Field-scale vegetable production is often associated with the eastern side of Ireland, yet in Co. Cork, Castlecor Potatoes of Mallow cultivates a large acreage of onions alongside its main potato crop. The company produces both winter and autumn crops, with the latter now being harvested for year-end trade, all destined for Lidl retail outlets.
Onion production was introduced after initial advice from the UK, but local conditions differed, with western Ireland showing higher yields than expected. Since then, Castlecor Potatoes, together with its agronomist, has established a system tailored to Irish conditions.
Part of the approach has involved adapting machinery to suit onion cultivation, which is less common in Ireland. Equipment has been sourced from the Netherlands, the main centre of onion-growing technology, including seed onions and specialist machinery.
The farm operates 14 tractors, 13 John Deere and one Fendt. Its onion planter was originally designed as a manned unit, but Alan English, nephew of company founder Ned English, installed cameras and cab-mounted screens to remove the need for an onboard operator.
Once harvesting begins, a specialist topper removes the leaves. The machine uses flat blades to create an updraught, cutting the leaves at the neck of the onion. After the neck has sealed, the bulbs are harvested with reduced risk of handling damage.
A few days after topping, another machine dislodges the bulbs, leaving them in rows for collection. Harvesting is carried out using two adapted machines, including a Grimme GT170 originally built for potato harvesting in France. Alan English identified the model's suitability for onions during a visit to the Grimme factory in Germany. A second-hand unit was acquired in France and modified for onion use in Cork.
The adaptation keeps dust away from the tractor, reducing the need for frequent filter cleaning and easing cab conditions. However, the row crop wheels used on the machine still create a rough ride when turning on headlands, despite cab and axle suspension.
Castlecor Potatoes continues to refine its machinery and production methods to support onion cultivation for the Irish market.
Source: Agriland