Taylor Farms Director of Ag Engineering, David Offerdahl, was recently presented with the 2016 FreshTech Achievement Award at the United Fresh 2016 Convention and Expo in Chicago. Offerdahl was recognized for his outstanding technical achievements to advance the fresh produce industry. Offerdahl was nominated by Taylor Farms and several of its grower partners, and was selected from among a number of outstanding nominations this year.
Offerdahls nomination listed many of his equipment designs including: the first food safe stainless steel harvesting aid; the first all stainless steel spinach/spring mix mechanical harvester; designed and patented a technique to use high pressure water in the field to harvest; co-designed the first foreign object sorter on a spinach harvester; co-designed the first mechanical green leaf/romaine harvester; co-designed a high pressure water cutting mechanical harvester for Taylor Farms; co-developed Taylor Farms first mechanical celery harvester; Co-developed Taylor Farms first mechanical cabbage harvester.
Davids contributions to the technology of harvesting have advanced the industry significantly, said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. His solutions take into account all factors of the harvesting process giving thought to the technology cost benefits, efficiencies, product quality and human experience in the field. Were proud to honor David with this FreshTech Achievement Award.