Exeter Produce commenced operations in 1951. It has since grown to be the major grower and distributor of fresh produce in Huron County. We are a third-generation family operated business with the fourth generation being groomed for the future. Our "family culture" is embedded in everything we do.
We consider our partner firms to be part of our family. We value our many long-term relationships. We also value our hard-working employees, who combine their personal skills with our investment in modern technology, to deliver consistent high quality product to our customers.
Technology does play a big role at Exeter Produce. Field crops are planted with precision using GPS technology. As a modern company, we are environmentally conscious of our impact. Fertilizer is delivered in an exacting way, to deliver desired results without unnecessary waste.
We are proud of our "VeriFine" product label which has been widely recognized as an exacting standard in quality produce. Our brand is available to markets in Canada, United States and in the Caribbean.
As a grower, packer and a licensed marketer, we have a firsthand appreciation of all aspects of the produce business. We welcome other quality growing operations who can meet the "VeriFine" standards, to partner with us. Four generations of experience offer growers a reliable partner that can help to get the job done.
Technology:
To be successful in today's marketplace, every technological advantage needs to be utilized to grow, pack and deliver fresh quality food. Let us share with you some of the highlights of how we employ technological advantages at Exeter Produce and Storage.
From our 3,000 acres of farmland, 1,400 acres is under cultivation to produce field crops. We pay close attention to every input to grow profitably in environmentally responsible ways. Our tractors have the latest on board computer systems. The main features are:
- GPS control over land coverage to ensure no overlap or missed sections
- Integrated application of seed and nutrients controlled and measured through automatic application servos.
- Data collection of chemical and fertilizer application records required for food safety compliance
- Automated Drip Irrigating for field peppers
- Plant monitoring by Rut pressure for irrigation needs for field peppers
- Continual monitoring of the performance and mechanical health of the equipment including internet connectivity to allow remote technical adjustments and diagnosis
- The Operations Manager is able to remotely supervise all mechanized farming activities from his office or by tablet
Our 22-acre hydroponic greenhouse operation requires professional care to yield produce nine months of the year. Here are some of the technological systems we utilize:
- Automated Climate Management
- Nutrient monitoring and management
- Automated control over irrigation
- Automated sizing and pack line controls
- Continuous monitoring of physical performance and health of the mechanical aspects of the greenhouse equipment
- Automated notification of any trouble codes with full remote access to allow for 24/7 response
Advanced Field Pepper Pack Systems
- Automated washing
- System sorting and sizing
- Custom pack lines selected by various criteria
- Automated case labeling according to product specs
- Automated pallet stacking and shrink strapping