Production Cycles

The production cycle for most agricultural enterprises is a year-round, ongoing process, and is closely related to the l growth cycle of the plants and/or animals involved.

Reporting And Recording Observations And Actions

A system of recording all factors influencing the outcome of the crop must exist on every farm.

Record Keeping is a way of monitoring external and internal factors, as well as procedures that can influence the outcome of the production process.

It is important to develop a formal record-keeping system that is kept up to date and can be referred to at any time. It should be designed in such a way that the information will also conform to Eurepgap norms, which sets out a framework of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on farms for the production of horticultural products.

GAP certification and registration have become a requirement for exporting fresh produce to most countries. In order to be certified and registered farmers should be able to demonstrate their commitment to:

• Maintaining consumer confidence in food quality and safety.
• Minimising the detrimental impact of farming practices on the environment, whilst conserving nature and wildlife.
• Reducing the use of chemical crop protection products.
• Improving the efficiency of natural resource use.
• Ensuring a responsible attitude towards worker health and safety.

The record-keeping system must be such that it is possible to trace back produce received on the market to its origins, meaning where it was produced in the orchard. All the production processes and actions, including labour, utilised to produce the fruit must be open to scrutiny.

It is important that all employees are aware of the importance of recording all the necessary actions and observations during the production process, as well as why the information is necessary.

Such actions and observations to be recorded will include the following:

• Plant growth events (blossoms, etc.)
• Weather data
• Irrigation scheduling
• Details of fertiliser applications
• Details of pest and disease control application.

Dates of Plant Growth Events

These dates vary from year to year and influence the phonological development of fruit up to the time of harvest. Comparing the date with those of previous years is an indication of the harvest date relative to the previous year’s and can be utilised in planning the harvesting process.

Weather Data

Weather data includes:

• Rainfall
• Daily maximum and minimum temperatures
• Humidity
• Evaporation

Analysis of trends in weather data is used to determine fruit growth patterns which indicates the size spectrum of produce at harvest. This information is used in crop prediction and plays an important role in marketing, as the markets vary in their fruit size preferences.

Irrigation Scheduling

The prescribed irrigation scheduling is documented by the irrigation manager, and the actual implementation of the planned scheduling must be recorded to ensure compliance. Irrigation reports also include details of problems that may have been encountered with the irrigation system.

Fertiliser Applications

This information is utilised in combination with production statistics to formulate the fertiliser recommendations for each year. It must also be available for inspection for qualification under the Eurepgap system.

All instructions to employees indicating a time of application and quantities must be given in writing and the actual application per planting area recorded as one of the requirements for traceability.

Pest and Disease Control Application

All details of the pest and disease control program must be recorded for Eurepgap qualification. This should include verification that the person recommending the programme is qualified, all instructions to employees, safety precautions, and training records.

Below is a table that can be used to identify and list the various production cycles of an enterprise. In small groups, you must identify, list and analyse the production cycles that are relevant to your farming enterprise. In the ‘stage of production’ columns, identify the key stage, and create shaded areas to show when these processes take place. You will have to access some of this information from other staff members on the farm.

Plant Production Cycles