– Thanks to customized trailers from Bala Agri
Fredrik Ekman runs an efficient and sustainable farm outside Norrköping, focusing on growing carrots and potatoes. By sorting, packing, and distributing to stores in Östergötland himself, he ensures quality at every stage—from harvest to delivery.
The family has farmed the same land for generations, and since Fredrik graduated from high school, he has been working full-time on the farm.
"My father took over the farm in 1972, and we've been running it ever since. I grew up here, so it's kind of become a way of life," he says with a smile.
Weather, time, and logistics—the eternal challenges
During harvest season, the workdays are long, and the weather is a constant factor to consider.
"The weather is always a challenge. Too much rain and you can't get anywhere. If it gets cold, you have to hurry, and when it's hot, you need a lot of cooling to keep the carrots in good condition. Ideally, it should be cold and damp when you put them in, but not rainy," explains Fredrik.
October–November is the best time for carrots, while potatoes are harvested in September–October.
– Then you have to take advantage while there is still some heat left – it makes a big difference when you store them.
Customized solution provided higher capacity and a calmer workday
To streamline harvesting and create a more even flow, Fredrik contacted Bala Agri to discuss adapting the trailer. BK1302.
"I called Bala Agri and asked if we could have a single load securing device instead of a double one. With a simple bracket, we can drive straight to the potato harvester at harvest time, which makes things much easier," he explains.
The result was a solution that made a big difference in everyday life.
"We save a lot of time and can work at a more relaxed pace. With the smaller trolley, we can carry eight boxes, and with the larger one, ten—previously, we could only carry three at a time. This means we can maintain a higher capacity without it becoming stressful in the warehouse," says Fredrik.
The experience gained from BK1302 led Fredrik to invest in another wagon, a BK902 to increase capacity even further.
"They are low-built, so it's easy to drive double boxes during harvest. We needed more loading space and efficiency, and this has really saved us time," says Fredrik.
He describes the carriages as sturdy, lightweight, and built to last.
– Bala Agri really listened to my needs. The trailers are durable and easy to handle. I can definitely recommend them to others.
Looking ahead
Ahead of next season, Fredrik wants to continue developing the business—especially the packing facility.
"We plan to invest even more in our packaging operations and revamp that part of the business. It's great to be able to develop further," he concludes.