Rotating Trellis Makes Berry Crops More Profitable

Rotating Trellis Makes Berry Crops More Profitable CROPS Miscellaneous An innovative new trellis system makes growing high-quality berry crops more profitable says Trellis Growing Systems TGS about its rotating trellis that protects canes in winter and gets them going faster in the spring Our trellis articulates so the grower can rotate the canopy into a horizontal position for the winter and early spring to protect the canes says Jerry Branstrator TGS Once the buds are set on the exposed side the canes are rotated back up That puts all the flowering buds on one side of the canopy Branstrator explains that having all the buds on one side preferably east or north facing produces a crop that is denser and easier to pick Canopies are narrower and easier to control and fruit is easier and faster to harvest Pickers don t have to reach into the center of the canopy for the 20 to 30 percent of the berries that are hard to find Developing berries are also spared damaging hot afternoon sunlight Branstrator and his TGS partner Richard Barnes worked closely with USDA researchers to refine the design They developed two systems û one for blackberries and one for raspberries Both are modular units offering 25-year warranties Blackberries aren t normally raised in the Midwest but our trellis makes it possible say Branstrator Midwest growers can produce berries when growers in other areas are no longer producing TGS offers growers a package that includes site and plant selection trellis equipment and installation as well as planting harvesting and marketing consultation Branstrator estimates per acre costs of $15 000 to $20 000 and potential revenues of $45 000 or more per acre We encourage a plot size of 10 acres or more to facilitate a strong marketing position for our growers he says We have more than 40 growers now using our system in the Midwest and elsewhere across the country The trellis developed for red raspberries offers a wide base for either 18 or 24 in row widths Not only does it offer increased yields it also allows closer row spacing for greenhouse and high tunnel production Both trellis units are made from fiber reinforced plastics and other lightweight weather resistant components One person can rotate the arms down by simply walking down the row and pulling a pin on each trellis explains Branstrator In the spring it takes two to rotate the canopy back to the upright position Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Trellis Growing Systems 2427 S Hadley Rd Fort Wayne Ind 46804 ph 260 241-3128; Info@trellisgrowingsystems com; www trellisgrowingsystems com

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