References

Experience report - ROPA Keiler 2 at KWS Klostergut Wiebrechtshausen

Steffen Köhler talks about his experiences with the potato harvester ROPA Keiler 2 during the third harvest at the Klostergut of KWS in Wilbrechtshausen.

As a student of agricultural science, he worked as a trainee at the Klostergut and started working there full-time as a farmer after completing his studies. 

In 2018, the ROPA Keiler 2 was purchased and put into operation. With its individually adjustable cleaning units thanks to the completely hydraulic drive, the Keiler 2 is especially gentle on the potatoes, which is particularly valued by this experimental farm.

See the complete article - KWS Klostergut Wiebrechtshausen GmbH

One of the largest organic farms in Bavaria, Grossmann‘s Feldfrüchte, chooses ROPA

The potato harvest is in full swing at the two-generation farm of Peter Grossmann-Neuhäusler. This is already routine for the well-rehearsed team – but new this season are two ROPA Keilers, which harvest the organic potatoes. The operation is completely mechanized for the planting, care, and harvest of the fields and, thanks to new investments, offers storage capacities for approx. 8,000 t of potatoes. In total, between 40 and 60 seasonal workers are employed at peak times for harvest, care, and storage work.

See the complete article - Großmann's Feldfrüchte relies on ROPA

Karottenernte im März in Bayern

Unser Kunde Karl Gröschl aus Sarching bei Regensburg rodet seit Anfang März 2023 Karotten mit seinem ROPA Keiler 2. 

Im Dezember letzten Jahres wurden die Karotten mit Vlies abgedeckt um sie vor Frostschäden zu schützen: Der ROPA Keiler 2, mit dem im Herbst z.B. Chipskartoffeln für Crunchips gerodet werden, wurde mit speziellen Scharen, Mittelscheibensech und Rädern zur Tiefenführung und einem anderen Igelband vom Kunden umgebaut. Die Qualität der Karotten ist ausgezeichnet. Diese werden in der betriebseigenen Packanlage sortiert, gewaschen und in verschiedene Gebindegrößen abgepackt.

Double bunker for gentle separation and sorting

BüSta resulted from the merger of the businesses of Johannes Büsch and Kevin Stanau. In order to optimise their farms and increase efficiency, the young farmers rely on the joint use of staff and machinery. The farm of Johannes Büsch is managed according to organic farming guidelines (Bioland), and the farm of Kevin Stanau follows Naturland guidelines.

Today, they cultivate around 500 ha of arable land, of which about 100 ha is given to potatoes and 50 ha to onions.

The Keiler 2 Classic with double bunker allows to separate baby potatoes directly on the harvester in order to sell it later.

See the complete article - Büsta Dienstleistungs und Handels GmbH & Co. KGBüSta

On the "Bulldog" with customer Thomas Batz

At the beginning of September 2021, we visited Thomas Batz and his family during the potato harvesting campaign. The family-run farm is located in the Eichstätt district, Bavaria. Besides grain and sugar beet, the main crops grown at the farm are table potatoes and potatoes for seed propagation. In total, the potato cultivation area is about 60 hectares.
For the sale of table potatoes, a careful harvesting is of the utmost importance. “Our table potatoes mainly go to washing and to various packing companies, for which our potatoes may not have any quality defects, especially any damage,” explained Thomas Batz. The same applies to the growing of seed potato as pathogens and viruses can penetrate through damaged tubers.
In order to meet these high demands on each potato crop kind, Thomas Batz chose the ROPA Keiler 2 Classic last year in 2020. Another reason for the farmer to buy a ROPA machine was the proximity to the company or to the trusted dealer. “The ROPA company and its dealer, with whom I have had only good experiences so far, are practically right on my doorstep, so the decision to buy a ROPA Keiler was an easy one.”
This year, the ROPA Keiler is completing its second harvest season at the farm of Thomas Batz. The farmer says that, he is satisfied with the technology, durability and quality of the ROPA machine. He has not yet required much customer service which actually was crucial to his choice. “The harvester has not caused any problems so far,“ explained Thomas Batz.

Trecker babes - potato harvesting with Theresa: How does the new boss do it?

For the first time, Theresa is the boss and has to prove herself right away during the potato harvest. How is she doing in the leadership position and how is the potato harvest going?