A monitoring device which measures potato size, shape and variability as the crop is lifted is set to gain more customers thanks to a new appointment. The company behind HarvestEye has appointed sales and marketing expert Harry Tinson as its new general manager – bringing global experience in B2B... Read more
How computer system cuts storage costs
Potatoes 03/11/2023
Potato growers are optimising the use of home-generated energy for crop storage – thanks to a new computerised system. Launched by Crop Systems, SmartSola enables users to make optimal use of their use of home-generated energy, while minimising their use of bought-in power – reducing their exposure to high... Read more
An independent organisation set up to represent growers following the demise of AHDB Potatoes has appointed its first chief executive. Former NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker took up the new role with GB Potatoes last month. With some 25 years of experience in the farming sector, he brings... Read more
Potato supplier Branston says it is making good progress in reducing the carbon footprint of the crop – from growing through to storage and transport. Climate change, increasingly unpredictable weather events and consumer expectations are focusing the attention of the potato supply chain on the transition to net zero,... Read more
Final touches are being put to this month’s British Potato event, which takes place on 22-23 November at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. The two-day industry extravaganza brings together thousands of visitors with scores of businesses from across the potato sector – making it an important networking opportunity for... Read more
Drilling high-vigour winter wheat varieties in the New Year could be a viable option for producers battling to get blackgrass problems under control this autumn. With 2023 being a particularly bad year for the weed, drilling until as late as February could allow for cultural and chemical weed controls... Read more
A stacked and sequenced spray programme applied accurately in favourable conditions can help combat resistant ryegrass, says an agronomist. Rob Adamson of Procam says a careful balance of cultural controls, herbicide choice and adequate soil moisture will help growers get on top of the troublesome weed – despite increasing... Read more
Challenging conditions for oilseed rape are making it increasingly important to maintain the momentum of established crops this autumn. Crop nutrition expert say growers should pay special attention to foliar nutrition – and in particular boron – to ensure oilseed rape is sufficiently robust ahead of winter months and... Read more
A two-pass strategy is giving early drilled oilseed rape the best opportunity to grow away from pests on a Staffordshire farm. The approach is saving time, fuel and labour – and improving soil health, says Staffordshire farmer David Roberts, of DS Roberts and Son. It follows the purchase of... Read more
• Look at what you’re already doing • Be clear what you want to achieve • Don’t choose options for payment Arable growers are being encouraged to make sure they choose the right options available under the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). More than 150 growers attending a recent... Read more