50 million pounds of locally-grown spuds making their way to market
(Lehigh Acres – Feb. 25, 2010) – What do potatoes and tourists have in common? During the months of February through April, they’re both plentiful in Southwest Florida as their “seasons” are underway. For proof, look no further than the Troyer Brothers’ potato fields in Lehigh Acres. Over the next few months, the Troyer Brothers, with the help of approximately 100 workers, expect to harvest, sort and ship nearly 50 million pounds of potatoes from the three locations they farm in Southwest Florida. That’s the same weight as 14 Boeing 747s
A potato’s trip from the field to your table isn’t quite as simple as you may think. Only the most perfect potatoes make it to market, according to Aaron Troyer, who oversees his family farm’s day-to-day operations.
• Troyer potatoes, fresh from the field, are washed and sorted.
“We use an optical scanner in our sorting process,” Troyer says. “After potatoes have been off-loaded from our trucks and washed, then the scanner examines each one to grade and sort it, based on pre-programmed criteria.” Those that pass the grade will be sold to potato distributors or under the Troyer’s private Sun King label. Some nearby residents even come to buy potatoes directly from the Troyer’s packing house when they see the machines out harvesting.
The Troyers harvest their crop mechanically, instead of sending workers out to pick potatoes. Computers track each potato to the field it came from. Troyer says using technology like the scanner and harvesting machinery makes them more productive and shortens the trip of the potatoes from field to table.
The Troyer harvest will likely last through the end of April. Workers will then begin preparing fields for next year’s crop.
About Troyer Brothers
• After sorting, potatoes will be packed and sold to distributors or under Troyer’s private Sun King label.
Troyer Brothers is one of the most successful potato farm companies in the U.S., with approximately 3,500 acres under management in Lee County, Florida. The Troyers raise white, red and yellow potatoes which are sold locally, nationally and in Canada. They have been farming in Pennsylvania since 1943 and in Florida since 1983. It is a family operation, owned by brothers Don, Vern and David Troyer. Aaron is the son of David. The company is respected throughout the industry for the quality of its product and its efficient operations utilizing high-tech techniques to manage its fields. The company employs 22 full-time and 75 seasonal employees. Harvesting begins in February and continues to April.
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The Freedom & Virtue Institute is a not-for-profit organization that works in the local community to champion the virtues of individual freedom, limited government, and human dignity at the heart of America’s founding. The mission of FVI is to promote the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, and traditional values through local initiatives based right here in Southwest Florida.
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