By Ain Chiké
Ain Chiké is a Georgia Organics Farmer Services Coordinator
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM: 2022-2023 Accelerator applications are LIVE from August 1- September 12. Learn more about the year and a half long program and how you can qualify and apply here.
Addis Bugg, Jr. and Addis Bugg, Sr. Photo Credit: The Common Market
Last month on a warm Monday morning, the Georgia Organics Farmer Services team and about 10 farmers visited Bugg Farm in Pine Mountain, GA, to witness tractor implements in action and view the newly constructed wash station. During our stay, we learned about resting fields, considerations for building a wash station, weening cattle, and how the Georgia Organics Accelerator Program benefited Addis Bugg’s farm operations.
Our day began with our gracious host and 2021-2022 Accelerator farmer Addis Bugg taking the attendees on a tractor-pulled hayride tour around the farm. We gazed upon peach trees and muscadine vines sitting heavy with ripening fruit. Participants learned about the rich legacy of Bugg farm, of which Addis is the fifth generation to inherit and work the land. At one stop, Addis showcased the sabbatical field covered in bright green clover.
Soil is a farm’s most valuable asset, and when we allow the soil to rest, it gives the Earth time to replenish nutrients that are leeched throughout a crop‘s development. Cover cropping fallow fields restores nitrogen, aids carbon sequestering, reduces erosion, and keeps pests at bay.
Wash station BEFORE.
Wash station AFTER. photo Cred: Addis Bugg
Our tour concluded at the newly built wash station partially funded through the Georgia Organics Accelerator Program. As we looked around the large, covered area, Addis mentioned his considerations before erecting the structure. Not wanting to build in a space where bacteria from uphill could wash downward, he noted how water flowed on the farm. A concrete base and roofing keeps water from pooling and floors from becoming slippery.
Every farm is unique, so here are some key points to consider for constructing a wash station:
Do the components and design adhere to grant or certification requirements?
What are the pros and cons of wooden, plastic, or steel materials?
Where is the wash station in relation to the field and storage areas?
What kind of flooring is best for my operation? Grass, gravel, or concrete?
What is financially feasible for my farm and how much will I expand over the next 5-10 years Will the wash station become too small very quickly?
How will I keep the area clean and free of standing water?
Where does rainwater runoff go after a storm?
Where is the sun and therefore heat, in relation to where I’ll be washing and packing produce?
How can I streamline my set-up to work as quickly and efficiently as possible so that produce moves quickly from the field to the wash station and into the cooler?
How can I keep things like bins and harvest crates off the ground at all times?
Will I need a designated washing space for ‘dirtier’ root crops like turnips, radishes, or potatoes?
In the final hour of our stay, Addis happily demonstrated the capabilities and usefulness of his new tiller attachment purchased with the funding granted to Accelerator farmers. Part of knowing which new farm tools to invest in came through the guidance of Georgia Organics’ Farm Services Director, Lauren Cox. Using educational material and a guided exercise, Addis and Lauren assessed three crops for profitability and prioritized tool purchases based on their findings. “I was breaking ground with an ancient harrow that I had to grease up every three rounds. This new tiller has helped out SO much.” As we stood by and watched Addis partially till a row, it was easy to see why he was grateful for the equipment.
TRACTOR IMPLEMENTS: Learn more about choosing and using tractor implements with this great resource from Vern Grubinger, Sustainable Vegetable Production: From Startup to Market (PDF pages 103-111)
IMPLEMENT MAINTAINANCE: Consistent maintenance is important when it comes to extending the life and quality of your tractor implements. Check out this maintenance log template for recording scheduled cleaning, etc.
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM: 2022-2023 Accelerator applications are LIVE from August 1- September 12. Learn more about the year and a half long program and how you can qualify and apply here.
Last but not least, click to learn more about Bugg Farm visit their webpage or follow Bugg Family Farm on Facebook.
To learn more about Georgia Organics, visit georgiaorganics.org and follow us on Instagram @GeorgiaOrganics, Twitter @GeorgiaOrganics, and at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaOrganics.