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Managing Resources For Profitable Potato Production - SAC’s Annual Growers Conference, York Racecourse

SAC News Release Ref. No: 12N09
Published: 16 Jan 2012

Farming has always required good resource management, but with water levels still low in many places in England and energy prices rising, this year’s Annual Potato Growers Conference on York Racecourse, organised by SAC and sponsored by Wholecrop Marketing, is very timely. At “Managing Resources for Profitable Potato Production”, planned for February 8th, speakers will focus on energy conservation, sustainable water use and soil management issues.

John Sarrup is a potato consultant working for SAC in the North and east of England. According to John:

“Good potato yields and quality ultimately equate to profit, but there isn’t an infinite area of land available to produce those yields and excellent quality. That means if growers want to maximise yields and quality on the land available they must pay attention to detail, including their management of resources. Our conference aims to give them useful ideas of how they might manage available resources in their own situations”.

The conference speakers have been chosen from SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) and other well respected industry figures. Tony Bambridge from specialist seed potato growers B&C Farming will consider the challenges faced by potato farmers in the dry south east. Land Agent Hugh Fell and Dr Jerry Knox of Cranfield University will add their expert comment on the value of water to the industry, storage issues and making the best use of what is available.

Energy’s place in the production process is also considered. In addition to the economics of energy efficiency in the production and storage of potatoes there is the question of the sector’s carbon footprint, something retail customers are taking an increasing interest in. SAC Consultant Julian Bell will outline the results of SAC research identifying ways farmers can cut their greenhouse gas emissions while boosting their business bottom line. He will also consider the prospects for renewables.

The afternoon technical workshops will consider other issues of interest to growers. They include the treatment of pests and diseases, how potato production fits EU conservation rules and dealing with the quality problems caused by bad weather. Meanwhile SAC’s new man at the helm Mathew Smallwood will explain how growers can keep up with the latest research and how to apply it. 

“For growers to meet the current and future challenges faced by the industry they will need constant technical innovation”, says Matthew. “To achieve this effectively it is important there are close links between research and the grower. By bridging the gap between small plot trials and commercial application implementation consultancy not only helps this process but makes the research directly relevant to the grower. We at SAC will explain how we will enable growers to make these links and how their businesses can benefit”

For more information or to book a place contact Caroline Rowe in SAC’s Wooler Office, 01668 283363 or email caroline.rowe@sac.co.uk.

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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