| TJ Mathews has been an intern at Spudnik this fall semester. Spudnik is a potato equipment manufacturer in Blackfoot, Idaho. They are the largest manufacturer of potato equipment in North America, and are owned by Grimme, the world’s largest potato equipment manufacturer. TJ has been operating a potato harvester with some new technology that hasn’t been marketed here in Idaho before. The hope has been to show Idaho farmers how this technology could benefit them and improve their harvest efficiency and crop quality. |
TJ's main duty so far has been to operate, maintain, demonstrate to customers the Spudnik 6631 AirSep harvester. He cleans the machine and makes it look flawless before moving to the next farm. "Spudnik wanted to run this AirSep demo this year so Idaho farmers can see what new technology is available. This harvester has the ability to eliminate rocks, dirt clods, and vines in the field. Which means trucks are being sent to the cellars with more potatoes and less waste." says TJ in his report. TJ started in Jerome, ID on the 15 of August, and ended the 9 of November traveling to over 35 different farms. TJ was also able to work with the engineers in changing the harvester and designing new parts as well as testing prototype machines. |
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