AU2020201776A1

AU2020201776A1 - Method And System For Facilitating Management Of Seed Production

Info

Publication number: AU2020201776A1
Application number: AU2020201776A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Langmaid; Pamela Langmaid
Original assignee: Cherry Hill Coolstores Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Cherry Hill Coolstores Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-04
Filing date: 2020-03-11
Publication date: 2020-10-22

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system of facilitating management of a seed production process, the system comprising: a facility for storage and processing of the seed product; transportation means for transporting the product or seed product between the field and the facility; and the system further comprising a data storage medium, a processor which is configured to communicate over a network to send, receive and store information relating to the seed product or seed production process to and from the at least one data storage medium and between users to facilitate assessment and monitoring of the seed production process. Also disclosed is a method of facilitating management of a seed production process. 116 10210 12 100 wo 118 LNJ 112' 10 6 110 11 - 108 Figure 2

Description

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METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING MANAGEMENT OF SEED PRODUCTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a system and method for facilitating management of the seed services process.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the production of agricultural seed products, care and maintenance of agricultural seed product quality is important, in particular the size and condition of those products, to aid the planting process by farmers, to increase yield and also to maintain the quality of future generations of agricultural seed products.

[0003] The process of handling agricultural seed products includes planting, inspection harvest, transport, storage and dispatch to farmers. For example, for potatoes, the seed potatoes are planted in paddocks in spring (about October/November) and then harvested in late summer (February/March). Once harvested, the seed potatoes are transported to a storage facility where the seed potatoes are graded for size and quality. Seed potatoes that are of optimum size for planting are immediately stored while seed potatoes that are too big are cut to the optimum size before storage, or returned to the farmer. Seed potatoes that are too small or of inadequate condition are discarded and may be used for feeding cattle. The stored potatoes are kept stored in a climate-controlled environment until they are dispatched and delivered to farmers for the planting season.

[0004] However, if the seed products are improperly handled, processed, transported or stored during this process, the seed products can become damaged or susceptible to rot, resulting in high rates of waste or poor quality seed products which result in lower yields for farmers. Furthermore, the grading, maintenance and storage of the seed products has been a largely manual process which is labour-intensive, prone to error and therefore leads to efficiencies and greater costs.

[0005] Examples of the invention seek to solve or at least ameliorate one or more disadvantages of previous processes or apparatus for handling agricultural seed products, and/or to a seed product process which handles and/or stores the seed products more efficiently and effectively thereby increasing the yield and condition thereof.

[0006] The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system of facilitating management of a seed production process, the system comprising: a facility for storage and processing of the seed product; transportation means for transporting the product or seed product between the field and the facility; and the system further comprising a data storage medium, a processor which is configured to communicate over a network to send, receive and store information relating to the seed product or seed production process to and from the at least one data storage medium and between users to facilitate assessment and monitoring of the seed production process.

[0008] In an embodiment, the processor is configured to measure and monitor the afore mentioned information, and further configured to compare said information with a pre determined condition and wherein the facility is configured to respond to the instructions from the processor so as to effect change of the seed production process to meet the predetermined condition.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented method of facilitating management of seed production process using a processor, the processor being configured to facilitate assessment and monitoring of the seed production process, the method comprising the steps of: providing a user interface which is configured to receive and display information relating to the seed production process, monitoring said information during at least one step of the seed production process; and storing said information in a data storage medium for access by users.

[0010] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of comparing the afore-mentioned information with a pre-determined condition; and wherein the processor provides instructions to effect change of the seed production process so as to meet the predetermined condition based on the comparison.

[0011] In an embodiment, the information relating to the seed product or seed production process includes a seed product condition, a location of the seed product or a seed product storage condition.

[0012] In an embodiment, the seed product storage condition includes any one of the following selection: 02 content of the air in storage, C02 content of the air in storage, temperature and humidity.

[0013] In an embodiment, the processor is configured to measure 02 or C02 content in the air of a storage part of the facility in which the product or seed product is stored, and wherein the 02 or C02 device processor is configured to compare the 02 or C02 content with a pre determined 02 or C02 content and to expel or intake air until the 02 or C02 content is at the predetermined content.

[0014] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of measuring 02 or C02 content of the air in the storage part and comparing the 02 or C02 content with a pre-determined 02 or C02 content and to expel or intake air until the 02 or C02 content is at the predetermined content.

[0015] In an embodiment, the seed product condition is any one of a selection of the following: seed product size, weight per seed product, specific gravity, sugar content, water content, solids content or an average of any of the preceding conditions.

[0016] In an embodiment, the facility has a weighing device for weighing seed product or a container containing seed product, the processor or the weighing device being configured to record weight information relating to the seed product or seed product container and send it to the data storage medium for access by the users.

[0017] In an embodiment, the seed product is a seed potato and the facility has an apparatus for facilitating cutting of the potatoes into portions suitable for use as seed potatoes.

[0018] In an embodiment, during the cutting process, the seed potatoes are sampled at pre determined intervals for determining the condition of the seed potato, and wherein the apparatus is configured to be responsive to instructions from the processor to adjust the cutting process such that the seed potato condition is substantially at a pre-determined seed potato condition.

[0019] In an embodiment, the seed product is a potato and the method includes the steps of cutting the seed potato into at least seed-pieces, sampling the cut seed-pieces at pre determined intervals to determine an average seed-piece weight, and adjusting the cutting of the seed potatoes such that the average seed-piece weight is substantially at a pre-determined seed-piece weight.

[0020] In an embodiment, the seed potato condition is an average seed-piece weight, and the weighing device is a part of the apparatus.

[0021] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an imaging device for taking images of the seed product.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of cutting the seed potato into seed pieces before storing the seed potato for a pre-determined period such that each seed-piece thereby forms a whole seed potato and promotes more even sprouting of the potatoes when planted.

[0023] In an embodiment, the seed product and/or a container containing said seed product has a tracking device for recording and tracking the seed product location, the processor being configured to receive said product location information as the product and/or container is stored and processed in the facility or during transportation.

[0024] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of tracking the seed product location via a tracking device, receiving said product location information and storing said location information in the data storage medium as the product and/or container is stored and processed in the facility or during transportation.

[0025] In an embodiment, the seed production process includes any one of the following steps: allocation of bins and/or storage space, bin cleaning and repairs, pre-cut, spring-cut and cutting, dispatching, grading, tracking and tracing, storage, curing, treatment of seed product, facilitation of buying and selling seed, transport of seed product and documentation thereof, maintenance and repair of equipment, weighing, sampling, testing, certification or analysis of seed product, quality control processes, unloading or grading, and wherein the method includes any one of the following steps: generating any one of user tasks, reports, notifications, reminders or invoices relating to any of said steps of the seed production process, and sending/allocating said tasks, reports, notifications, reminders or invoices to one of said users.

[0026] Preferably, the facility has a number of parts which are used primarily for carrying out any of the previously mentioned steps of the seed production process.

[0027] Preferably, the users include facility employees, transportation workers, growers and purchasers of the seed product or product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a functional diagram of an exemplary system for facilitating management of agricultural seed products embodying the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 is an example flowchart of the annual cycle of the management of the production of seed potatoes; and

[0031] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a method of facilitating management of the production of seed potatoes according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0033] The present invention will be described below in relation to a system and method for facilitating management of agricultural seed product across an electronic medium. The system and method is able to register users and to create a profile for each user, and to do the same for third parties.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a functional diagram of an exemplary system 2 for facilitating management of agricultural seed products within which the present invention may be embodied. The system 2 comprises a host service 4 ("processor") which is configured as described in greater detail below, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, connected to a plurality of remote user services 16, 18, 20 over a network 6. The host service 4 is configured to facilitate selective communication between the host service 4 and remote services 16, 18, 20 who are customers of the host service 4. The remote services 16, 18, 20 may be used by users who can be a business or an individual, such as the primary producers (for example farmers), seed product storage company, transporter company, exporters or purchasers of the seed products.

[0035] The exemplary host service 4 comprises one or more host servers that are connected to a network 6, and therefore communicate via that network 6 via wired or wireless communication in a conventional manner as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The host servers are configured to store a variety of information collected from the remote services 16, 18, 20. This communication enables remote access by the connected parties, and to provide the server 4 with access to other resources, that can access and assess real estate information and provide property valuations.

[0036] The host service 4 is also connected via the network 6 to other third parties such as remote services 22, 24 which may be involved in the agricultural seed production process, for example transport or shipping companies, agricultural seed product buyers, cloud accounting software providers or scientific personnel.

[0037] The host servers are also able to house multiple databases 12 necessary for the operation of methods and systems of the present invention. The host servers 4 may comprise any of a number of servers now to those skilled in the art and are intended to be operably connected to the network so as to operably link to a computer system associated with the user remote services 16, 18, 20 or third party remote services 22, 24. The host servers can be operated and supplied by a third party server providing service, or alternatively can be hosted locally by the processor 4.

[0038] The host servers typically include a central processing unit or CPU 8 with includes one or more microprocessors and memory 10 operably connected to the CPU. The memory can include any combination of random access memory (RAM), a storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk drives(s) 12 and the like. The storage medium 12 is used for long term storage of program components as well as storage of data relating to the user and third party remote services 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for example in a database stored in a hard drive. The central processing unit 8 which is associated with random access memory 10, is used for containing program instructions and transient data related to the operation of services provided by the host service. In particular, the memory 10 contains a body of instructions 14 for implementing at least part of a method for facilitating communication associated with management of the seed product production between users. The instructions 14 also includes instructions for providing a web-based user interface which enables users to remote access from any client computer executing conventional web browser software and/or universal Application or "app".

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the computing network 6 is the internet or a dedicated mobile or cellular network in combination with the internet, such as a GSM, CDMA, UTMS, WCDMA or LTE networks and the like. Other types of networks such as an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN) and non-TCP/IP based networks are also envisaged.

[0040] The users of the remote services 16, 18, 20 may include individual users or business entities such as companies who have email or similar electronic communication accounts. Each of the users of the remote services 16, 18, 20 are registered with the host service 4 via a formal registration process that captures the relevant information required by the present invention, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0041] Each user of the remote services 16, 18, 20 is able to receive communication from the host service 4 via the network 6 and is able to communicate with the host service 4 via the network 6. Each user can communicate via the remote user service 16, 18, 20 may access the network 6 including by way of a smartphone, tablet, laptop or personal computer, or any other personal electronic device.

[0042] The host service or processor 4 may be provided with a dedicated software application or "app" which is run by the CPU stored in the host servers. A copy of the software application can be obtained by a user by downloading it directly to their remote service 16, 18, 20. Once installed, the software application of the host service 4 provides an interface that enables the host service 4 to facilitate communication of information to and from a user remote service 16, 18, 20, and between third party remote services 22, 24.

[0043] With reference to Figure 3, there is shown a process diagram of an exemplary method of facilitating management of the production of agricultural seed products 200 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, there is provided the host service, such as a host service or processor 4 which is an entity which facilitates management of the agricultural seed product process, in particular the processing and storage thereof, such as a company or the like. The host service provides a service to facilitate communication and management of the seed production process between users 16, 18, 20 of the service via the web-based user interface, and which also involves other parties 22, 24 involved such as transport agents, government bodies and financial institutions. Facilitating communication and management of the seed production process can involve retrieval and storage of information which can be stored in the memory (database) 10 and which relates to users and their seed products, and where the information can be input and output via the remote user services 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.

[0044] The agricultural seed production process is an annual cyclical process which can be described to have several distinct stages. An example of this cyclical process for potatoes is illustrated in Figure 2, however this process could be applied to a variety of agricultural products such as raspberries, carrots, brocollini, blueberries and the like. These stages include the growth phase (step 102) of the seed potato production process 100, the harvest (step 104), transportation of the harvested potatoes 118 (step 106), processing of the potatoes to the storage facility (step 108), storage (step 110), documentation of the process 100 including invoicing and reporting (step 112), transportation of seed potatoes 120 and reporting thereof to the primary producer (step 114) and sowing (step 116).

[0045] The seed product management process 200 including receiving potatoes 118 from farmers, preparing seed product i.e. seed potatoes 120, storing them and then distributing them in preparation for the sowing season is a process which can be divided into three major stages; a pre-receival stage 200A where the potatoes are inspected, harvested and transported to the storage and seed potato processing facility, a processing and storage stage 200B where the seed potatoes 120 are prepared for the sowing season, and a post-storage stage 200C where seed potatoes 120 are transported to paddocks for sowing.

[0046] In step 202 of the seed product management process 200, the potato plants 122 are inspected before harvest 104 during spring (February to March). The inspection process 202 is important to ascertain the condition of the potatoes 118, in particular the weather conditions such as the amount of rainfall and environmental temperature greatly affects the quality and quantity of seed potatoes eventually produced. Estimates of size, condition, and expected yield can then be input into the processor 4 via the 'app' or web-based application by the users, 16, 18, 20 such as inspectors from the seed potato management company for the processing and storage of the seed potatoes 16 or the primary producers 18 i.e. the potato farmers themselves. This information can be assessed later by the same or other users 16, 18, , for example the employees or contractors of the processing and storage facility to assist in the planning and management of the seed potato production process 100, for example, to allow estimation of transport costs, chemicals, number of bins, storage space, and to track and trace the potatoes during arrival, processing, storing and distribution at the storage facility, and the like. This information can be retrieved and input into the host service or processor 4 via the web-based application (or 'app') at the time of inspection or at any time via a booking process (see step 204) before the potatoes 118 are received at the processing and storage facility.

[0047] During summer (February/March), in step 206, the potatoes 118 are harvested by the farmers 18 (step 206) and transported to the processing and storage facility (step 208). Typically, the potatoes 118 are delivered by trucks owned by a third party transport company although the potatoes may be delivered by the farmers 18 themselves. Generally, each truck can hold about 30 tonnes of potatoes.

[0048] On arrival (step 210), each truck is given an identification number which is generated by the processor 4, which is saved for historical purposes as well as for use in assisting in management and documentation of the seed potato production process together with information on the potatoes carried by the truck. The information can include the potato variety, the paddock(s) from which the potatoes are harvested, potato generation, quantity and weight, class, type, who the seed potato will be eventually issued to, i.e. the buyer/farmer, the transport company name and driver, bins and/or bin owner. In a preferred embodiment, the potatoes and/or delivery docket can be photographed and the processor can receive the information and images and save this to the memory (database) 12. The quantity of potatoes being received in each truck load is compared to the quantity previously estimated at the inspection process 202 therefore advantageously allowing the completion level of the receiving process to be monitored easily.

[0049] The potatoes 118 are then unloaded from the trucks by bulk unloading machinery (step 210) via conveyor belts and the potatoes are also graded by sorting them by size using grading mesh (step 212). Generally, the potatoes are sorted by varying the size of the holes in the rubber screens into three main categories; a size which is appropriate for being used as a seed potato 120, a size that is too big for use as a seed potato, and a size that generally classified as waste due to being too small. Waste potatoes can be used as feed stock.

[0050] After sorting, the potatoes 118 are loaded into bins which are characterised by the weight of potatoes which they typically hold. Examples of bins include half-tonne, one tonne or two tonne bins however bins of any size could be used. The bins can then be weighed on a weighbridge (step 214) or alternatively the weight of the potatoes loaded into each bin can be pre-determined for ease of use. The information relating to the weight of potatoes in each bin is then also entered receivable by the processor 4 and stored in the memory 12. A label and tracking device can be applied to each bin to allow the bins to be easily tracked and traced throughout the seed product management process 200B (see step 218). In particular, the label can include any information relating to the potatoes 118 as disclosed or the bin. Examples of the tracking device can be an RFID tag or a visible code such as a QR code or a bar code, which may allocate an identification number to one of the bins. The identification number can be correlated with information on the potatoes and/or bin so as to allow information relating to the potatoes 118 to be requested, retrieved and displayed at any time by the processor during the seed product management process by using the identification number.

[0051] During the unloading and/or grading steps 210, 212, an application of chemicals such as anti-microbials or anti-fungicides for example, Maxim, Mancozeb and BY Magnate/Vorlon can be applied which prevents or reduces the degradation of quality of the potatoes 118 during the seed potato processing and storage.

[0052] A sample of the harvested potatoes 118 can also be analysed by an independent expert who can determine if the potatoes are diseased, damaged for example bruised, or in otherwise less than perfect condition (step 216). The sampling and analysis can occur at any time typically occurs during the receival, unloading or grading steps however sampling and analysis can occur at any time during the processing and storage process 200B. If the independent expert determines that the potatoes 118 are in premium condition the expert can issue a certification which classifies the potatoes 118 are the best possible seed quality, and therefore can provide an indication of the price of the potatoes, and expected high yield. The results of the sampling, analysis or certification can also be received by the processor 4 and stored in the memory 12.

[0053] The potatoes 118 are then transferred into dry storage to rest for about four weeks and then to the cool storage for the remainder of the season (step 220). In dry storage the agricultural products are stored at ambient weather conditions and the environmental conditions are based on the weather on the day. Cool storage is a climate controlled and monitored environment which is configured to keep the potatoes in an optimum condition in preparation for the next growing season. There are many environmental variables which can be varied to maintain the optimum conditions based on the purpose and type of agricultural product. In particular, humidity and temperature may be changed specifically for the purpose and product. For example, a seed potato is preferentially stored at less than 2°C, whereas a potato that will be turned into chips is optimally stored at greater than10°C.

[0054] The potatoes undergo a quality control process (step 222) during the time and particularly during the dry storage, cool storage or curing storage to ensure the condition of the potatoes 118, 120 is maintained. In one part of the quality control process the level of CO2 is monitored to ensure optimal levels are maintained as potatoes produce C02 during the storage process. The optimal level of C02 for potatoes is 2500 parts per million. A level of greater than 2500 parts per million is detrimental for the seed potato. In a preferred embodiment, the cold storage includes apparatus which is configured to monitor the C02 levels, if the apparatus determines that the C02 levels are too high then the apparatus is configured to expel or purging the air within the cold storage and/or intake air external to the cold storage until the C02 levels are optimal. More preferably, the processor 4 can receive and store the information on the C02 levels and is configured to control the apparatus which controls the purging and air intake process to promote the optimum climate-controlled conditions for cold storage.

[0055] In another step in the quality control process, a selection of potatoes can be sampled at any time during the processing and storage process 200B, and where the potatoes are photographed including images to obtain three-dimensional images, weighed and measured.

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the potatoes are sampled at interval during the seed production process tested, preferably in an on-site laboratory, for the levels of solid matter, for example, specific gravity and the sugar content. This testing can assist in assessing the suitability of the potatoes for a particular purpose, i.e. if of sufficient high quality to be used as seed potatoes or if lower quality to be used as chips. Potatoes of sufficient quality can also, on the basis of testing, be issued with certifications for its assessed quality.

[0057] The specific gravity test is a test which estimates the solid or dry matter content of the potato. The higher the dry matter the lower the water content and the higher the specific gravity, and specific gravity has a high correlation to starch content. Furthermore, a potato of a high specific gravity is more likely to produce ideal fried potato products that are light in colour, crisp on the outside and has a minimum of oiliness. Lastly, potatoes of lower specific gravity require more processing to reduce the water content to meet minimum standards and therefore absorb more fat, and thus are less desirable. Specific gravity is typically measured by weighing a sample of potatoes in air then re-weighing the sample in water. In mathematical terms, the specific gravity = ((weight in air)/(weight in air - weight in water)). There are many factors which affect specific gravity of a potato including the variety, planting and growing conditions, and more particularly to this disclosure, the seed quality and seed-piece size.

[0058] Monitoring sugar content is an important process as it minimises losses from effects that influence processed product colour. Specifically, if the sugar, for example glucose, level is too high, the potatoes when fried to become chips will be undesirably darker. This is due to the excess reducing sugar reacting with abundant free amino acids in the potato cell which form brown or black pigmentation. To measure sugar content a core sample taken from a potato to be fried at 190°C for 2.5 minutes. The colour of the potato is then visually matched against a chart (industry standard colour chart) and the darker the colour, the more sugar content present in the potato. There are many factors that influence the sugar content of the potato, including factors such as the variety, growing conditions, transport and handling condition, harvest, storage conditions including storage duration, ventilation in particular for reducing C02 levels, and temperature.

[0059] It is preferred that the testing is performed in April to May at the start of the storage and processing process 200B. The results of the testing can also be received by the processor 4 and stored in the memory 12 for later retrieval, display and analysis by the users 16, 18, 20,

22, 24. The processor 4 can be provided with instructions to constantly monitor the potatoes, and to provide alerts based on pre-determined conditions to any of users 16, 18, 20, 22, 24. A change in the levels of specific gravity or sugar content can be an indication that the condition of the potatoes has changed and immediate steps, on receipt of the alerts, can then be taken to address any part of the processing and storage process 200B which may be responsible for the changed conditions. The information relating to the condition of the potatoes is also receivable by the processor and saved into the database to allow for later retrieval by a user 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 or reporting thereto.

[0060] In a pre-cutting stage (step 224), the potatoes 118 identified as the oversize potatoes are transferred from the cool storage into dry storage until it is warmed to an ambient temperature. Cutting of the potatoes 118 into portions that are of the optimum size for use as seed potatoes is important to assist in promoting quality growth of potatoes which result in harvested potatoes which have high specific gravity. Further, potatoes have two main parts which grow at different rates. The different parts can sprout at different times, and as such it can be difficult for the agronomist or farmer to estimate the optimum time to fertilise the potatoes for obtaining the greatest effect from the fertiliser and thereby growth.

[0061] The applicant has discovered that it is preferable to pre-cut the oversize potatoes 3 to 4 months before planting, and to store the cut potatoes in cold storage where the potatoes 120 can be closely monitored afterwards. Over the course of time in cold storage, the two cut parts of the potato change and each then acts as a complete new whole seed potato, and advantageously the applicant has found that the seed potatoes sprout more evenly as a result of this pre-cutting stage. In addition, the agronomist can ascertain with better scientific certainty when to fertilise the potato in the ground. This leads to a better product, yield and profit for growers.

[0062] The potatoes 118 are transferred into a heated cutting room 24 hours before cutting. The optimal temperature for a potato being cut is 14°C, so the cutting room is preferably warmed to between 12-15°C.

[0063] The cutting process 224 or 226 of the seed potatoes 120 may be performed by an automated cutting apparatus and is supervised by one or more cutting experts to ensure the process is performed efficiently and effectively. The apparatus can be configured to remove a portion or sample of cut seed-pieces at pre-determined intervals, say at every 15 minutes as it moved along a conveyor from the cutting portion which is configured to cut the potatoes into seed-potatoes. The remainder of the cut seed-pieces move along the main conveyor where they may encounter feed conveyors to convey the seed-pieces to other locations for further processing. The cut seed-pieces drop into container or bin and are then carried by a separating conveyor which is configured to retrieve the seed-pieces from the bin such that they form a single line of seed-pieces The conveyor is also configured to separate the seed-pieces for the purposes of individually assessing the condition of the seed-pieces.

[0064] The assessed condition of the seed-pieces includes the total weight of the seed pieces, individual seed-piece weight, size, specific gravity and water content. In a preferred embodiment, the separating conveyor is configured to isolate each seed-piece so that it can be provided to a weigh-station along or at an end of the separating conveyor for weighing thereof. At the weigh-station or adjacent to, an imaging device in the form of at least one camera can record images of the seed-pieces, either collectively or individually. More preferably, a three-dimensional image of the seed-piece may be formed by rotating or other moving the seed-piece or alternatively by using one or more camera to record images of the seed-pieces from varying angles for determining its size, colour and skin texture. At this point, any of the seed-pieces can then be removed for testing, in particular for assessment of the specific gravity and sugar content.

[0065] The information recorded relating to the total or individual seed-pieces is then automatically received by the processor and stored in the data storage medium. In a preferred embodiment, the total weight of the sample and average seed-piece weight is recorded, and in particular the average seed-piece weight is sorted into different weight classes, for example, less than 30 grams, between 31 and 44 grams, between 45 to 75 grams, between 76 to 95 grams and greater than 96 grams. It is greatly preferred that 90% or more of weight of the seed-pieces are recorded in the 76 to 96 gm weight class, as this indicates that the seed-pieces are of the optimal size and weight to be replanted.

[0066] In an example, the total and individual seed-piece weights for each sample, together with the percentage of each weight class is sent to the users during that cutting step. This information can be displayed on a screen, such as a television screen, adjacent to the apparatus viewable to all nearby users or alternatively be displayed via a user's device, such as tablet, phone or personal computer. In this way, the users, such as the employees of the facility operating the apparatus, can adjust the apparatus to ensure that the percentage of the between 76 to 95-gram weight class is at 90% or more (the predetermined condition) thereby ensuring a high quality seed product is produced.

[0067] The cut seed potatoes 120 are then treated chemically to assist the potatoes 120 in growing new skin over the cut area thereby preventing rotting or disease of the potatoes 120. Preferably, the chemicals used such as anti-microbial or anti-fungicides for example Maxim and Mancozeb. The cut seed potatoes 120 are then transferred into a curing room for 4 to 7 days and then to cool storage again. In the curing room, the Oxygen level is the most important environmental factor, not temperature nor humidity. The curing room is pumped with as much oxygen as possible, which promotes 'healing' of the potatoes such that the cut parts grow a skin quickly after cutting. This reduces or avoids rot or disease of the potatoes.

[0068] In spring, there is also another cutting process (step 226) similar to that of the pre cutting process at step 224 however instead of returning the potatoes to the cool storage, the potatoes are dispatched (step 228) to the buyer or primary producer. The potatoes 120 can also be dispatched directly (step 228) to the buyer or primary producer 16 from cool storage, in which case, the potatoes are transferred from the cool storage to the dry storage for two to three days for warming before dispatch. Then the potatoes 120 are transferred from the bins to the transport company's truck 114 for transport to the primary producer (step 232) in readiness for planting (step 234).

[0069] During the summer months, general maintenance and repairs can be carried out at the processing and storage facility in preparation for the start of the annual cycle 100, including washing, sterilising and repairing of the bins and any apparatus associated with processing and storage of the potatoes 118, 120.

[0070] A user 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 such as an employee of the processing and storage facility, primary producer, buyer, transport company and the like can request that the processor 4 generate a report and/or invoice at step 230 or any time during the process 200 by request via the 'app'. Preferably, the reporting and/or invoice is generated and forwarded at the receiving/unloading steps 210, cutting stages 224, 226, grading or dispatching steps 212, 228, or when the potatoes leave cold storage. Alternatively, the reports and/or invoices can be generated and forwarded to an appropriate user at pre-determined steps in the process 200 or at a pre-determined time of year i.e. end of financial year etc. The reports can be generated for internal users who are employees or contractors to the processing and storage facility or for users who are external such as transport companies, farmers, buyers and the like.

[0071] The processor 4 is also able to generate tasks and send them to the users, specifically the users remote services 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, such as employees of the processing and storage facility, to alert them to carry out the steps in the process of managing the processing and storage of the seed potatoes. The generation and/or completion of said tasks allows the process 200 to be constantly monitored by the processing and storage facility. Tasks can be generated which relate to any of the steps or actions described in the above paragraphs, and in addition can be generated for example steps such as allocation of bins and/or storage space, bin cleaning and repairs, cutting, dispatching, grading, tracking and tracing, maintenance and repair, sampling, testing or analysis of potatoes, quality control processes, unloading or grading.

[0072] Through-out the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives is intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the context requires otherwise.

[0073] Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the assembly uppermost.

[0074] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A system of facilitating management of a seed production process, the system comprising: a facility for storage and processing of the seed product; transportation means for transporting the product or seed product between the field and the facility; and the system further comprising a data storage medium, a processor which is configured to communicate over a network to send, receive and store information relating to the seed product or seed production process to and from the at least one data storage medium and between users to facilitate assessment and monitoring of the seed production process.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to measure and monitor the afore-mentioned information, and further configured to compare said information with a pre-determined condition and wherein the facility is configured to respond to the instructions from the processor so as to effect change of the seed production process to meet the predetermined condition.

3. A computer-implemented method of facilitating management of seed production process using a processor, the processor being configured to facilitate assessment and monitoring of the seed production process, the method comprising the steps of: providing a user interface which is configured to receive and display information relating to the seed production process, monitoring said information during at least one step of the seed production process; and storing said information in a data storage medium for access by users.

4. A computer-implemented method according to claim 3, including the step of comparing the afore-mentioned information with a pre-determined condition; and wherein the processor provides instructions to effect change of the seed production process so as to meet the predetermined condition based on the comparison.

5. A system or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information relating to the seed product or seed production process includes a seed product condition, a location of the seed product or a seed product storage condition.

6. A system or method according to claim 5, wherein the seed product storage condition includes any one of the following selection: 02 content of the air in storage, C02 content of the air in storage, temperature and humidity.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to measure 02 or C02 content in the air of a storage part of the facility in which the product or seed product is stored, and wherein the 02 or C02 device processor is configured to compare the 02 or C02 content with a pre-determined 02 or C02 content and to expel or intake air until the 02 or C02 content is at the predetermined content.

8. A computer-implemented method according to claim 6, including the step of measuring 02 or C02 content of the air in the storage part and comparing the 02 or C02 content with a pre-determined 02 or C02 content and to expel or intake air until the 02 or C02 content is at the predetermined content.

9. A system or method according to claim 5, wherein the seed product condition is any one of a selection of the following: seed product size, weight per seed product, specific gravity, sugar content, water content, solids content or an average of any of the preceding conditions.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the facility has a weighing device for weighing seed product or a container containing seed product, the processor or the weighing device being configured to record weight information relating to the seed product or seed product container and send it to the data storage medium for access by the users.

11. A system or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seed product is a seed potato and the facility has an apparatus for facilitating cutting of the potatoes into portions suitable for use as seed potatoes.

12. A system according to claim 8, wherein, during the cutting process, the seed potatoes are sampled at pre-determined intervals for determining the condition of the seed potato, and wherein the apparatus is configured to be responsive to instructions from the processor to adjust the cutting process such that the seed potato condition is substantially at a pre determined seed potato condition.

13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the seed product is a potato and the method includes the steps of cutting the seed potato into at least seed-pieces, sampling the cut seed pieces at pre-determined intervals to determine an average seed-piece weight, and adjusting the cutting of the seed potatoes such that the average seed-piece weight is substantially at a pre-determined seed-piece weight.

14. A system according to claim 11 or 12 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the seed potato condition is an average seed-piece weight, and the weighing device is a part of the apparatus.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus includes an imaging device for taking images of the seed product.

16. A method according to claim 14, including the step of cutting the seed potato into seed-pieces before storing the seed potato for a pre-determined period such that each seed piece thereby forms a whole seed potato and promotes more even sprouting of the potatoes when planted.

17. A system according to claim 5, wherein, the seed product and/or a container containing said seed product has a tracking device for recording and tracking the seed product location, the processor being configured to receive said product location information as the product and/or container is stored and processed in the facility or during transportation.

18. A method according to claim 5, including the step of tracking the seed product location via a tracking device, receiving said product location information and storing said location information in the data storage medium as the product and/or container is stored and processed in the facility or during transportation.

19. A method according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the seed production process includes any one of the following steps: allocation of bins and/or storage space, bin cleaning and repairs, pre-cut, spring-cut and cutting, dispatching, grading, tracking and tracing, storage, curing, treatment of seed product, facilitation of buying and selling seed, transport of seed product and documentation thereof, maintenance and repair of equipment, weighing, sampling, testing, certification or analysis of seed product, quality control processes, unloading or grading, and wherein the method includes any one of the following steps: generating any one of user tasks, reports, notifications, reminders or invoices relating to any of said steps of the seed production process, and sending/allocating said tasks, reports, notifications, reminder or invoices to one of said users.

8 12 2020201776

10 14 6

22

1/3 4

16

2

20 18 Figure 1

102 11 Mar 2020

100

120 114 104 122 2020201776

118

2/3 106

112

110 108 Figure 2

Receiving/Unloading 210 START Transport to primary producer 232 Grading 212 Crop inspection 202

Weighing 214 Plant crop 234 Crop details input/booking 204

Labelling/Tracking 218 END Harvest 206 2020201776

Transport to storage/processing Analysis/Certification 216 208

3/3 Storage 220 200C Quality Control 222 200A

Pre-cutting 224

Cutting 226

200 Dispatch 228

200B Reporting/invoice 230 Figure 3