Vegetables & Process Crops

Skeltons offers a full technical advisory service covering the full A – Z of vegetable crops (asparagus to zucchinis):

In Field Inspections » Skeltons technical advisors are constantly on the road visiting growers, taking note of what’s happening with the crops and soil.  The frequency of our visits increases during critical stages of the growing cycle – we know when pests, diseases, and weeds are likely to become critical issues.  Our objective, unbiased advice is given freely at no charge.   We provide our growers with verbal advice when we visit as part of our normal rounds – we often see things that the grower may not have noticed evolving over days or weeks, plus we’re aware of what’s happening with production issues around the region, so we can pass on information and solutions. If we’re called on to look at specific matters of concern, we can either make verbal or written reports, outlining the issues and making recommendations for solutions. Contact a Skeltons technical advisor if you would like one to visit.   Crop protection programmes » Skeltons has developed a reputation for our user-friendly crop protection programmes.  We design our programmes around key times, working with the grower to discuss what has worked in the past and to incorporate new products, all the while ensuring the grower is comfortable with the recommendations. We are always conscious of the business end, and never include products for the sake of it.  We rely on our experience to determine a ‘best fit’ plan that is tailored to the crop, the location, the soil and climatic conditions.   Trouble Shooting » With vegetable and process crops it’s true to say that change is constant.  There is always something new – be it pest, disease, or weed that growers need to deal with.  We are constantly vigilant to new developments, new products, and new growing regimes and how they will impact on the bottom line. We know that with annual crops, there is always the unknown factor, and we have the experience to rise to the challenge whatever it is.   Seeds» Skeltons knows seeds backwards.  Vegetable seeds and some grass seed lines are a key part of our service.  We work with seed companies and growers to trial new seeds to improve production and performance. Syngenta seeds:  www.syngenta.com.au/seeds Terranova seeds: www.tnseeds.com Seminis seeds: www.seminis.com Corson Grain: www.corson.co.nz     Performance Partners» Our technical advisors have strong rapport with research institutions and exporters.  We provide a key link in communicating between these orgnaisations and our growers ensuring that all parties are aware of the latest happenings. We work with Crop & Food, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR), Landwise and commercial organisations such as Heinz Wattie, McCains to share research and export market requirements with growers. From our extensive contact with growers, we also ensure these organisations are aware of what’s happening on the ground, in the paddocks.   Organic Production Advice » Skeltons technical advisors have a growing awareness of biological agriculture and organic production.  We work with growers to convert to a new production regime, or to increase the success of their alternative regime. We are committed to keeping abreast of developments and the myriad of new products coming on stream to assist growers and are constantly assessing their efficacy. Contact a Skeltons technical advisor if you wish to discuss aspects regarding organic production.   Soil and Left Testing » Skeltons has a close association with specialist soil analysis experts, Hill Laboratories.  Our technical advisors can take soils samples at the appropriate time and using the information determined by Hill’s comprehensive testing, prepare reports that identify any issues and give unbiased recommendations on remedial action. These soil test results form a base line that we then use in assessing and addressing your soil’s nutritional levels and your crop’s nutritional requirements in subsequent years. We can also carry out sap testing and soil microbological indicator tests to ensure optimal soil health.  For asparagus crops we can undertake Aspire carbohydrate tests on roots, again to check on plant health. Contact us if you would like any of these tests undertaken by a Skeltons technical advisor.   Irrigation Planning » Skeltons works in with specialist irrigation firms to provide tailor-made irrigation plans to meet the specific requirements of crop and property.  Contact a technical advisor in your area for assistance.   Property Mapping » Maps are often required to comply with export criteria e.g. Euregap registration.  They are also very handy for orchard, vineyard and cropping operations.  We are able to produce quality property maps for customers using map writing computer software.  These maps can be as broad or as detailed as you need.  Contact one of our technical advisors.