Let’s start at the beginning - why thin lettuce?

Traditionally, a grower overpopulates the field with seed to ensure adequate yield.

Seed will be planted at about two to three-inch spacing and then wait for the plant to germinate. Once the plant germinates, a grower has an idea of yield and can make a game plan. Typically, a hand crew of about 25-60 laborers come and thin the crop by hand to get the desired spacing – usually 10,11, or 12 inches.

But with today’s challenges and labor shortages, growers are looking for technology solutions that will increase efficiency and provide less expensive ways to do that.

In comes Vision Robotics, who developed a machine that allows a grower to thin lettuce fields with just 1 or 2 people.

Product Specialist Supervisor Bryan Feemster, who lives and works in Salinas, CA - otherwise known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” - joins this week’s episode to discuss the latest in produce technology.

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