Fields are ploughed, with approximately 50% ploughed immediately before planting in the spring but for our winter plantings the other 50% of our ground preparation is carried out in late summer/early autumn before the heavier Pukekawa volcanic soils become too wet.
Latest technology is used where possible, with GPS guidance systems used for hoeing, tilling and marking out operations. Planting commences in May with regular plantings throughout winter. This accounts for around half the crop with the rest planted in spring.
Harvesting commences at the beginning of November, with daily deliveries directly to the factories from the field through to the end of June. The rest of the winter months are supplied out of storage with product that has been harvested in April and May.
Dedicated potato storage means we can supply 365 days a year - rain, hail or shine. Optimum cooking quality is maintained due to constant storage temperatures. Ambient ventilation is used and at the end of the storage season, in mid November, temperatures are kept constant with refrigeration.
