta covering system that showed the nighttime temperature inside the Protecta screens was at least
2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) higher compared to the open field. 

According to the study, held in February 2022 in the U.K. on a farm with plum and apricot orchards, there were also no significant changes in air humidity underneath the textile compared to the open field. 

Protecta’s very dense weave is designed to provide protection against rain and frost while still enabling a calibrated airflow that’s optimal for crop growth, according to the release. 

For more information, visit: arrigoni.it.

Smart Apply, Progressive Ag join forces on sprayers

Smart Apply Inc. recently announced it has signed an agreement with Progressive Ag Inc., allowing the Modesto, California-based equipment manufacturer to factory-install Smart Apply spray control systems into its LectroBlast electrostatic sprayers for orchards, vineyards and hop yards, according to a news release. This is Smart Apply’s first formal agreement with an original equipment manufacturer of airblast sprayers.

“This is an incredible opportunity for growers to get the best of both worlds, Smart Apply’s precision spray and data system coupled with LectroBlast sprayers’ electrostatic spray technology and ease of maintenance in one, field-ready package,” said Jerry Johnson, Smart Apply CEO.

Launched in 2019, Smart Apply’s Intelligent Spray Control System is a lidar-enabled precision spraying system with the ability to automatically collect data and digitally document each spray event. The Smart Apply system is sold as a kit that can be added to airblast, over-the-row and GUSS autonomous sprayers. It reduces chemical and water use by an average of 50 percent while decreasing runoff by up to 97 percent and drift by up to 83 percent, according to the release.

For more information, visit: smartapply.com.

4HM, Frutmac collaborate on fresh food packaging

The sustainable produce packaging company 4HM Solutions recently announced a partnership with the European fresh food packaging company Frutmac to introduce new sustainable packaging in the North American fresh apple market, according to a news release. 

“At 4HM, our partnerships are forged with precision and purpose,” said Chip Manuel, founding partner of 4HM. “We align with organizations that not only are prepared to invest deeply in their ventures, particularly as they venture into the North American landscape, but also resonate with our core values and pursuit of excellence. Frutmac shines as a prime example of this ethos.” 

The collaboration offers customers a variety of packages for bulk or small quantity, personalized tray design and layout for branding, high packing speeds of up to 70 packages per minute and recyclable, compostable and biodegradable packaging. 

“For apples and fresh fruit in general, we see an exciting change in the U.S. market and a trend into more sustainable cardboard packaging,” said Matthias Alber, Frutmac’s head of sales. “Frutmac is thrilled to share our innovative packaging solutions with the U.S. produce sector via a strong partnership with 4HM Solutions.”

For more information, visit: 4hmsolutions.com.

Blueline Equipment earns Deutz-Fahr top sales award

Blueline Equipment, headquartered in Yakima, Washington, received the top sales award for its 2023 sales results during a Deutz-Fahr dealer conference, according to a news release. The conference was held in May by PFG America, the Atlanta-based distributor for Deutz-Fahr, and attendees included international executive representatives from New Zealand, Italy, Germany and Australia. 

“The top sales award not only recognizes Blueline Equipment’s exceptional sales results, but it is undeniable the support Blueline Equipment provides after the sale was a strong contributing factor to this achievement,” said Dan Cook, CEO of PFG America.

In addition, the PFG America leadership team extended appreciation to the entire Deutz-Fahr dealer network for achieving year-over-year growth of 20 percent.

“2023 marked monumental achievements, and with our strong and growing Deutz-Fahr dealer network supporting us, we aspire to continue achieving record growth while providing exceptional customer support,” Cook said. “I firmly believe 2024 will be another record-breaking year, due in large part to the shared aspirations we have with our Deutz-Fahr dealer network to surpass expectations each day.”

For more information, visit: deutz-fahramerica.com or bluelinemfg.com.