38 M H POSKITT LTD JUN / JUL 2018 • farmers-mart. co. uk
38 M H POSKITT LTD JUN / JUL 2018 • farmers-mart. co. uk
a few changes became a direct supplier 20 years ago. All my friends said I was doomed going direct but I spent a lot of time with them, finding out what they wanted and matching their needs and our business grew as a result.’
While carrots are what Guy is known for they only make up 20 per cent of what he now farms, but they make 70 per cent of his value. He’ s turned his attention to parsnips too.
‘ We started with them 15 years ago and they now make up 5 per cent of our farmed land but 15 per cent value. They have a huge spike in Christmas week when we shift 300 tonnes. We harvest carrots from July through to May growing many carrot varieties but Nairobi is by far the most popular and has been the main
‘ What I’ m really into is technology, innovation
and good ideas. We now have camera grading technology that can determine quality, length and weight at the rate of 140,000 carrots per hour’ carrot variety the UK for 25 years. Javelin is the parsnip market leader. We have a huge combinable crops acreage, but it only makes up around 4 per cent of turnover, our carrots are grown across 1500 acres. We have share farming and contract farming agreements. I enjoy being a normal farmer as it’ s a lot less stressful than dealing with retailers, but probably still not as much fun as I’ ve always found dealing with buyers.’
Pumpkins have been added to the farming mix in more recent years and Guy now grows upwards of a quarter of a million every year. Potatoes are grown for McCain’ s and Walkers. Sugar beet, again a substantial crop, goes into Newark.
The packhouse and prepared food business is where most of Guy’ s team are employed.
‘ What I’ m really into is technology, innovation and good ideas. We now have camera grading technology that can determine quality, length and weight at the rate of 140,000 carrots per hour. On the farming side I’ m an advocate of precision farming techniques and on administration we’ ve moved to a new automatic system of being billed. I meet with the managers in the packhouse every Monday to discuss issues; and with the farm team on a Wednesday. We have away days to brainstorm ideas to make savings and discuss what can be done better.’
AMAZONE Intelligence
Pantera 4502 self-propelled sprayer
The Pantera benefits from a 218 hp 6-cylinder Deutz engine- delivering all the power and control you need.
Minimal fuel consumption thanks to the‘ revs on demand’ engine management system
Stay in control with the AmaSelect automatic individual nozzle control
Unique chassis system with ride-active hydraulic suspension
Infinitely variable track width with optional height adjustment
Disc brakes all-round for additional safety
Perfect driving environment for increased operator comfort
Now with AmaSelect – 7 nozzle combinations on the move. PLUS- helps you save 5 % on your chemical bills.
GO for innovation www. amazone. co. uk
Contact your local dealer or phone us on 01302 751200