A demonstration of the Mushroom Pro processing unit at the farm of Gary Hughes of GPH Mushrooms Ltd, Derrynoose, turned into a bigger event than expected. On Wednesday March 13th14 interested mushroom people turned up to watch the demo, this included growers and representatives from CMP, Northway and Amycel.
As expected the day started early. After some refreshments and a detailed inspection and talk on the display machine it was down to the mushroom houses to see one in action.
The machine had been producing about 55 kilos per hour with one of the engineers on it. The advanced tracking system allowed continuous movement and alignment with the shelves so no time was lost. The Mushroom Pro machine was trimming and grading the mushrooms and then correctly weighing the punnets before the punnets were removed from the trailer at the back.
Later on Gary’s staff set to using the machine and they produced some very impressive picking weights in a very short time of practice. The two-handed picking does take a little time to master. Some practised individuals have had sustained outputs of in excess of 100 kilos per hour on the machine.
Items discussed included how the company envisages the output from the machine being maximised. This included: changes in picking strategies like better crop grazing, running shifts, staff remuneration and bonuses, and implementation. Very helpful feedback was given and everyone was of the opinion that the machine could prove vital in the future to help reduce costs, increase quantity and improve quality.
Mushroom Pro and all who attended would like to thank Gary Hughes for opening his farm up to host the event and for giving so much assistance. Thanks also to those who travelled so far and at such short a notice to be there. Mushroom Pro sincerely apologise to many who didn’t know of the event and we expect to run another event in the near future.
For more information and to look at the videos go to www.mushroompro.co.uk or contact Alan by phone or email:
