Water conservation

Bo Radyn: This is how we implemented water saving measures.

In 2012 all micro sprinklers were replaced. All long distance sprinklers were changed to short distance sprinklers. This was done to concentrate water distribution in certain areas.By using this method we saved roughly 80 000 kℓ of water.

During 2015 we pumped 60 000 cubic kℓ less water than the previous year.

In 2013 we removed all alien plants from our rivers. This also helped with our water conservation efforts.

During this time we started placing mulch and hay under our trees. This helps to keep the ground moist for longer, because less water is lost through water vapour. Water use was down-scaled further during this year. We went from using 7 000 cubic kℓ per hectare, to using 6 500 cubic kℓ per hectare.

By optimising our irrigation systems with a new filter; we managed to bring down our total water usage from 6 500 cubic kℓ per hectare, to 6 100 cubic kℓ per hectare.

During this time we went on to save even more water by installing new DFM probes. These probes inform us when a tree needs water- thus we save water by not irrigating orchards unnecessarily. Sadly, Villiersdorp is experiencing a very dry season; because of this farms are given strict water quotas. Luckily by using our advanced irrigation systems and the prompt fixing of pipe leaks, we’ve managed to adhere to our water allowance.

Queen Anne

Water is one of the most important resources on earth. On a farm water is the most important asset we have; without water nothing can grow. Here on Queen Anne farm we manage this resource to the best of our capability. We use the latest in probe technology to measure the moisture content of our orchards. These probes take a moisture reading every hour and sends it through to the computer in the office. Here we use a program to convert that data into useable information. Using this we can determine the right amount of water the orchard needs, and doing so, we never over- or under irrigate.

We also make use of the program called Irrigator. This is basically computerised irrigation; which means every inch of water used is logged and each orchard only receives its designated amount of water. The program also helps save water by shutting down the pump when one of the orchards has a broken pipe, or big enough leak that water is wasted.

All data about water is stored on a weekly basis. This includes: water irrigated, water pumped into the dam, water loss to evaporation and water gained via rainfall. Running a sustainable yet efficient irrigation system is our main goal. We do this by using a minimal amount of water to create a big yield.

Pack houses & Cold storage units

Fruit Packing

Bo Radyn fruit packing operations, consists of the sorting, packing and on-site logistical functions to handle our fruit. Our modern facilities are designed for the absolute minimal handling of the fruit. From orchard to shelf, we package the best quality fruit as gently, efficiently and productively as possible.

Our traditional packing facility consist out of a dumper linked to sorting tables feeding the Aweta grader with automatic weight and color sorter. The sizer weighs and colour sort individual fruit and distributes it onto the packer tables, to be hand packed into boxes. This equipment gives us the opportunity to pack specific orders that can range from Mk4 cartons to date coded bags for supermarkets.

Our pack house is certified by the British Retailer Consortium, meeting their requirements and ensuring that exact international food safety standards are followed. We believe our biggest asset is the people involved in our day to day operations; our staff and all other stakeholders in our business. Together they ensure that we seamlessly handle and deliver our fruit to the customer as fresh as possible. Our process flow starts at fruit receival from the producing units. The fruit is stored in short term (RA) or long term (CA) storage after which it will be sorted and packed to the specifications of the market. All functions are supported by a modern IT system, giving us full traceability on carton level.

Apples are pre-sorted and electronically graded with the latest technology, giving us the ability to add the maximum value to our customers, both on quality and timing into the market. Our pack house has the ability to handle numerous varieties, qualities and pack configurations with the necessary flexibility to service our customers’ needs without compromising on quality, speed and cost. We are proud of our abilities and infrastructure, and continuously strive to be the best choice to our producers, staff and customers.

Energy Management

We at Bo Radyn are striving to be energy efficient and to minimize our consumption. Thereby reducing our carbon footprint. Our main energy source is electricity obtained from Eskom. Apples are harvested by during February to April and then stored in controlled atmosphere cold stores for up to 10 months at the pack house facility. Short term storage is done with regulated atmosphere cold stores. The cold storage and packing operations continues throughout the year.

We do the following in order to manage our energy:

– A solar PV system tied into the grid supplies base load
– Variable speed drives on compressors and fan motors
– Energy saving lightbulbs and LED spotlights
– Increase temperature on our Smartfresh CA rooms
– Strip curtains on cold room doors
– Effective management skills

Diesel logging systems

We use the system to track and control the use of diesel.

How does the system work?

– The system requires an authorised driver and vehicle before it allow diesel to be pumped
– It may require an identified cost centre as well
– We use the Dallas button to identify the drivers, vehicles and cost centres
– The control box contains an memory module to record diesel transactions
– The data is transferred to the computer with a flash drive
– The use of tags for issuing of diesel also minimizes the chances of theft