Guide · packout
Packout, grading and grower pay that add up
A storage lot goes onto the line as one number and comes off as twenty: grades, sizes, bag types, processing grade and culls. Producepak records every one as the line runs, so packout is known by lunchtime – not at month end.
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What a packout record should hold
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Storage lot in (grower, field, variety, bay, weight) | Links every output to its source – traceability and grower pay |
| Grade and size out (e.g. US No. 1, Canada No. 1, size A/B, jumbo, colossal) | Price and customer spec depend on it |
| Pack type (5 lb / 2.27 kg bag, 10 lb / 4.54 kg bag, 50 lb / 22.7 kg sack, carton, tote) | Bag count, film and labels used |
| Processing grade (fry, chip, dehydration, fresh-cut, peeler) | Second outlet – still revenue |
| Culls and waste (weighed) | True packout % and disposal cost |
| QC result and photos | Evidence for grade, claims and grower conversations |
Grade rules to build into the line
- USA: USDA AMS grade standards (U.S. No. 1 and others) and buyer specs; USDA inspection on request or by contract
- Canada: produce shipped between provinces or territories must be graded and labelled with the grade name
- Canada: US potatoes imported must meet Canada No. 1 with a certificate endorsed for Canadian import requirements
- Canada: shipments of 15 containers and 250 kg or less are exempt from the import certificate
- Canada: DRC membership is required to trade fresh produce across provincial lines (with exemptions)
Grower settlement in Producepak
- Packout per storage lot Grades, sizes, processing grade and culls by weight.
- Price per grade Fixed, pool average or actual sale price.
- Charges Packing, storage per week, bags, freight, levies, inspection.
- Statement Grower sees packout %, prices, charges and QC photos – fewer phone calls.
Ask Pak-Bot
You: “Compare packout % by grower for Yukon Gold this month.”
You: “Show the grade mix for storage bay 6 as a pie chart.”
You: “Which sweet potato lots had more than 15% culls?”
Questions
Can we run pools?
Yes. Pool by variety, grade, period or customer program, with advance and final payments.
Does Producepak print USDA or CFIA certificates?
No – inspectors issue those. Producepak stores the certificate number and document against the lot so it travels with the shipment.
More guides for potato, onion and sweet potato businesses
- Storage, curing & shrink Temperatures, humidity, curing and how to stop shrink eating your margin.
- Bagging, labels & shipping Bag weights, bilingual Canadian labels, PTI cases and loads that are right.
- FSMA 204 & SFCR compliance What the US and Canadian rules really require for these three crops.
- Processing & fresh-cut Peeled, diced and fresh-cut: yields, lot codes and by-products.
- AI reports & Pak-Bot Ask for a shrink chart, run the line by voice, print from anywhere.
- All potato, onion & sweet potato guides Start here.
See Producepak running on your product
Watch the short video, then book a live demonstration with a fresh produce consultant who knows US packhouses, PTI labels and FSMA 204.