Water for agriculture is a key for food security, says Melvyn Kay

Rising input costs and challenging world markets make experience a vital tool for sugar beet growers planning for the coming 2023 season, writes Ian Munnery.

Growers are advised to continue checking sugar beet crops for aphids – and treat accordingly while abiding by application guidelines.

Sugar beet growers are to receive better advice about growing the crop, following a three-year strategy published by the British Beet Research Organisation.

Sugar beet growers will be able to choose virus yellows tolerant beet in 2022 after Maruscha KWS was added to the BBRO Recommended List.

Sophisticated new technologies – from advanced genetics to unmanned aerial vehicles – are being employed in the search for ever improved sugar beet varieties.

Cold spring weather has piled the pressure on sugar beet growers to get the most from crops and optimise yields.