HOPPING YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL EASTER!
As Easter is upon us we’ve had time to reflect and realise “nothing stays the same”. At Cherry Hill we’ve been very busy revamping our seed potato cutting operation. This project started in the planning stages 12 months ago.
We wanted to create an environment in which we could cut seed potatoes and incorporate all the systems that the years of experience have taught us, to get the best outcomes for cut seed potato pieces.
We developed our seed piece curing room three seasons ago. This has been very beneficial in the curing of cut seed. It also gave us the tools to further explore different environments for seed cutting.
Our new seed cutting facility is a 15 x 44 metre food grade, climate controlled room, with the most technically advanced machinery currently being installed (with a few Cherry Hill modifications). The cutting room also incorporates a sealed fungicide application area. We feel it is extremely important to put modern fungicides on seed pieces but OH&S is always an issue. This new layout solves that problem.
Our cutting crew will certainly enjoy working in a heated shed throughout winter. The ease of cleaning and sterilising, the ability to warm large quantities of seed quickly, updated machinery and Cherry Hill’s experience in seed potato management will give our customers more security in their potato seed than they’ve ever had before.
Of course Cherry Hill backs this up with our seed guarantee.
From our survey conducted before Christmas some responses on our guarantee was that they thought it was a bit gimmicky. Be assured that it is no gimmick and it is a genuine guarantee. There have been several beneficiaries that have benefitted from our commitment… Now that’s something really sweet, even the Easter Bunny could not deliver!
Have a wonderful Easter break everyone, Andrew and the team at Cherry Hill Coolstores
IN THIS ISSUE
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| Seed Crops are up |
Darren bowls us over |
Kevin’s Opinion |
New shed progress |
Read on for these great articles and much more…
BRENDEN’S EASTER MESSAGE
Hi Growers,
As we speak there have been around 1400 tonnes of potatoes delivered to Cherry Hill. Most of these have made certification.
The loads that have failed, are due mainly to powdery scab. In our travels around crops this year, I have seen crops with scab nodules on the roots but not yet on the tubers.
Hopefully this doesn’t transfer by time of harvest.
In general, seed crops this year are better than they have been the last few years, due to a good growing season. As long as it doesn’t get wet, growers should receive some quality seed.
Good luck for the remainder of the season. If you would like to discuss your seed, call me or the team on (03) 6426 1590 or email me at brenden@cherryhillcoolstores.net.au.
Pictured above right: Brenden impersonating the Easter Bunny and above left: an example of powdery scab.
CHERRY HILL COOLSTORES SEED GUARANTEE
Our Seed Management Services. Cherry Hill Coolstores will guarantee our services on Seed Growers seed. If you buy someone else’s certified seed, which is presented to Cherry Hill in good condition, and it breaks down, we will replace our cutting and services at no charge.
This guarantee specifically refers to seed piece breakdown (i.e. rot), and refers to seed which is delivered directly to Cherry Hill Coolstores from the seed paddock for chemical application, coolstoring and cutting. In order for this guarantee to be 
valid, the Buyer must make claims within 24-hours of the seed leaving Cherry Hill Coolstores and before planting.
In order for this guarantee to be valid, the buyer must make claims with 24 hours of the seed leaving Cherry Hill and before planting.
View more about our guarantee here.
DARREN’S OUR OWN ALL-ROUNDER
Diversity comes easy for our newest employee.
Joining us in December 2014, Cherry Hill Coolstores can’t comprehend how they ever did without their Maintenance Fitter, Darren Nicholls.
When we spoke to Darren in December last year he’d been a member of the Cherry Hill family for just three weeks, however the rest of the team were already singing his praises. He acknowledged that this new position was a really good fit for him.
Born in Devonport, Darren is a local lad who grew up in the region attending Reece High and gaining a trade as a Fitter and Machinest in the area.
“I did my apprenticeship at Simplot Australia but have had a few jobs since leaving school. I worked at Tas Belting Service and Supplies for four years, Wootton and Byrne Construction (construction and steel works) and I’ve worked on conveyor belts and as a forklift driver.
I had a position with DPM Engineering for a while and helped build the Devonport Aquatic Centre which was a big job.”
With such a versatile set of skills and knowledge it’s no wonder Darren is considered Cherry Hill’s all-rounder. His daily routine involves all maintenance on site, seeing to equipment, belts, bearings, fitting and forklift driving.
Darren is also a handy all-rounder on the cricket pitch and plays cricket with Brenden at Sassafras. He loves being outdoors and in his spare time (when not hitting people for six) Darren enjoys shooting, fishing and kayaking. “I try to get to our on-site caravan in Port Sorell as much as I can, or take the kayaks to the Mersey River and Muddy Creek.”
Read more about our staff here …
TESTIMONIAL … “WE CAN’T FAULT THEM”
“Cherry Hill Coolstores have looked after our seed for over 20 years now and nothing is ever too big a job for them – we can’t fault them.
They are friendly and professional and always listen to us. We are farmers and they are the specialists, and we confidently put our trust in them as they keep a good eye on our product. We are over two hours away from them so we can’t just call in and check up on things however we never need to as we feel secure leaving everything in their hands.”
Harry Korpershoek – Co-Owner, Korpershoek Brothers PTY LTD.
View more of our testimonials here.
KEVIN SAYS “IT’S POTATO HARVESTING TIME AGAIN”
Harvesting of seed crops has commenced. Lets make sure we get every procedure in the chain right and get the seed to storage in the best possible condition.
Ensure the machine you’re using to lift your crop has all potential damage points identified and repairs done if needed. An experienced operator who understands the machine and its adjustments, and is able to get your crop lifted and into a transport trailer in the best possible condition is necessary. Remember one way to identify scrapes and bruising is to wash a sample and, after a short time, the marks will be easy to see.
Be aware and make sure the soil moisture levels are up to a reasonable standard to help eliminate operational damage.
Ensure your crop is set in the skin before you commence harvesting. It takes a long time for them to tighten after harvest and mostly don’t, and this gives harmful pathogens access to the tubers during handling and storage, which may not manifest itself until after the tubers are cut and planted.
Stones are the worst contributor to tuber bruising while harvesting, especially if allowed to roll or bounce on elevating chains. Make sure some soil stays on until elevation if finished. This can be difficult if harvesting on steep inclines. Setting the machine to harvest one way would be an option.
It is very important that your loads are delivered to your receiver as soon as possible after digging, so that fungicides can be applied. Do not leave loads tarped in paddocks waiting for a prime mover for more than a few hours. We have found at times one or two loads out of a particular line show troublesome symptoms, and these loads were delivered over 24 hours after being dug.
Notify your receiver how many loads you intend to send in for the day, and make sure the load information sheet that you send in with the loads is correct: owner of crop, time harvested, who the load is for, variety, and generation. Remember: if you planted G2 seed you are now harvesting G3 seed.
Cherry Hill Coolstores has invested more capital in a new cutting facility with many improved features that enable more efficient and better quality output. We believe our clients will be pleased with the improvements and receive a better product.
Hope you enjoy a trouble free harvest, and your yield and quality is up.
Kevin is now retired, however can regularly be found out at the Cherry Hill Coolstores. He lives in East Devonport and would describe himself as very happily retired with still a key interest in Cherry Hill. Andrew regularly refers to Kevin for his advice and opinions.
DEDICATION TO THE CAUSE
Our fabulous Pam, through thick and thin she never gives in.
As most of us know Andrew loves touring on motorbikes. It may come as a surprise but Pam has also developed a liking for it and has got her learners license.
Unfortunately though, on a recent trip to the North West, our Pam crashed on the Arthur River road in early March, resulting in a broken ankle and a whole lot of domestic duties for Andrew! Despite the pain (from Andrew’s whinging, not her ankle that was broken in three places).
Pam has soldiered on and continued to work from her wheelchair! … Isn’t she great! Thanks Pam.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please note that some months ago we changed banks to the ANZ (a few customers have still been using our old details so please update your records as we now have new banking details).
Please note these are now:
BSB 017 536 Account no. 3972 26402
MISSED A PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER?
Read past editions of our newsletter here.
EASTER BUNNY BRINGS US SOMETHING SWEETER THAN CHOCOLATE!
Pictured above is a recent image of our new shed as it develops! It really is coming along nicely. This expansion will create great opportunities and provide us with the facilities to offer you better services and support.
THIS EDITION’S APPEALING POTATOES
And how about a great idea for Easter and left over potatoes!
Martha Stewart has a great potato stamp video if you need some help and ideas! If you do create some masterpieces we’d love to see them! Email them to us at admin@cherryhillcoolstores.net.au.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
P: (03) 6426 1590
F: (03) 6426 2464
E: admin@cherryhill.net.au
Visit our website www.cherryhillcoolstores.net.au
