October 25, 2017

American Grower Keeps Birds Away from Blueberries with Lasers

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33 % higher revenue as a result of laser deployment

Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA – A new automated laser keep birds away from blueberries effectively at Meduri farm in Oregon, USA. Since adopting the laser as a bird deterrent solution, the blueberry farm each year saves around 100,000 USD and increases revenue by 33 %.

Laser bird deterrent keep birds away from blueberries effectively

Justin Meduri, Farm Operations Manager of Meduri Farms, Jefferson, Oregon has a 168 acres (68.1 ha) blueberry farm that suffered from crop damage inflicted by birds. The annual cost of bird damage at Meduri Farms was quantified at approximately 25 % of the overall potential crop volume, or approximately 100,000 USD.

When Justin Meduri looked for a more effective bird repellent solution, he discovered the Agrilaser Autonomic via the local solutions integrator Oregon Vineyard Supply. The automated laser is used at blueberry farms around the world such as John Benson in Australia and the blueberry research farm of Oregon State University in the United States. There are 6,000 users of the laser technology worldwide. Justin was intrigued by the possibility of the laser and leased the systems for the season from June until October. “It has been a success story ever since,” he reports.

The laser bird deterrent technology takes advantage of a bird’s natural instincts. Birds perceive an approaching laser beam as a predator and take flight to seek safety. Meduri Farms installed 6 Agrilaser Autonomics equipped with solar panels at the outer areas of his farm projecting on the blueberry bushes. Therefore, preventing birds from coming near the bushes. “Previously we had to work hard to keep the birds away. Last year before the lasers, we experienced the highest damage incurred by birds ever. Now with the lasers, we don’t even have to worry about it – we simply have no issue anymore.” As a result of the bird deterrent lasers, Meduri Farms each year saves 578,713 lbs (262,500 kg) of blueberries worth 99,733 USD.

Bird damage across the United States

According to research done by numerous US universities, American fruit growers lose tens of millions of dollars each year as a result of birds damaging crops and ineffective bird repelling methods. Oregon and Washington have the biggest blueberry crop damage caused by birds per hectare. The damage per hectare for blueberries equals to 4,571 USD for Oregon and is calculated at 11,238,095 USD for the entire state. Current yield-loss percentage due to bird damage in blueberry production in Oregon is the highest among other states and is on average 18.2 %. The birds responsible for damage to blueberry crops include American Robins, European Starlings and Blackbirds.

About Bird Control Group

In a world with increasing demands for food, energy and mobility, effective and long-lasting bird control is crucial. Bird Control Group provides innovative products to keep birds at a distance from commercial activities, ensuring a safer working environment and a highly effective way of damage prevention. The World Wildlife Fund awarded one of the products of Bird Control Group for innovation, effectiveness and animal friendliness.

Bird Control Group serves customers in aviation, agriculture, industry, oil & gas, recreation and real estate. Customers include Shell, Total and Portland International Airport. Bird Control Group operates in more than 75 countries worldwide with offices in the United Stated and The Netherlands. Bird Control Group is a Deloitte Technology Fast50 Rising Star.

About Meduri Farms

Since 1980 Meduri Farms is committed to being the premier infused dried fruit producer in the world through innovative processes and strong customer, employee, and supplier relationships. Meduri Farms is constantly assessing ways to improve product quality and safety standards through continuous improvement programs and internal auditing practices. This allows Meduri Farms to meet and exceed the industry’s highest quality standards and regulatory food safety requirements.

Videos of the technology

Bird Control Group’s automated laser bird repellent provides 24/7 protection from wild birds by shining a green laser light in the area affected by the problem. Get in touch via the form below if you are interested in learning more.

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