Branston used this year’s Summer Field Walks to introduce growers to the company’s new varieties, biocontrols, desiccation techniques and the latest developments in GPS.
The UK’s leading supplier of potatoes entertained and educated some 45 members of its Lincoln Producer Group this week at E.M. Howard Limited, Nocton Rise.
Steve Crane, Group Manager for Branston Seed, conducted a tour of the field trials, introducing growers to Sassy and Daisy, two Germicopa varieties which are already gaining acceptance in the processing sector. Juliette, which is a popular, high yielding salad variety and Blue Belle, an attractive, purple splashed variety aimed at the pre-pack sector were also on display. Branston’s other mainstream baker varieties on display included Saphire, Bounty, Safari, and Lanorma, along with Rubesse, a new and attractive red-skinned variety which is ideal as an alternative to Desiree.
Branston also showcased its range of biocontrols, including the trap crop Foil-sis, which is a very effective biological control method for combating Potato Cyst Nematode and Root-Knot Nematode. The company’s hot mustard mixes: CureGro and FumiGro, which are used for natural fumigation of the soil prior to planting were presented alongside another biological product; Fence, (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), which can promote plant growth by improving disease resistance, nutrient uptake and vigour in a range of crops, not just potatoes.
Belchim Crop Protection attended, taking growers through extensive trial plots showing various methods of desiccation. The plots consisted of Reglone (diquat), Spotlight (carfentrazone-ethyl) and flailing in combination with one another. Discussions took place over the various options. Martin Stothard, Senior Field Manager at Branston said: “This is very topical, given the time of year, as many growers are about to start their desiccation programmes. It is clear to see that Spotlight is very effective as a stem desiccant and eliminates risk of regrowth whether the crop has been flailed or pre-treated with Reglone”.
The latest, high-tech GPS-equipped tractor from John Deere attracted a great deal of interest from members of Branston’s Producer Group. The improvements in work-rate and accuracy made possible by this technology were explained across a range of cultivation methods and crop spraying.
“Our Summer Field Walks are an excellent opportunity to find out about some of the latest technical developments, not just at Branston but also from the likes of John Deere and Belchim Crop Protection. We have an exciting portfolio of new varieties which offer significant benefits. Likewise the greater use of tractor GPS controls will improve the efficiency of potato operations and improve crop yields, quality and the accuracy of spray application,” said Martin.
The Lincolnshire meeting is the second of Branston’s field walks to be staged this summer. Last month, 26 farmers gathered at E W Button & Son’s farm in Tregawn, near Michaelstow for the South West Producer Group event. As well as learning about Branston’s latest developments, the growers also found out about diversification, with Joe Button outlining how and why his farm had ventured into strawberry and blueberry growing over the summer months.
One grower, Philip Prior of FG Prior & Son, who attended the South West event said: “It was a very interesting but a very wet day. It was good to meet up with everyone and I found the day really useful. It’s good that Branston takes the time to update us on new varieties and pest controls.”
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Issued on behalf of Branston by Lava. For further information contact Matt or Becky at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / becky@lavapr.co.uk
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