Potatoes News

Replacing an aging, and often unreliable farm-built nematicide applicator with the Terracast GR, an applicator specifically designed for precision placement of nematicide, starter fertiliser and cover crops has enabled Cheshire-based potato farmer Zak Stanier to (not only) improve the accuracy of his previous system but also widen potential use of the farm’s new applicator to include sowing cover crops and placing starter fertiliser.

Vegetable handling solutions company Haith will be promoting its new optical sorter unit for the first time at Fruit Logistica, a global fresh produce trade show held annually in Berlin.

Farmers wishing to sneak a peek at a Standen harvester in action can still request demonstrations by contacting the Standen team, who have been busy demoing machinery across their harvester and planter range.

Unlike most years, 2022 will not be about managing large green haulm to aid skin set and lifting, but about keeping the crop alive with water or making more challenging strategic decisions, says Hutchinsons root crop technical manager Darryl Shailes.

As the starting point of potato sprout suppression programmes, getting the most out of maleic hydrazide (MH) is paramount for successful, cost-effective storage. Farmers Guide finds out how crop modelling platform Crop4Sight can help.

New advice for in-furrow application of Amistar during potato planting will achieve a more complete zone of protection around the mother tuber when using modern high-speed belt planters, advises Syngenta application specialist, Harry Fordham.

The Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) reminds potato growers and operators to adhere to best practice when applying granular nematicides this spring.

It is widely recognised that the increasing consumer choice for clean, freshly packed potatoes of a certain shape and size has led to increased demand on growers to supply the right potato in the right condition at the right time. As a result, equipment manufacturers have had to improve the output and efficiency of their products in order to remain competitive.

The way in which we grow and store potatoes is changing dramatically, but there is no time to be nostalgic. Agrii’s Nick Winmill, a crop scientist with over 35 years’ experience in agronomy, considers some of the changes still to come.

Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010, The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) is the only UK-wide charity that empowers family farms and rural communities to ensure their future.

Alternaria used to be a minor disease. But for some potato crops in the UK, it’s now a significant threat that can cause substantial yield loss. According to guests of the latest ‘Perfecting Potatoes Together’ podcast, the likelihood of infection has risen sharply in recent weeks as a number of risk factors have come together.

Ray Andrews, managing director of Norfolk-based Crop Systems Limited, is urging MPs and the potato industry to help save Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research, which is set for closure as AHDB Potatoes winds down.