The HJV Split Grader prototype, featuring an integrated Tomra 3A optical sorter to detect and remove debris and green potatoes, drew plenty of attention during the Ontario Potato Board's Potato Field Day Aug. 21 at HJV Equipment near Alliston. Photo Diana Martin

HJV unveils split grader with Tomra Optical Sorter at Potato Field Day

New prototype promises faster field-to-storage transfer, reduced debris, and labour savings; commercial release expected in 2026.

At Ontario’s Potato Field Day, farmers got a first look at HJV’s Split Grader prototype. Paired with a Tomra 3A optical sorter, the system removes green potatoes and debris at 100 tons per hour, improving storage quality and reducing labour needs.

Hot, dry summer cuts into Ontario potato yields

Hot, dry summer cuts into Ontario potato yields

While heat stress and storage issues remain a concern, recent rainfall and cooler nights could improve harvest quality

Ontario’s record-breaking summer heat and drought could cut potato yields by between 20 and 50 per cent in some fields but cooler nights and rainfall may help salvage harvest quality.









Irish Lumper potato a catalyst to history

Irish Lumper potato a catalyst to history

I undertook growing some of this infamous spud and learned its history

Next year marks the 180th anniversary of Ireland’s Great Famine, an event that saw the death of about one million people, emigration of another million, and had profound impacts on the settlement and development of Canada.