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Chelston
House Farm, Chelston, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9HP.
Tel:
01823 664244 Fax: 01823 660325
E-mail:
info@kscoles.co.uk
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Our
methods:
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Our
methods of growing crops has changed over the years. KS Coles
has always striven to stay up to date and to use the most
effective means possible.
The
latest plant and equipment available for preparation, drilling
and harvesting is utilized.
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A
lot of effort is put into the preparation of the land.
Swedes are grown in a bed system. Stones are removed by
means of a mechanical de-stoner, thus reducing the amount
of misshapen and damaged Swedes. |
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bed former machine makes up the beds to a precise width
to accommodate the rows made by the drill. |
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The
drill used is calibrated to space the individual Swede
seeds at precise distances to govern the size of the Swede
when it reaches maturity, so different batches of Swede
can be grown for different specifications. New varieties
are constantly being tried in an attempt to find "the
perfect Swede" for all scenarios. |
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sowings are made under protective plastic or fleece, with
a considerable acreage covered in a typical season. Sowing
continues throughout the year to ensure ongoing harvesting,
with a continual supply of quality crops available over
an extended growing season. |
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The
application of chemicals via sprays is carried out by
our own spray operator who is qualified to PA1, PA2
and FACTS. Our own sprayer has the benefit of the drop
leg system which allows the spray to be placed beneath
the canopy of the crop where it will be the most beneficial,
reducing the amount of drift enabling a more accurate
application rate.
The
company is also actively investigating practical alternatives
to the use of pesticides whilst balancing the need to
offer the finest quality fresh produce with a consistent
shelf life.
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| Fertiliser
is applied by an injection system placed below the level
of the seed where it will be most beneficial. By placing
the fertiliser below ground it reduces waste and ensures
correct amounts are administered, no over spraying or
spray drift in windy conditions, making it more environmentally
friendly. |
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The
harvester is a self propelled custom built machine that
has been a marvellous addition to the farm. Without
it, harvesting at times would have been impossible in
view of the recent weather.
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the large low pressure wide wheels it is able to harvest
in the most arduous of conditions, its 400 horse power
Horsch tractor coupled to an Asa lift harvester is a force
to be reckoned with. Even in the wettest conditions the
ground compaction is minimal. Harvesting with this machine
also minimises damage. |
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The
pack house is large and up to date, planned for a smooth operation
with a high output. The Coles family has designed several
items within the pack house, which provide a big boost to
its operation. Produce is washed, graded and packed in one
rapid, uninterrupted operation and dispatched immediately,
thus ensuring absolute freshness at the point of sale.
Distribution
nationally is by accredited hauliers using temperature controlled
trailers to ensure maximum freshness to the customer. Our
produce doesn't wait around in storage, it is picked, prepared,
packed and despatched to our customers immediately.
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